Regarding Kindness
Kindness is a buzzword in today’s culture, often reduced to mere niceness or passive agreement. But what does it truly mean to be kind, especially from a Christian perspective? In this exploration, we delve into the biblical definition of kindness, which goes beyond just feeling goodwill toward others. It’s about proactively seeking the genuine good of others, even when it requires saying hard truths. Discover how true kindness reflects God’s love and mercy, challenging the worldly notion that kindness is simply about making others feel good. Join us as we redefine kindness in a way that honors both love and truth.
When You’d Rather Control Than Submit
I’m to submit because I’m the wife? This thought raced through my mind as my son rebelled in the back seat, and I felt the tension rise. My husband urged me to stop lecturing, but my desire for control clashed with the call to submit. In that moment, I realized both my son and I were resisting authority. Could it be that God, in asking me to submit, was actually protecting me? As I wrestled with my flesh, I discovered that yielding to my husband might just invite God’s blessing into my life. What happens next is a lesson in surrender.
Regarding Church Discipline
In a world where church hurt is a trending hashtag, where tolerance is considered the highest virtue, and where authority is often viewed with suspicion, what role does church discipline have in today’s church? First off, what is church discipline – because that’s not actually a phrase you’ll find in the Bible. 9Marks defines it this way: “Church discipline is…
Reflecting the Gospel in Housework
Does what I do really matter? As a mother, I often find myself questioning the significance of picking up Cheerios or doing laundry for the umpteenth time. Yet, what if these ordinary tasks are not just mundane chores, but opportunities to reflect the gospel? From the mess of spilled milk to the preparation of meals, each act can remind us of God’s provision and grace. Join me as we explore how housework can become a beautiful expression of worship, pointing our hearts and our families back to the extraordinary love of Christ in the midst of our everyday lives.
Regarding Three Things Forgiveness Does Not Necessarily Mean
Forgiveness is a powerful act, but it doesn’t always mean what we think it does. In a world where relationships can be complicated, understanding the true nature of forgiveness is essential. It doesn’t necessarily mean restoring a relationship, reestablishing trust, or relinquishing justice. Instead, forgiveness is about releasing bitterness and choosing to let go of the hurt. It’s a step towards healing, not a guarantee of reconciliation. Discover how forgiveness can transform your heart and prepare you for a deeper connection with God and others. Explore the profound implications of forgiveness and its role in our journey toward grace and redemption.
Failing to Feel: Mistake #2 in Teaching the Bible
Perhaps because we think of the Bible characters as “saints” or as some select group of people who are totally unlike us, we sometimes forget to consider their emotions. We lift the bare facts from the pages of our Bibles and fail to feel the pain, jealousy, regret, or boredom that these people experienced—just like we would if we walked in their shoes. To truly understand the Bible’s message, we must try to understand the Bible’s people. We have to do “emotional archaeology” to connect with their experiences and, ultimately, with God’s character revealed through their stories.
Regarding Gluttony: Part Four
As we explore the battle against gluttony through the lens of Philippians 3:17-21, we discover that godliness offers us a powerful antidote. It inspires us to behold Christ’s example, challenges us to pursue purpose over pleasure, and fills us with anticipation for His return. In a world that often succumbs to greed, we are called to live as reflections of Christ, embracing strength, bravery, and love. Join us as we delve into how godliness not only transforms our lives but also shapes our eternal hope, reminding us that while gluttony seeks the moment, godliness lives for forever.
Regarding Gluttony: Part Three
Gluttony weakens our minds because it promotes a mindset of immediate gratification, leaving no room for thoughtful decision-making. Instead of wrestling with choices, we become slaves to our impulses, neglecting the deeper identity we have through God. In Philippians, Paul contrasts this with our true citizenship in heaven, where we await a Savior who transforms us. As we prepare for the future, it’s crucial to reject gluttony and embrace godliness. Join us in exploring how to fight against gluttony and cultivate a mindset that aligns with our renewed identity in Christ. Discover the path to a stronger, more purposeful life!
Created for Rest
Resting. It’s not something our generation is particularly good at, nor is it a high priority for us. We are overstimulated, overworked, and overly focused on the wrong things. But the practice of resting is important to God, so it should be important to us too. From the very beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest, culminating in the Sabbath—a gift meant to rejuvenate our spirits. As we explore the significance of rest in our lives, we discover that it’s not just a pause from work, but a vital connection to our Creator and a glimpse of the peace to come.
Regarding Pride Month
Let me begin with my thesis: if pride is a sin and pride feeds on attention, then attention is the last thing we should give it. This is why I do not typically respond to Pride Month—not out of hate, but out of love for a community that is celebrated for wedding itself to the…
Regarding Gluttony: Part Two
Gluttony is often dismissed as merely a food problem, but it reveals a deeper spiritual issue rooted in excess and lack of discipline. In a world where we indulge without boundaries, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of overconsumption, leading to emptiness and dissatisfaction. As we explore Philippians 3:17-21, we’ll uncover how gluttony presents a wrong model of living, contrasting it with the selfless life Christ exemplifies. Are we truly free, or are we slaves to our desires? Join us as we delve into this critical topic and discover a path to a more meaningful life.
Misinterpreted: Luke 14:26
In Luke 14:26, Jesus makes a shocking statement: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children… he cannot be my disciple.” At first glance, this seems to contradict the Bible’s call to love and honor our families. So, what does Jesus really mean? This verse challenges us to examine our loyalties and recognize that our love for Him must surpass all other relationships. Discover how prioritizing Christ transforms our ability to love others rightly and why following Him may require difficult choices. Are you ready to explore this deeper truth?