The third commandment reads: You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. Several years ago our pastor preached a sermon about using the phrases "Oh my God!" or "OMG" while speaking. And while I personally had made it a point not to say "Oh my God!" saying "OMG" or even "Oh my gosh!" was not something that I censored coming out my mouth. I figured if I wasn't actually saying God's name in this manner I was doing ok. When someone is yelling in frustration "Jesus Christ!" I knew that they weren't honoring the Lord but didn't really think about the bigger message of the third commandment until this sermon. The third commandment has been discussed numerous times over the last few months in our home. And then I recently read the book Christian Ethics by Dr. Wayne Grudem and felt even more convicted by this verse. I received a copy of this book from Crossway to review. All opinions are my … [Read more...]
The Mama Confessionals: What No One Tells You About Motherhood
I can remember the summer before our oldest went to preschool. I continued to second guess myself in the weeks leading up to his first day of the twice weekly class he would be going to for a combined 5 hours a week. Were we making the right choice? Would he be ok? Would I be ok? And many more anxiety filled questions that were very similar. And here is a little spoiler alert for all you parents with little babies. These questions, at least in my experience, continue to happen for each new milestone. I don't think you can really understand this emotional roller coaster if you aren't a parent. At the time I was just 6 months out of counseling for postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth to our daughter. During the second week of preschool, I entered a room of 30 women+ women who I had never met to attend a weekly bible study that was held at the church where my child attended school. Clutching my Bible, I felt scared, my anxiety was choking me, but I knew I needed to be … [Read more...]
What I Learned About Church From Reading The Bible
This past summer I read an article that talked about how gyms and other secular communities are starting to fill spiritual and social needs for many nonreligious people. And this really got me thinking... What Is The Purpose & Definition of Church? And why can't I make my hobby or activity my own personal worship service? If my intentions and thoughts are God honoring while participating in an activity can I skip church on the weekend? What if I am listening to a sermon? Which led me back to my Bible. Here is what the Bible says about the church and how it is recognized: Teaching and preaching the Word of God. (Colossians 3:15) Providing fellowship and accountability. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Communion and baptisms. (Acts 2:42) Biblical leadership. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Titus 1:5-9) Sharing the gospel mission and discipleship. (Matthew 28:19-20) The word church comes from two separate greek words. Ekklesia --> gathering of citizens called out from home into a public … [Read more...]
How Family Discipleship Works in Our Home
For the last 6 months our family has been reading, studying, and memorizing scripture together, and using a shorter catechism. Josh and myself did not grow up in homes where this was modeled. So if we can do this anyone can. I know I am always so thankful to read examples of what this looks like in other families and thought that I would offer out a very basic outline of what we are doing. First and foremost, if you as the parent aren't committing to read your Bible it will be hard, to nearly impossible, to make a habit of family discipleship with your kids. In order for this to work you have to be in God's word yourself. This year I am reading a chronological version of the Bible. Josh is using The Bible Project reading plan. Second, pick a time of day that works for your family and be consistent. But also be aware that leading your children to follow Christ should be happening throughout the day. For our family breakfast time Monday - Friday is what has been working best. I … [Read more...]
How the Church Can Engage Millennials
The past weekend our pastor posed a question to the millennials in our congregation, how can the church better engage millennials? He challenged any millennial to send him and the church staff ideas about how to get this generation, my generation, more involved. Normally this isn't something I would write about, but here I go, about to try. To preface this post I am writing very broadly. I am not just writing in regards to my own local home church but to the body of christ universally. That being said here are my thoughts on how the church can engage millennials. Please read, teach, and engage me in God's word. My generation is used to seeing advertisements and gimmicks so show me something different on Sunday mornings. Show me the goodness and truths in scripture and help me apply it to my life. In a world that is constantly changing teach me about God being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Read me scripture because I need to hear it. Encourage and challenge me to … [Read more...]
What I Learned from Reading the Bible
This year marks my second year reading through the Bible. Last year I started in the Matthew and read to Revelation and then made my way to Genesis through Malachi. I didn't follow a reading plan but read at my own pace. This year I read from Genesis to Revelation and used The Bible Project Reading Plan. I read the ESV version this year compared to the NIV that I read last year. Below are a few things I learned from reading the entire Bible again. The connection between the Old and New Testaments. This was probably the biggest thing that I noticed this year. The passage that really helped me grasp the intensity of this connection was Matthew 27:46, “that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In the past I would have glanced over this passage but with further study and reading I learned that these words are the exact first words of Psalm 22. The next time you have a moment I encourage you to read Psalm 22 in context with Matthew 27:46. Jesus knew this Psalm was … [Read more...]
