In 1 John 1:9, it says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” For a sinner like myself, this is an amazing scripture. To know that the God of all creation is willing to forgive me of my sins, regardless of what they are, is truly amazing.

I think we all love this idea of forgiveness. And that’s because deep down inside, we all know the depth of our sin and failures. We know our need for forgiveness and we love that God has made a way for us to be forgiven. It’s a powerful act of love and grace that not only brings us closer to God but also brings healing and peace to our hearts.

The thing is, God’s desire to bring forgiveness to our lives includes us extending that same forgiveness to others. In Colossians 3:13, we’re told: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”This verse reminds us that forgiveness is not optional for those who choose to follow Jesus. God forgave us of our sins and we’re called to forgive others. It’s through this act of forgiveness that we imitate God’s character and share His heart of love.

Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, makes it clear that our own forgiveness hinges on our willingness to forgive others. In Matthew 6:14-15, He tells us: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This means if we choose to harbor bitterness and resentment in our hearts for others, we block the flow of God’s forgiveness into our own lives. This is a powerful reminder of the intimate connection between God’s forgiveness and our own desire to forgive.

Forgiveness is a gift that we have received from the Lord—a gift that we are then commanded to offer to others. It’s a gift that is ours for the taking, but only if we are willing to extend the same gift to others. It is a divine act of love, reflecting God’s amazing grace and mercy. As we extend forgiveness to others, we become vessels of God’s love, drawing nearer to His heart and fulfilling His purpose for our lives. May we all learn to embrace God’s heart of forgiveness and experience the transformative power it brings.

Todays blog post is written by my wife Stacy:

I need glasses. Without my glasses, I cannot do simple, daily tasks such as driving and working on a computer.

I don’t have terrible vision, though. In fact, sometimes I forget that I need glasses. When I walk around in the darkness of morning, I can see well enough to avoid obstacles. And I get up and get ready without noticing anything amiss. It all comes back, though, when I walk out into a larger space that is well lit and I realize that I forgot my glasses…again. In fact, I forgot that I need glasses…again.

John Eldredge wrote something in an email devotional this week that made me think of this lingering problem of mine—it’s a quote from his book THE JOURNEY OF DESIRE:

Something awful has happened, something terrible. Something worse, even, than the fall of man. For in that greatest of all tragedies, we merely lost Paradise — and with it, everything that made life worth living. What has happened since is unthinkable: we’ve gotten used to it. We’re broken in to the idea that this is just the way things are. The people who walk in great darkness have adjusted their eyes.

When we forget that the world we live in is shrouded in darkness, we get used to the darkness. We accept darkness as normal. Only by looking to the light—Jesus—do we remember that our vision is not so great.

Themes of light and darkness are all throughout the Bible—not just in the life of Jesus. But Jesus talks about it a lot. And He talks about seeing clearly.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

So much of following Jesus can be summed up in one word: INTENTIONALITY. We have to daily look to Jesus and see our lives with the light that only He gives if we want to remember and be aware that we are surrounded by darkness. We have to ask for Him to be the light in our surroundings or else our eyes will adjust to the darkness and we’ll just get used to it.

Jesus, we recognize that You are the light of the world. Help us to remember to look to You every day—more and more—so that You can illuminate our lives and show us the places that You are at work, the places You want us to go, the people You want us to see, and the things You want us to do. Amen.

For several years now, I’ve been corresponding with a pastor in the Philippines who somehow started listening to my sermons on the internet. Each week, I send him copies of my messages and he often asks me questions about stuff he’s dealing with there in the Philippines.

This week, he asked me to pray because there have been some pastors that have come into his city that are preaching false doctrine. As I was writing him back, encouraging him about how to deal with their false teachings, I realized these are things we all need to be reminded of.

Our world is filled with all sorts of lies and disinformation. We are being taught falsehoods by people all around us. And in our journey of following Jesus, it’s so important for us to be discerning and cautious when it comes to false prophets and teachings. In Matthew 7:15-16 it tells us: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them.” 

False prophets often appear as sincere and righteous individuals, making it challenging to distinguish them from true believers. They may speak eloquently and seem to have good intentions, but their true nature is often hidden. Whether intentional or not, their motives are off and their priority is all about self.

