James

Conformity

August 6, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

The Bible has much to say about our conformity. Make no mistake, in this life you will either allow Satan to conform you to this world or allow God to conform you into the likeness of His Son. Those are the only two options. You will end up as one or the other. Of course, only one way leads to eternal life, so the choice should be easy, right? (Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6)

If only it were that simple. We know the way we should go, but the other is enticing because it’s so much easier. Being sinful by nature, we are prone to laziness and choosing the path of less friction and pain. (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18-19) What looks to us to be an easier path is in truth the opposite.

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Circumstances Don’t Matter

August 3, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Perhaps the one thing humans do better than anything else is to rationalize. We are always looking for reasons to justify our actions, especially when we know those actions are not right in the eyes of God. It’s amazing how good we can be at convincing ourselves to believe our own nonsense. And we know it’s nonsense. We know in our hearts what is right and what is wrong because the Holy Spirit always makes it clear.

But what about the circumstances surrounding our decision? Let’s be clear about what God’s Word says. Circumstances don’t matter; obedience does. (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15) The only decision is whether you will listen to a holy and perfect God or your imperfect and selfish heart.

Are You Doing All You Can?

July 23, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Thinking about my walk with Christ, a chilling question came to mind: “Are you doing all you can?” What if that’s the question the Lord asks of me each day? What if, when we meet Him at last, He asks, “Did you do all you could for me? Did you make the most of every opportunity I gave you? Did you maximize the one life entrusted to you for my Father’s glory?”

To be certain, my response would be inadequate. I’m not doing all I can. I am too focused on my needs and desires and waste hours on things that don’t build the Kingdom and do little to further my walk with Christ. This isn’t the way He calls us to live. (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31)

The House Is on Fire!

June 29, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

Imagine waking in the middle of the night hearing someone shouting, “The house is on fire!” There are few things more frightening and gut-wrenching than that. Fire is ravenous and unflinching. It destroys everything in its path without care or prejudice. In a flash, a lifetime of work and savings is gone, and in the most tragic cases, people lose their lives.

I’ve never lived through a house fire and can only imagine the devastation one must feel the next morning. It’s one of those events, like tornadoes and hurricanes, that bring neighbors together regardless of how well they knew each other before. No one wishes such horror upon someone else.

Come to Christ to Die

June 18, 2026 by Tim Sherfy

While it seems most people reject Christ, those same people would also jump at the chance to get everything He offers. They want the benefits without the sacrifice. Who wouldn’t want that deal? The deal Jesus offers is better by far, but on the surface, it doesn’t look like it is. As with many things in life, looks can be deceiving.

The people of this world want peace, happiness, and wealth without surrendering their selfish desires. Jesus promises rest, joy, and an eternity in paradise, but He does require that you first surrender everything to Him. (Luke 14:33; Matthew 16:24) So, don’t come to Christ for what He will do for you. Come to Christ to die. (Galatians 2:19-20; Luke 9:23)