"Be afraid." "You are alone." "You're going to fail." "I am a failure." "How will I get through this?" The things we think and say when we feel anxiety often serve to deepen our fears. We can be our own worst enemy, and Satan is only too happy to help by feeding us lies. Take up the Sword of the Spirit and fight back.
Tag: Jesus
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.
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!
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?
Do My Beliefs Really Matter?
“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." ~ author disputed, possibly Frank Outlaw During my college years in the early 2000s, many of my peers clung to the idea of… Continue reading Do My Beliefs Really Matter?
How Can We Improve at Helping Others Within the Church? (Coffee Chat 17)
We are long overdue for a coffee chat! Today's question is two-fold: How do we get better at seeing those who need help, love, and encouragement? How do we conquer social anxiety when it comes to helping others? Join us for a little chat over your cup of coffee, tea, or chai!
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 