In their quest to promote themselves they distort and misinterpret God’s Word. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 we are warned, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” We need to be wary of teachings that cater to personal desires rather than aligning with the truth of Scripture.

Listening to lies can lead us astray, causing us to deviate from the path of righteousness and truth. 2 Peter 2:1 says, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

To protect ourselves from false prophets and teachings, it’s important for us to strengthen our knowledge of Scripture. It’s important that we regularly read and meditate on the Word of God so that we are firmly grounded in truth. We must also pray for discernment, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom to discern God’s true teachings from false teachings.

Jesus tells us that we will recognize these people by their fruit or lack of fruit. So, we must pay attention to the character and actions of those who claim to be prophets or teachers in the faith. Do their lives align with the teachings of Christ? Are we seeing them display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. This is the kind of fruit Jesus was talking about. By staying rooted in God’s Word, and seeking discernment through prayer, we can protect ourselves and others from being led astray by those who would distort the truth of the Gospel.

In Isaiah 43:2 we hear the words of God to His people: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Life is often marked by moments of uncertainty, chaos, and adversity. When we find ourselves in the midst of challenging situations, it’s easy to feel as though we are alone in our struggles. Yet Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that God is with us, even in the darkest of times. Just as He was with the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea, God is by our side when we face our own “high waters.” His presence ensures that these troubles will not overwhelm us. He is our anchor, our refuge, and our source of strength when we feel like we are being swept away by life’s storms.

I know some of the trials we face can feel like fiery furnaces, threatening to consume us. These situations seem overwhelming, filled with pain and suffering. But in the midst of these trials, God reassures us that we will not be consumed by the flames. Just as He was present with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, God stands with us when we pass through our own fires. His protection is unwavering, and He shields us from the full force of the flames. Our faith in Him becomes our shield, and He promises that we will not be burned. Our struggles, no matter how intense, cannot ultimately harm us, for God’s presence ensures our ultimate preservation.

Isaiah 43:2 conveys more than just God’s presence in difficult times, it also emphasizes His faithfulness. God’s promise is clear: He will never leave us or forsake us. In a world that is constantly changing, where relationships can be fickle and circumstances are unpredictable, God’s faithfulness stands as an unwavering truth. He is a constant and reliable presence in our lives. When we feel weak, alone, or helpless, we can rely on His everlasting companionship.

The promise of Isaiah 43:2 serves as a reassuring reminder that we are never alone in our trials and tribulations. God’s presence is our comfort, His protection is our shield, and His faithfulness is our anchor. As we face the waters and fires of life, know that He is with us, ready to guide us safely through. We must trust in the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. In God, we find the unwavering presence and support that enable us to navigate the storms of life with confidence and faith.

On this journey of following Jesus, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have. Feelings of inadequacy can hold us back and keep us from stepping out and being used by God. In John 6 we’re reminded that Jesus uses what little we do have to do amazing miracles.  

In John 6:5-6 we read: “When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.”

This passage reveals a significant lesson for all of us. When Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread for the multitude, He was well aware of their lack of resources. However, His question wasn’t intended to emphasize their lack but to test Philip’s faith and to reveal a profound truth about God’s abundant provision.

If you’re familiar with this section of scripture, you know that Jesus used what they had, two fish and five loaves, to feed over five thousand people. He turned their “little” into twelve baskets of leftovers.

Often times, when we’re faced with life’s challenges, like Phillip, our first instinct is to focus on what we lack. But Jesus, in His divine wisdom, asks us to shift our perspective. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, we should consider what we have, even if it seems insignificant.

Jesus knew that He was going to feed the crowd miraculously and He wanted to demonstrate the boundless abundance that flows from our faith in Him. And as we learn to focus on what we do have and trust in His provision, we tap into His infinite resources and open the door for His miraculous work in our lives.

In Matthew 28:19-20 we’re told: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

At the end of Matthew here, Jesus imparts a profound commission to His disciples, one that continues to echo through the ages and calls us into a life of unwavering devotion. In these verses, we find not only the great mission of the church but also a deep and abiding truth about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Verse 20 begins with a challenging call: “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Here, Jesus lays the foundation of discipleship—obedience. Being a disciple is not just about following Jesus in word or belief, it’s about following Him in every aspect of our lives. It’s about embracing His teachings, His life, and His commands.

