faith

Letting Jesus In

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

Recently my daughter prayed and asked Jesus to help her to let Him in. Keep in mind, she has already accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. But, as all followers of Jesus know, we have to continue to pursue that relationship the rest of our lives. I think this is what her precious 11 year old heart was searching for.

In this post I would like to present a picture of what it looks like to let Jesus in. From the beginning of the relationship to the end.

The Invitation

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

This powerful image shows Jesus as someone who initiates relationship, but waits to be welcomed in. Jesus never forces His way into our lives. Opening the door represents faith, surrender, and a desire for fellowship with Him.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Letting Jesus in means receiving Him—not just as a visitor, but as your Savior, King, and the center of your life. Believing in Him opens the door to being born again into God’s family.

If you’re like me, you have probably had to repeat this process more than once. I did at the age of 12, and was baptized. I did again at the age of 27 when my faith became of central importance. I have also had many moments since when I am disconnected and I hear Him knocking again. These aren’t salvation moments, I know I am saved and redeemed. These are sanctifying moments. Those reminders that I am not where I am meant to be in my headspace and heart. Those subtle, and sometimes not so subtle redirecting moments.

The Process

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…

Ezekiel 36:26

When Jesus enters your life, He doesn’t just visit—He renovates. He gives a new heart, replacing coldness or stubbornness with a heart that wants to obey and love Him.

To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.

AW Tozer

Walking with Jesus means both finding and continually seeking Him—never settling for a distant relationship. Always wanting more. Always going deeper.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

I think we can all agree that the Christian walk should be a progressive one in the sense that we are moving forward and upward and deeper. And it should also be transformative in the sense that we are more like Jesus in attitude, action, speech, and motivations the longer we know Him. Not to say that we won’t make mistakes or have our “moments”. But it should be a general upward and life altering change throughout life.

Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.

Charles Spurgeon

Every day should be a commitment to reflect on whether this is true in us.

The Commitment

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…

Galatians 2:20

Letting Jesus in is more than a one-time moment. It means allowing Him to live in you, shape your thoughts, and guide your actions. His presence becomes your source of strength and purpose. Letting Jesus in means surrendering to His Lordship (rulership, authority which overrides our own.) in Medieval times Lords controlled the land, your life, your freedom, your movement, your purpose. They also provided everything their vassals needed in food, land, and protection. Those were imperfect people and an imperfect system. But the analogy works in many ways. Our Lord is not a despot. His heart is for the flourishing of His people. Far too often, I afraid, we treat Jesus as a guest to be entertained or invited in when we need Him. But He is owed so much more.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus deserves to be the captain of your ship because He built the ship, maintains the ship, and owns the ship.

Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.

Dallas Willard

A true walk with Jesus transforms your character to reflect Him in your unique life and context. Remember, our mission is to help bring His kingdom wherever we are and wherever we go. I tell my kids (and have to remind myself) all of the time that our sole purpose is to love God and make Him known. What better way to do that than to allow Him to steer our very motivations for life, love, purpose, relationship, and more?

Remain in me, as I also remain in you.

John 15:4

Letting Jesus in is ongoing. It’s not just a decision, but a relationship of remaining close to Him, hearing His voice, and living connected to His love every day. Abiding With Jesus is a Lifelong Commitment.

Letting Jesus in is ongoing. It’s not just a decision, but a relationship of remaining close to Him, hearing His voice, and living connected to His love every day. Abiding With Jesus is a Lifelong Commitment.

Francis Chan

There are very real pitfalls. Those of apathy…of distraction…misalignment…misjudgments…and the like. To let Jesus in is something we have to contend for, hold on to, and adamantly desire. The Christian life is just that, a lifelong lifestyle.

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

CS Lewis

It is imperative to remember that walking with Jesus is not about earning love but being changed by it. There is so much grace and so much love in the pursuit.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

The Purity of the Gospel

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In a world full of noise, opinions, and ever-changing values, the Christian gospel stands as a clear and unwavering beacon of truth. Its message is simple, yet profound: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The purity of the gospel is not something we invent or evolve—it is something we receive, guard, and proclaim.

