Daily Life

Courage and Surrender

January 7, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

Beatrice Stockli was a Swiss missionary to Mali. She first visited the country in1998 as part of a mission’s team and ended up staying and ministering to the people there for many years. In April 2012, she was kidnapped by Islamist insurgents. After ten days of captivity, she was released and returned home to Switzerland for a brief time. And then, against counsel and the wishes of her family, Beatrice returned to Mali to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to people who did not know Him.

courage and surrender,courage,surrender,mission,devotion,commitment,faith,fear,Matthew 28:18-20,great commission,Galatians 2:19-20crucified with Christ,John 16:33,you will have trouble

In June 2016, she was again kidnapped by a radical Muslim group called Jama’at Nasr al-Islam. At some point in her captivity, Beatrice was killed by her captors. She died living out the mission of Christ. Hers was a life of courage and surrender. As we complain about the state of our lives, I wonder who among us possesses the courage and devotion to live a life as committed to Christ as Beatrice and so many other Christian martyrs have?

Growing Deeper

January 4, 2021 by Tim Sherfy

As we embark on a new year, we have the opportunity to devote it to Christ. With our culture eroding at an ever-increasing pace, it feels like it is more important than ever to surrender everything to Jesus and to grow deeper in our faith. The Western Church has long been isolated from the persecution so many of our brothers and sisters around the world encounter every day.

growing deeper,discipleship,commitment,focus,priorities,quiet time,Bible study,prayer,memorization,Matthew 24:9-13,many will fall away

Until now, at least from outward appearances, we’ve been allowed to survive and even thrive despite the prevailing winds of the culture. Without wanting to sound like an alarmist, I am convinced those days will end, and much sooner than any of us ever thought possible.

[Read more…] about Growing Deeper

Next Year

December 31, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

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.

[Read more…] about Next Year

What Really Matters

December 28, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

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.

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.

[Read more…] about What Really Matters

No Greater Gift

December 24, 2020 by Tim Sherfy

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.

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?

[Read more…] about No Greater Gift