Bethany McIlrath

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

Tag: bible study

  • (Non-Bible) Lessons I’ve Learned from Bible Study

    (Non-Bible) Lessons I’ve Learned from Bible Study

    If you spend time reading and studying Scripture, you will learn a lot… and not just about key themes or specific commands or the people featured on the pages. You’ll also learn about yourself and the people around you, how to study God’s Word better, and about God’s character. Things I’ve learned from writing about…

  • How God Uses Long-Distance Bible Study Fellowship

    How God Uses Long-Distance Bible Study Fellowship

    Seven years into our marriage, my husband and I have lived in four different states. We’ve been a part of five churches in that time, and had plenty of in-between, “church-seeking seasons”, too. With so many seasons of transition, participation in Bible study has looked a little different for me. Thankfully, God’s Word isn’t bound…

  • Withstanding Ruthlessness

    Withstanding Ruthlessness

    The headache that comes back again and again. A chronic illness that knocks you off your feet without regard for where you’re headed or how much pain you’re already in. The thought in your head that you are not good enough, no matter how hard you’ve tried. A lie, on repeat, that you can’t ever…

  • Before I Go Online Bible Study Review

    Before I Go Online Bible Study Review

    Dying words tell you something about a person. The way someone chooses to spend their last few days of life on earth matters. Usually, “Before I Go” seasons are spent sharing important moments and words with loved ones. Even though Jesus was going to be raised from the dead, the same was true during the…

  • Exceeding Limits

    Exceeding Limits

    “Well that’s enough of that,” I’d smile and say to the sweet toddler I was watching after he guzzled a glass of apple juice but reached for more. I say the same words to myself when I’ve gotten lost in a good book but need to get the dishes done. “Enough,” in my vocabulary, usually…

  • Ecclesiastes and The Wise Fool

    Ecclesiastes and The Wise Fool

    “Have you ever read Ecclesiastes?” my friend asked. We’d been talking about philosophy and that question we all face sometimes: does any of this matter? I hadn’t taken any drastic measures yet. A nose piercing was about the least risky thought I’d entertained in my crisis of purpose. “What’s Ecclesiastes?” I replied, expecting an explanation…

  • Grappling with Sanctification

    Grappling with Sanctification

    I was sitting on a sofa best described as peach in color, though I’ve never seen a peach that hue. The almost bare walls looked about as lonely as I felt. My computer screen offered the only light of that dreary day. Fingers poised, I searched for words but found more than I could organize…

  • If You Love to Read or Write…

    If You Love to Read or Write…

    I’m not a spotlight person. My happy place is the softly lit corner with a book and a friend to share it with. Or the light of my laptop as words pour out… So, I’m thankful, bashful, and humbled to share that I’ve been nominated for the Blogger Recognition Award by a sweet woman whose writing…

  • A Time to Search: Cease Striving, Start Seeking

    A Time to Search: Cease Striving, Start Seeking

    Reconciling the Biblical call to cease striving with the command to continually seek is tricky when you’re in the midst of searching out God’s will for your life. You know that sitting on your hands doing nothing isn’t what God asks of any one. At the same time, you know that moving ahead without his…

  • Knowledge Bloats (1/6)

    Knowledge Bloats (1/6)

    This post is the 1st in a 6-part series on Idolizing Knowledge. Read the rest of the posts here. Guest directory info is available here. “But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” –1…