I Don’t Wanna Be a Pharisee

There’s a children’s Bible song that goes something like: “I don’t wanna be a Pharisee‘Cause a Pharisee ain’t fair, you see” (Honestly, I had to look it up, because we didn’t sing that one growing up – I just heard it from other people singing it after I got older.) The Pharisees did all the… Continue reading I Don’t Wanna Be a Pharisee

New Paths

If you are my personal Facebook friend, this is a cross post from yesterday. Every day has become a “double duty” day. (Even though it is more like quadruple once you add in homeschooling/co-op and regular housekeeping, not to mention any blog posts or the like). But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. When we… Continue reading New Paths

Send the Light

When Jason sent me the song list for this past Sunday, I glanced over it and was glad to see that I recognized all of them and didn’t have to work on learning anything new (because the past few weeks have been WHEW!) So, I thought I was 1000% prepared when I arrived for praise… Continue reading Send the Light

For His Pleasure

I was flipping through one of my notebooks and found a quote from my friend Daniel from March of last year (although he claims he has no remembrance of writing it!). I thought I would share it here with you. “Let me make this suggestion, to you and to myself. Let’s apologize less and create… Continue reading For His Pleasure

My Toolbox

At my house there’s a toolbox Full of wrenches and screws, A hammer, some screwdrivers- All things I can use. When I have things to fix Or maintain in my home, I have what it takes To get any job done. But I have other tools That I use every day That enhance my life… Continue reading My Toolbox

Go and be Reconciled

Sunday’s communion thought was:Matthew 5:23-24 “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”How might this passage relate to communion? Everyone’s… Continue reading Go and be Reconciled

Jesus, Just Jesus, and Nothing but Jesus

Yesterdays verse and communion thought question was:1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”How does this attitude promote unity, and how might it relate to communion? The sermon series we started yesterday is all about 1 Corinthians, titled “Paul’s Ideal Church.” Right from… Continue reading Jesus, Just Jesus, and Nothing but Jesus

Normal, New, or Never?

What is “normal”? Merriam-Webster says, “conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern : characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine.” Corri’s brain thinks of it as something that we are consistently comfortable with, what we expect to happen or to be. Contrarily, “new” is defined as “having recently come into existence;… Continue reading Normal, New, or Never?

Can I Get a Witness?

When I got up this morning I didn’t know what I wanted to write about. Then when I opened my Bible app on my phone to see the verse of the day, I had my idea. Here in the Bible Belt of the Southern United States, you would be hard pressed to find someone who… Continue reading Can I Get a Witness?

But Even Now

Last night in our ladies’ class, LeAnne had a lesson on hope, and talked about “Doubting Thomas”, John the Baptist, referenced back to Isaiah – we were kind of all over. But there was one phrase, which she didn’t even read, that I noticed (and happened to already have underlined) that really stood out to… Continue reading But Even Now

Bread from Heaven

I’m forgoing my normal “Table Talk” post this morning, but staying in the same realm. We had The Gathering last night. It’s an informal worship setting we have every 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings, with the tagline, “Where fellowship breaks out in worship.” It’s geared more toward just sharing with each other, and being together… Continue reading Bread from Heaven

One Body

Yesterday’s communion talk prompt said:Ephesians 4; Romans 12God has given us different gifts and talents through the Holy Spirit. How do our different roles in the body relate to communion? So first off, what does Ephesians 4 say? It starts out by Paul telling the Ephesians he wants them to “lead a life worthy of… Continue reading One Body

Mercy, Not Sacrifice

The slide for this week’s communion talk was: Matt 12:7; Hosea 6:6“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”How can these verses relate to communion? Our prompt usually reflects the day’s sermon in some way, and this one was no different, as the sermon topic was “Transformational Worship”. Also, as the Lord usually throws all things at me… Continue reading Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Clothe Yourselves with Compassion

This week’s communion discussion prompt was from Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Then, the question, “How does communion call us to clothe ourselves with compassion?” First off, what is compassion? Merriam-Webster’s definition is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to… Continue reading Clothe Yourselves with Compassion

James – pt. 21

Prayer is powerful. It is our direct line of communication through Christ and the Spirit to our almighty God. We should pray for ourselves. Pray for each other. Pray when things are good, and pray when things are bad. Pray to thank and honor God. Pray to ask Him for help. Pray to ask for… Continue reading James – pt. 21