I realize some who read this may not know exactly what the gospel is. At its core, the gospel is the good news that God, in His love and mercy, took on human form in the person of Jesus (Colossian 2:9), walked among us (John 1:14), lived a perfect life knowing that no person ever could (2 Corinthians 5:21), allowed humanity to hang Him on a cross to be a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8), was buried and rose from the dead three days later (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), giving us the hope of new life and a future resurrection. This message is not about human achievement or moral performance. It’s about divine intervention—God doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. It is unearned, undeserved, and freely given.

The gospel is pure, and holy, and beautiful. And that is why everyone needs to hear it. It does, however, pact a punch. The gospel requires we take a hard and accurate view of ourselves, our needs, our shortcomings, our brokenness, and our sin. Only then can we see the beauty that is the gospel.

When we dilute or modify the gospel—adding works, subtracting grace, changing who Jesus is, softening the reality of sin, or removing the need for repentance—we rob it of its saving power. A compromised gospel may feel more comfortable or inclusive to some, but it cannot save anyone. We have to fight the desires for what is “good in our own eyes” and embrace what is actually good for us. Humility. Embracing grace. Accepting God’s love. Allowing Him to transform us more and more into His own likeness. That is when we become the best version of ourselves. That is when we experience the deepest joys and peace that every soul searches for.

The gospel’s purity is what makes it powerful. It tells the hard truth about sin but offers the glorious truth about redemption. It doesn’t offer self-help; it offers a new self in Christ.

Many voices today claim to speak for God. Some offer “prosperity,” “comfort,” or “love is love” as gospel substitutes, but these fall short of the cross. The true gospel does not promise comfort or success; it promises forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life through Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). That statement is both exclusive and inclusive—exclusive in that Jesus is the only way, but inclusive in that He invites all who will believe.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to preserve the purity of the gospel message, not tamper with it. Jude writes, “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). The gospel is not ours to edit—it is God’s truth to trust, live out, and share. May we never lose sight of the beautiful simplicity and power of the gospel. In Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone—that is our eternal hope. And it can be yours too.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”‬‬

Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part four

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In this fourth part of the series, we look at the character of a believer when it’s tested by life’s pressures. That character is derived from the posture of one’s heart, which has been devoted to its Savior.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we envision it. Unexpected trials, long seasons of waiting, and moments of heartbreak can leave us disoriented. Yet in the middle of life’s unpredictability, Romans 12:12 offers a steadying reminder—a threefold call that aligns our hearts with God’s rhythm: hope, patience, and prayer.

Be Joyful in Hope

Hope is not mere wishful thinking. Biblical hope is rooted in the certainty of God’s promises. It’s not optimism based on circumstances but assurance anchored in who God is. Paul encourages us not just to have hope, but to rejoice in it.

Why joy? Because our hope is alive. It points beyond the temporary trials of today to the eternal glory that awaits. When we rejoice in hope, we’re acknowledging that God is still at work, even when we can’t see it. Our joy becomes an act of trust.

Be Patient in Affliction

Affliction tests our endurance like little else. Whether it’s grief, illness, anxiety, or injustice, suffering has a way of wearing us down. But patience in affliction doesn’t mean passive resignation—it means active endurance. It’s a quiet strength that says, “I will not give up, because I know God hasn’t given up on me.”

This patience is forged in the fire of faith. It’s a discipline that requires us to rely not on our own strength, but on God’s sustaining grace. In waiting patiently, we grow in character, empathy, and spiritual depth.

Be Faithful in Prayer

When the future is uncertain, prayer becomes our lifeline. Paul reminds us to be faithful in it—not just praying occasionally or when life gets hard, but making it a habit, a rhythm, a conversation that keeps us connected to the heart of God.

Prayer isn’t always about finding answers; it’s about finding God. It’s where we bring our fears, our doubts, our joys, and our confusion. And in return, we often find peace that transcends understanding.

Putting It All Together

Romans 12:12 isn’t just a single verse—it’s a spiritual posture. It teaches us how to live in the tension of “already, but not yet.” Already redeemed, but not yet restored. Already loved, but not yet home.

