Joshua1 Blog

Does God Really Love Me?
Does God Really Love Me?
We've all been there, beaten to the ground by the continuous waves that life throws our way. We've all sat there in the middle of the storm and thought "Where is God now? Did He forget about me? Does he even love me?"
Anger
Anger
As someone who has spent their entire life with a twin brother, I know what it's like to get beyond angry at someone. It can become incredibly easy to blame, yell, and even fight whenever we got mad at each other. Here are some ways to fight that.
Shaking Our Tiny Fist at God
Shaking Our Tiny Fist at God
One of the most common things that every Christian can relate to is being mad at God. At some point in our lives we decide that we know better than God and think that if He only listened to us, our lives would be so much better. We take our little tiny fist and shake right in God's face. So how do we confront our anger with God and how do we bring that anger to Him?
Responsibility
Responsibility
No, I am not talking about responsibility in terms of doing your chores or going to bed on time, I want to focus on our responsibilities as followers of Jesus.
A Biblical Perspective
A Biblical Perspective
It is important to know what a biblical perspective is when doing anything whether that is having a conversation or simply just the way you behave, no matter what it may be. By the end of this, you'll have a better understanding of what it means to live through faith and how to utilize it to give God the glory!
Our Mission as a Christian
Our Mission as a Christian

Our mission as Christians is exactly as Jesus says here, to go out and spread the gospel to everyone, everywhere. We need to be fearless and spread relentlessly. If we fully realized what would happen to someone who has never experienced Jesus, we would be doing everything we can to spread the good news.

Growing Up as a Christian
Growing Up as a Christian

I grew up in a Christian household and I can remember exactly where I was saved.  For as long as I can remember, I was going to Sunday school and talking about Jesus wherever I went. My mom says I was a "little evangelist" because I was constantly telling people and being a light in my kindergarten and early elementary school years about Jesus.

Dangerous Faith and Dangerous Love
Dangerous Faith and Dangerous Love
Living a life for Christ is something we should not take lightly. Dangerous faith is not just something we think, it's something we need to live out. What does it mean to have dangerous faith?
Suffering for Christ
Suffering for Christ

What does truly mean to suffer for Christ? Thats a loaded question and a strange concept when you really think about it. We're supposed to suffer? On the outside looking in, that can look really intimidating and confusing.

Christianity vs. Religion
Christianity vs. Religion
Religion is defined as, "a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places...[etc.]". Religion is all about outward works but has little to nothing to do with what goes on in the heart. Proverbs 21:2 says, "A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart". 
Love and Fear
Love and Fear
The Bible says in several different places that there is no fear in love, but what does that really mean? Love in this context means God's love. When you know that God loves you and you can experience it and share it with others, there's no reason to fear. When we truly believe that God loves us and will provide and we know our eternal destiny, why should we be afraid of anything?
It's Not Easy, But It's Good
It's Not Easy, But It's Good
Life as a Christian can be extremely misunderstood, especially from the outside looking in. There's often a large misconception that once you become a Christian, it's all rainbows and butterflies, but that couldn't be further from the truth. 
Distracted
Distracted

Life as a college student, as you can go read in the Staying Faithful in College Blog, can be a struggle when it comes to faith. There’s always something happening and so much to do and it’s just busy busy busy all the time. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either but it’s extremely important to incorporate time with the Lord. With these few steps, I’m going to tell you what’s helped me personally!

Run the Race
Run the Race

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Staying Faithful in College
Staying Faithful in College
This last month, I’ve been getting ready and starting my college experience and it’s been an amazing journey so far! While I’ve been making new friends and keeping up with my work, I’ve found it difficult to make time for the Lord but as I continue to go throughout my day-to-day schedule, I’m figuring out more how to integrate God into my life, not just at church, but everywhere I go. Here are a few ways to do that while living a college student life! 
Things to Look Out for as a Christian
Things to Look Out for as a Christian

Don’t get me wrong, accepting Christ is the greatest thing you'll ever do but it’s not supposed to be the easiest thing you'll do. In fact, the Bible directly tells us that we will have troubles in this world and Matthew 10:22 says, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” That’s just one of the many things we have to be ready for in this journey with Christ. As you read this, I hope you can gain more of an understanding of what to look out for!

What to Do When You Feel Lost as a Christian
What to Do When You Feel Lost as a Christian
Many times as Christians, wave after wave hits us and we don’t know what to do. The storms of life have turned us around and have made us feel lost as to where we are and what to do next with our lives. When you feel like you are stuck in that situation, there are a few ways to get yourself unstuck.
How to Not be a Control Freak
How to Not be a Control Freak
Oftentimes as Christians, and just human’s in general, we become total control freaks of our lives. We try to control others so that we get our way and we try to control our situations when they are out of control. So, as Christians, what are we supposed to do about that?
The Power of Community
The Power of Community

I find a community of Jesus lovers in a place where it can be hard to trust God. When I find that community, it reminds me of ways I can love people and even more, love God. He gave us a community for a reason after all. I hope that, as you read this, you can ask yourself the questions, “Are you surrounding yourself with the right people?” and if not, “In what ways can I find people who just Love Jesus?”

Where Do I See God?
Where Do I See God?
At any given time, whatever the circumstance may be, the desire to seek God will arise in your heart, but you may not know where to look. It can be different for many people, as there are many forms of worship, so here are just a few ways to help you look!
Fight the Good Fight
Fight the Good Fight

1 Timothy 6 verses 11 and 12 tell us, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Now, as Christians, what does this mean? What is this telling us to do? How do we "Fight the good fight?"