Even If i Walk Alone

Instructing and encouraging you to live your life as a disciple of Jesus

Archives for December 2018

No More Financial Goals

by

I love goal-setting each year. It’s the way I’m wired. Beginning in November, I begin to get excited about the year ahead as I think and pray about what I want to accomplish. As I mature in my faith, more and more, I am beginning to ask the question, “What does God want me to accomplish in the next year?” I’d love to tell you I’ve always started there, but the truth is I haven’t been as prayerful in this area of my life as I should have been.

no more financial goals,finances,budgeting,net worth,debt,Dave Ramsey,total money makeover,mission,priorities,goals,new year,commitment,discipleship,Kingdom of God,God's Kingdom,faith,Matthew 6:24,can't serve two masters 

Every year I have set a financial goal, either how much I want to earn, a financial goal I’d like to meet, or even what I would like my net worth to be. This year I felt God telling me quite strongly there should be no more financial goals in my plan. I’d like to explain why and perhaps you might join me in declaring, “No more financial goals!”

[Read more…] about No More Financial Goals

Desperate for Jesus

by

Are you desperate for Jesus? Are you pursuing Him with a reckless abandon, to the exclusion of all other pursuits? If not, why not? What is it in your life that is more important than Christ? These are sobering questions we must all ask ourselves every day. The truth is most of us probably do not spend our days desperate for Jesus.

desperate for Jesus,devotion,commitment,purpose,priorities,humility

image © icsnaps via Fotolia

We claim to love Him, say we devote our lives to Him, but how are those things playing out in your life? If you’re anything like me, there is scant evidence you are desperate for Jesus. We’re desperate for success. We’re desperate for comfort and security. We may even be desperate in our pursuit of a mate. But desperate for Jesus? I don’t think so.

[Read more…] about Desperate for Jesus

What Does Love Require?

by

In Andy Stanley’s excellent new book, “Irresistible”, he puts forth a question which sums up how we are expected to live as followers of Christ. The question is, “What does love require of me?” This simple question brilliantly sums up what Jesus declared to be the greatest commandment of the law and the prophets (“Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind”), and His command for the new covenant (“Love your neighbor as yourself”) (see Matthew 22:36-40).

what does love require,andy stanley,irresistible,kingdom of God,God's Kingdom, mission,compassion,love,discipleship,Christmas Eve,John3:16,God so loved

image © Elena Arkadova via Fotolia

You can apply this question in every situation as you go throughout your day. It will change your interactions with people. It will alter your mood and transform your life. Oh, and it will drive you crazy!

[Read more…] about What Does Love Require?

Great Expectations

by

William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” This begs the question of my life and yours, “What is it we are expecting from and attempting for, God?” We know God has created us with a purpose in mind (Ephesians 2:10). Because of this, we should not live our lives without expecting to accomplish great things. Anything accomplished for the glory of God is indeed a great thing.

great expectations,William Carey,God's Kingdom,fear,commitment,Ephesians 3:20,immeasurably more,Kingdom of God,Ephesians 2:10,created for good works

image © Hortigüela via Fotolia

Knowing God created us to do specific work means we should be attempting great things for His glory. We should never be afraid to attempt what God has placed in our hearts. Living our lives in expectation of what God will do and attempting to do great things without fear will truly lead to a life well-lived in the service of His Kingdom.

[Read more…] about Great Expectations

New Covenant People

by

Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” While there are certainly many implications of this prophecy, one I think is often overlooked is Ezekiel prophesying of the transition from the old covenant to the new. The old covenant (or testament) was a series of laws given by God to the nation of Israel. Most of these laws were engraved on stone tablets, so the people’s hearts were committed to following what was engraved in stone.

new covenant people,new testament,mission,love,God's love,Andy Stanley,irresistable,John 15:12,love one another,Ezekiel 36:26,heart of stone,Matthew 22:34-40,greatest commandment,John 13:34,as I have love you

image © alexlmx via Fotolia

The new covenant was ushered in by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. He fulfilled all the old covenant. This new covenant was for all people, not only for the people of Israel. Instead of adhering to a series of laws, we are now commanded to simply love one another so we might reflect the love of our Creator.

[Read more…] about New Covenant People