Even If i Walk Alone

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

Matthew

Psalm 119

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I remember as a kid how daunting Psalm 119 was. Weighing in at an impressive 176 verses, it is the longest chapter in the Bible, so you knew it was going to take some time to work through it. Because of this, I remember avoiding it and focusing on the much shorter psalms that surrounded it. My mother, on the other hand, absolutely loved this Psalm. In fact she committed it to memory, which to me (even today) seemed somewhat unfathomable!

Psalm 119

However, as I read through the Bible chronologically this year, today was the day that Psalm 119’s number came up. Actually, according to my reading plan, I was only required to read half of it. However, like a tall glass of Pepsi or a mouth watering chocolate chip cookie, you can’t stop half-way through and save the rest for later; you have to devour the whole thing. Psalm 119 is a beautiful reading filled with longing for God. I found myself praying that I would have half the desire of the author to seek after my Creator. [Read more…] about Psalm 119

Faith vs. Fear

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Faith and fear are the closest of cousins; both deal with our believing things we cannot see. Through faith we possess the power to hope for all that is possible; it allows us to persevere through dark days and tough times. In fear we find a lack of motivation to move; it paralyzes and keeps us trapped in our despair and inner anxiety.

Faith vs. Fear

We all live in various states of these two conditions, and usually cling to a little of both. Jesus came to offer His grace to cover our fear and encourage our faith. As His disciples, we need to let go of the things that scare us and take hold of the possibilities afforded to us through the power of Christ. [Read more…] about Faith vs. Fear

Your Life’s Mission

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Why are we here? What is God’s will for me? What should I do with my life? We’ve all asked some form of this question repeatedly throughout our lives. It wasn’t always this way in the church. There was a time when people knew exactly why they were here and what they were supposed to be doing with their time on the planet.

Target

There was no consternation as to which vocation to pursue. The early believers understood the message of Christ clearly, and it’s this very message that the church at large, and the Western church in particular, has so muddled over the past couple hundred years. [Read more…] about Your Life’s Mission

Heart4Africa

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I recently had a conversation with Annette Biggers of the ministry, Heart4Africa. I came away amazed by the work they are doing and wanted to share a bit of their vision with you. Annette is a professional photographer who, along with her husband Mike, started the ministry six years ago. Mike and Annette attended Saddleback Church in California at the time, and were encouraged to reach out to other nations through the teachings of that fellowship. They soon developed a heart for Africa and have hosted many African pastors at their home over the last several years. Upon visiting Uganda, their hearts were broken by the very poor conditions of a local orphanage.

Heart4Africa

Knowing they had to do something, they pulled together funds to purchase a new home in a safer area in which to house the children. They partnered with a local pastor to run the orphanage for them. I cannot do their story justice in such a limited space, so I encourage you to check out their web site at www.heart4africa.org. Watch the mini-documentary detailing the creation of the orphanage by clicking here. [Read more…] about Heart4Africa

What Are You Waiting For?

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Some people wait their entire lives for permission to do the thing they were created to do. They make excuses of being too young and then too old; too inexperienced and then overqualified. It seems like there are always a million reasons not to do the very thing we know we should be doing. Some wait to reach a certain level of financial security, while others convince themselves they don’t deserve to live the life of which they dream.

What Are You Waiting For

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng/Lenscap

As followers of Christ, we have to understand that time is both finite and fleeting. We have been called to carry out the mission of Christ, yet we hesitate, waiting for a sign or the stars to align. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Go”. What are you waiting for? [Read more…] about What Are You Waiting For?