James – pt. 20

Patience. Courage. In the previous verses, James has rebuked the oppressive rich. Now he turns to the oppressed to give encouragement. He reminds them of the returning of the Lord, and that if they will be patient and have courage, the rewarding harvest will come. Just as Jesus’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus… Continue reading James – pt. 20

James – pt. 19

James is issuing a warning. Keeping with the theme of the rest of the letter, he isn’t calling them out for being wealthy – he’s calling them out for for they are using their wealth and treating others. They used their money for fine clothes. They hoarded their wealth. They cheated their workers to line… Continue reading James – pt. 19

Idols

What do you think of when you think of an idol? A statue representing some deity that people use to remind them who they are worshipping? A representation of a god to bow to and bring offering to? Did you know an idol doesn’t have to be a statue, a false god, or anything tangible?… Continue reading Idols

James – pt. 18

Looking at vs. 13-16: These verses aren’t telling us not to make plans and preparation for the future. It’s reminding us that we don’t know what the future holds, God does. That we should listen to Him and work to keep our plans in line with His will. We don’t know what He has in… Continue reading James – pt. 18

James – pt. 17

“Don’t speak evil against each other.” What is it God wants us to do for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ? Edify. Encourage. Lift up. In Ephesians 4:12, Paul says use our gifts to build each other up.In Hebrews 10:25, the Christians are told to come together to encourage one another.Romans 12:10 says… Continue reading James – pt. 17

James – pt. 16

I just realized I skipped posting these verses, so forgive me for having this part out of order! In James 4:1-3, it talked about them being uncontent with what God had given them. They weren’t pleased with God, and had quit asking Him to provide for and take care of them. Just as an adulterous… Continue reading James – pt. 16

A New Life Has Begun!

We rang in the new year with a question about new life. January 1st’s communion thought question was “In light of the New Year, how has God made us new?” with a scripture reference of 2 Corinthians 5:17. Going back up to verse 14, it says Christs’s love controls us. Because He loves us, He… Continue reading A New Life Has Begun!

Words

Sitting here working on my Bible study/blog post, I was praying that God would give me words. Then I thought, what makes me think my words will be better than the inspired scripture? And I don’t. I don’t think it’s better. But maybe someone is sitting out there thinking, as the Ethiopian eunuch did in… Continue reading Words

James – pt. 14

James tells us that the people were quarreling and fighting, waging war with one another. Why were they doing that? They wanted things they didn’t have. Notice it doesn’t say they didn’t have what they needed. They were jealous of what others had. They wanted things they thought would bring them pleasure, not necessarily the… Continue reading James – pt. 14

James – pt. 13

This passage is not the easiest. Just listen. “Wisdom from above is pure.” Will we always listen to and act with that wisdom? No. But if it’s from God, it’s pure. “It is also peace loving.” How many people do you know who like to keep things stirred up? Is it ever wise? “Gentle at… Continue reading James – pt. 13

Peace on Earth

We hear a lot this time of year about “peace on earth”. What does that mean? What is peace? How and where do we find it? First of all, what is peace? Merriam-Webster offers several definitions, including: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.… Continue reading Peace on Earth

What About Him?

This time of year, everywhere you look you see nativity scenes. Hear those Bible stories from the beginnings of Matthew and Luke. Songs on the radio like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Mary, Did You Know?” Praise and wonder for Mary, the mother of Jesus. You know who often gets overlooked when we talk… Continue reading What About Him?

Who is Jesus?

Yesterday’s communion talk prompt was Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace….He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it… Continue reading Who is Jesus?