In a world full of chaos, this verse gives us a blueprint for peace: Hope anchors us. Patience steadies us. Prayer connects us. All of these helps us be a reflection of God’s light to a world in desperate need of hope.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part three

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Welcome to the third post about this wonderful journey of following Jesus and the path we devote ourselves to walking. The topic for today will hopefully convict those of us who have found complacency a companion and encourage those trailblazers to keep up the good work.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

This verse is a powerful call to action. In a world that often drains our energy and dulls our passion, Paul reminds us to keep our hearts burning with spiritual fire as we serve the Lord. Let’s take a closer look at what that means—and how we can live it out.

Never Be Lacking in Zeal

Zeal means energy, eagerness, and enthusiasm. It’s that excited drive that pushes us to do something with all our heart. Paul isn’t saying we’ll always feel energetic or joyful—he’s saying don’t let your fire die out.

Life has a way of wearing us down: routines get boring, challenges come, and our love for God and people can grow cold if we’re not careful. Paul’s challenge is to guard that spark, to stay spiritually awake and alert.

Ask yourself: Am I coasting through my faith, or am I still excited to grow, love, and serve?

Keep Your Spiritual Fervor

The word fervor comes from a Greek word that literally means “to boil.” Paul wants us to keep our spiritual lives hot—not lukewarm. This doesn’t mean fake emotional hype. It means staying alive in our relationship with God—regularly praying, reading the Word, worshiping, and staying connected to the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual fervor is not something we generate on our own. It’s the result of staying close to Jesus.

Serving the Lord

The purpose of all this energy and passion? To serve. Zeal and fervor aren’t just for our benefit—they’re meant to overflow into action. Serving God means loving others, using our gifts, showing up when needed, and living with purpose.

Passion that doesn’t serve becomes self-focused. But when we direct it toward God and people, we reflect Jesus—who lived with fire and poured out His life for others.

How to Stay Spiritually Ignited

Spend time in prayer and the Bible even when you don’t feel like it. Surround yourself with passionate believers who inspire you. Worship regularly—in private and with others. Use your gifts in your church or community. Remember your “why”—you’re serving the Lord, not people’s approval.

Romans 12:11 is a gentle yet urgent reminder: don’t let your faith go cold. Keep your spiritual fire alive. Stay passionate. Serve with joy. Because when we serve the Lord with zeal, we reflect His love and light in a weary world.

Peace, fire, and a passion for godliness, brothers and sisters.

Equipped

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I don’t know about you all but I feel like I am always in preparation mode. As a parent, spouse, teacher, business owner, you name it, I am preparing and planning. Preparing to start the day, throughout the day, and in ending the day. It is an integral part of every single day of my life.

When I was an athlete, I had to train. Conditioning, technique, and strength training were all essential. My diet had to be fine tuned, I watched tape to see what I could fix, and would go to camps and tournaments out of season so I could be successful. As a teacher, I have to prepare lessons, gather materials, assess learning, reflect on student performance, plan and replan to make sure the students receive a quality education. But there is another role, the most essential role of my life, that I need to prepare for even more.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Teaching and sports are great things, but they aren’t THE thing. We are God’s workmanship, His children, His image-bearers. Just as we prepare for tasks in our daily lives, God calls us to be ready for every good work He sets before us..that He’s already prepared for us.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We keep our eyes on the prize (knowing Jesus and making Him known) and we don’t go about it aimlessly. Our spiritual life should reflect the intentionality and dedication that athletes at the highest level would dedicate to their trade. Let’s take a look at the training regiment.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. The Source of Our Equipping: God’s Word

“All Scripture is breathed out by God”

Scripture is inspired by God, making it divine in origin and purpose. It is trustworthy, authoritative, and sufficient for our spiritual growth. The Bible is the most factually based book in world history. No other book in history claiming to be God’s word even comes close to matching these facts.

1. Written by 40 men over a period of 1500 years and ALL subjects, prophecies, and evidence agrees.

2. It was written in three very different languages by people who lived on three different continents.

3. The authors of the Bible lived in very different time periods, very different places, and had different occupations but ALL focused on God’s redemption of mankind.

