This is an interesting question. We must first ask ourselves if the sin we ask for help with is something we secretly still desire in our hearts. The apostle Paul struggled with this also. He tells us, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I...
Why am I supposed to go to church? I can worship God in my own way better.
If you feel this way, I must admit there was also a time when I did. Sunday was my time, and I had better things to do than spend it in church. After many years of this selfish thinking, I now understand that God desires us to journey through this...
Why does God permit suffering in the Christian Life?
Today, I will begin a new series of Faith Journey questions and reflections. Over the coming weeks, I will offer some brief perspectives on various questions that I have encountered myself or have been asked by others. I hope this series is helpful to you. Today’s is probably one of...
Mentoring and Discipleship – Part 5 (Final)
The most effective changes in a person’s life come from an interaction of three places. First, is the person growing, second is God, and third are spiritual mentors. When we lead someone in their spiritual journey, it is essential to remember that growth is personal. We need to recognize where...
Mentoring and Discipleship – Part 4
God is glorified when we live by Jesus’s teachings and lead others to the Gospel message of redemption. Salvation is not a reward for good things we might have done but a gift for those who love Him. The good we do as a new being redeemed in Christ is...
Mentoring and Discipleship – Part 3
When we start a small group in our church, it is typically made up of two couples. That is not a requirement, just the dynamic as it happens here. One of the keys to a discipling relationship is time. We must spend time getting to know one another, understanding each...
Mentoring and Discipleship – Part 2
Willard notes that “feelings are a primary blessing and a primary problem for human life.”[1] We live in a society overwhelmed with how people feel, and many allow the need for feelings and emotions to be satisfied to drive them. Anger, fear, sex, and appearance have become gods in people’s...
Mentoring and Discipleship – Part 1
In this new blog series, I will share some reflections from my research and understanding of discipleship and the need to both have a mentor and to be a mentor to others. I hope these posts bless you on your journey. Discipleship for a Christian means to follow Jesus Christ....
Reflections on the role of surrender and dependent prayer in Discipleship – part 5 (final)
My pastor once asked me how my midlife crisis was going; he said that most people buy a new car or a boat or something, but you go back to school! Yes, the Lord’s reply was to “know Me more” and presented the opportunity to enter the seminary. But he...
Reflections on the role of surrender and dependent prayer in Discipleship – part 4
Intimate prayer with our Father is an act of worship. We are setting ourselves apart from the world’s distractions to listen to what He has to say to us. In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul tells us that we need to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice,...