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
Tag: forgiveness
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
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.
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
A Different Kind of Birthday
I've been immersed in birthday plans this week. My son is turning seven very soon and has spent most of the month counting the days and weeks until he can have a party with his friends. I've got a piñata drying on my dining room table, cake ingredients on the counter, and a little boy… Continue reading A Different Kind of Birthday
Does God Need Us to Make Excuses for our Sin?
This is part 3 of the series "Why are you making excuses?" To read the previous post, click here. This is a tale of two kings---two very real kings---from ancient Israel. Both kings made a choice to sin. Both received punishment for their sins. Both made apologies to God. Only one chose repentance. Our first King… Continue reading Does God Need Us to Make Excuses for our Sin?
If it’s hard to love your spouse…
There’s something almost magical about a wedding—even the smallest ones. Two people pledge to become one, exchanging vows to love each other in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse. The flaws of the person standing in front of them are overshadowed in the brilliance of romantic ceremony. Thousands… Continue reading If it’s hard to love your spouse…
How do I Achieve Peace AND Be Holy?
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12.14, ESV Peace is an elusive, hard-won, state of affairs. One party may feel at peace while another is ramping up efforts to overturn it. World leaders made flowery overtures about how they longed for lasting… Continue reading How do I Achieve Peace AND Be Holy?
8 Habits of a Forgiving Heart
How do we heal from those wounds for which no restitution can be made? How do we extend true forgiveness when we don't feel like forgiving? How do we ease that burning in our hearts for justice?
Forgiveness is not merely an action, it is an attitude we must develop and nurture until we return to dust.
Elihu's Corner 