I Have Decided

When we think of Jesus we often think of grace, compassion, love, and understanding. He is all those things, but in perfection, they do not make Him soft, but strong. No where is this better illustrated than in a conversation He had with Peter on the beach. Jesus uses the strongest language possible to warm Peter of a trap that only binds – the comparison trap. There is one word, in your following Jesus, that has no place. That word is fair. God isn’t always fair, but He is always good. In your life are you guilty of looking at others lives, only to then become deflated at the state of your own?

When it comes to deciding to Follow Jesus, we can discuss faith, fire, healing, and vision, and comparisons. Yet, if we fail to discuss dying to ourselves, we will do you a disservice. Following Jesus fully means dying to ourselves. Jesus said it is us taking up our cross, and following Him. Peter’s life was transformed before He lost his life in Christ. He was a dead man far before any man or woman could bear him pain. What in your life needs to die? A sin habit? An old way of thinking? A past hurt? To live is Christ, to die is gain. That is the heart of the Gospel.

Faith is trusting that, in Christ, we can do all that Jesus has promised us. Fire ignites our passion for a lost and broken world. Vision is seeing the world through God’s eyes. Healing is the the touch that transforms.

Acts 3 is the full embodiment of faith, fire and vision. Each were essential elements that were necessary in Peter’s life for him to trust the transforming touch of Jesus as he extended his hand towards a man without sight. This moment gave way to a larger miracle. People gathered to hear the Gospel.

Healing isn’t an end but an open door to share the wonder of Jesus. Do you have faith that God is still a Healer today?

Faith is trusting that, in Christ, we can do all that Jesus has promised us. The fire of Pentecost is central to igniting our hearts to the reality of a lost and broken world. Not only is the Holy Spirit around us, but He fill us for a purpose.

For Peter, and those in the upper room at Pentecost, being filled with the Spirit was the empowerment promised that they could minister as Jesus did. Pentecost allowed eternity to be stamped in our eyes to view the world as Jesus did.

Where does your passion need to be ignited or fanned further for your family and friends to come to Christ?

Faith is trusting that, in Christ, we can do all that Jesus has promised us. Fire ignites our passion for a lost and broken world. Vision is seeing the world, through God’s eyes, which is always a stretching experience.

For Peter, God took what he had always known and enlarged his vision. This impartation wasn’t just for Peter but it was tied to a grander purpose.

When vision is birthed in our hearts, it gives us purpose but is always for something larger than ourselves. Can you see what God sees for your life?

Faith is trusting that, in Christ, we can appropriate all that Jesus has promised us. The Scriptures teach that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Peter, on one occasion saw Jesus walking on water. While the rest were dumbfounded at what they were witnessing, Peter took a literal step of faith. He stumbles, but doesn’t fall.

Faith in Christ is not just about the results but our trust in the process. Where do you need to take a fresh step of faith in your life?

He is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed.

Throughout the course of history there have been many brave men and women who have given their lives for causes that they believe in. Being falsely accused, even put to death unjustly isn’t a unique claim to Christ. What separates Jesus from all the others is that His seeming end, was really a new beginning.

He alone is God. He alone is risen indeed. He alone died, rose again and is making all things new. Your account, because of Christ, is paid in full. His death means no spiritual death for us. His resurrection means our resurrection.

Today we celebrate the resurrection reality for each of us!!!