Even If i Walk Alone

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

Archives for December 2020

Next Year

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As this year draws to a close, it seems everywhere I look people are writing about what a long and terrible year it has been, and how much they are looking forward to things changing next year. I’m beyond weary of reading these kinds of articles and hearing preachers deliver similar messages, so I hope to bring a different and Christ-centered perspective here. Because I can tell you that while this past year has brought many trials and challenges, I am confident next year will bring the same.

next year,commitment,mission,love,discipleship,selfishness,priorities,Matthew 28:18-20,great commission,John 16:33,you will have trouble,Psalm 46:1,ever present help in trouble,Mark 12:13-17,render unto Caesar,Luke 12:13-14,tell my brother to divide inheritance

They may not be the same problems, but our troubles won’t magically disappear when the calendar rolls over. We know this because Jesus promised us we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). Until Christ returns, we can expect to be fighting an uphill battle. But before you tune out thinking this will be a depressing message, I have great news about the future for each of us who will rededicate themselves to the service of our Lord Jesus.

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What Really Matters

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Tasks and responsibilities constantly barrage us, but gratefully, only a very few things matter. Every day we seem to add additional tasks to our to-do lists. There is an unending stream of new things to which we can read, watch, or listen. As technology advances at a blistering pace, there is always something we’re being told we should learn. It’s exhausting and overwhelming.

what really matters,focus,mission,love,commitment,priorities,mission,greatest commandment,Matthew 28:18-20,great commission,John 14:15,if you love me obey my commands

I love the sage advice of A. W. Tozer here. He said, “Nothing that matters is new.” That’s comforting and clarifying. All those things we keep adding to our lives are rarely, if ever, of any true consequence. They are just things we add to keep us busy or to keep up with those around us. We don’t need any of that; we simply need to focus on what really matters.

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No Greater Gift

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All the words ever written or spoken combined would never be adequate to describe the wonder of our Savior. Every attempt I make to describe His beauty, majesty, or glory falls woefully short. I want to describe what a difference He has made in me, but even the things He has done in my brief life are beyond words and measure.

no greater gift,Christmas,love,majesty,glory,Jesus birth,humility,birth of Christ

How do you tell the story of a God who is, quite literally, everything? He already embodies and exceeds all the words I can muster in praise. The love of Christ is so great we are at once overwhelmed and speechless. How could a God like that take notice of someone like you and me?

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Looking Back

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This is the time of year when many are writing about looking back over the past year, recounting lessons learned, blessings, and obstacles. Looking back is helpful only insomuch as it focuses us on the beauty and blessings of our Savior. There is a danger in looking back that we focus too much on ourselves and not on God. Considering what we have accomplished and overcome can inadvertently lead to self-satisfaction and pride.

looking back,mission,commitment,focus,God's Kingdom,discipline,Genesis 19:15-27,Lot's wife,Psalm 105:5,remember God's wonders,Matthew 6:34,today has enough trouble,Deuteronomy 8,remember what God has done,Kingdom of God,Luke 9:62,no one who puts their hand to the plow

Reflecting on our problems and challenges can lead us down a road of discouragement and despair rather than focusing on the One who provides everything we need. If we visit it lightly, the past can teach us a few lessons and serve as a wonderful reminder of the provision of our God. Better to leave it quickly though and focus instead on the work ahead.

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A Wasted Life

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Millions of people around the world are wasting their lives living for things that don’t matter while professing to be followers of Jesus Christ. It is the rare follower of Jesus I encounter, whose life looks radically different from everyone else. I know my life too often looks more like someone pursuing (and sometimes even living) the American dream than it does that of a radical follower of Jesus. A wasted life.

a wasted life,surrender,commitment,discipleship,priorities,God's Kingdom,Luke 9:23-25,take up your cross daily,Matthew 7:21-23,depart from me;Matthew 25:31-46,sheep and goats,Matthew 25:14-30,parable of talents,Kingdom of God

Jesus calls us to live differently than our surrounding culture. When He was walking the earth, few things He did aligned with the social norms of His day. His life was radically different from those surrounding Him. Jesus wasn’t what anyone was expecting and everything they weren’t. We can talk about how different we are from others, but we find the proof in how we live.

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