Even If i Walk Alone

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

focus

A New Plan

by

For years, the last couple of weeks of the year were a flurry of activity for me. This was goal-setting time, a time to reflect on what I accomplished over the past year and make plans for what I would aspire to do in the year to come. I had one-year plans, three-year plans, five-year plans, and ten-year plans. I laid out everything neatly and precisely. While my goals would evolve, I always had a roadmap for my life.

a new plan,Keith Green,commitment,plans,focus,peace,planning,rest,prayer,discipline

I was leaving as little to chance as possible. “The man who fails to plan plans to fail”, or so the saying goes. But, to quote another famous saying, “Man plans, God laughs.” Except I’m not sure God was laughing at all the plans I was making. I think shaking His head might be more accurate.

[Read more…] about A New Plan

Steadiness

by

Life, and all of history, is cyclical. We’ve all heard the phrase, “history repeats itself”, and those who have lived or studied long enough know it to be true. We see it on a more personal level in our individual histories. Everyone goes through periods in our careers where we enjoy what we do and the people with whom we work. Then the company gets sold or a few of your favorite people leave, and everything changes.

steadiness,Bible,Bible study,focus,discipline

After some time, you begin enjoying your work again, either at that company or by moving on. Our satisfaction in our work and personal life always ebbs and flows. God created a cyclical universe. The one thing not cyclical is God Himself. He is the epitome of steadiness, the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).

[Read more…] about Steadiness

Focus

by

As we go through life accumulating stuff and accolades, we would do well to heed the words of the Apostle Paul. He said everything he had gained in this world was garbage. Whatever things he had acquired or prestige he received, none of it counted for anything (Philippians 3:7-8). I dare say we’ve not accomplished anything close to what Paul accomplished in his life.

focus,commitment,discipleship,surrender,mission

But while we cling to our possessions and honors, Paul dismissed his. He did so because he knew nothing compared to the eternal love and beauty of Jesus. Paul understood what it meant to devote one’s life to Christ. Jesus was not an interesting diversion for Paul. Jesus was his life. Can we claim such singleness of purpose and focus in our lives?

[Read more…] about Focus

Find Joy

by

I’m convinced joy is the key to surviving this life. A world intent on breaking us down has no answer for joy. As the great leader Nehemiah wrote several thousand years ago, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Paul recognized the importance of being joyful when he admonished believers to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). It’s still true today.

find joy,hope,commitment,love,priorities,selfishness,joy

No matter what comes your way, when you focus on the love of Christ, you find the strength to carry on. In fact, when you are filled with joy, the trouble doesn’t seem so bad in the first place. Joy not only provides strength when you feel weak but also perspective when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The best part is joy is both free and a limitless supply is available to us.

[Read more…] about Find Joy

Seek God First

by

Wealth will fail you. It cannot save you. Only God is trustworthy and able to save. We can gain the whole world and still lose our soul (Mark 8:36). What good is that? Seek God and His Kingdom first and He will meet your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). What an amazing deal! If we seek God first, our lives automatically get better.

seek God first,commitment,faith,purpose,priorities,provision,provide for you needs

Not because all our problems will melt away, not because we’ll suddenly find fame, fortune, and happiness. No, your life will be better because you will be living in the will of your Creator. You will live the life God designed you to live. This is the goal to which we should all be aspiring every day.

[Read more…] about Seek God First