Do I want people to see and follow Jesus, or do I long for them to see and follow me? In a world which puts great emphasis on self, the idea that we should become more like Jesus seems weak and foolish. We are discouraged from being a follower of Jesus with catch-phrases like, “follow your heart,” “be yourself,” and to “embrace your truth.” By contrast, Jesus calls us to follow Him, be like Him, and embrace His truth.
Tag: Jesus
I am Thankful for You!
When I began this little blogging adventure in early 2015, I did not know what to expect. I felt compelled to write, as there were (and still are) so many misconceptions about God, the Bible, the truth, and Jesus, within the church and the world. I anticipated criticism. I expected it to be difficult. What… Continue reading I am Thankful for You!
How do we Express our Gratitude to God?
Do I give the Lord perfunctory thanks and praise because I know it is expected? Am I in awe of His precious blessings, thanking Him like my kids thank me on Christmas when they receive a long-awaited gift?
A Scripture Writing Plan for November
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.
11 Scriptures to Combat Anxiety
"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.
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?
Elihu's Corner 