The Life We Imagine vs. The Life God Offers

We all carry a picture in our minds of what life should be. 

For some, it’s a sprawling mansion on a hill, bank accounts overflowing with millions, and every desire within reach. 

For others, it’s simpler—a cozy two-story home, a white picket fence, and a loving family to share it with. 

Still others envision a life of comfort and freedom, with just enough resources to live on their own terms. 

Every now and then, we catch a glimpse of that ideal, a fleeting moment where we sigh and say, “Now this is the life.”

But how often do we actually live the life we’ve imagined? And for those rare few who do, does it ever truly measure up to the dream?

For many of us, the life we are living feels like a letdown. It is not the life we imagined, and the gap between our reality and our dreams breeds frustration. To cope, we tell ourselves this is just how life is supposed to be and that life will always be a grind. We clench our fists, grit our teeth, and mutter, “Life is hard. It is full of disappointments and struggle. That’s just the way it is.” 

There is some truth in this thought—hardship is real—but I can’t help but wonder if that mindset sets us up to miss something bigger, something better: the life God actually created us to experience.

I’m not saying a life with God erases difficulties. Struggles will always be part of the journey. 

Imagine for a moment: What if there’s a kind of life that doesn’t just endure those challenges, but actually redeems them?

The Apostle John offers us an insight into what a life with God is like:

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us” (1 John 2:24-25, NLT).

Two crucial truths stand out in this passage, and they’re as relevant today as they were two millennia ago.

First: Life flows from obedience. Do you want to experience the life God has for you? It starts with following Jesus. Real life isn’t unlocked by believing the right doctrines or checking spiritual boxes—it’s discovered in trusting Jesus. Loving God, loving our neighbors, serving sacrificially, and giving generously—these aren’t just nice ideas. This is what true life looks like. Bible studies and church gatherings are vital, but they’re only the beginning. The life God promises takes shape when we take what we’ve learned and put it into practice.

Second: Life is fellowship with God. Without Jesus—and by extension, without the Father—true life remains out of reach. It’s in abiding with Him that we find it. John ties fellowship directly to obedience. How we live determines whether we’re walking with God or drifting away. Make the decision align your life with Scripture, and you’ll find yourself in step with your Creator. If you choose to chase selfish desires, and you’ll stumble into emptiness.

John calls this type of life “eternal life.” The idea of “eternal life” deserves a closer look. Too often, we reduce “eternal” to a matter of time—life that stretches on forever. A long life isn’t inherently good. A mediocre or miserable life isn’t made wonderful simply by adding time to it. I believe “eternal life” isn’t just about duration—it’s about quality. It’s the richest, fullest, most meaningful life possible, and it’s only found in relationship with God.

I revised this post from one I wrote in 2006, nearly two decades ago, and I’m struck by how timeless and universal this tension feels. We are still dreaming of “the good life,” still experiencing the disappointment caused by sin, and still overlooking the redeemed life God has for his people. 

But God’s invitation hasn’t changed. The life He offers—true, redeemed, eternal—is still ours to step into. It’s not a fantasy on a hill or a fenced-in ideal. It’s a reality rooted in obedience and relationship, ready to transform even our hardest days.

So, what’s your picture of life? And how does it stack up to the one God’s holding out to you?

The Choices That Define Us—and the One That Redeems Us

Ever catch yourself replaying a moment you’d give anything to redo? 

I do it all the time. 

Things like: the sharp response you gave to your kids, the chance to talk about Jesus to a co-worker that you let slip away, the choice to walk away from faith and live a party lifestyle for a few years, or the chance to do something special that you let get away.

I think, to one degree or another, all of us have those mental reruns. But here’s the question I would like you to consider: what if our past blunders don’t get the final say over our future?

Every day, we’re creating who we’re becoming by the choices we make—big, small, impulsive, or deliberate. These choices ripple out, shaping not just us, but also our little corner of the world.  So what happens when we mess up? When we cave to temptation, chase selfish desires, or stumble into sin? Are we stuck with the fallout forever? 

The answer is a big NO! 

The story doesn’t end with our failures—because God has a part to play in our lives as well.

I think Erwin McManus nails it in Uprising: 

The future is the sum total of all the choices that are made in the present and the past. Fortunately, that sum total includes the choices made by God. (p. 237)

Think about that idea for a moment. God isn’t some cosmic spectator, arms crossed, watching us struggle. He’s in it with us, steering things in ways we might not even notice. Our wrong turns? They don’t faze Him. His choices can rewrite our trajectory when we’ve lost the way.

Romans 8:5-8 (CSB) lays it out clearly: 

For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

There is no doubt that when left to our own devices, we’re a mess. 

We can’t muscle our way into the life God has for us on sheer willpower. And that is okay!  

God doesn’t leave us in the chaos we created. He hands us His Spirit, His Word, His grace—everything we need to choose life over death.

