Tag: bible
-
A Helpful Key to Understanding the Bible in 30 Days
Sitting in the front row, as per usual, I diligently took notes. The class was Biblical Literature. I was a freshmen unaccustomed to college level studies- and had spent the previous years of schooling being one to raise my hand often. Hand-raising on impulse was a hard habit to break, but my lack of Biblical…
-
Oh You of (Lasting) Faith
“Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said. I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment. But before that? Peter got out of the boat. “Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for…
-
As Was Said! (Christmas Praise 2)
Zechariah’s Praise “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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
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
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
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
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…