Dan Gould

Tag: The Stand – Hillsong United

  • Bible Challenge – 1 John 2

    “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:3-6

    Have you ever questioned your faith?  Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I really a Christian?” Many times this is a heart shaking question that causes me to evaluate my life and look at the areas that are causing me to question my my faith in Christ. As a Christ Follower, there are 3 things that I must do to have the confidence that John talks about here in this passage:

    1. I must put my FAITH IN CHRIST! – This simply means that I realize who I am (a sinner) Who God is (Creator, The One True God, He is pure, holy, and mighty) and who Jesus is (Fully God & Fully Man, Takes sin upon Himself through the Cross so I could have a relationship with God.)  Click here if you have questions about what it means to have faith in Christ.

    2. I must OBEY CHRISTS TEACHINGS! This is where I adjust my life according to the things Jesus says.  To be honest, it’s sometimes easier to know what Jesus says, than it is to actually do what He says.  But, if i want to have the confidence that John talks about, i need to start applying the things i hear and read, so I can be more like Jesus everyday.

    3. I must FOLLOW CHRIST EXAMPLE! This is where others see on the outside what Christ is doing on the inside. When I truly seek to obey Christ Teachings, I will have a desire to follow His example.

    If anyone of these are out of balance it can cause me to question everything.  But when I have put my faith in Christ, I am Obeying Christs Teaching, and I am Following Christs Example, I have the confidence that John talks about in this passage.

    Father today, help me remember all that Jesus for me! Strengthen my faith as I read your Word.  Convict my heart of the sin that like to hide in the dark places, so I begin to obey you in all areas not just some. Allow me to take the step of faith and follow Christ Example even if it isn’t popular and I get persecuted for it.

  • Jackson Update #7 from Home

    We are glad to be home with Jackson, but I must admit last night I was questioning whether we made the right decision to come home or not.  Jackson is really congested.  He now has mucus in his nose that has to be suctioned several times throughout the day.  He has been so couped up for the last couple of days that he runs around the house like a wild man even though you can tell he doesn’t feel good.  I couldn’t imagine trying to contain or entertain him like this in the Hospital.

    We had a scare last night when he got a little choked up from the mucus right before we were going to bed.  He tried to cough it out but couldn’t.  I think he swallowed most of it, you could tell he was scared by the look on his face.  The good news is after that, the night went pretty good.  In fact, Jackson is still sleeping now, praise Jesus.

    We will keep you posted on how he is doing.  I am hoping today is a turning point like Tuesday was.  Thanks again for all the prayers and support you have shown us and Jackson!