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Single Minded

by Michelle Brinson

The Word

Date Posted: March 2, 2005

Thy word is truth.
John 17:17b KJV

God's word is truth. It says so – right there - in the Bible – in the book of John, chapter 17. So, do you believe the Bible and all that it says? Here's a wonderful reason for believing the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

I imagine most of you reading this would say you do believe the Bible. In fact, if you've accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you've staked your life on it.

So, if you believe the Bible, why is it so hard to live like you believe it? Do you find it easier to read it and believe it is true for others, but not for you? Please don't misunderstand me, I'm asking myself this question just as much as I'm asking it of you. I fear we are much harder on ourselves than God is on us and that holds us back from living the life God planned for us.

If you believe the Bible and all that is says, do you think it is reasonable to expect your life to be evidence of this belief? If so, what does that look like? Let's go straight to God's word – the truth – to find out.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."
John 8:31 NIV

So, the Bible tells us we are more than just believers. If we hold to His teachings – the Bible – then we are His disciples. So, what does a disciple look like?

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:35 NIV

Notice it doesn't say you have to be famous, rich or important according to the world's standards in order to be a disciple of Christ. Others will know you are a disciple of Christ if you love one another. Sounds easy enough, but we all know it's more difficult than it sounds.

It doesn't matter if you are a famous actor or actress, a star athlete, a great theologian, or just your average "Joe". You still fall short of God's plan for your life. It's not about what we do. All of us fall short.

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:22-24 NIV

So, it's not about what we do. It's about who we are or should I say whose we are. A disciple is one who loves God, our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his heart, soul, and mind, and tries to become more and more like Him through a life of faith and obedience.

If it is your heart's desire to be a disciple of Christ… study the truth. The truth is revealed in God's word – the Bible. It's there for you and for me to read, to study, to memorize, and to meditate on to transform us into someone who is more and more like Christ.
Here are some truths to meditate on… let them transform you.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever! Amen
2 Peter 3:18 NIV

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:8 NIV

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
2 Timothy 2:19 NIV

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

The world we live in today desperately needs change, but only our Lord Jesus Christ has the power and the plan to change it. Commit yourselves to changing the world through sharing the truth with others. Develop the practice of spending time alone each day with God in prayer and in His Word. Don't be afraid to ask Him questions… because you've got the answers in the palm of your hands and He will lead you in knowing exactly where to look.

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Biography Information:

Michelle Sanders Brinson makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband Andrey, their son Jadon and their dog Rudy.

Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.

Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.

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