And if you want proof of God’s wild commitment, Romans 5:6-11 (CSB) points us to the evidence: 

For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

That’s not us earning our salvation. That’s God saying, “I’m all in—whether you’ve got it together or not.” He chose to rescue us, not because we’re impressive, but because He is love in action. 

The life and death of Jesus is the evidence we need to know that God is committed to us.

True, we can’t rewind the tape on yesterday’s mistakes. But we can choose to trust the choices God has already made for us. 

When we surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, something changes. We’re not just fumbling through life on our own strength anymore—we’re being shaped by a God who has the power to redeem us, no matter who we are or what we have done. Our story isn’t a highlight reel of our screw-ups. It’s an amazing collaboration between our choices and His—a God who loves, restores, and refuses to let go.

What’s one choice you’re facing today? And what might it look like to let God’s voice weigh in?

Transformed by Grace: The Foundation of Godly Leadership

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re feeling under the weather, so what do you do? A recent survey revealed a startling trend—over half of Americans turn to the internet, social media, or even AI for medical advice before consulting a doctor. Even more surprising? 73% believe they know more about their health than their physician! While curiosity and research are great, the issue boils down to trust. People are placing their faith in TikTok doctors and Reddit threads over trained professionals.

This same pattern creeps into our spiritual lives. Instead of turning to God’s Word or seeking godly counsel, many of us scroll through social media, watch YouTube theologians, or follow influencers with no accountability or questionable theology. Pastors are fact-checked in real time, and the world’s trends often overshadow God’s truth. Questions are healthy, but when we trust fleeting opinions over the eternal Word, we risk our spiritual health.

In Titus 1:1-9, we see a similar challenge in Crete 2,000 years ago. False teachings were spreading, and the new churches lacked leadership. Paul commissioned Titus to establish godly leaders—elders—to guide God’s people with truth and integrity. Today, we’ll explore two crucial elements for living as God’s people: God’s truth and godly leadership.

Context

Paul and Titus had planted churches across Crete, but Paul left before appointing leaders. Without guidance, false teachings took root, and the churches struggled. Paul’s letter to Titus served as both encouragement and a public endorsement of Titus’s apostolic authority to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Read aloud in the churches, this letter affirmed Titus’s role and provided clear instructions for establishing leadership.

Let’s dive into Titus 1:1-9, where Paul outlines two foundations for God’s people: God’s truth (vv. 1-4) and godly leadership (vv. 5-9).

Two Foundations

1. The Importance of God’s Truth (Titus 1:1-4)

Core Message: God’s truth transforms us, giving hope and purpose. It changes not just what we do but who we are.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 1: Paul’s identity is rooted in God—he’s a “slave” to God’s will and an “apostle” of King Jesus, carrying the authority to share the Gospel. His mission is to serve God’s elect, those chosen to live by faith and honor Jesus.
• Verses 2-3: The Gospel offers confidence in eternal life, a promise God made before creation. God, who never lies, sent Jesus at the perfect time, fulfilling His plan. Paul was entrusted with sharing this life-changing message.
• Verse 4: Paul calls Titus his “true son,” united by their shared faith. This faith binds all believers together, blessed with God’s grace and peace.

Applications:

• Find your identity in Jesus: Like Paul, see yourself as a servant of God with a purpose—to make disciples.
• Build hope on God’s promises: Spend time in Scripture through personal study, group discussions, meditation, or worship.
• Prioritize Christian community: Our faith unites us with other believers, strengthening us for the mission.

2. The Call for Godly Leadership (Titus 1:5-9)

Core Message: Godly leaders represent Jesus with integrity and truth, guiding the church in its mission and teaching sound doctrine.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 5: Titus’s task was to appoint elders to bring order to Crete’s churches. Paul had left before establishing leadership, leaving the churches vulnerable.
• Verse 6: Elders must be blameless, with personal integrity—a good reputation, faithful in marriage, and children of good character. This reflects their ability to lead well, especially in house churches.
• Verses 7-8: Elders are stewards of God’s household, requiring moral integrity. They must avoid arrogance, anger, drunkenness, violence, or greed. Instead, they should be hospitable, love what is good, live wisely, and pursue holiness.
• Verse 9: Elders must be doctrinally faithful, holding to the truth, teaching sound doctrine, and refuting error. Their lives add credibility to their teaching.

Note on Scope: Paul’s instructions weren’t a rigid blueprint for church governance but a call for leaders to embody Jesus’s truth and character. The specifics varied (e.g., Timothy’s instructions in Ephesus differed), but the principle remains: the church needs godly leaders to make disciples.

Applications:

• Pray for and support church leaders: Lift up your elders, pastors (like Jenny and me), Superintendent Carl Brannon, Bishops Keith Cowart, Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin, and your church board and teachers.
• Lead with integrity: All believers lead somewhere—home, work, or community. Live blamelessly to point others to Jesus.

