John

Who Are You?

May 13, 2019 by Tim Sherfy

Who are you? What defines your life? God says you are His child (Romans 8:15-16). He says you are loved and created in His image (Genesis1:27). You are His son and daughter, and you share in His inheritance alongside Jesus (Romans 8:17). Each of us has unsurpassable worth in the eyes of the Creator and God of the universe. You are not who your boss or your friends say you are.

who are you,identity,faith,gifts,talents,skills,passions,spiritual gifts,image of God,love,Genesis 1:27,created in God's image,John 8:44,father of lies,Romans 8:17,coheirs with Jesus,Romans 8:15-16,God's child

You are not who your parents or family tell you you are. You are a child of the King, loved beyond measure and priceless in His plan. Your potential is unlimited. But know this: you will never reach your potential if you are letting anyone or anything else define your world or who you are in it.

[Read more…] about Who Are You?

Slaves to Sin

April 25, 2019 by Tim Sherfy

We, all of us, are slaves to sin. We don’t often use such terminology. It’s offensive. We bristle at the suggestion we are slaves to anyone or anything. After all, we are the masters of our destiny, right? The truth is until we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are slaves to sin. The first time we indulge in sin, the first time we disobey God, we enter into slavery. Understand it is our choice. We make the choice to enslave ourselves. It’s a ludicrous truth. Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to a life of slavery?

slaves to sin,freedom,surrender,John 8:36,who the Lord sets free is free indeed,John 8:34,slave to sin

And make no mistake, this isn’t a play on words. I recognize slavery is a term packed with emotion and history and is not one I toss about carelessly. But Jesus Himself told us everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34). Those are His words, not mine. When we choose to sin, we choose to become slaves.

[Read more…] about Slaves to Sin

Nothing to Fear

January 14, 2019 by Tim Sherfy

We spend too much of our lives in fear. We fear violence, terrorism, being disliked or ridiculed. We fear speaking up for justice or being the dissenting opinion in a crowd of peers. Some fear dying, while others fear being alone. Still others fear being forgotten, passed over, overlooked, or ignored. We fear financial markets and technology. There are so many things about which so many are afraid. This isn’t the way God designed us to live.

nothing to fear,love,God's will,fear,faith,A.W. Tozer,James 1:27,true religion,I Corinthians 13:13,greatest is love,Romans 5:8,Christ demonstrated love,Hebrews 13:6,what can man do,Deuteronomy 31:6,never leave or forsake,Romans 8:37,more than conquerors,Mark 12:30-31,love your neighbor,Luke 10:27,love the lord your God,2 Timothy 1:7,spirit of timidity,Romans 8:31,who can be against us,Matthew 25:31-26,sheep and goats

He created us to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), with a spirit of boldness, not timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). You were created to love, not fear (1 John 4:18). Since God is for us, we know nothing can stand against us (Romans 8:31). As long as we are living our lives in the pursuit and will of God, we have nothing to fear.

[Read more…] about Nothing to Fear

Satan’s Promises are Always a Downgrade

January 7, 2019 by Tim Sherfy

No matter how appealing they may seem at the time, Satan’s promises are always a downgrade from what you already have in Christ. Accepting the promises of the evil one is akin to trading in a brand-new car with all the bells and whistles for a forty-year-old vehicle that barely runs. Of course, The devil is far subtler than this.

satan's promises are always a downgrade,downgrades,trade-in,new car,used car,focus,mission,temptation,fasting,1 Peter 1:8-9,unspeakable joy,Matthew 4:1-11,temptation of Christ,Romans 8:16-17,joint heirs with Jesus,Psalm 50:10,cattle thousand hills,John 8:44father of lies

He’s more like the used car salesman who sells you a car which looks beautiful on the outside and even runs great for the warranty period but afterward becomes erratic and unreliable until you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere.

What Does Love Require?

December 24, 2018 by Tim Sherfy

In Andy Stanley’s excellent new book, “Irresistible”, he puts forth a question which sums up how we are expected to live as followers of Christ. The question is, “What does love require of me?” This simple question brilliantly sums up what Jesus declared to be the greatest commandment of the law and the prophets (“Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind”), and His command for the new covenant (“Love your neighbor as yourself”) (see Matthew 22:36-40).

what does love require,andy stanley,irresistible,kingdom of God,God's Kingdom, mission,compassion,love,discipleship,Christmas Eve,John3:16,God so loved

You can apply this question in every situation as you go throughout your day. It will change your interactions with people. It will alter your mood and transform your life. Oh, and it will drive you crazy!