Even If i Walk Alone

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

Matthew

Walking in God’s Will, Part 2 – Know God’s Will

by

We’re continuing to look at what it means to know God’s will. In part one, we established that God’s will is knowable and not specific to each individual. We also began looking at some questions we can ask when facing a decision and seeking God’s will in it. The first two questions are, “Will this violate God’s Law?” and “Will this draw me closer to God or hinder my walk with Him?”

Young man thoughfully seeking discernment and wisdom to understand what it means to be walking in God's will

Of course, most of us won’t stop and take the time to ask those questions when facing a decision. We’d rather spend hours wringing our hands wondering what we should do. We’re putting all the emphasis on us rather than on God’s Word. Only God’s Word has the answers, so wasting time anywhere else is foolish (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

[Read more…] about Walking in God’s Will, Part 2 – Know God’s Will

Walking in God’s Will, Part 1

by

There is perhaps no greater confusion among Christians than in what it means to follow God’s will. Everyone wants to know God’s will for their lives, but so many seem to have no idea what that will is. I used to think this was an issue just for newer or less mature Christians, but over the years I’ve heard people who have been following Christ for years express the same questions about wondering what God’s will is for them in their situation.

Woman contemplating what it means to be walking in God's Will with discernment, humility, and obedience

No doubt you’ve heard the admonition to pray for God’s will, but people have a tendency to take that on a personal level as opposed to seeking God’s overarching will. I think this leads many to be confused. So, let’s look at what it means to live life walking in God’s will.

[Read more…] about Walking in God’s Will, Part 1

Deny Yourself

by

Jesus said if anyone wants to follow Him, they must first deny themselves (Luke 9:23). What does it mean to deny yourself? It means you must deny your ego. You have been bought for a price, and your life no longer belongs to you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are a slave of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:22). How could you, a slave, think more highly of yourself than anyone else (Philippians 2:3-5)?

Young man contemplating what it means to deny yourself as he seeks the discipline to surrender his priorities and live with a commitment to discipleship without fear

You don’t have the right to make your own decisions, as every choice must now align with God’s will and His Word. As slaves of Christ, we are the lowest of the low, deserving of nothing, and any good that comes our way is only by the incredible grace of our Lord and King (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are nothing, but that’s okay, because He is everything!

[Read more…] about Deny Yourself

Bad Fruit

by

The Bible uses the analogy of good and bad fruit to distinguish between what believers and nonbelievers will produce in their lives (Matthew 7:17-20). Genuine followers of Christ will produce good fruit (John 15:8). Jesus says if we abide in Him, we will produce fruit that is growing and desirable (John 15:4-5), as we cannot produce any other kind.

a crowd with raised hands at an event espousing a false gospel and generating bad fruit showing a lack of discipline and discernment for those in attendance which belies their discipleship

But for those not in Him, Jesus likens them to bad trees that can only produce bad fruit (Matthew 7:18). A bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit every now and again; it produces bad fruit every time. Sure, it might look appealing on the outside, but inside it is rotten and sour. If we consume enough of it, what do you imagine will become of our spiritual health?

[Read more…] about Bad Fruit

Speak Truth

by

Why is it we humans are so good at lying? Okay, maybe we’re not all good at it, but we all do it. Perhaps we don’t think of it as lying, but I don’t think any are innocent of “stretching the truth”, “exaggerating the details”, or “fudging the numbers” at some point in our lives. Lying seems to be a human obsession. My hope is those who choose to recognize Jesus as Lord and accept His gift of new life will not be in the habit of lying.

two men who speak truth to one another shaking hands while exuding honesty and humility

As Christians, we must speak truth whenever we open our mouths. We do it because God commands it (Exodus 20:16) and because being truthful brings Him glory (Proverbs 12:22). God is not a man, and therefore He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). If we are to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), then truth is always the only option for us.

[Read more…] about Speak Truth