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.
Category: God’s Love
Has Anyone Let You Down Lately?
Salty droplets shimmered in the moonlight on the surface of the cool wood flooring. Not so far above them, a young woman rested her cheek on her forearm, tears still streaming from her eyes. Every few seconds a soft moan of pain escaped her lips as she remembered how she had been snubbed by her… Continue reading Has Anyone Let You Down Lately?
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!
Who Is Your King?
The Israelites of Samuel's time wanted to be like all the nations surrounding them. They desired a king who would provide them with Security, Happiness, and Pride, not realizing they had rejected the blessings of God through their own pride and disobedience. Are we guilty of wanting someone or something to care for us besides God? Do we seek other kings to rule in our hearts so we can be like everyone around us?
When God’s Timing Doesn’t Make Sense
God's timing rarely makes sense to us when we feel stuck in a holding pattern, or while we are waiting on Him to answer our pleas. God's timing rarely makes sense as we gape, open-mouthed at the swift decline of morality in our world. God's timing rarely makes sense to our limited mind, but it always makes sense to the perfect mind of God.
If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
Two things never cease to amaze me: 1) How quickly life moves from calm to chaos 2) How God consistently provides—especially in the chaos. The last five days of my life have been like something from a comedy show. If I were watching myself on TV, it would be hilarious. It's one of those segments… Continue reading If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
As our car pulled out of the church parking lot on Sunday, all five of us spotted a cloud of smoke billowing on the distant horizon. My oldest daughter’s voice rose in panic from the backseat. “Do you think our house is on fire?!” My husband, in his calm reassuring manner, replied, “No, honey, it’s… Continue reading If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
Why Actions Matter in our Relationships
There is a misconception that we have to feel love before we show love lest our behavior be disingenuous. Do our relationships require action or are they simply nebulous connections based on even more intangible emotions?
The Need for Quiet in a Noisy World
There is something utterly precious about quiet. Having grown up in the city and lived in cities for most of my life, there is always noise of some kind---traffic, sirens, dogs, trains, loud music, and the far off roar of airplane engines. Even in the mountains and forests, noise is everywhere---the noise of the wind in… Continue reading The Need for Quiet in a Noisy World
Are you chasing death or seeking life?
After two years of living in ag-lovin' West Texas, I finally had my first brush with a rodeo. My son tried out for an event called "Mutton Bustin.'" If you've never heard of this little rite of passage, I'll sum it up for you: young kids get plopped on the back of a sheep and… Continue reading Are you chasing death or seeking life?
Elihu's Corner 