4. Over 300 prophecies were about Jesus, made hundreds of years before he was born, and He fulfilled ALL of them exactly how they said it would happen. The odds of a single person fulfilling just eight messianic prophecies are estimated to be one in 100 quadrillion.

5. Hundreds of other non-messianic prophecies have been made and fulfilled just as the bible said. They were fulfilled exactly to the day and exactly how they were predicted and they occurred sometimes hundreds of years after they were made.

Just as a carpenter relies on tools for precision, we rely on God’s Word to shape our worldview, guide us in decision making, and know how to be in relationship with God and others. Spend time in the Word daily—it’s not optional but essential for being equipped. We should be meditating on it, memorizing it, praying through it, and speaking.

2. The Purpose of God’s Word: To Shape Us

“Profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness”

Teaching: Helps us understand who God is, who we are, and His will for us.

Reproof and Correction: Reproof means to convicts us of sin and then provides the correction that redirects us to the right path. It is a mirror into the soul. Like Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Training in Righteousness: Helps us grow in godly character and holiness. So much of the world gets their ideas of righteousness, or right living, from the culture or their own emotions. Even a lot of believers who interpret God’s will through their own emotions. That’s a pitfall from a lack of wisdom that can only come through knowing God’s word.

A sculptor chisels away excess stone to reveal a masterpiece. In the same way, God’s Word refines us. The more we know God’s word the more we should be changed by it. Let the Word challenge and transform you. Like Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Don’t just read it—let it read you.

3. The Result of Being Shaped by God’s Word: Readiness for Good Works

“That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (the greek word is anthropos which means human or person of God, not man specifically)

God doesn’t just call us to good works; He equips us for them through His Word. The good works we are called to include acts of service, evangelism, generosity, and godly living. The Bible doesn’t just tell us to talk about God but do so boldly, not just to love but to love sacrificially, not just to give but to give generously and without asking for anything in return, not just to serve but to do so selflessly never drawing attention to yourself. It helps us endure hardships, be patient in trying times, hopeful in our outlook, and joyful in our spirit. To be a light, a city set on a hill.

Look for opportunities in your daily life to do good. Be ready when God opens a door. Better yet, look for the open doors, seek out the opportunities, don’t just wait for a clear “sign”. Training narrows our focus. It removes distractions that can derail us from achieving our goal. That’s exactly how we need to approach the mission God has for all of our lives. We clutter our vision (and we do so willingly if we’re honest). Remember Ephesians 2:10, God has already prepared our good works. You ever wonder how many we miss?

4. The Call to Action: Commit to Being Equipped

So where does this leave us? Just like with sports, careers, parenting, or anything else that requires training and preparation, we are all at different stages in our faith journey. But we can, and should, evaluate our time and how it’s spent. To what extent are we being intentional in applying God’s Word to situations in life? Do we pray for readiness and sensitivity to God’s leading. Do we actively look for ways to love, serve, give, and share the gospel every day. Wherever you are in your faith journey, I invite you to train harder. We can all pray more, serve more, love more, give more, empathize more, share the gospel more, meditate on God’s word more, worship more. Not to earn anything, that price has already been paid, but to better live out what you were designed and created to be…an image-bearer. The light that shines from us will only be as bright as the light we allow in us. You were made for a purpose and God has an abundant life planned for you. We just have to choose it.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part one

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This is part one in a series about living put the “way.” Early Christians were consistently referred to as followers of the Way. This refers directly to Jesus, the Christ, and the manor of life that He both demonstrated through His life and directs to this day.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

In just a few words, Romans 12:9 delivers a powerful challenge: love with sincerity, reject evil, and hold tightly to the good. It’s simple, yet deeply transformative if we truly live it out.

What Does It Mean to Love Sincerely?

To love sincerely means to care for others without pretending. It’s not about fake smiles or saying the right things while harboring resentment. Paul is calling us to a love that comes from the heart—a love that mirrors Christ’s own. It’s a love that shows up in kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and action.

Sincere love doesn’t pick favorites. It’s not based on what we can get from others. It’s a choice to value people because they are made in God’s image.

