Love. It is likely the most overused and misapplied word in the world. Most of the time, love is referred to in the context of romantic love, followed by filial love, and enjoyment of something. Romantic love, in particular, is glorified in our stories and music. It is worshipped. Idolized. Like all idols, however, romantic… Continue reading Steadfast Love: Scripture Writing Plan for February
Tag: mercy
Patience, Even When Suffering Doesn’t Make Sense
Suffering is frequently linked with the word "why." Why do we suffer? Why does God allow suffering? Why me? Suffering triggers an immediate desire to understand why. When sin entered the world suffering came along for the ride. We have seasons of peace, seasons of prosperity, and seasons of pain. Even in the good seasons,… Continue reading Patience, Even When Suffering Doesn’t Make Sense
Why Actions Matter in our Relationships
There is a misconception that we have to feel love before we show love lest our behavior be disingenuous. Do our relationships require action or are they simply nebulous connections based on even more intangible emotions?
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?
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
The Greatness of Sacrificial Love.
This is part 3 of the series “God’s love is the Greatest Love.” For the previous post, click here. We mortals make much ado about our sacrifices in the name of love. I've heard countless people say they would take a bullet for Jesus or their family. On the other hand, they don't want… Continue reading The Greatness of Sacrificial Love.
The Flawed Forgiveness Question
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." ~ Matthew 18.21-22, NKJV Can't you just see the apostles doing the math? (Obviously they didn't… Continue reading The Flawed Forgiveness Question
What are we holding on to? (Day 16 of the #encourage Marathon)
As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. ~ James 5.10-11, ESV Welcome to mile-marker 16 of… Continue reading What are we holding on to? (Day 16 of the #encourage Marathon)
Day 27: Love
In the English language, there is a four-letter word bandied about so casually it has lost its value...
Elihu's Corner 