Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

Are You the One Jesus Loves?

by 8 Comments

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

How to Speak God’s Love Language

by 22 Comments

“My husband doesn’t show me love,” the distraught woman before me complained. Her husband was a good provider, maintained her car without being asked, vacuumed the house, and cleaned up after supper. But acts of service were not her love language. Because she longed for quality time this woman didn’t recognize her husband’s actions as demonstrations of love.

A hunger to express and experience love runs through the human DNA. Considering this made me wonder if that need extends to our relationship with God. If so, what are some ways to enhance this love relationship? Does God have a love language?

Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate captivated millions of readers. Hebrews 11:6 shows faith is God’s love language.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV).

Did you catch the reciprocal nature of faith as described in this verse? Continue Reading

How to be Assured of Your Salvation

by 18 Comments

Can a person know for sure if they are going to heaven? Or do we live the best we can and hope we won’t be disappointed?

I well remember sitting in my college apartment and having a young woman ask me when I’d become a Christian.

“I grew up in the church. I walk forward every time we have a revival and ask Christ into my heart,” I said.

“We only have to ask Jesus into our hearts one time” she said. “When we ask in faith, His Spirit comes to permanently dwell in us.”

We only have to ask Jesus into our hearts one time. When we ask in faith, His Spirit comes to permanently dwell in us. #assurance, #grace Click To Tweet

That was a new and exhilarating idea to me. I thought the way you stayed committed was to keep asking Jesus into your heart. That afternoon Sharon explained how to gain assurance of my salvation. In case you or someone you love has struggled with this, let’s look at three reasons why a believer may doubt his/her salvation and some assurances the Bible offers.

3 Reasons People Doubt Their Salvation.

Continue Reading

What Do You Trust—Commitment or Connection?

by 22 Comments

Have you noticed, commitment goes only so far? I decided to give up sugar—for a while. That night my husband came home with three large chocolate bars and said, “Your favorite dark chocolate is on sale.”

I promised to hold my tongue and say only encouraging words. Well, that didn’t last long!

Every personality carries inherent strengths and weaknesses. People who feel strong in an area emphasize commitment to overcome flaws. Jesus highlighted connection.Continue Reading

Pin It on Pinterest