Even If i Walk Alone

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

Psalms

Looking Back

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This is the time of year when many are writing about looking back over the past year, recounting lessons learned, blessings, and obstacles. Looking back is helpful only insomuch as it focuses us on the beauty and blessings of our Savior. There is a danger in looking back that we focus too much on ourselves and not on God. Considering what we have accomplished and overcome can inadvertently lead to self-satisfaction and pride.

looking back,mission,commitment,focus,God's Kingdom,discipline,Genesis 19:15-27,Lot's wife,Psalm 105:5,remember God's wonders,Matthew 6:34,today has enough trouble,Deuteronomy 8,remember what God has done,Kingdom of God,Luke 9:62,no one who puts their hand to the plow

Reflecting on our problems and challenges can lead us down a road of discouragement and despair rather than focusing on the One who provides everything we need. If we visit it lightly, the past can teach us a few lessons and serve as a wonderful reminder of the provision of our God. Better to leave it quickly though and focus instead on the work ahead.

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Doubt

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Never let the devil convince you that you are less than who God says you are. You are created in the image of God, designed to be holy and in perfect union with your Father in Heaven (John 17:21). Never doubt that fact. In the beginning, God created men and women in His image (Genesis 1:27). Yet we constantly see ourselves as lacking what we need to succeed or enjoy life.

Doubt,despair,purpose,works,commitment,love,focus,Genesis 1:27,created in God's image,John 17:21,be one as we are one,Psalm 46:1,ever present help in trouble,John 15:15,Jesus calls us friends,John 3:16;God so loved the world,Ephesians 2:10,created for good works,2 Peter 3:9,willing none should perish

Satan plants thoughts in our minds like we aren’t attractive enough, smart enough, skinny enough, talented enough, wealthy enough, and on it goes. Before believing any of those lies, recognize that as an image-bearer of God, you are more than enough. You have all the talent and resources needed to become the person God created you to be.

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Psalm 84

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We live in crazy days.  For someone ready to be done with it all and to just be in God’s presence for most of my last twenty years or more, days like these make me realize how much I want to be home with Him. I’m not giving up. I know as long as I’m alive, God has things for me to do. I want to serve Him with everything I have until He brings me into His presence.

Psalm 84,psalms,humility,service,Lord of hosts

Until then, I admit there is a part of me that feels like I am just biding my time, doing what I must do to get by until I get to be with Him. Reading Psalm 84 this morning only reinforced my feelings.

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The Faithfulness of God

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All followers of Jesus desire to grow in their faith. We feel if we had more faith, we wouldn’t get so stressed out or worry as much. So, we pray and study; we beg and plead, all the while asking God for more faith. What if we’re focusing on the wrong thing? What if, instead of focusing on our own faith, we focused on the faithfulness of God?

faithfulness of God,God's faithfulness,faith,courage,mission,rest,Deuteronomy 31:6,He will never leave or forsake you,Matthew 6:31-33,don't worry,Romans 8:38-39,nothing can separate us,God's love,Psalm 18:1-2,God is my Rock,Matthew 6:7-8,God knows what you need before you ask

His love and provision are everlasting. They never fail. He never leaves our side and is always going with us, no matter what we may face (Deuteronomy 31:6). I believe if we grasped the faithfulness of God, the need for our own faith would be almost irrelevant. He is already more than we could ever need.

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Closer to God

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Based on your daily routines and actions, where can you expect your walk with Jesus to be in five years? Growth doesn’t just happen. It must be intentional. Without a plan to draw closer to God, you’ll be – at best – about as close in five years as you are today. Is that okay? Do you think the status quo is what God envisioned when He created you with a unique blend of skills, passions, and talents?

closer to God,priorities,purpose,discipline,passion,works,Psalm 139:14,wonderfully made,James 4:8,draw close to God

The Psalmist says we are all remarkably and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). If God took such care in crafting who He knew you could become, don’t we owe it to Him to fulfill our potential for His glory? God gave His very best for us. How can we give Him anything less?

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