Hate What Is Evil

Love and goodness go hand-in-hand. That’s why Paul also says to hate what is evil. We’re not called to hate people, but we should hate the things that harm others—like injustice, lies, cruelty, and selfishness. Sincere love isn’t passive. It stands up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Cling to What Is Good

The word “cling” in Greek means to stick like glue. When the world feels messy or confusing, Paul urges us to hold fast to what is good—truth, mercy, patience, and grace. These are not just nice ideas; they are powerful tools in loving others the way Jesus loves us.

Think about your relationships—family, coworkers, church, neighbors. Are you loving sincerely, or just going through the motions? Do you speak truth in love, or avoid hard conversations to keep the peace? Are you clinging to good, even when it’s hard?

This verse calls us back to the heart of the Christian life: genuine love. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Peace, purity, and sincerity in Christ brothers and sisters.

Learning From Unsung Heroes

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Our faith should create in us a courage, a strength that is unwavering in the face of so many of life’s trials. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” I would like to look at three stories from the Bible that exemplify a courageous faith.

#1 Jehoiada (ye ho yaw da) and Jehosheba (ye ho shaw ba)- the princess and the priest who saved a king (2 Kings 11:4-17) (also 2 Chron 22-24)

Jehosheba as a member of the royal family, saw the evil plot unfolding and acted to save Joash (yo rash). Jehoiada was a high priest during that dark time in Judah’s history, when Queen Athaliah, obviously an ruthless woman from the line of Ahab, had seized the throne and murdered the royal family to secure her power.

Both Jehoiada and Jehosheba, acting with bold faith and wisdom, hid Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, in the temple for six years, protecting him from Athaliah’s murderous purge.

In the seventh year, Jehoiada revealed Joash to the captains of the guard and hatched a strategic coup. He divided up the divisions and combined both group going iff duty for the sabbath and the group coming on duty for the sabbath to guard the future king and surround the house of the Lord. And things couldn’t have worked out better. The queen tried to stop the anointing from happening but it eventually costs her life.

The plan played out beautifully. But going to the captains of the guard could have gone very differently. This plan could have backfired at the cost of everyone’s lives who were involved in the plot. But God honored the faith and courage of Jehosheba and Jehoiada.

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada…

2 Chronicles 24:2

Corrie ten Boom is quoted as saying, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Jehosheba’s and Jehoiada’s courage was not loud or flashy, it was steadfast, wise, and grounded in God’s promises. They show us what it’s like to trust God especially when everything looks dim and uncertain. Their lives remind us that spiritual courage often means standing firm when no one else will, protecting the vulnerable, and restoring truth in times of darkness.

#2 Shiprah (shi frah) and Puah – midwives who defied the Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15-21)

They defied the Most Powerful Man on Earth. Pharaoh’s command was clear, but Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh. They refused to murder the Hebrew boys, risking their lives.

In addition to that, they stood up without weapons or position. These were ordinary women with no political power or military force. Their only strength was moral conviction and reverence for God. 

Charles Spurgeon said, “The Christian should be bold as a lion. That confidence is born not of self, but of God.” These women had confidence, not in who they were but in who God is. That can empower the lowliest of people and that is what the power of Christ is meant to do in each of our lives.

Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Exodus 1:21

Their reverence and courage were noticed and honored by God, who blessed them personally and used their defiance to help preserve Israel’s future leading to the birth of Moses, their deliverer.

#3 Baruch – the man who gave us Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:4-32)

He Wrote God’s Words at Great Risk. In Jeremiah 36, Baruch wrote down the prophetic warnings from Jeremiah messages of judgment against Judah and read them publicly at the temple, knowing it could cost him his freedom or life.

Baruch goes on to reads the scroll in the presence of large crowds. One of the officials hears it and goes to tell the others. This group of officials invite Baruch to read it to them. Upon hearing the word, the officials tell Baruch and Jeremiah to hide while they take the words to the king. As the king hears the scroll he cuts pieces off and throws them into the fire. Then the king sought the two of them but God hid them.

Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

Jeremiah 36:32

He Did Not Abandon God’s Message, Even When the King Burned It. When King Jehoiakim burned the scroll in fury, God told Jeremiah to write it again. And Baruch did it all over again faithfully and without hesitation.

