Bethany McIlrath

First and Second: Perspective On What Matters Most (Matthew 22:36-40)

  • Why We Can be Generous

    Why We Can be Generous

    We tend to hear a lot about giving during the Christmas season. From finding and sharing presents to making year-end donations to spreading cheer, there’s just a lot of giving going around. Praise the Lord, we can be generous! Join me at Recharge Wednesday for a look at reasons why we can be so generous.…

  • Yes, He Has! (Christmas Praise 1)

    Yes, He Has! (Christmas Praise 1)

    Mary’s Song of Praise: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends…

  • What Taking Up Your Cross Might Look Like Today

    What Taking Up Your Cross Might Look Like Today

    When Paul became a follower of Christ, one of the results was that he became a pariah among his own people. He was beaten, tortured, and persecuted. Eventually, Paul gave his life for the cause of Christ. That was what taking up his cross looked like, and he rejoiced in it. But what does the…

  • Prayer Isn’t Always About Words

    Prayer Isn’t Always About Words

    The Bible doesn’t give us one succinct definition of prayer. We read in various passages about people praying on their knees or standing up. Others pray out loud, some sing, and still others are silent. There are instances in which prayer petitions God, makes requests of God, or praises God. Numerous verses declare that God…

  • Hope Your Heart Needs Review

    Hope Your Heart Needs Review

    We’ve got a little dog with a lot of character. Every day, I’m reminded of his faithfulness when I get home and he’s happy to see me. I recognize his intelligence when he teaches himself new tricks. I know what he loves as he paws insistently, begging for laps and food and soft blankets to…

  • Clothing Ourselves as Christians

    Clothing Ourselves as Christians

    Blue, purple, and grey (and a little brown.) Some people’s wardrobes are reminiscent of summer shades or a fall feel. Mine most resembles a bruise. But there are a few good reasons for that…one in particular… I’m not great at color coordination and those colors tend to pair off easily. Also, I don’t spend a…

  • When Gratitude Isn’t Appealing

    When Gratitude Isn’t Appealing

    Oh, there are things we don’t want to be thankful for. Car problems. Bad days at work. Loved one’s disagreeing with us or pointing out our flaws. Opportunities that take up a lot of time. Homes that aren’t everything we want them to be. Come Thanksgiving time, we feel a little guilty about our discontent.…

  • Failure to Yield

    Failure to Yield

    Sometimes you just can’t beat the language of the King James Version: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God” –Romans 6:13 Most of us don’t talk like this. In fact, most of us only ever use the word “yield” in reference to one specific context: driving on the…

  • Deepening Your Faith

    Deepening Your Faith

    I’ll admit, I’m not much for water. Oceans are pretty, but I’d rather climb the side of a mountain than fight the tide. When we hit the pool, my toe goes first. Then my foot. Then my ankle. It’s a long, tedious process that often occupies more minutes than time in the pool actually does.…

  • Made for God’s Pleasure

    Made for God’s Pleasure

    An intriguing accent caught my attention as I scanned the radio on our long drive. My then-fiancé said with surprise, “I didn’t know you liked Alistair Begg!” I responded: “Is that this guy? I like his accent!” My guy smirked. “I think you’ll also like what he has to say.” Thus was my introduction to…