God takes drastic measures to prepare his people for the works he's prepared for them. As Christ's followers, we are his handiwork, his masterpiece, his workmanship. Our beautifully transformed lives are a demonstration of his work. We are proof that he is a masterful artist! He created us in … [Read more...] about How God Prepares People to do the Work He’s Prepared
Where to Find Courage to Continue Following Jesus
How Does Jesus Give Us the Courage to Continue Following? Jesus did not promise that following him would be a walk in the park, but he did say that he would always be with us and would show himself to us along the way. Now, I'll be honest. On some days, that sounds like a consolation … [Read more...] about Where to Find Courage to Continue Following Jesus
How Does Jesus Prepare Us to Continue Following?
In a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson talks about the difference between being a tourist and a pilgrim as you follow Jesus. Tourists like highlights and quick inspiration. Pilgrims, on the other hand, "spend [their] lives going some place."* As followers of Jesus, … [Read more...] about How Does Jesus Prepare Us to Continue Following?
Why Does Jesus Want Followers Who Fail?
In his book, Inexpressible, Michael Card explores the multifaceted definition of the Hebrew word for God's grace or loving-kindness. In Hebrew, it's hesed. Card says God's hesed "has an over-the-top quality about it." After ten years of studying the 169 words and phrases used to translate hesed, … [Read more...] about Why Does Jesus Want Followers Who Fail?
What Does Jesus Do for Followers Who Fail?
I was watching Olympic track events in 2021 when, in one evening, two British runners were disqualified for false starts. Normally athletes train for four years before their Olympic performance. This year, because of the pandemic, they had five! And in a split second, the runner does what he's not … [Read more...] about What Does Jesus Do for Followers Who Fail?
What Does Jesus Do for Disappointed Followers?
The apostle Peter followed Jesus around Israel for three years. He walked with him, learned from him, and witnessed mind-blowing miracles by which Jesus declared himself to be the rescuing King God had promised. Each miracle—opening the eyes of the blind, making a paralyzed man walk, feeding … [Read more...] about What Does Jesus Do for Disappointed Followers?