Welcome to life---a constant stream of unexpected twists and turns, frustrating interruptions and derailments.
Category: Christian Living
Why “going through the motions” is necessary at times
There is a popular song that plays occasionally on the Christian radio station called "The Motions." I had to look up the lyrics because I could only remember the chorus (even after I looked them up, they made little sense to me). This is how the chorus goes: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions? Not to slaughter anyone's sacred cow (or song), but this song has got it backwards.
Three mechanics of monetary giving
When I was a young adult, I didn't how much I should give or how to work it in to my life effectively. I gave rather sporadically as my limited funds allowed and was rather ashamed of my inconsistent giving. My intention was always to give more, but then some unexpected expense would arise and I'd have to hold back. This is what I have learned in the intervening years: effective giving is borne of intentional planning rather than good intentions. So, how do we do this without being Ebenezer Scrooge or living in a commune?
Overcome or Overcomer?
She raked slender fingers through her long hair, willing the movement to ease her tensed nerves. Her heart seemed to gravitate towards the floor. Why couldn't something go right for a change? No matter what she did, it all seemed to unravel in the end. Seized with sorrow, she sank to her knees and wept. Plagued with doubt. Overwhelmingly defeated. Dogged by despair.
Why do you seek Jesus?
Why do you choose to follow Jesus? Do you pursue Jesus so that you will have wealth? Do you seek to be free from loneliness by joining yourself to a church? Do you seek to be honored and respected? I read things all the time from people who say that God intends for us to be wealthy and happy and a lot of other nonsense. God does not want us to possess mere happiness---he wants us to have joy. The joy of the Lord transcends circumstance and is part of an abundant life. True riches are found in Christ and cannot be altered by the government, stock markets, or thieves. Why do you seek Jesus??
3 Words You Need Every Single Day
Every single day we face some form of testing. Every day we are beset with a trial of some kind. Every day God is watching to see what we will do with the time we are given. How do you get through your time of trial? I have 3 words for you...
Does anybody care?!
For people like me who wage a daily war with depression, there is a phrase that pops up every so often, and we grow weary of saying it: "I'm depressed... Again." It's frustrating, upsetting, and draining. "Will this ever completely disappear? Surely people are sick of my black cloud... I know I am." You know you have to face the day again tomorrow. You know you'll likely wonder why you bothered to get out of bed. You feel like nobody cares. There is One who always cares. He already knows you're hurting. He holds all your tears in a bottle. He watches the ongoing fight.
No tests?
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. ~ Proverbs 17:3 ESV My children have taught me a great deal about parenting. For instance: when I was a starry-eyed parent-to-be I said things like, "I'll never yell at my children. I'll never say, 'because I said so.'… Continue reading No tests?
Short-term memory loss.
Sometimes I read Bible accounts and have a face-palm moment. How could these people be so dense?! And then I realize something---I am just as foolish at times!
7 Marriage Principles We Should Teach Our Children
Many parents squirm over the prospect of their children dating and marrying---and for good reason. We who have been through that stage of life are well-acquainted with the pitfalls, dangers and temptations. We have observed (or experienced) them and are more than a little reluctant to let our kids face that particular gauntlet. Because we live in a society in which people choose their marriage partner, it is absolutely vital that we actively teach our children what marriage is and what to look for in a spouse.
Elihu's Corner 