He Faced Threats and Personal Disillusionment. In Jeremiah 45, Baruch is distressed, saying, “Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain.” He was discouraged, fearful, and overwhelmed. But God didn’t rebuke him harshly. Instead, God promised to preserve his life and reminded him not to seek great things for himself, but to stay faithful in the midst of judgment.

Do not seek great things for yourself. Seek them not. For I will bring disaster… but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.

Jeremiah 45:5

Three things that we can all learn from these individuals are

1- Courage can look like quiet obedience.

2- God honors those who stand firm even when hope seems lost.

3- Faithfulness is more valuable than recognition.

Mary Slesser, a missionary in Africa, faced intense opposition when she tried to protect vulnerable women and children from harmful cultural practices. Mary Slessor (1848-1915) was a Scottish missionary known for her fearless work in Calabar (modern-day Nigeria). Slessor ventured deep into areas considered too dangerous for Europeans. She lived among tribes, endured diseases like malaria, and often intervened in tribal disputes, saving lives. Her faith compelled her to rescue and adopt abandoned twins, raise dozens of orphans, and advocate for the rights of women and children. She often put her own life at risk to protect them. One evening, she heard the screams of a woman tied to stakes, about to be scalded with boiling oil for feeding a starving slave. Without hesitation, Mary ran to the scene and placed herself between the woman and her attacker. Her courage saved the woman’s life and led to lasting change in the community. Her impact continues today in Nigeria, where she’s remembered as a heroine. Schools, hospitals, and churches bear her name. Today, Nigeria is a predominantly Christian nation with over 100 million Christians.

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV

Peace and courage in Christ brothers and sisters.

Don’t Believe God Speaks?

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I know that there are plenty of doubters and skeptics out there. You, dear reader, may be one of them. But I am here to tell you, God is still in the business of speaking to His children.

Last night, I had a nightmare. Not just one of those weird bad dreams where you’re being chased by something and none of it makes any sense. No, this dream contained among two of the worst things that could happened. They must have been born out of deep unconscious fears that decided to rear their ugly heads. This was one of those dreams you wake from in a panic. With heart rate accelerated, you scramble to get your bearings and snap back to reality. And there I was, a little after 6am on a Sunday when I’m supposed to be sleeping in. Wide awake and reeling. So, after a minute or two, I I take a deep breath and begin to pray.

Lord God, help me to know truth and to relinquish my fears to you. Calm my unnerved heart. Forgive me for all my sins or thought, words, or deeds. Cleanse me inside and out. Help me to find rest in you and to be renewed.

As I pray, my heart is calming a bit. But oddly, I have this overwhelming urge to grab my phone. I resist because I think it’s just a distraction from my prayer time. But the urge grows. So I pause and pick up the phone on my bedside. Recently, I have paused notifications from 10 pm to 7 am. Somehow, I have a notification on my screen from an app called “Abide”. Not only do I have notifications silenced for another hour almost, but I don’t have notifications turned on for this app at all. But there it was. And it read, “Balm for the restless heart. Come and find rest in Me.” And as I read it, shocked and amazed, another notification popped in. This time from the Bible app. And I read these words, “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” And there I was, at peace and overwhelmed all at the same time. Not by the awful feelings I had upon waking, but by His incredible goodness.

Did the skies open and a voice from heaven come to me? No. But there I was, forced awake by a dream that left me sick to my stomach. And in the midst of prayer, I received timely and powerful words through a means that never should have been possible. I will leave you to wrestle with how that is possible. But for me, God is still in the business of speaking to His children. Even in the mundane and what could seem like trivial issues of one’s life, God is there. And He cares. And He speaks.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

In the Pain

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

When life gets hard, our natural response is usually to ask why. Why is this happening? Why now? Why me? But in John 12:27–28, we see a moment where Jesus, fully aware of the suffering He’s about to endure, says something radically different:

“Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

John 12:27-28a

His soul is troubled, and yet He doesn’t pray for escape — He prays for God to be glorified. This Is What Trust Looks Like. Jesus wasn’t pretending to be fine. He didn’t mask the heaviness of His soul. He admitted the weight of what He was carrying — and still, His desire wasn’t for comfort, but for God’s purpose to be fulfilled through Him.

