Jesus calls us to lift up our own cross and follow Him. Sounds easy enough, right? Just lugging around some metaphorical wood isn't too daunting. But as the wood sinks heavily into our aching muscles, and unruly splinters embed themselves into our raw skin, we grumble endlessly over each agonizing step.
Category: Knowing God
My Greatest Fear
We often fear the wrong problems while being complacent about the right ones.
Why Study the Bible?
Last week, I shared with you why I ditched my Bible reading plan, and relayed my current plan for trekking through the book of Romans. In the past week and a half, I have read through Romans three times. I've read and reread various chapters, trying to grasp the bigger picture of the letter. I thought, perhaps,… Continue reading Why Study the Bible?
Why I Ditched My Bible Reading Plan
Three days ago, I ditched my daily bible reading plan. Not the habit, mind you, just my appointed plan... We had a "falling out" of sorts. Three months ago, I had completed a daily reading plan of my own making, which I dubbed "the absorption approach." I would read or listen to scripture every day, beginning with… Continue reading Why I Ditched My Bible Reading Plan
“Is this all there is?” (Part 3 of “Does Everything Happen for a Reason”)
When faced with incomprehensible suffering, people respond in one of the following four ways: Blame God. Dismiss God's omnipotence Conclude we are subject to random chance. Remember this life is temporary and turn to God for comfort
Do you trust Him?
This passage in Psalms began my daily reading today. In light of our discussion, "does everything happen for a reason," this scripture seemed quite timely. In this Psalm, David challenges his own soul to remember no scheme of man can ever snatch Him from God's omnipotent hand. Here is the full text of the Psalm: Be… Continue reading Do you trust Him?
Does the presence of evil negate the power of God?
"If there is a God, why do bad things happen?" "If God is so powerful, then why was this ruler able to murder all these people?" "God doesn't work in the world today. If He did, He wouldn't have allowed my child to die." People from every race, color, and time have asked questions like these. Humanity is perpetually baffled by suffering. Grief or pain cause some to lash out at God or abandon Him altogether. How do we reconcile a loving, all-powerful God with a world overrun with destruction?
Does Everything Happen for a Reason? (part 1)
In our fast-paced, sound-byte world, people want (and give) quick answers with no real thought to the complexities of the question. Consider, for instance, the following question: "Does everything happen for a reason?" For the past several weeks, I have been rolling this topic around in my mind after reading an article that a few of my… Continue reading Does Everything Happen for a Reason? (part 1)
Help! I need somebody, not just anybody… (Day 25 of the #encourage marathon)
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall… Continue reading Help! I need somebody, not just anybody… (Day 25 of the #encourage marathon)
What is Your ‘Why’?
In the race of life, there are moments when we forget why we are running. We focus on how to be better, faster, and stronger. We waste fruitless hours bemoaning the uneven ground, the unexpected rocks, the sand in our shoes, and more. We see something lovely, our breath momentarily suspended, only to trip over our own feet and hit the ground. It's a long, hard race. (Can I get an amen?) In this race, every person, at some moment in time asks the question, 'Why am I here?' or 'Why am I doing this?'. Indeed, why are you here?
Elihu's Corner 