Copying God's word has many benefits. For one, it focuses our hearts on certain words and concepts and commits them to memory. In this post, I have compiled a list of verses for you to copy, centering around thankfulness and gratitude to God.
Tag: Christian
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.
The Trouble With Truth
"What is truth?" This rather deep question was asked by a Roman Governor over two thousand years ago, named Pontius Pilate. It's difficult to determine from the text if Pilate was asking the question sarcastically or pensively, but as someone once pointed out, the truth was standing right in front of Him---namely Jesus Christ. People… Continue reading The Trouble With Truth
When We are Tempted to Compare
Peter, having just been told in what manner he would die, wondered aloud what would happen to John. We like to know what is going to happen to other people. We wonder why they get the good stuff and we don't (or vice versa). We like to compare. Comparison is not necessarily a bad thing. It has the potential to spur us toward better behavior, healthier choices, and/or much needed discipline. On the other hand, it may very well lead us to ingratitude, envy, jealousy, and depression.
Remembering September 11, 2001
Seventeen years ago, nineteen Islamic extremists---funded by the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda---carried out a plot to attack various sites in America using four fully-fueled commercial planes. I still remember turning on the news and watching in horror as smoke billowed from one of towers in New York's skyline. But the carnage had not ended. While we… Continue reading Remembering September 11, 2001
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 Does It Matter What I Believe About God?
In our homeschool, we are currently reading Usborne Greek Myths. Our History lessons are taking us through ancient civilizations, so we are reading about the Greek "little-g" gods. Some might cringe at reading about pagan gods with impressionable kids, but I see it as a teaching opportunity. There are three things I try to teach… Continue reading Why Does It Matter What I Believe About God?
What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
It’s Time to Empty Myself
We could reflect on Jesus all day, every day, for the rest of our lives, and never exhaustively comprehend His majesty. He gave up heaven and became a humble man---not a powerful man, not a comfortable man, not a humanly-exalted man---because of His great love for both the Father and for us. “Do nothing from… Continue reading It’s Time to Empty Myself
Marriage advice for the couple who is drifting apart
God’s establishment of marriage and family was like all things in His creation—intrinsically good and perfect. The Lord, in His wisdom, knew that a family needed the complementing differences of men and women. Men and women each bring something of great value to their partnership, filling what the other often lacks. Often those differences, so complementary at times, also cause a good deal of trouble. Our culture loves to hate on fathers and families, so it is up to you and me to counter the culture, starting in our own homes.
Elihu's Corner 