"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
Tag: grace
Surpassing Grace: March 2024 Scripture Writing Plan
Children—particularly little children—are more responsive to adults who are willing to speak with them face to face by crouching down to their height. There is something about that simple gesture that invites connection. As adults, we are often inclined to show kindness and favor to small children because they are weaker than we are and… Continue reading Surpassing Grace: March 2024 Scripture Writing Plan
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
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.
When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
When our prayers are not answered in the time or method we desire, what is our response? We cry. We agonize. We grow weary, anxious, or even discouraged. We petition God for healing, deliverance, success, provision, but He does not always say, "Yes." How do we react when God says, "No," or "Not yet"? Did… Continue reading When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
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?
Are you ‘getting nothing’ out of your church service?
Throughout my years of being a Christian, I’ve attended thousands of worship services. I’ve listened to sound and engaging preaching, endured a fair number of confusing sermons, sung countless songs, and watched the behavior of fellow Christians. I am ashamed to admit there are more than a few services from which I leave saying, “I got nothing out of it.”
I frequently blamed the preaching, the song leading, the members nodding off, my own exhaustion, the failure of others to acknowledge my existence, but rarely did I do the thing that really needed to be done. Instead of saying, “I got nothing out of it, I should have been asking, “What did I put into it?”
When we feel like we are leaving worship “unfulfilled,” it’s time ask ourselves some hard questions.
The Right Relationship Changes Everything
This is the final installment in the series, "The Effects of Knowing God." To read the previous post, click here. Relationships have the potential to change us. Much depends on our character, stubbornness, and admiration of the people we are connected to. Sometimes our knowledge of a person will draw us closer to them, possibly… Continue reading The Right Relationship Changes Everything
Beautiful Blessings
We often hear people say, "I am blessed." Often, this is expressed in reference to prosperity, health, children, or peace. Indeed, our "blessings" come in diverse and unexpected shapes. In the book of Numbers, Aaron and the priests were instructed to bless the people in this way: The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to… Continue reading Beautiful Blessings
Elihu's Corner 