Bethany McIlrath

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

  • Faith Lessons from Video Games

    Faith Lessons from Video Games

    Video game extraordinaire I am not. Recently, my husband was delayed in joining a video game online with a friend- so I thought I’d be funny and hop on for him. I knew they could make their characters dance and wave silly, so that was my plan. Trouble is- I didn’t know how to do…

  • God-sized Dreams Never Die

    God-sized Dreams Never Die

    Someone tell me I’m not the only one! There are moments where the thought that I could die anytime at all strikes me silly. I’m not worried about where I’m going. I believe God’s Word in 2 Timothy 4:18- He will deliver me safely into His Kingdom. I know my loved ones and that they’d…

  • Uncovering Ulterior Motives (A Free, Simple Formula)

    Uncovering Ulterior Motives (A Free, Simple Formula)

    Sometimes our motives are obvious. Other times, we have ulterior motives guiding us, affecting our decision-making and discernment. For me, guilt has often been an ulterior motive. Every time the teacher reprimanded the whole class for bad behavior instead of singling someone out, I was sure it was all my fault. Even now, if a…

  • To The Wanna-Know-It-Alls

    To The Wanna-Know-It-Alls

    “I don’t know.” You say it when someone asks you to do something and you aren’t sure how to answer. The words are uttered in annoyance by kids everywhere as parents inquire about homework, grades, and missing toys. “…Anymore” is tagged on when tragedies strike and we’re left in shock. Feelings of doubt, loss, vulnerability,…

  • Recipe for a Wisdom Sandwich

    Recipe for a Wisdom Sandwich

    Did you learn to write using the sandwich strategy? Although I’m sure Saul of Tarsus didn’t know this strategy, he did follow the pattern in the famous passage found in Philippians 3:12-14: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of…

  • Favorites of 2017

    Favorites of 2017

    Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth None Like Him by Jen Wilkin The Mortification of Sin by John Owen Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada Anchored In By Micah Maddox I shared about 14 blog posts that have impacted and stuck with me this year in a separate post. They are listed as nominations for…

  • The Gift That Satisfies

    The Gift That Satisfies

    We have an unfortunate tendency of focusing on gaining satisfaction, especially during the Christmas season. From gift-giving to maintaining traditions “just so,” we seem to think we’ll feel full if we treat ourselves to “enough.” Yet the gifts Jesus gives focus on our fulfillment or completion in Him, not on a temporal feeling or fleeting…

  • (Could It Be A) Silent Night

    (Could It Be A) Silent Night

    Christmas cheer tends to be a cacophony. Joy is often boisterous; excitement and anticipation tend to cause exuberance. It’s during this season that we often blast the carols and sing along. We like to sit down and recite our favorite lines, laugh without reservation during classic Christmas movies. Parties are consumed by chatter. And the…

  • O Come All Ye Frustrated

    O Come All Ye Frustrated

    In just a few weeks, someone or other will ask us: “how was your Christmas?” Chances are our answers won’t include words like “perfect” or “flawless.” It’s just a fact that Christmas celebrations tend to carry with them mistakes and messes. Something unexpected happens. Some gifts don’t arrive on time. Someone isn’t satisfied. The first…

  • O Come Next Year Immanuel

    O Come Next Year Immanuel

    “At that time Mary got ready and hurried…” –Luke 1:39 Now that’s a line in the Biblical Christmas account we can relate to! Get ready. Hurry. There was even an element of “hurry up and wait.” Mary was off to visit 6-months pregnant (once barren) Elizabeth. Mary remained there with her 3 months, presumably waiting…