1 John 5:3-5 - Faith vs. Obedience

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,  for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:3-5

So which is more important: Faith that Jesus is the Son of God or obedience to God's commands? Both are equally important. I don't think either is useful without the other. If we think of obedience to God equalling love for him, then our faith leads us to us showing our love to him through obedience.  Our faith in God and his son is what helps us to keep his commands. We are given the power to overcome the world (sin).

Lord, Thank you for giving us victory in overcoming the world. Please help us to remain faithful to you and make your commands clear to us. Amen.

Book Review - Bursting with Life: Triumph Through Cerebral Palsy

Last Sunday the speaker where I attend worship services (Webb Chapel Church of Christ) mentioned a book called Bursting with Life: Triumph Through Cerebral Palsy by Robert Reid, I was intrigued by the synopsis offered so I got the book and read it. It was truly inspirational. Honestly, I think it would make a great movie! My favorite quote of the book is this:

"Many don't understand being handicapped. The truth is that everyone is handicapped in one way or another. We all have challenges or disabilities that we have to overcome."

Robert's story is amazing, but like the quote says, we all have challenges to overcome and this story gave me inspiration to see beyond what I can or can not do.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to have challenges. Help us to see these challenges as opportunities. Amen.

Romans 8:37-39 - Live like a winner

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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.

I take so much comfort in this passage. There is power in knowing the battle has already been won. We are to live like winners!

Lord, thank you for your power and assurance. Please help us to live like conquerors. Amen.