All About Jesus

Today’s blog post is brought to you by Sunday’s communion talk, Thom’s sermon, and Corri’s brain. Sunday’s communion talk was based on 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The questions presented were, “What did Paul mean by this?” and “How does… Continue reading All About Jesus

Prayer Share

Do you ever write down your prayers? I do. Often. My brain likes to go in 15 directions at once, and I find if I write my prayers, it helps keep me focused and not headed down rabbit trails. Other wise my prayers go something like, “Thank you God for my children. I love them… Continue reading Prayer Share

I Will Praise You

I will praise You in the morning when a new day’s just begun I will praise You in the evening at the setting of the sun I will praise You in the heat of day, when the sun is shining bright I will praise You in the darkness, throughout the darkest night I will praise… Continue reading I Will Praise You

Light from the Lord

One of the books I read a few years back addressed blessing God, and traditional Jewish prayers of blessing. The purpose of the blessing is to put God at the center of your prayers. The end of the chapter suggested writing your own prayer of blessing, called a berakhah, beginning with, “Blessed are you, O… Continue reading Light from the Lord

James – pt.10

Again, my mind goes to Isaiah. In Isaiah 3:12, the leaders have led the people astray. If we think we know something so well we can explain it to others, we are responsible for helping them understand it. Luke 12:48 says that to those who are given much, much will be required in return, and… Continue reading James – pt.10

James – pt. 9

Oh wow. It’s funny how when you are studying multiple passages at once, you see how it all ties together. How it isn’t just stand-alone pieces, but all parts of a whole. A puzzle. Or a painting, without which one part we couldn’t see the whole picture. This passage is talking about showing our faith… Continue reading James – pt. 9

Isaiah – pt. 2

Due to some outside forces (such as people out of town, sickness, and a new baby!), our Isaiah group has had trouble getting together. But here are some of the thoughts that were shared on chapters 2-5 at our last meeting. Chapter 2:1-4: The Lord’s kingdom would be so wonderful and mighty, other nations would… Continue reading Isaiah – pt. 2

Isaiah – pt. 1

There’s a group of us who have started a study on Isaiah on Wednesdays at our local coffee shop. I thought I would share some of what we discuss. It may be scattered, rambly, and definitely incomplete (not like the study of James I’m sharing), but maybe it will at least give you a starting… Continue reading Isaiah – pt. 1

Remind Me, Lord

God, I sit empty and alone I fall to pieces at the foot of Your throne Begging You to make me whole To put the fire back in my soul I’m torn and trembling, weak and spent I don’t know where my courage went It feels like everything I do Falls apart to pieces, too… Continue reading Remind Me, Lord

James – pt. 7

How can we show God’s love? By taking care of those who are unable to take care of themselves. Like widows and orphans. How can we look at those who are helpless and turn a blind eye? Is this the example we are taught? No. James also says we should refuse to let the world… Continue reading James – pt. 7

James – pt. 6

You ever get a splinter? They are so small, but hurt so much. They just get under your skin and sit there. Sometimes you don’t even know where they came from. You can get something sharp and dig it out. You can get a salve and draw it out. But even after it’s gone, it’s… Continue reading James – pt. 6

James – pt. 4

In James 1:16-18, we find that God gives us good things. He gives us love, faith, courage, strength, wisdom. He is steady and ever-present. A solid foundation holding us up. A steady anchor, keeping us from drifting. Rich ground for us to sink our roots into and draw nourishment from. He created light because He… Continue reading James – pt. 4

James – pt. 3

In James 1:9-11, we learn that it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor – you will have trials and temptations. The poor may be tempted to “take matters into their own hands,” but they must trust in God to provide. Then they can share what He has done for them. The rich may be… Continue reading James – pt. 3

James and Wisdom

Before moving on, I wanted to add a thought from yesterday’s verses: A related passage is 1 Peter 1:6-7. The trials refine our faith, as gold in fire, releasing our impurities and leaving behind the precious faith that is being strengthened as we draw near to God. Then, through that faith and our love for… Continue reading James and Wisdom

James

I started this morning going through the book of James. I’m not on any kind of timeline, or following any kind of plan, just whatever I happen to get through that day along with my thoughts. I just looked at the first handful of verses this morning, and wanted to share my thoughts with you.… Continue reading James

Heaven on Earth

My friend Daniel called me this morning and said, “I’ve got a quote from my blog post today you’re gonna love.” He knows me so well. The world doesn’t need people who are content with going to heaven when they die. The world needs people who refuse to die without bringing a little bit of… Continue reading Heaven on Earth

From Nature

Sitting by the babbling brook Open your heart and take a look There’s more out there than meets the eye If you only glance as you go by All sorts of things you will find If you’re looking with your heart and mind And don’t just use your eyes to seek Stop and listen to… Continue reading From Nature

