The first thing Jesus said to the first ones He called to follow Him was, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This was about more than just relating to them in their current profession. This is basic to following Him. Fishermen catch fish, so how would one catch men?

       There are similarities in how we catch fish and men, such as using different kinds of bait to catch different kinds of fish. Similarly, we must use different methods to draw different kinds of people. This skill is...

        As stated last week, one of the great truths that can help keep us on the path of life is I Timothy 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” In everything we are called to grow in love, and this helps us understand the purpose of our trials and challenges. As we learn to embrace each opportunity to love, we can get through each trial faster with much more accomplished.

        The two major purposes of our life are to do and...

        There are certain aspects of our walk with God that are essential to character development. Understanding this helps make our challenges and battles more tolerable. Of primary importance is understanding our need to be rightly connected to the body of Christ, to know our place in it, and to function there in the gifts and ministries we have been given. 

         We have been called into the greatest fellowship—to follow the King with His faithful ones. They are some of the best but also some of the most difficult. Together, they provide...

        The Lord has called those who overcome in this present world to the highest position in all creation—to be sons and daughters of God and heirs with His Son. This is the highest calling. It is only for those who prove to creation they are worthy to rule with Him by overcoming the greatest darkness and evil in creation which is now being manifested on the earth. These are those whose obedience and endurance for Him against all opposition will cause even principalities and powers to acknowledge the Lord’s victory and truth which will ultimately prevail. ...

         We must never run from a battle. We are called to be overcomers, and overcomers don’t run from challenges. The Scriptures repeatedly state, “The Lord tests the righteous” (see Psalm 11:5). These tests are not to cause us to fall, but to promote us. Just as we cannot advance in school without passing tests, the same is true in our Christian walk. The purpose of every test is to take us higher. 

         Continual tests for advancement are a basic part of the Christian walk. It is unlikely we will pass any test...