"The Peter came and said to [Jesus], "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18.21, NASB) Have you ever felt like Peter? Has anyone ever wronged you so many times that you think to yourself, "I can't forgive ___________ anymore!!!" Peter's question continues to… Continue reading Forgiven & Forgiving: July 2024 Scripture Writing Plan
Category: Forgiveness
Abundant Mercy: Scripture Writing Plan February 2024
Have you ever been punished and knew you deserved it? How did you feel about your punishment? Were you resentful? Upset? Resigned? On the flip side, have you deserved punishment and been spared? How did it feel? Were you relieved? Grateful? Or did you take it for granted? How one receives both justice and mercy… Continue reading Abundant Mercy: Scripture Writing Plan February 2024
The Great Physician: June 2023 Scripture Writing Plan
Franny J. Crosby was a well-known American poet and lyricist, known today for the many hymns she composed. She was also blind. At 6 weeks old, a doctor’s incorrect treatment of her eye infection caused permanent blindness. (Some scholars assert that she was born blind.) A preacher once said to her, “I think it is… Continue reading The Great Physician: June 2023 Scripture Writing Plan
I Am Free
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and deathRomans 8.1-2 I have been set free. In studying the holocaust, I have often wondered… Continue reading I Am Free
3 Truths to Remember in the Era of Misinformation
As we've navigated this pandemic (along with the corresponding quarantine, economic nosedive, and educational scramble), there have been boatloads of information and misinformation served with steaming sides of anger, self-righteousness, and superiority.
Before you speak, hit send, type a message, share a post, or assume the worst about anybody, listen to the words of James: Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger..."
Taking Action Against Sin
People used to say things like, "the devil made me do it," or "I can't help it, I was born this way!" Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. The facts remain clear: our own desire lures us into sin.
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.
A New Life Has Begun!
Praise the Lord with me, my friends—a new life has begun! Late last night, our middle daughter came to us and said she wanted to be baptized. Her heart has pondered this decision for quite some time. She has done lots of bible reading on her own and asked us to explain sin, baptism, and… Continue reading A New Life Has Begun!
Why It’s So Hard to Be Patient with People
It's easy to talk about love when there is no conflict. It's easy to stand in a brightly lit hall, surrounded by a hundred smiling faces and listen to the preacher tell you how "love is patient and kind," but as offenses mount, love, patience, and kindness are no longer easy to swallow.
Why You Can’t Keep Delaying Forgiveness
Last spring, we decided to remove the bushes and rocks from our front planter bed and add a better variety of plants. Once the bed was clear of roots and rocks, we laid a strong weed barrier over every inch of dirt. We laid out our plants, cut small holes in the weed barrier, and… Continue reading Why You Can’t Keep Delaying Forgiveness
Elihu's Corner 