Jesus will not break a crushed reed, and he will not extinguish a smoldering wick. Just wait; he will bring triumph from the trial. Matthew 12:20, Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase Trials Teach Truth Since my sister left this side of eternity, Matthew 12:20 often echoes in my mind. The idea of being battered but secure pulls me … Continue reading Trial, by Becky Antkowiak

[God] comforts us in all our distress so we’ll be able to comfort others in any distress—using the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:4 Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase). We All Need Comfort A catastrophic brain bleed killed my younger sister. One instant changed our lives. Before she died, I didn’t … Continue reading Comfort, by Becky Antkowiak

The Ammonite commanders said, “Hanun, do you really believe David sent this delegation to express sympathy for the loss of your father? Don’t you think his intent is to explore the city, find its weak points, and overthrow it?”  1 Samuel 10:3 (Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase) Intent Matters As a child, I loved the movie Pollyanna. A … Continue reading Intent, by Becky Antkowiak

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