Bethany McIlrath

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

Tag: life

  • What Can Separate Us?

    What Can Separate Us?

    Words like those in Romans 8:35-39 tend to come to mind and comfort us in deep hardship, like when facing death, demons, uncertain futures, and the depths suffering. But it isn’t just the “negatives” of life we feel keep us from God. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?….. For I am convinced that neither…

  • Battery Operated Faith

    Battery Operated Faith

    My husband is a fan of gadgets and tools. No surprise, since he makes a living fixing stuff. One might think the man loves all the fancy new technology. However, there are some aspects of “old” tech he values. For example, he doesn’t believe it’s wise to go totally cordless. Because of his preference for…

  • No Easy Jesus Review

    No Easy Jesus Review

    In copywriting, offering “10 simple steps” is a great way to gain viewership. Promises to provide something life-changing with ease makes for a great hook. There’s a reason for that. We like reward without risk. We aim to get the most out of doing the least. Call it entitlement, laziness, or whatever you’d like, but…

  • Knowledge Isn’t Fulfilling On It’s Own (5/6)

    Knowledge Isn’t Fulfilling On It’s Own (5/6)

      This post is the 5th in a 6-part series on Idolizing Knowledge. Read the rest of the posts here. Once upon a time I earned a B- in a tough course on Biblical Literature. It was the lowest final grade I’d ever earned. I had studied- hard. I felt all the rush of competing…

  • When Your Manna Tastes Bland

    When Your Manna Tastes Bland

    Last year, I had my wisdom teeth removed *gag.* The surgery went well, but there were complications during my recovery. I’ll spare you the gory details. Suffice it to say, I ate the same bland soft foods for about a month. Let me tell you: diversity of diet is a spiritual need. Maybe that’s an…

  • Lie 8: Sin Should Be Left In The Dark

    Lie 8: Sin Should Be Left In The Dark

    (A series on lies sin tells us to tempt us and trick us. Read the whole series here.) We don’t like to look sin in the face and see it for what it is. We’re tempted by it, yes. We have a propensity for it, yes. But we really hate to face it. I remember…

  • What Is Love

    What Is Love

    We know about many characteristics of love, traits like those listed in 1 Cor 13; patience, kindness, humility, etc. We certainly are aware of examples of Biblical love, like that provided in John 3:16. The Bible teaches us much about the actions and consequences of love, as in Romans 13 or John 15, which describe…

  • Equally Yoked Friendship

    Equally Yoked Friendship

    Ever participated in a three-legged race? Your leg is bound to a partner’s. Then, you’re supposed to run, together, to a destination. I remember the terror of participating in this sort of for-bystanders’-amusement-only activity. The image in my mind is fresh: I was looking up at someone I didn’t know, who appeared larger than life,…

  • Overcome Failure Book Review

    Overcome Failure Book Review

    I’m one of those people who has regularly lived in fear of failure. Are you? I’ve made too many decisions based on what I know I can do, not what I believe I should do. All too often, I shrink back from the ideas that excite me, even when I know the Lord is offering…

  • Word of the Week: Will

    Word of the Week: Will

    Free will. My will. His will. I will do that. When will…? I’m not sure we often get through a day without using the word. At the same time, I wonder if we view it well? Perhaps its most famous context is this: “Not my will, but yours be done.” –Luke 22:42 As Lois shared…