Even If i Walk Alone

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

Ephesians

Love Your Neighbor

by

Most of us are familiar with the greatest commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-30). And while I think we are aware of the second greatest commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), it seems we give that one more lip service. I’m not sure that’s ever more obvious than during a Presidential election season.

Mark 12:31,love your neighbor,discipleship,commitment,priorities,responsibility,service,serving others,surrender,Mark 12:28-30,greatest commandment,Philippians 4:8,think on these things,Ephesians 4:29,build others up,ambassador of Christ,love

I see a lot of evidence that many forget their allegiance is to Jesus and not to a political party. It manifests in the words we say to each other. To love your neighbor as yourself means to love them even if they support opposing political ideals or candidates than you do. Loving those who agree with us is easy. Discipleship is hard.

[Read more…] about Love Your Neighbor

Doubt

by

Never let the devil convince you that you are less than who God says you are. You are created in the image of God, designed to be holy and in perfect union with your Father in Heaven (John 17:21). Never doubt that fact. In the beginning, God created men and women in His image (Genesis 1:27). Yet we constantly see ourselves as lacking what we need to succeed or enjoy life.

Doubt,despair,purpose,works,commitment,love,focus,Genesis 1:27,created in God's image,John 17:21,be one as we are one,Psalm 46:1,ever present help in trouble,John 15:15,Jesus calls us friends,John 3:16;God so loved the world,Ephesians 2:10,created for good works,2 Peter 3:9,willing none should perish

Satan plants thoughts in our minds like we aren’t attractive enough, smart enough, skinny enough, talented enough, wealthy enough, and on it goes. Before believing any of those lies, recognize that as an image-bearer of God, you are more than enough. You have all the talent and resources needed to become the person God created you to be.

[Read more…] about Doubt

Redeem the Time

by

Getting older proves to be a diligent reminder of how little time we have on this earth. Despite youthful delusions, we are finite and will all die. For followers of Jesus, this is not a morbid thought but a cause for celebration. At the same time, it is a sobering realization that there is much work for us to do and little time in which to do it. It is also a call to action.

Test

Our time has never been our own, but we live as if it were. Every breath has been given to us by our masterful Creator, and it is our responsibility to steward it well. Time is short and growing shorter. The mission is urgent. If we do not redeem the time for God’s purposes, we risk dying with our work unfulfilled, our service wasted. This need not be the way it goes.

[Read more…] about Redeem the Time

Faith Demands Obedience

by

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Faith is only real when there is obedience”. James, the brother of Jesus tells us faith without works is useless (James 2:15-17). What good is it if we see someone in need and wish them well as we walk by (James 2:15-16)? Saving the best for last, Jesus teaches us that God loves those who obey Him; those who obey Christ will live with Him forever (John 14:23).

FaithDemandsObedience,faith,obedience,commitment,discipleship,James 2:15-17,faith without works,James 2:15-16,what good is it brothers,John 14:23,if you love me keep my commandments,James 2:18,show me faith without works,Matthew 25:31-46,sheep and goats,Matthew 7:22-23,depart from me,Matthew 6:24,can't serve two masters,Ephesians 2:10;works prepared ahead of time

Obedience is not optional for followers of Jesus. It is proof of our devotion to Him. Quoting James again. “Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. (James 2:18).” Our faith isn’t faith at all unless we obey Christ. Obedience is not an add-on. It is the essence of what it means to follow Jesus.

[Read more…] about Faith Demands Obedience

Deep Faith

by

Every day my heart breaks as I read of yet another person who was beaten, tortured, or killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a rare day when a new report does not hit my inbox. Writing in my warm house in my safe neighborhood, my daily experience could not be more different from theirs. I am free to gather with others to worship any time I choose.

deep faith,courage,commitment,faith,love,Ephesians 6:13,armor of God

I can buy Bibles and Christian materials twenty-four hours a day and have them delivered the next afternoon. The dizzying array of churches and resources available to me almost borders on being overwhelming. And yet the faith of so many in the West remains weak compared to the deep faith of those who have no access to such a bounty of instruction and encouragement.

[Read more…] about Deep Faith