The Monday Christian

@ezra.themondaychristian.com.ap.brid.gy

Turning Sunday Belief Into Monday Action 🌉 bridged from https://www.themondaychristian.com/ on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/

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Longform Stories

I Met Jesus, and He Changed My Life!

Some of you may not know this, but I am the oldest brother of Ezra Byer. This is my claim to fame! I'm hoping someday to get his autograph. For years now, I have endeavored to convince everyone that I…

22h ago·5 min read·827 words

My Spiritual Autobiography, in the Style of Augustine's Confessions

📖"And whoever comes to Me I will never cast out." — John 6:37 Early in my Christian life, I read Augustine’s Confessions. Augustine (354-430 AD) lived a monastic life and pursued a life of writing. …

1d ago·14 min read·2631 words

In Memory of My Friend, Bob Stouffer

An example of a life well-lived.

2d ago·7 min read·1264 words

The Life-Changing Hope of Jesus

My Salvation Story I’m one of those people who doesn’t have a super “exciting” salvation story. I grew up in a Christian home, and I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know who Jesus was. My first …

5d ago·4 min read·792 words

Before, During, and After the Life-Changing Grace of God in My Life

📖"You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." — I Corinthians 6:11 Before Before Jesus, I was poor in spirit. I had…

6d ago·6 min read·1116 words

Surprise! I'm Not Actually Perfect.

My life has been a pattern of mistakes and misprioritizations. Case in point: At this very moment, Microsoft Word is telling me my leading sentence is a mistake. Misprioritizations? that squiggly red…

Jun 10·5 min read·986 words

The Miracle of Grace

📖"For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift." — Ephesians 2:8 Many conversion stories I have heard go something like this: "Before I met Christ, I w…

Jun 9·6 min read·1046 words

Identity in Christ

📖"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10 Before Christ One thing I love wasting time doing is looking …

Jun 5·5 min read·849 words

The House That Death Could Not Keep

Growing up, one of my favorite stories was about how my parents came to faith in Christ. My mom was raised in a Christian family and attended church every week, while my dad was born into a Hindu-Chri…

Jun 4·6 min read·1186 words

How The Radical Truth of Christ Set Me Free

📖"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." — John 8:32 Have you ever fallen asleep on a raft in the ocean? It’s amazing at first. The rays warm your body while a gentle sea breeze …

Jun 3·8 min read·1588 words

How Jesus Changed My Life

📖"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17 What Was I Like Before Jesus? As someone who grew up in the chu…

Jun 2·7 min read·1332 words

Why Is Ezra Byer a Christian?

John 4 provides the answer.

Jun 1·4 min read·781 words

We Are Not Most Unfortunate

📚The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis I listened to The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis as an audiobook in my early 20s, having never made it beyond The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince…

May 29·8 min read·1449 words

How to Overcome Fear and Talk About Our Faith

📚Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl I was on a bus taking a church or school trip…I think. The memory is hazy around the edges, but its core is seared in…

May 28·8 min read·1488 words

Is Your Thrill of God Gone?

The longer you're a Christian, the easier it can be to lose that original thrill of God you once experienced. Here is something you can do about that.

May 27·5 min read·879 words

How Do I Love Someone Who Feels Unlovable?

It's a tough question, but here are some ideas.

May 26·6 min read·1040 words

What Should I Do If I Can't Hear God's Voice?

Keep following the thread.

May 25·7 min read·1278 words

When a Painting Became a Doorway to God

📚The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen It was 2019 when I picked up a book that changed me. I honestly don't recall another book that has impacted me so deeply. I went back through my journ…

May 21·8 min read·1531 words

How Should I Respond When I Feel Like God Has Let Me Down?

📚Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey It was in the late 90’s when I first read Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey. I know, many people are now disappointed with Yancey, and rightly so. Ho…

May 20·6 min read·1045 words

Putting a Face to the Tempter in a Season of Wandering

📚The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis My all-time favorite author is C.S. Lewis. Both his fiction and nonfiction are so captivating and full of wisdom. I love his space trilogy, and of course, the C…

May 19·4 min read·712 words

Why Am I Such a Terrible Person?

