Can you think of a victory in a game, a sport, or even a war that is owed to more to blunt force than to strategy? The weapons used, the position of troops, and the element of surprise are all vital to winning. Underdog teams win by crafty plans and perseverance, not force. Naturally, victories won by sheer force are rarely celebrated. What matters more is strategy and its effectiveness. Yet isn’t it by force that we often try to win or overcome in life? Knowing that “in all these Continue Reading
3 (Better) Forms of Comparison {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Like it or not, life is made up of comparisons. We compare our food choices in order to make an informed decision about what we eat. Our employers compare our work to industry standards to help us succeed. God in His Word compares the things of the flesh with the things of the Spirit to teach us. Comparisons brew trouble, though, when we make them in order to evaluate something already decided. There is also no gain in comparing our situations with others’ to evaluate if we have Continue Reading
Are You Acting Like a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? {Recharge Wednesday}
One of the questions we often ask when reading Scripture is “how does this apply?” We’re usually thinking in terms of what the Word means for our lives or what promises it holds. Sometimes we ask how it might comfort or exhort us. Scripture can also warn us about our own nature. Do you know Acts 20:29-30? “Savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” We read Continue Reading
Can God-Given Dreams Die? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
There are moments where the thought that I could die anytime at all strikes me silly. I’m not worried about where I’m going. I believe God’s Word in 2 Timothy 4:18–He will deliver me safely into His Kingdom. My (foolish!) concern? I worry that I might die before I get to finish particular reading, study, and writing projects. I fear my dreams might be left unfinished, unaccomplished. And with that, I realize I have an idol issue. God-Given Dreams Aren’t Meant to be Idols In chapter Continue Reading
Uncovering Ulterior Motives {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Sometimes our motives are obvious. Other times, we have ulterior motives guiding us, affecting our decision-making and discernment. For me, guilt is often an ulterior motive. Back in school, every time the teacher reprimanded the whole class for bad behavior instead of singling someone out, I was sure it was all my fault. Even now, if someone on a work team seems less than thrilled with an outcome, I’m instantly guilty. My guilt has had a way of guiding me into people-pleasing and letting Continue Reading
To The Wanna-Know-It-Alls {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“I don’t know.” You say it when someone asks you to do something and you aren’t sure how to answer. The words are uttered in annoyance by kids everywhere as parents inquire about homework, grades, and missing toys. “…Anymore” is tagged on when tragedies strike and we’re left in shock. Feelings of doubt, loss, vulnerability, and betrayal often overcome us when we realize that we don’t know something that we think we should, or that we want to, or that we thought we already knew. Continue Reading