That’s not weakness. That’s strength. That’s surrender. What If We Prayed Like That? What if, in the middle of pain, disappointment, confusion, or heartbreak, our first prayer wasn’t “Get me out of this” but “Be glorified in this”? Not because the pain is good. Not because the suffering is easy. But because we trust that God wastes nothing — and that even in the hardest moments, His glory can shine through us.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Romans 8:18

Your Struggle Might Be Sacred

Jesus knew His suffering had purpose. We may not always see the full picture in our own lives, but this much is clear: God is able to bring beauty out of brokenness, and when we offer our trials to Him with open hands, He does something eternal with them. It’s not about denying our pain — it’s about devoting it. Saying, “Use even this, Lord. If you can be seen in this, then don’t take it away too quickly.”

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

2 Corinthians 4:17

“Father, Glorify Your Name” — A Dangerous, Beautiful Prayer

This is a bold prayer. It surrenders control. It places trust in God’s bigger plan. And it shifts the story from being all about us… to being all about Him. Jesus prayed it — not just in John 12, but again in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” And if Jesus could pray it in His darkest hour, maybe we can, too.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Philippians 1:20

So next time you feel the weight pressing in, try this: Take a breath. Acknowledge the pain. Then say — even through tears —“Father, glorify Your name.” There’s power in that. And God will meet you in it.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you… But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 4:12-13

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Pick your Podium

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

This last week, I shared this message with a group of teenage athletes. I believe it’s a word that we can all find encouragement in. Whether you’re an athlete or not, we all have a podium to stand on. The question is, which one will it be?

My journey as a Christian athlete is a mixed bag at best. I grew up going to church occasionally, or when convenient, and pouring a lot of energy into athletics. I had struggles balancing faith and sports. And I don’t think there really was a balance. I prayed fairly regularly. I was baptized. I did Sunday school when I could. But beyond that there was no pursuit of holiness or the things of God. It came down to what motivated me, and it wasn’t deepening my relationship with Jesus. It was success in sports and school. That was a motivation I carried into my young adulthood. Instead of wrestling and grades, it became coaching and my career as a teacher.

The major lesson I have learned through all of it is I need to make Christ the center of it all. In order to do that, I had to learn who Jesus really is. When He isn’t your priority, you don’t learn much about Him. It wasn’t something that was a priority in my home growing up. I never knew what doing devotionals were until I was an adult. I never knew worship was more than singing a few hymns on Sunday. I never knew what it meant to live a life of service, devoted to the wellbeing of others. I was never shown what it meant to witness my faith. All of these things are core principles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And they were all missing from my life until I encountered Him in my mid-20s.

So let’s go back to the question: who is Jesus? He asked His own disciples, “who do you say that I am?” I found my answer, as I hope you all do, from Jesus himself. Let’s take a look at some words straight from God’s word.

In John chapter 1 it says that In the beginning Jesus was the Word and was with God and was God. Later, in John 14:6 He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life. In Revelation 22:13 Jesus is called the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Colossians 1:15-17 calls Him the image of the invisible God and by and FOR him all things were created.

If Jesus is all of these things, then my life had to radically change. I couldn’t be elevating other things over my relationship with Him. I couldn’t be trying to measure success in anything other than knowing Him more deeply. To be a Christian means to be sold out for Jesus. To be captivated by Him. Colossians 3:4 calls Jesus our life. And therefore He has to be the focus of our life.

Jesus gave his followers a title that He also gave himself. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14 He said, “You are the light of the world.” And therefore it is. The piece that had never been taught to me. I am a vessel for His light to shine through. I am meant to make Him known in whatever setting I find myself: as an athlete, coach, teacher, student, husband, friend, coworker, or any other title and position.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

The reward we put so much effort into seeking through sports, careers, and other achievements is very different from the reward spoken of here. Our pursuit is Jesus, and what we get is so much more than anything we could ever hope to receive through earthly pursuits. So I ask you, which podium has priority in your heart? The one you stand on to receive recognition, or the one you speak from to give God glory?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17 ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.