Bethany McIlrath

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

Category: Throwback Posts

  • You May Build It, They May Not Come

    You May Build It, They May Not Come

    There’s a popular saying is based off of a quote from the movie Field of Dreams:  “If you build it, they will come.” We hear it often, usually in connection with ministries, programs, or facilities that are launching or expanding. However, the whole concept is a myth. Unfortunately, many people actually believe it is a…

  • 3 Biblical Responses to Others’ Struggles

    3 Biblical Responses to Others’ Struggles

    Jesus’ words are clear: “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Often, harder than facing our own troubles is watching those we love struggle. We don’t always know how to help. 1. “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 NLT) When Lazarus died and his sisters mourned, Jesus wept. Standing with His friends,…

  • The Milestone That Wasn’t

    The Milestone That Wasn’t

    In Genesis 27, we read about a milestone that should have been, but wasn’t. Imagine what Esau looked forward to the day his dying father told him to get ready to receive the blessing. Esau, Isaac’s older son, had been expecting to receive this blessing from his father for his whole life. It was an…

  • Deja Vu and Milestone Moments

    Deja Vu and Milestone Moments

    You’re sitting on the side of the road in your car. It’s just broken down. As you sit and wait for the tow, you think of all the mess of your life of late. The list of complaints is probably long. Then you remember the last time your car broke down. It almost feels like…

  • HE is More Than [Fill In the Blank]

    HE is More Than [Fill In the Blank]

    Photo from: Piaxbay We need to “love the Lord, not just the idea of the Lord” said my dear friend (SkillzUSA). AKA: Don’t reduce God to some idea you have about Him and miss out on His whole person as a result. Our ideas tend to address issues in reactionary ways, focusing on what isn’t…

  • You Were Right!…Or Were You?

    You Were Right!…Or Were You?

    Photo from: pixabay 3 words everybody loves to hear: “you were right.” We like to be right. Many of us try to do the right thing. In fact, our desire to be “right” is so strong and deep that we have opened its meaning up to include ideas like: Do whatever feels right Do whatever…

  • Thoughts on Being Profound

    Thoughts on Being Profound

    I’ve almost written this post three times. Ironically, I chicken out when I find that it just doesn’t sound…sufficient, impressive, eloquent, or relevant. I even deleted my notes. But I think it is an important concept to consider in light of the truth of the Lord, so I’m going to try.   People don’t seem…

  • The Blessing of Endurance

    The Blessing of Endurance

    Photo from: (www.redletterchristians.org) Isn’t it interesting that we tend to count our blessings most when “bad” things happen? It is after a major accident that we are glad to be alive, or post loss that we are grateful for those who truly love us. It seems that we need disruptions to remind us that life…