Conclusion

Summary: As Christians, we’re called to be transformed by God’s truth and to follow and support leaders who represent King Jesus. We trust God’s promise of eternal life and embrace our mission to make disciples. Living with integrity ensures we don’t discredit Jesus or cause doubt. We encourage each other to grow in maturity and represent Jesus in the world.

Big Idea: God’s Word transforms lives and calls for godly leaders to represent King Jesus. To take the Bible seriously, we must mature in our discipleship, becoming more like Jesus daily, and hold our leaders accountable to reflect Him well.

Challenge: Pray for our church leaders—Bishops, Superintendent Carl Brannon, Jenny and me, our board, and Pastor’s Cabinet member Sue. Your prayers are vital for godly leadership.

Final Thought: We live in the age of the influencer. With 3.4 billion people on social media, influencers shape culture without titles or offices—they lead through their voice and life. Jesus called us to be influencers for His Kingdom through the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about living blamelessly in belief and action, inviting others to follow Jesus. As an African proverb says, “He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” So, who are you influencing, and where are you leading them? If you follow Jesus, you’re called to lead.

Sunday Prayer: Peace and Harmony

Gracious and loving Father,

You are the source of patience, encouragement, and perfect peace. We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your divine guidance to live in complete harmony with one another, as is fitting for those who follow Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may embody Your love, grace, and unity in all our actions and words. Help us to set aside differences, to bear with one another in patience, and to build each other up in faith. Unite us as one body, so that with a single, joyful voice we may lift up heartfelt praise and glory to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives be a testament to Your transformative power, drawing others to Your everlasting love.

We pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen. 

What Type of Relationship?

The Saying We Love

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.” It’s a popular saying for American Christians, especially in evangelical circles, and it’s got a certain ring to it. The idea behind it is to make Christianity seem more appealing—less about dusty rituals, more about a living connection with Jesus. 

There’s something attractive there, and it’s not entirely off-base. 

After all, Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends” (John 15:15). The New Testament teaches this personal dynamic—grace, faith, a God who knows us. But here’s where I want to pause: Christianity is a religion. And denying that it is a religion doesn’t just oversimplify—it misses the bigger picture of what God’s doing through the covenant relationship He created through Jesus.

Where the Phrase Holds—and Falters

Let’s take a deeper look at the saying. On one hand, it’s trying to capture something real. It pushes back against the stereotype of religion as cold formalism—think Pharisees with their rules, missing the heart of God. The “relationship” bit highlights how Christianity invites us into something intimate, transformative, and even messy as we face the challenges of maturity. It’s not wrong to say that knowing Jesus changes everything. 

But calling it “not a religion” misses the reality of how we have a relationship with God. Christianity has sacred texts (the Bible), doctrines (Trinity, atonement), rituals (baptism, communion), and disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting). That’s religion by any definition. To ditch the term “religion” is to set up a false split—religion as the bad guy, relationship as the hero. It sounds catchy, but it is not true.

Covenant: The Bigger Frame

Here’s the thing: Christianity doesn’t need to shed “religion” to appeal to people. It’s a religion defined by a relationship—one that’s rooted in covenant. 

So what’s a covenant? It’s a sacred agreement that is binding. In the case of Christianity, it is an agreement between God and His people, that blends commitment and loyalty with purpose and promise. God doesn’t just deal with us as scattered individuals; He binds us to Himself and to each other through promises that echo across history. Think of Abraham: “I will be your God, and you will be my people” (Genesis 17:7). Or the new covenant in Jesus’ blood, sealing us as a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). This isn’t just a private “me and Jesus” thing—it’s a communal reality, a people set apart by God.

When “Relationship” Shrinks the Story

The “relationship, not religion” line risks shrinking God’s covenant down. It turns faith into a cozy, solo experience, sidelining the bigger, messier truth of covenant life.

Yes, it’s personal—God knows your name, your doubts, your hopes. But it’s also bigger than you. The Bible’s covenants—from Noah to Moses to Christ—always involve a community with a purpose. Israel’s whole identity was wrapped up in being God’s covenant people, even when they stumbled. The early church got it too, sharing everything and growing together (Acts 2:44-47). That’s not just a personal relationship; that’s religion lived out in the real world.

Why Covenant Matters

So why does this matter? Because leaning too hard on “relationship” alone can miss what God’s after. Covenant means we’re not just in this for ourselves. We’re tied to each other—responsible to help, forgive, and carry burdens. Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (NLT). That’s not optional; it’s the covenant at work. The phrase might sell books or fill pews, but it’s too small for the God who calls a nation, not just a fan club.

Reframing the Faith

Christianity is a religion, no question about it. 

Christianity is a relationship, that is absolutely correct. 

Christianity is a covenant relationship—personal and communal, intimate and expansive. Maybe the saying needs a rewrite: “Christianity isn’t just a religion—it’s a covenant that makes us God’s people.” 

Less catchy, that is true, but it holds the weight of the story.