Obedience is a concept that is often misunderstood in our modern world. It’s not about conformity or legalism. Instead, it’s a response rooted in love, trust, and reverence for our Lord. John 14:15 reminds us that if we love Him, we’ll obey His commands. When we obey Jesus, we align our will with His, acknowledging His wisdom, authority, and sovereignty over our lives. Obedience is the act of willingly submitting ourselves to His divine purpose, believing that His ways are higher than our ways.

In the preceding verse here in Matthew, Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This great commission underscores the mission of the Church to reach the lost and introduce them to the life-transforming power of Christ. But it doesn’t end with baptism; it begins with it. The true essence of discipleship is seen in the continuous journey of teaching new believers to obey everything Jesus has commanded.

As disciples, we are called to be obedient to Jesus, which encompasses love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and a host of other powerful virtues. These teachings provide us with a roadmap for living a life that reflects God’s character and purposes. When we obey these commands, we become living testimonies of His love and grace to a watching world.

Obedience is rarely easy. The truth is we all face trials, temptations, and circumstances that challenge our commitment to obey Jesus. However, in the midst of these challenges, we find the promise of Jesus: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He assures us that His presence and guidance will be our strength as we walk in obedience.

Being a disciple of Jesus means embarking on a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and obeying. It means embracing His teachings as the standard for our lives, trusting in His presence even when the path is difficult, and sharing His love with the world. So, let us be obedient disciples—teaching others to obey as well—for in obedience, we find the fullness of life and the presence of our Lord until the very end of the age.

In a world that often defines us by our achievements, appearance, or possessions, it’s easy to lose sight of our true identity. But as Christians, our identity is not rooted in the ever-changing standards of this world: it is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ. 

We can’t allow others to label us. Everything in our world has labels. Made in America, Made in Mexico, Made in Taiwan, etc… But the only One who has the right to label us, is the One who created us. And the Bible tells us that we were created in the image of God and our true value comes from Him alone. Genesis 1:27 says: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This foundational truth is the bedrock of our identity as human beings. We are not the result of chance or random evolution; we are intentionally and wonderfully designed by our Creator, bearing His image. As God’s image-bearers, we have the ability to reflect His attributes such as love, grace and compassion. Our identity is deeply tied to the One who fashioned us in His likeness. When we grasp this truth, we find purpose and significance in our existence.

In a world that often measures worth by external factors, God’s perspective on our value is radically different. We are valuable not because of what we do or what we have, but because of who we are in Him. Ephesians 2:10 says this: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our worth is established by the fact that God, the Creator of the universe, has chosen us as His handiwork. Our value is in our relationship with Him, and our purpose is to fulfill the good works He has prepared for us.

In the brokenness of life, we often search for our identity in the wrong places. We may seek it in our careers, relationships, or our social status, only to find that these things are fleeting and unreliable. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we become new creations in Him. Our old ways of defining ourselves are replaced with the truth of God’s Word.

Finding our identity in Jesus is a transformative journey. It means letting go of the world’s shallow standards and embracing the profound truth that we are created in the image of God and that our worth is found in Him alone. As we grow in our understanding of this truth, we can live out our lives with confidence, purpose, and the assurance that we are cherished by the Creator of the universe. So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and discover our true identity in Him.

In this journey of life, we often find ourselves struggling with the dangers of comparison. In a world filled with social media, where we constantly see the highlight reels of others’ lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth and success against that of others. 

However, the Scriptures offer us wisdom and guidance concerning the downfalls of comparison and remind us that we can find contentment and purpose in our unique journey of following Jesus. In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God has a unique plan for each of our lives. When we compare ourselves to others, we risk overlooking the beautiful, tailor-made plan God has specifically designed for each of us. Comparing our life to someone else’s can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and a sense of emptiness. Instead, we should seek God’s guidance and trust in His plan for our lives.

In Proverbs 14:30 we’re told, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Comparison often breeds envy and jealousy. When we envy others, we damage our own well-being and spiritual growth. Envy can poison our hearts, keeping us from experiencing the joy and peace that God intends for us. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and envying them, let us celebrate their successes and choose contentment in our own lives.

