Foundation: Seek first the kingdom, and all these shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). What is this like at the practical, daily level? I think one aspect is heart intent; consistently seeking, desiring, returning to, praying to the Lord. Another aspect is regular, substantial, and meaningful Christian fellowship. This will likely take effort, as … Continue reading Open Letter to a Young Christian Man
Author: Andrew K. Banks
Jesus Eternal
"The Jews replied, 'You aren't fifty years old yet, and you've seen Abraham?' 58) Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.' 59) So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple." -John 8:57-59 "In the beginning was the Word, … Continue reading Jesus Eternal
Born Again
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." -Ezekiel 36:26 HCSB "Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' 4) 'How can anyone be born … Continue reading Born Again
My Disposition Toward Self-Help
I feel the need to explore some tensions between the my faith and what might be deemed 'self-help'. Around the time I started this blog, I was consuming content, online video content in particular, in the spectrum of entrepreneurship/business development, sales and management, self-improvement, and psychology. During that time, that whole genre of personal development … Continue reading My Disposition Toward Self-Help
Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled
John 13:36-14:1; "Lord,' Simon Peter said to Him, 'Where are you going?' Jesus answered, 'Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.' (37) 'Lord', Peter asked, 'why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for You!' (38) Jesus replied, 'Will you lay down your life … Continue reading Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled
Evidence of Your Deliverance
"...because the ruler of this world has been judged." -Jesus, in John 16:11 (HCSB) "So when they arrest you and hand you over, don't worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour - say it. For it isn't you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." -Jesus, in … Continue reading Evidence of Your Deliverance
Demoralization is Part of the Game
If you are stressed about the destruction, deception, and depravity in the world, realize that demoralization is part of the devil's game, too. So, mind your reaction. Yes mourn, yes be angry, yes cry out to God, yes petition your government for a redress of grievances, but don't be cast down. There's a difference. 2 … Continue reading Demoralization is Part of the Game
To Live is Christ
"For me, living is Christ and dying is gain." Philippians 1:21 The Lord has brought this verse to mind lately. One thing I have received from it is a perspective check. Yes, I need to plan for various aspects of my life on earth, and I also need to weigh all of those things against … Continue reading To Live is Christ
Hebrews 1:3
"He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3 It's something like this: people fell and we inherited that legacy of corruption and … Continue reading Hebrews 1:3
Small Acts in a Big World
Friday, December 11th, 2020: On my lunchbreak, driving to pick up food, I prayed. I was praying because I heard that a customer from work had just died from complications related to Covid 19. Two things came out of that prayer time. One was a profound anger about this whole pandemic situation; not merely the … Continue reading Small Acts in a Big World
Andrew K. Banks 