Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

Are You the One Jesus Loves?

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Do you see yourself as “the one Jesus loves”? That may sound self-absorbed, but I believe it shows faith. The Apostle John repeatedly referred to himself as “the one Jesus loved.” See John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 20. Any of the disciples could have used this description. Jesus loved them all (Jn. 13:1). But John personalized Jesus’ love. Jesus loved John!

Too often, I hear Christians emphasizing where we fall short. After hearing a message, many leave feeling beat up instead of built up. Focusing on our sin instead of on God’s gift of righteousness undermines the message of grace and the role of faith. This works-centered focus promotes a self-centered life instead of Christ-centered one.

The Apostle Paul wrote,

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (italics added; Rom. 1:17 NIV).

It’s illogical to tell unbelievers we are “saved by grace through faith” and then tell ourselves we are accepted on the basis of our performance. Continue Reading

3 Tools to Help People Know Christ this Christmas

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Christ…sent me “to spread the Good News. I didn’t use intellectual arguments. That would have made the cross of Christ lose its meaning” (1 Cor. 1:17 GW).

Many of us will connect with friends and family during this Christmas season. Have you wondered how you might discuss the “reason for the season” with those who may not know Jesus?

My son and I recently joined my sister and brother-in-law and their ministry team on university campuses. We asked students if they would take a short survey with us. Many shared their thoughts with us. Afterwards, one man told me he wanted to continue our discussion. (For your convenience, links to the tools we used are included in this post.)

Use Open-ended Questions

God has placed eternity into the human heart. We want to know why we are here and if our lives matter. Yet problems, pleasures, and the pursuit of the urgent distract us from the inner longing to know God. The Great Exchange uses a survey to tap into that natural curiosity.Continue Reading

What Does Faith Look Like?

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What does faith look like? Larry shared an experience that exemplifies faith to me.

Larry wanted to tell a woman, I’ll call Jewel, about Jesus. But an inner restraint said, “Not now.” He prayed this woman would find the Lord and asked God for the right opportunity.

God heard his prayer and began to show Himself to her apart from Larry. One day Jewel brought up God with Larry.

Jewel volunteers in a local Ronald MacDonald Family Room that offers a place for family members of seriously ill children to sleep, shower, and launder their clothes. We can imagine the heartbreaking stress and financial strain of its guests.

One woman arrived and handed $5.00 and a coupon to one of the volunteers and asked her to bring her a tray of food from the hospital cafeteria. The volunteer returned and said she was sorry, but they couldn’t take the coupon and $5 wouldn’t go far there. The woman pocketed her $5 and shrugged. She asked to use the shower.

A man in worn clothes who sat reading a book on prayer overheard the exchange. After a bit, he asked Jewel, “How long will she be in the shower?”Continue Reading

Why It’s Wise to Give Thanks

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Did you know that the Bible says it is wise to give thanks?

So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants… Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephes. 5:17, 20 GW).

I pulled my husband into a jewelry store to look—for fun. When we left, I said, “Did you notice how the jewels sparkled in the showcases? The dark backdrop and lighting set off their splendor.”

Grace is like that. Sometimes it needs the right backdrop before we appreciate its brilliance.

We may overlook the sunshine or take it for granted, if we haven’t endured a cold rainy season. We can also under-appreciate the joys of life if we haven’t walked through sadness and disappointment.Continue Reading

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