Even If i Walk Alone

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

Mark

High Places

by

As you read through the history of the kings of Israel and Judah in scripture, the first thing said about most of them is whether or not they served God. The next thing you read is what they did about the high places in the land (2 Kings 18:4, 23:8; 2 Chronicles 14:3, 31:1). These high places were where the Canaanites worshipped their pagan gods before Israel took possession of the land God promised to Abraham. To keep these places of worship intact represented rebellion and a lack of faith in Yahweh.

high places,surrender,salvation,idolatry,pagan,commitment,discipleship,discipline,priorities

Often the people would erect Asherah poles atop the high places to worship Asherah, the supposed god of fertility and nature. Both the high places and Asherah poles were detestable to God, so the best kings tore them down. Lesser kings let them stand and they became stumbling blocks for the nation. There is more than a history lesson in all this, but also a stark warning for each of our lives.

[Read more…] about High Places

Thus Says the Lord

by

In many places in scripture we read the phrase, “Thus says the Lord”, or for those of us who grew up with the King James Version of the Bible, “Thus Saith the Lord”. In fact, it occurs over 400 times (Exodus 4:22-23, Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 37:5, to name a few) throughout Scripture. God spoke His Word through the prophets and apostles so we would always know His truth and His commands.

commitment,discipleship,salvation,God's will,prioriries,thus says the Lord

The question is, what will we do with what the Lord said? It not only defines how we will live today, but determines our eternal destiny. We cannot have everlasting life unless we love God, and if we love Him, we will obey His Word (John 14:15). For disciples of Jesus, “Thus says the Lord” becomes our guardrails and keeps our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

[Read more…] about Thus Says the Lord

Coming Back Tomorrow

by

John Wesley was once asked, “If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, what would you do today?” His reply was, “I would keep to the same schedule I keep every day.” Could you answer with such confidence? Are you living today with the full expectation that Jesus could be coming back tomorrow? I suspect few of us could answer with a resounding, “Yes!” I know I could not.

coming back tomorrow,commitment,priorities,discipleship,second coming,Christ's return,focus,salvation

Despite my continuing efforts and growth, I fear if I knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, my activities today would differ from what I did yesterday. I confess I hate that about myself. I’ve got to do better. We must all do better. How we live today should be the same as how we would live if we knew Jesus would be coming back tomorrow.

[Read more…] about Coming Back Tomorrow

Last Days

by

Are we living in the last days? Judging by the number of videos and articles I see online, you’d have to conclude we must be. Certainly, the days are evil, darker, and more violent than most of us have ever seen in our lifetime. From a Biblical prophecy standpoint, there is nothing else foretold that is yet to be fulfilled. Indeed, much of what is happening in the geopolitical landscape seems to be aligning itself with prophecy.

last days,prophecy,commitment,discipleship,focus,priorities,mission,living in the last days

But generations before ours have thought the same thing. Even the apostles thought Jesus would return during their lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). Whether or not we are living in the last days, our mission remains the same. We are to be using the gifts God has given us to reach others with the Gospel of Christ.

[Read more…] about Last Days

Don’t Be Caught Off Guard

by

How did you spend your last day off? Or, given the endless responsibilities in our busy world, perhaps a better question might be, “What would a perfect day look like to you?” Playing video games? Watching movies? Sleeping? Eating everything in the refrigerator? How many of us look forward to filling any free time with studying God’s Word?

caught off guard,surrender,commitment,discipleship,church,focus,Bible stufy,priorities

Is it any wonder we are always caught off guard when we have an opportunity to share the Gospel? Paul urged the followers of Jesus to be ready to defend the Gospel at any time (2 Timothy 4:1-2). We’ll never be ready as long as we keep our brains engaged with the things of this world instead of what God has written in His Word.

[Read more…] about Don’t Be Caught Off Guard