“Bethanyland is a magical place,” I like to say to my husband when he calls me back to reality because I stopped listening and got lost in thought (again). The truth is, I spend a lot of time thinking. Most of us do. We dwell on things in the shower, in the car, at work, while we exercise, while we cook and clean, while we’re falling asleep….and yes, even while we’re supposed to be listening. God makes clear in Scripture that He wants us to be purposeful with our thoughts. We’re to Continue Reading
Oh You Of Lasting Faith {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31. 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 something?” It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith "promising." I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the Continue Reading
The Sore Loser {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
My competitive side was getting the better of me. As far as we were into the game, it was clear I wasn’t going to win. I’d tried, strategizing my way through, but there was no doubt who would have the victory (not me.) The temptation? To pick up the whole stinking board game and shake it. Maybe toss it. Maybe stomp on it, as I’d seen little kids I babysat do. On that day, I was feeling like a sore loser. That’s what Satan probably feels like every day. Sometimes I need reminding of Continue Reading
When Sin Trails Behind Us {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. –1 Timothy 5:24 Paul made this small but vivid remark at the end of a letter to his younger friend, Timothy. The wisdom has stuck in my mind. Sin on the Flashing Sign There are some obvious sins. The kind with far-reaching, immediately obvious consequences. These are sins that run on ahead of us. They holler on up ahead to our kids “don’t copy Mom in this!” and warn off our friends Continue Reading
But Jesus… {Recharge Wednesday LinkUp}
There were big things to do. There throngs willing to listen who needed to hear. There were disciples seeking training and teaching. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” –Luke 5:16 There were people to heal. There were lost souls to share the Gospel with. There were places to get to, people to avoid, people to save. “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to Continue Reading
Is This the Change You’re Looking For? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Having just traveled a few states to work in the summer heat, it was admirable how upbeat the youth were. Their mission trip involved hard work laboring to repair homes and make helpful upgrades. They spent a lot of time in one house rebuilding part of a damaged wall. Everything from measuring to cutting to patching to painting was involved. But when they got there the next morning, the wall was broken through again. An angry, intoxicated individual had decided to smash it in. Chances Continue Reading
