Why This Website
Because for years I thought I was living by faith and relying on the Holy Spirit, when I was actually living by my own will-power — and got nowhere.
Because for too long I thought faith in Christ was just agreement with doctrine, or belief in His death for my forgiveness. Both are crucial — but faith is more.
Because I’ve been transformed by the truth that faith means trusting all that God promises to be to me in Christ Jesus.
Because I now see how vague and fruitless my faith was, when it did not focus on specific promises in God’s Word.
Because I have found great comfort and encouragement in knowing that God has a promise in His Word for every problem I face.
Because the truth that I’m always trusting something to satisfy me — has helped me overcome sin, and deepened my experience of joy in Christ.
Because the insight that whatever I trust the most, I desire the most — has helped me understand why I feel the way I do, and how my desires can be changed.
Because understanding that whatever I trust the most, I obey – has helped me put sin to death and grow in obedience.
Because time and again as I fight the fight of faith I experience the Holy Spirit deeply satisfying and changing my heart.
Because too many believers do not understand how the Holy Spirit really does work supernaturally through faith to produce joy, peace, love, and obedience.
Because it’s not enough to say that faith produces obedience, or that the Spirit enables us to love. If we don’t understand how, these can just be words we say while we rely on our own will-power to obey.
Because I have lots to learn, and I hope to grow by writing this blog and reading your comments.
Because I believe these truths are taught in God’s Word and that He will use them to give you unshakeable peace, overflowing joy, sacrificial generosity, risky love, and bold evangelism– to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Feedback? Thoughts? Comments? Feel free to leave a reply below. Thanks.
(Picture used with permission of Peggy Dembicer at Flickr.)
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the invite to this awesome effort…great start! I’ll be waiting for each edition! A good way to have my cake and eat it too, if you get my drift!
Just spent a couple days and a night in intensive care at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. I have to say gratitude was THE positive emotion that hit me in the experience, not to mention some expected negative ones. The wonderful thing is that I don’t need to try to take credit for the gratitude because even that gratefulness comes from Him and He’s given me the desire to give Him the glory for it. Btw, If I waited 2-3 more days, according to the doctors, the renal damage could’ve been severe and irreversible.
Steve, you have a great gift for this stuff and it’s a blessing to your reader … I encourage you keep it up brother!!
Warm regards,
with love,
Gerry
Great to hear from you, Gerry. Thanks so much for your encouragement.
Sorry to hear about your stay at the VA Hospital — but I’m glad you got in when you did — and that you are doing better.
Your friend and brother,
Steve
Steve,
Great site. Vintage Fuller. It looks like a lot of work went into it, nothing left out. We could all pray through the topics in the “Want a Quick Overview” section every day for years. I think I will.
Thanks so much for your pastoring.
Dave
Thanks for your encouragement, brother!
Hi Steve,
Thank you for posting this. Great care and thought are evident. I am encouraged by the reminder that all we need is given. You point out some things I may have placed elsewhere in my conscience. Like, the gift of relying on God for the strength to fight against sin, the worship of idols and the like. Just this intro alone causes me introspection in the best way. So thank you for this endeavour, I will check back. I pray that you and Jan and the kids are well and protected.
Best in Christ – d
So good to hear from you, Deanna. And thank you for your encouragement!
Much love to all of you,
Steve
This is what I remember about you 30 years ago when I was in High School. I am so excited that I found your blog and it will be part of my daily devotions. You helped set a great foundation in my relationship to Jesus Christ back then and I look forward to your thoughts once again.
Your Brother in Christ,
Ron Robles
What a joy to hear from you, Ron. It encourages me to hear of your heart for Christ — thanks for your note. May the Father richly bless you, brother — Steve
Hello Steve!
Wonderful site and thoughtfully done. I see you landed at A29–a good fit I trust.
Blessings to you.
Great to hear from you, Jon. Yes, we love A29 — what a gift from the Father! I trust that all goes well with you — your support and encouragement was timely back when we were together in Ohio. Thanks.
God bless u bro. Steve.am grateful to the Lord for the wonderful gift he has given u it is faith giving,and encouraging.
I’m so glad God lead me to your site… I have been living a defeated Christian Life. I’m a young believer and there were times I would question do I belong to the Lord. Obeying Christ is the desire of my heart but, why does its feel so hard and overwhelming? was what i would ask myself all the time… can’t wait to read what you have learned. Thanks!!