In Matthew 6:33, Jesus speaks into our restless, anxious hearts with surprising simplicity: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” We often live the other way around. We chase security, recognition, control—and then try to fit God in somewhere after. But Jesus gently turns our lives right-side up. He calls us to put … Continue reading First Things First: Seek One Thing
discipleship
A Life Close to Jesus
In Gospel of Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus Christ gives a simple but searching description of the Christian life: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Jesus is not calling us to become something—we already are something because we belong to Him. The question is whether our lives reflect it. … Continue reading A Life Close to Jesus
Do Not Forsake Me Until I…
Recently I led a group of men through a study of Psalm 71 on "What do you hope for and what do you live for?" The Psalmist prays: "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those … Continue reading Do Not Forsake Me Until I…
A Challenging Quote from Hudson Taylor
Recently I was rereading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret and came across this quote that has always served as an inspirational challenge and I commend it to you! For us in the West today, Christianity is easy going on steroids. However, it will not always be this way. Better to begin paying the price now to … Continue reading A Challenging Quote from Hudson Taylor
Remaining Loyal to Jesus Until the End
The gospel of Jesus Christ demands my utmost devotion. Listen to the words of a young preacher from Zimbabwe: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I’m a disciple of His! I … Continue reading Remaining Loyal to Jesus Until the End
What Old Disciples Owe the Young Ones
“…Until I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18). “It is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to the succeeding generations to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the power, pleasure, and advantage of knowing Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s … Continue reading What Old Disciples Owe the Young Ones
The Essence of Discipleship
John 12:26 - Whoever serves me must follow me... J.C. Ryle offers a challenging word especially to us all: "As the soldier follows his general, as the servant follows his master, as the scholar follows his teacher; as the sheep follows its shepherd, just so ought the professing Christian to follow Christ. Faith and obedience … Continue reading The Essence of Discipleship
Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
“Blessed are those who mourn” is, paradoxically, a more necessary message than “Rejoice in the Lord always,” because there can be no true rejoicing until we have stopped running away from mourning. - Simon Tugwell, The Beatitudes The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of Him who bears all suffering … Continue reading Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
Three Family Faith Busters
Every Christian parent desires to see their children embracing a vibrant faith in Jesus and serving well His kingdom purpose throughout their lives (3 John 4; Acts 13:36). To this end, our children’s ministry recently hosted a number of parents from both inside and outside our church to hear noted speaker and best-selling author, Vicki … Continue reading Three Family Faith Busters
Spiritual Friendship and Spiritual Direction
I led a group of men in our church through a study on Spiritual Friendship this summer. We used as a companion guide to the Scriptures David Benner's book entitled Sacred Companions. He basically contends that every follower of Jesus needs two types of companions in their spiritual journey: Spiritual friends and a spiritual director. … Continue reading Spiritual Friendship and Spiritual Direction
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