Tag Archives: Discipleship

Posted on

The Unpredictable (and Uncomfortable!) Laboratory Of Change

I wish there was a way to grow spiritually without challenges and tests. But alas, there is not. Everyday circumstances are the unpredictable laboratory of change. James reminds us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (1:2 – 4; cf. Romans 5:1 – 5).

Our tendency is to view circumstances as the enemy, when in fact they are opportunities to experience life with God, to cooperate with him in what he wants to do in these very moments. To be honest, I’ve got a long way to go. But I am increasingly recognizing how God is using everyday circumstances to form me into the image of his Son (cf. Rom. 8:29). How about you?

Listened to our latest Podcast? Subscribe with iTunes I RSS

Found this blog helpful? You can have it delivered right to your inbox in one easy step.

Posted on

The Invitation of Jesus

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”–Matt. 11:28-30

Everyone is an apprentice to someone…who are you learning from?

Posted on

Are You Still Thinking Like a Non-Christian?

Our churches are filled with people who are spiritually born again, but who still think like non-Christians.—William Lane Craig
Pop Quiz: Try to make a list of all the beliefs that you have that the culture around us doesn’t. (any difference?)
Could you show someone from the Bible, why the Trinity is important? That Jesus claimed to be the only way to God? Could you tell someone why it is reasonable to believe God exists? If you have been a Christian for longer than a year or two, you can read, and you own a Bible–without trying to induce guilt–the answer ought to be yes.
How are you doing? As Christians, our intellectual habits should be different from those around us. Engage your mind (Luke 10:27; Rom 12:2; Col. 2:8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5)–it is an act of worship. Our world desperately needs thoughtful Christians. You can become one–start here:
Posted on

The Importance of the Heart

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”- Prov. 4:23



How is your heart these days? (biblically speaking, ‘heart’ includes our emotions and thoughts). For more, see Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard and It Came From Within by Andy Stanley (below)


Posted on

What Did Jesus Teach About Worry?

22Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:22-34)

The BIG question I need to answer is this….does Jesus really know what he is talking about?