Beth Moore set off a hot debate this week when she wrote, "spending time with God and spending time with the Bible are not the same thing... we can grow in facts and never grow a whit in faith." I'm not familiar with Moore's work, and I don't want to spend this post criticizing… Continue reading How do we Spend Time With God?
Category: Christian Living
Three Things You Need to Remember Before Making Plans.
Once upon a time, in a life far, far, away, I had my whole life planned out. Well, honestly, I only had it planned out through age thirty. My seventeen-year-old self couldn't really think past thirty. As I mentioned, I had these grand schemes. I knocked out my Bachelor's Degree, landed a good job (followed… Continue reading Three Things You Need to Remember Before Making Plans.
January Scripture Writing Plan: Renew. Refresh. Revive!
2019 is just around the corner. Some people are making resolutions, others set goals, and many choose a "word for the year." Whatever you choose, make time each day to engage with God's Word. If you aren't sure where to begin, I've provided some links below with ideas on how to begin, whether you're wanting… Continue reading January Scripture Writing Plan: Renew. Refresh. Revive!
There’s no place like home.
Every person who lives on this earth is simply a sojourner. We are either on our way to a home in heaven or on our way to eternal enslavement. As humans, we resist our itinerant state and attempt to make earth permanent home. We fight for a bit of land, we fight for possessions, we fight to be remembered and admired, and we fight tooth and nail to cling to life. We fight, and are never satisfied.
Why We Should Stop Saying ‘Follow Your Heart’
Do I want people to see and follow Jesus, or do I long for them to see and follow me? In a world which puts great emphasis on self, the idea that we should become more like Jesus seems weak and foolish. We are discouraged from being a follower of Jesus with catch-phrases like, “follow your heart,” “be yourself,” and to “embrace your truth.” By contrast, Jesus calls us to follow Him, be like Him, and embrace His truth.
When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
When our prayers are not answered in the time or method we desire, what is our response? We cry. We agonize. We grow weary, anxious, or even discouraged. We petition God for healing, deliverance, success, provision, but He does not always say, "Yes." How do we react when God says, "No," or "Not yet"? Did… Continue reading When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
Scripture Writing Plan for December: A Joyful Heart
Whether you are reveling in the joys of this season, or (like me) struggle with the limited sunlight and pressures accompanying Christmas, it is my sincere hope that this focus on a joyful heart will uplift you this month. We have the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus, and that knowledge should sustain us through whatever griefs or delights we endure in this life.
Come as You Are, But…
I've seen many signs in front of church buildings that read, "Come as you are," and often wondered what message they hoped to convey. I know that regardless of "how" I show up to services, God knows whether my heart is focused on Him or caught up in self. I may come impeccably dressed while my heart is in shambles. I wear threadbare clothes while possessing a heart receptive to God's discipline. Our attire, whether stainless or shabby, might be able to create a certain impression on people, but it will not conceal from God the state of our hearts or our minds.
Dangerous Doubts
The deceitful and cruel nature of humanity molds many of us into skeptics. We have no desire to be duped into evil schemes. Investing, for example, often feels like an exercise riddled with doubts. Experts tell you to hang on to your Mutual Funds for 20 years and they will yield a decent increase. All… Continue reading Dangerous Doubts
When You Don’t Receive the Recognition You Deserve
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” ~ C.S. Lewis One challenge of choosing stay-at-home parenthood is the dealing with perceptions. In my younger years, I was a girl of great ambitions. I graduated second in my high school class and graduated college with honors, even after switching my major… Continue reading When You Don’t Receive the Recognition You Deserve
Elihu's Corner 