Category: Bethany’s Guest Posts
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Conquering By Peace
Can you think of a victory in a game, a sport, or even a war that is owed to more to blunt force than to strategy? The weapons used, the position of troops, and the element of surprise are all vital to winning. Underdog teams win by crafty plans and perseverance, not force. Naturally, victories won…
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3 (Better) Forms of Comparison
Like it or not, life is made up of comparisons. We compare our food choices in order to make an informed decision about what we eat. Our employers compare our work to industry standards to help us succeed. God in His Word compares the things of the flesh with the things of the Spirit to…
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Three Signposts to Help You Stay on the Narrow Way
While rereading Pilgrim’s Progress, it struck me how simple were the instructions given to the main character, Christian. Just stay on the narrow way. Go straight. Yet time and again, Christian strays or is tempted to veer. The arguments for taking another path are often compelling and plausible. The same is true for us. No…
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Are You Acting Like a Wolf?
One of the questions we often ask when reading Scripture is “how does this apply?” We’re usually thinking in terms of what the Word means for our lives or what promises it holds. Sometimes we ask how it might comfort or exhort us. Scripture can also warn us about our own nature. Do you know…
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Can God-Given Dreams Die?
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. My (foolish!) concern? I worry that I might die before I get to finish particular reading, study, and…
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Uncovering Ulterior Motives
Sometimes our motives are obvious. Other times, we have ulterior motives guiding us, affecting our decision-making and discernment. For me, guilt is often an ulterior motive. Back in school, 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,…
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The Surprising Reason God Says Not to Worry
“Don’t worry,” my husband says. At that moment, a hundred scenarios enter my mind as I worry about the reason he felt the need to tell me not to worry. The same thing has happened when I’ve read those words, quoted from Luke 12, on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and wall decorations. If you’re going to…
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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,…
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View From A Mountaintop
What is it about mountains? Moses met with God there. The Samaritans and Jews argued over which one people should worship on. People have called them holy. Jesus went up them to pray. We marvel at photos of them, take vacations to climb them, and even use them in reference to the best points of…
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3 Biblical Responses to Others’ Struggles
Jesus’ words are clear: “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). We expect it. Often, though, we wish that “you” wasn’t so all-inclusive. It can be harder to watch those we love struggle than it is to suffer ourselves. We don’t always know how to help. During the holiday season of 2020, this…