Even If i Walk Alone

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

The Light of Jesus

by

The light of Jesus shows up best in dark places. It was into the darkness that Christ came as a baby. His light shone so brightly it brought shepherds in from their fields. Seekers from far off lands traveled two years to reach the light given off by Christ at His birth. Countless prison ministries find men and women encountering Jesus in the darkest depths of their lives.

light of Jesus,baby Jesus,nativity,shepherds,three wise men,magi,prison ministries,prison ministry,purpose,mission,love,God's Son,Jesus is the only way,Christmas,light of Christ,love of Christ,love of Jesus

image © bf87 via Fotolia

Persecuted Christians encounter Jesus in ways few of us can imagine in some of the darkest places on earth. When we are at our lowest, at our worst, the light of Jesus shines best. It calls us to Him. It promises something better, something cleaner, something more. In what areas of your life do you most need the light of Jesus today?

[Read more…] about The Light of Jesus

Our Excess

by

I was recently intrigued by a thought passing through my brain: “The excess I have belongs to those in need.” It’s not the most comfortable thought to consider. I like a little excess. I appreciate the peace and comfort it affords. Yet how can I hold onto more than I need when there are those in the world suffering in abject poverty? One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 30:8 which says, “Give me just enough for today.”

our excess,comfort,security,faith,commitment,priorities,retirement,Proverbs 30:8,give me just enough for today,Matthew 6:9-12,our daily bread,Luke 12:16-21,store up treasures in barns,Acts 2:44-45,shared with anyone in need,had all things in common,Leviticus 23:22,don't glean to edges,Luke 18:18-23,rich young ruler

image © martinprague via Fotolia

The author states if he has too much, he will take it all for granted and forget God’s provision in his life. If he has too little, he may be tempted to steal to acquire what he needs. The sweet spot is having just enough for today. Any excess should be shared with others.

[Read more…] about Our Excess

Thirty Days to Live

by

How might your life look different if you knew you had only thirty days to live? Pastor Craig Groeschel says you would do three things differently. First, you would turn your “when” into “now”. Second, you would trade your intentions for actions. Last, and certainly this applies only to those who are determined to be Christ’s disciples, you would devote your whole heart to Jesus.

thirty days to live,30 days to live,Craig Groeschel,life.church,lifechurch.tv,fear,perspective,mission,purpose,priorities,commitment,discipleship,procrastination,intentions,focus

image © biker3 via Fotolia

I agree with Mr. Groeschel. I think we recognize all these points to be worthwhile changes in our lives. If time were winding down, we’d want to make the most of it. I have news for you: time is winding down for all of us. The question then begs to be answered, “Why wouldn’t we alter our lives to affect those changes now?”

[Read more…] about Thirty Days to Live

Make Tomorrow Today

by

Until we make tomorrow today, I am convinced we will die the same (or worse) as we are right now. As a people, we are notorious procrastinators. Some are worse than others, but we all have an uncanny tendency to put off those things we deem uncomfortable or difficult. It’s true in all areas of our lives, but nowhere are the results more devastating than in our walk with Christ. How many times have we resolved to read through the Bible… next year.

make tomorrow today,procrastination,do it now,don't put off,discipline,commitment,priorities,purpose,Luke 9:59-62,no one who puts hand to plow,reject Christ,turn away from Jesus,Jesus first,live for Jesus,live for Christ

image © sean824 via Fotolia

Perhaps you committed to getting up 30 minutes earlier for some quiet time with God, but since it was already Wednesday, it seemed wise to wait until Monday to kick off the new habit. Or maybe you determined praying with your spouse or best friend would be a great idea, so you promise you’ll begin doing this tomorrow. The trouble is, tomorrow never comes. Until we make tomorrow today, we will forever be adrift in our wishes, dreams, and best-laid plans.

[Read more…] about Make Tomorrow Today

Dyed By the Thoughts

by

I have long been fascinated with Stoicism and am often intrigued by quotes from thought leaders of the movement. I often find an interesting application of Stoic principles in my own discipleship quest. One quote I read recently, from Marcus Aurelius, said, “Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.” This mimics – and is no doubt inspired by – Proverbs 23:7, which says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

dyed by the thoughts,stoicism,stoic,Marcus Aurelius,Proverbs 23:7,as a man thinketh,James Allen,2 Corinthians 10:4-5,take every thought captive,Philippians 4:8,think on these things,whatever is lovely,Hebrews 3:1,fixyour thoughts on Jesus,mission,Kingdom of God,thought patterns,thoughts,neural pathways,God's Kingdom,dcipleship

image © Feodora via Fotolia

What we think about defines who we are. You can’t think selfish thoughts and be an unselfish person. The brain doesn’t work in such a manner. Every thought burns a new neural pathway. The more we think the same thought or way, the deeper the pathway gets grooved into our psyche. We do indeed become dyed by the thoughts we entertain.

[Read more…] about Dyed By the Thoughts