In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul tells us, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Paul’s words remind us of the importance of contentment. Comparison often leads to discontentment as we focus on what we lack rather than appreciate what we have. God calls us to find contentment in Him, knowing that our true satisfaction comes from our relationship with Him, not from things or achievements.

Comparison can be a dangerous and destructive habit that hinders our spiritual growth and robs us of the joy and contentment God offers. Instead, let’s focus on God’s plan for our lives and cultivate contentment. May we embrace our unique journey through life, remembering that each of us has been wonderfully made by a loving God who has a special purpose for all of us.

The book of Matthew ends with Jesus calling us to: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) This commandment, often referred to as the Great Commission, holds deep significance for every follower of Christ. However, this call to “Go” can sometimes be misunderstood. Many of us might interpret this as a call to travel to distant lands and engage in global evangelism. And, while some will be called to “go” in this way, the Great Commission carries a broader meaning that is deeply relevant to anyone who calls themself a follower of Jesus.

Going, in the context of the Great Commission, doesn’t always mean traveling to far-off countries. Instead, it’s an invitation to shift our perspective and to embrace a mindset of constant readiness to share the love of Christ right where we are. It’s about looking outward, beyond the boundaries of our own lives, and recognizing the opportunities that God places before us daily.

Sometimes, going means recognizing that our workplace, our neighborhood, our school, and our family are all mission fields where we can make disciples. We don’t need to cross oceans to fulfill the Great Commission, we just need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and look for opportunities to connect with the people around us.

Going involves actively seeking ways to share God’s love. It’s about being intentional in our interactions: demonstrating kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to everyone we encounter. It’s about being light and hope in a world that often feels dark and hopeless.

Jesus’ call to ‘Go’ is really about loving our neighbor as ourself. It’s about caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, and being attentive to mental and emotional needs as well. It’s about being a source of encouragement and support to those who are struggling. 

When we embrace the call to ‘Go,’ we discover that our lives take on a greater purpose. We become coworkers with God and we get to witness the transformation of hearts and souls as He works both within us and within those around us. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every prayer becomes a part of God’s redemptive plan and He uses every one of us to extend His kingdom when we offer ourselves to Him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

“Going” for Christ is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It’s a daily commitment to be a reflection of His love and grace. It’s about being open to the opportunities God provides, whether they are small gestures of kindness or significant acts of service.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow Him and to seek His will for our lives. For some, this might involve traveling to foreign lands but—for all of us—it means living out the Great Commission in the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives. Let’s embrace the call to ‘Go,’ and let our lives be a testament to His grace and mercy!

God’s desire is to use each of us to extend His Kingdom and make a difference in the world around us. It is a divine calling to step into a life of purpose, significance, and eternal impact. The problem is we often struggle with failures and insecurities that can cause us to feel inadequate for the work. This is why it’s important to remember that Jesus desires to use us—flaws and all—for His glory.

We all stumble and fall, it’s a part of our human nature. In Romans 3:23 we’re told, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” These failures can take many forms—sins of commission and omission, moral lapses, missed opportunities, and the list goes on. These failures often lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and insecurity, causing us to question whether we are truly fit for God’s calling.

In addition to our failures, insecurities can also plague us. We may feel unworthy, unqualified, or simply too small to carry out the great work God has called us to do. Moses, a giant in the faith, faced similar insecurities when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses questioned his ability, but God assured him: “I will be with you.”

In our moments of doubt and inadequacy, it’s essential that we remember God’s unconditional love. In Romans 8:38-39, we are reminded, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love is not dependent on our performance; it’s a love that is forever unwavering and unchanging.

One of the most comforting truths is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s power is magnified when we acknowledge our weaknesses and rely on His strength.

God specializes in taking broken vessels and making them masterpieces for His glory. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who failed, stumbled, and were full of insecurities, but God used them in mighty ways. God’s redemptive work can turn our failures into amazing testimonies of His goodness.

God’s call on our life to do His work is not contingent upon our perfection. In fact, it thrives in the midst of our imperfection. As we give ourselves to Him, acknowledging our weaknesses and trusting in His strength, we become vessels through which God accomplishes His divine purpose. Remember, God loves us unconditionally and His call on our life remains steadfast, even in the midst of our failures and insecurities. Let’s embrace His calling with humility, knowing that in Christ we are more than enough!