Even If i Walk Alone

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

The Local Church

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tithe,tithing,the great commission,bill hybels,generosity,sheep and the goats,justice

Bill Hybels has said, and I agree, that “The local church is the hope of the world.” In times of tragedy, it is often the local churches that come to the aid of those in need. For many, attending a weekend service is the only exposure they ever get to the teachings of Jesus and the love of God. Stories abound of people who, having reached the end of their rope, stumbled into a church service just to check out the “God thing”. Beyond all of this, the local church should be the launching point – and the refueling station – for believers to go about the great commission of taking the good news of Jesus throughout the world.

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The Measure of a Day

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reckless abandon,life's purpose,god's will for your life,god's will for my life,purpose driven life,rick warren

Each of us is responsible for what we put into and get out of a day. Circumstances will threaten our path and sway our courage. No one is required to lend a hand when we are in need. Comfort and success are elusive friends and we are more likely to encounter loneliness and defeat. Life in a fallen world is bitter, hard, and cold. Yet the potential for the fantastic and nearly unthinkable lurk within the shadows of each morning. It is up to us to decide whether or not to bring such possibilities to life or let them fade with the morning dew.

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Be Encouraged

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on the shoulders of giants,mentors,heroes,role models,encouragement,encourager,stand fast

I have many spiritual “heroes”. I want to die like John Wesley, penniless because I have given everything away for the sake of the Kingdom. I desire to live with the unabashed enthusiasm for Jesus that Keith Green exhibited during his too-short life. The insight and depth of understanding of all things Christendom exhibited by C.S. Lewis and A.W. Tozer compels me to learn and pray more.  Shane Claiborne’s simple lifestyle, Francis Chan’s grasp of God’s love, David Platt’s radical call to service, and Greg Boyd’s liberating views on God’s will have inspired me to greater freedom and devotion to Jesus Christ. We all need people from whom we draw encouragement and inspiration.

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Living in the Light

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light within,inside light,shine for jesus,made to shine,john david webster,henry david thoreau,shine with love,live like Jesus,abundant life

Do you see the light? It’s shining all around you. If Christ lives inside of you, the brilliance of His glory cannot help but seep through every inch of your being. When we commit our lives to Him and surrender all we are to His will, we begin to be consumed by the beauty of His love. We cannot help but shine and reflect His hope to everyone with whom we come into contact. This is what it means to be immersed in His Spirit and this life is available to every disciple of Jesus Christ. Are you realizing this possibility in your life?

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The Boy Scouts and the Church

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pet sin,is homosexuality a sin,boy scouts of america,boyscout boycott,mercy,grace,god's mercy,love,pharisee

Recently several churches in my area have been dropping their sponsorship of Boy Scout troops. My own church home has made headlines because of their decision to follow suit. At issue is the recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America to allow homosexual boys to join their ranks, something that has previously been forbidden. The churches that are pulling their support from the scouts are doing so ostensibly so they are not financially supporting or associated with a group that allows homosexuals to benefit from their funding. Upon learning of my home church’s decision, I took an afternoon to think and pray about this stance. I’d like to share my thoughts with you.

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