Casandra Martin

He is seven years old, cute as a button, and taller than he should be. I watched him drag his feet as he walked with his mom toward us before church was about to begin. Mom arrived first saying that he had something to tell us. “Go on,” she prodded. “Tell them.” I looked at him expectantly, not sure if we were in for a confession or a celebration. He squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, and started. “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus….”

I grinned as he went through and named all thirty-nine books of the Old Testament. He stumbled just a little bit in the middle of the Minor Prophets, but he made it to the end and we cheered. It was obvious that he had worked hard to learn them by heart. He had a shy, proud smile as we high-fived his big accomplishment.

Study after study reports that Biblical illiteracy has reached alarming levels in our society. The studies don’t just refer to people in general, but specifically point to the distressing lack of basic Bible knowledge among Christians. Knowing how to open your Bible, work through its pages, discover what it says, and imprint its message on your heart is essential to growing in Christlikeness. If we want to look like Jesus, we have to know what Jesus looks like. The Bible is the place where God reveals His heart, His will, His character, and His purpose. Knowing the Bible allows us to know God better.

My Jesus Resolution today is to imitate my little friend. I want to have his heart for learning about God and His Word. I want to invest myself in knowing the Bible. Learning the books of the Bible by heart is not just about learning a list. It is a first step into being able to trace God’s grace through history, understanding His deep desire for me, and becoming familiar with His voice. I want to be able to celebrate with others when they learn something new about God in His Word. I want His Word to be on my heart, so that I can know His heart.

Today is July 4^th and all over this land Americans are celebrating independence, freedom, and the blessings and privileges of living in this country.

George Washington, the first President of the United States, penned the following prayer at the close of the Revolutionary War. He sent his thoughts and wishes for the newly formed country to the governors of the thirteen states of the union. His words are still profound and speak to our country’s deepest needs.

“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

My Jesus Resolution today is to follow George Washington’s example and pray for my country. I appreciate the fact that George Washington understood that the best path to our nation being one of justice, mercy, and happiness flows from the commitment of its citizens to humbly imitate Jesus. What was true at the end of the Revolutionary War is still true today. Looking like Jesus is the best hope we have of making this a nation that lives under God with liberty and justice for all.

“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.” ~Author Unknown

Discouragement is a quiet enemy. Fear can roar. Worry can strangle, but discouragement erodes. Its power isn’t in its speed or ferocity, but in its silent, consistent attack on our hearts. The dictionary tells us that to discourage someone means to “deprive of courage, hope, or confidence.” Discouragement eats away at our courage to face tomorrow, our hope that things can and will be brighter, and our confidence in both ourselves and our God.

Discouragement can sneak up on us. During times that require patience, call us to wait, or necessitate taking a long view, discouragement can slip in and wear away at our faith. It strips away our courage, leaving us feeling vulnerable and alone. Our burdens seem a little heavier as discouragement colors our perspective and casts shadows on our hope.

God knew we would be discouraged. He knew that it would be hard to wait, difficult to be patient, and tough to trust His timing. That is why over and over again in Scripture we hear His command to encourage one another. He reminds us that together we are stronger, have more courage, and can face the day better than we can alone. When we are encouragers, we infuse someone with the courage that they need to look like Jesus in their circumstances.

My Jesus Resolution today is to encourage someone. Everyone struggles with discouragement. I know I do. So do you. I try to shake it off, but sometimes it has a way of tenaciously clinging to my heart. An encourager doesn’t judge me for my discouragement, but rather steps alongside and helps carry my burden. In sharing their presence, prayers, and perspective they empower me to take the next step and face the next day. I want to be an encourager for someone today, reminding them that Jesus is here, Jesus will help, and Jesus has a plan unfolding just around the corner.