Superwhatever

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. I’ve been so busy I haven’t been making the time until the last couple of weeks, when I’ve been making myself find time. I have really missed it. One of the ones I’m working on right now (yes, I’m a multi-book reader) have several quotes that have… Continue reading Superwhatever

Wrestling With God

On Jacob’s journey to reconcile With Esau at his home, He’d sent his family across the way And waited all alone. As he waited worriedly Gazing in the night A stranger came upon his camp, And they began to fight. They fought and wrestled all night long, Till break of dawn began. But victory could… Continue reading Wrestling With God

Bondfire

If you know me, you know I love: 1) sitting around a campfire; 2) staying up late; 3) good conversation. Which is why I love our barn so much. We have people over fairly regularly, most weeks on Sunday evenings for fun, food, and fellowship, but there is rarely a week that goes by that… Continue reading Bondfire

Alabaster Jar

As one of my favorite book characters, Peniel, says, “I love a good story.” I will read literally almost anything. One of my favorite things to do (and many other people get more invested than I, apparently, according to the amount of fanfic and reddit posts out there) is to wonder what-if and how’d-it-happen. What… Continue reading Alabaster Jar

Remember Who You Are

This week’s “thought question” presented to our congregation as we took communion together was: How might not “taking” or “using” the Lord’s name in vain relate to communion? For a little backstory: We have been working through the 10 commandments in our Sunday morning service. We are currently on the third one, to not take… Continue reading Remember Who You Are

Spring is Springing

Ah, spring. The time of year when we look for new growth. And it is getting so close! The winter has been long and dreary. It always makes me want to hibernate with coffee, books, and blankets and not come out until winter is over. By this time, I am tired of cold, dead, and… Continue reading Spring is Springing

Pile to Purpose

A couple of years ago, I made blankets for my girls for Christmas. I got a big box in the mail, full of yarn to crochet with. As I was looking at the pile of yarn in the box, I thought, it probably seems like a big jumbled mess to anyone else who might look… Continue reading Pile to Purpose

Published
Categorized as Evangelism

Bad Signal?

Does this describe how you feel right now, too? I said this to a group of friends a while back about a particular subject, and one of them answered back with, “Amen, Corri! That’s how I feel about everything right now! I used to tell God I needed Him to write the answers He’s giving… Continue reading Bad Signal?

Published
Categorized as Evangelism

A Day of Rest

On the phone with a friend a couple of weeks ago, we were talking about not having as productive a day as we had planned. So I called him a slacker. He came back with, “Yeah, we don’t get a Sabbath.” And that got my brain to going. We think we have to constantly be… Continue reading A Day of Rest

Come – Join My Table

One of the things we do during our Sunday service is before the Lord’s supper, there is a slide presented with a scripture and a question for thought. Today’s scripture was Hebrews 1:3 & 8. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God…But to the Son He says, “Your throne,… Continue reading Come – Join My Table

“More”

What a day. I spent the majority of the day at the Lean Into Jesus Ministries ladies’ conference with a few friends. (And a whole room full of ladies on fire for God.) And my soul has been refreshed. This year, the theme was “More”. Several ladies spoke about what “more” meant to them. Giving… Continue reading “More”

Is It From God?

Sometimes we might see or hear something that sounds or looks outside of our “normal”. Maybe someone has an idea or a view that is different from what we think or what we have been taught. But you know what? That doesn’t always mean that it is wrong. Sometimes we are just too stubborn to… Continue reading Is It From God?

Published
Categorized as Evangelism

Don’t Talk About It

I don’t know about you, but at our house, we don’t talk about Bruno. We might sing about him, but we don’t talk about him. In case you didn’t know, Bruno is a character in the Disney movie Encanto. And there is a whole song about how “we don’t talk about Bruno”. So of course,… Continue reading Don’t Talk About It

Published
Categorized as Evangelism

The Power of Touch

I was recently afflicted with that dreaded virus-which-shall-not-be-named (Covid). As soon as I started feeling bad, I went to my room away from the rest of my family. As soon as I had a positive diagnosis, I was advised to spend 5 days in quarantine. So I spent 5 days shut up in my room,… Continue reading The Power of Touch