Why We Really Follow Jesus
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 Let’s be honest about why we follow Jesus. Some of us follow out of guilt, trying to pay back a debt we know we can never repay.…
Following Jesus in Real Life
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 Follow me. These two simple words carried life-altering weight in Jesus’ time. A rabbi’s call…
The Cross Is Not Comfy
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross… Matthew 16:24 During Jesus’ time, you don’t want to be wearing any cross. The cross wasn’t a religious symbol or…
When Self-Denial Isn’t Really Self-Denial
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves …’ Matthew 16:24 I don’t think we understand what self-denial is. Self-denial has gotten a bad reputation in Christian circles (among other things). Some think…
Disciple First. Follower Second.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple …’ Matthew 16:24 In our social media age, we’ve reduced “following” to a passive spectator sport. With one click, we can follow celebrities, influencers, and thought leaders while…
Beyond Your Blueprint
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) We’re all amateur architects of our own lives. We sketch detailed…
Surrendering the Small Stuff
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV) We tend to reserve God for the big moments. Marriage decisions?…
The Art of Divine Detours
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV) Life’s most significant moments often arrive disguised as detours. When our carefully mapped plans…
Trust the Navigator
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV) Every journey needs a trustworthy navigator. Like a divine compass recalculating our route, God…
The Everything God
“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) God doesn’t do partial ownership. Like a toddler clutching their favorite toy while saying “mine,” we often hold tight to certain areas of…