Having been bereaved of you for a short time—our separation is in body, but not in heart—we greatly desire to see your face. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (BNP, Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase) Separation is Painful Death is painful. We feel the physical separation deeply, even as our heart clings to connection with the one we miss. When … Continue reading Separation, by Becky Antkowiak
Be perpetually prepared for opportunities to give a gentle and respectful explanation when people ask you to explain the hope they see in you. (1 Peter 3:15 Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase) In-your-Face Evangelism The churches we attended through my early life celebrated in-your-face evangelism. 1 Peter 3:15 always felt like a command to accost unbelievers, probably because … Continue reading Ask, by Becky Antkowiak
You were born for this exact moment in time. (Esther 4:14, Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase) Time of Opportunity Throughout the Bible, the idea of a moment of opportunity at a particular time is important. “Heroes of the faith” like Jael, Rahab, Esther, Jonah, Joshua, and even Jesus acted for a specific purpose at a particular time … Continue reading Time
God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13, NLT). The Question “Do you think it’s okay—or even possible—to enjoy working for God? In other words, if we receive a benefit or satisfaction from a thing we do for God, does that somehow detract from … Continue reading Desire by Becky Antkowiak
Live by the Spirit and you will not be driven by human desires. Galatians 5:16, (Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase). Distraction by Books As a child, I loved car rides for a single reason: I could read chapters at a time without interruption. Books were my escape. Hundreds of books terraformed 3-D maps of imaginary lands, painted … Continue reading By, from Becky Antkowiak