Intimacy with God for the Overchurched Blog
Is the enemy chaotic-evil and unredeemable? I learned in a writing class that no one is a hundred percent evil, so, writing your novel’s villain that way will actually make him less threatening. That kind of antagonist is comical—a caricature like Snidely Whiplash. If you aren’t old enough to remember the cartoon that made me…
I once said to my grandma, “I wish Jesus would come back.” It wasn’t during a trial. I think I was just feeling the irritation of living. I had a bill due, or something equally inconsequential. She said, “Yes, I hope so too. But, not yet.” I was shocked. Maybe even a little worried that…
When I was young, I told my mom a name I wanted to give to a future child. Her quick response was that if my future husband had ever known someone by that name—and didn’t like the person—he wouldn’t want the memory of them in his home. The same name, the same word, can have…
Years ago, I was at a home group where everyone discussed works versus faith. We’re saved by grace through faith, but the idea of this necessary component of works comes from James, who says, “I will show you my faith by my works.” It shows up in other places of scripture as well, indicating that…
The first time I heard the scripture in Matthew 7:21-23, I quickly applied it to others. In subsequent readings, it unsettled me. I’ve come to a place where it keeps me company with a content sort of fear and trembling. I don’t get it, but I accept it. It goes: “Not everyone who says to…