Do you ever have days when you don't like yourself? If so, here is some encouragement.

May 18·5 min read·975 words

How I’ve Changed My Perspective on Doubt and Answered Prayers

📚I've Seen the End of You by W. Lee Warren A friend of mine at church once brought to my attention that when he hears me pray for people, he finds it interesting that I always pray for what they are…

May 14·1 min read·109 words

What Fiction Taught Me About Truth, Perception, and Extending Grace

📚The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker I was in high school when I read The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker. I was tearing through stories at that time in my life. Most were science fiction (actually, most…

May 13·1 min read·103 words

There’s No Such Thing as an Overqualified Christian

📚Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices In Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren I was sitting cross-legged on the dining room floor changing my infant son’s diaper, crumbs and toys scattered eve…

May 12·1 min read·89 words

A Thought That Leads to Despair

How Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire shaped me as a teenager.

May 11·1 min read·16 words

How a Book on Romans Led to a Marine's Salvation

📚Romans: The New Man, An Exposition of Chapter 6 by D.M. Lloyd-Jones Above my computer screen hangs a portrait facsimile of D.M. Lloyd-Jones, affectionately called the Doctor. I was a newly born-aga…

May 8·1 min read·97 words

How Practicing Contentment Led to Joy in My Everyday Life

📚Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow The spring of 2023 marked a difficult season in my life. It was not a season of depression or discouragement, but rather one of listlessness. My husband and I …

May 7·1 min read·94 words

The Letters That Led Me from Burnout to Joy

📚The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller by C. John Miller I was a tired pastor, discouraged with my ministry and my Christian life. I needed something that would help, but I didn’t …

May 6·1 min read·97 words

When I Realized I Didn’t Know as Much as I Thought

📚The Story of Reality by Gregory Koukl I’ve called myself a Christian for most of my life, but this past year really made me stop and think about what that actually means. I started stepping into mo…

May 5·1 min read·98 words

How Counting the Good Rewired My Brain

📚1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp I first read 1,000 Gifts with a group of college friends in my last semester of undergrad. We would read a chapter a week and then meet to talk about it. It was a busy se…

May 4·1 min read·99 words

Finishing Well

As we near the end of something, be it a task, a job, or an assignment, it can be tempting to coast to the end of it. But finishing well requires us to be intentional about how we end something, even …

May 1·1 min read·59 words

Who Are You Fighting for in Prayer When No One Sees?

It’s easy to give up when we don’t see results, but here are some true stories of people who have been faithful in prayer.

Apr 30·1 min read·35 words

Remaining Faithful in the Unglamorous

Are you tempted to complain when your work is ordinary? Do you give less than your best when it seems that no one sees what you do? Be reminded today that your everyday, mundane tasks, when done in Ch…

Apr 29·1 min read·51 words

Would Anyone See Jesus in the Way You Live at Home and Work?

The best way to show Jesus to our coworkers and family members is to first find our identity in Christ and then live out that identity in the spheres of influence in which we have been placed.

Apr 28·1 min read·50 words

How a Pinch of Salt Can Preserve Many Relationships

Are you facing a difficult relational challenge? If so, here are seven steps that can help you.

Apr 27·1 min read·26 words

When Love Became an Act of Obedience

Loving others as Christ calls us to requires more than just good feelings; we must forgive, pray for, and extend grace to those who hurt us. What a comfort to know that we don't have to love like this…

Apr 24·1 min read·58 words

What Needs To Die So You Can Actually Live?

There is so much freedom and joy that comes with opening our hands to God and letting Him use our lives for His purposes and glory!

Apr 23·1 min read·35 words

Are You Awake To What God Is Doing Around You?

How often do we find ourselves slipping into a prayer rut or skipping prayer in a season of discouragement? Paul admonishes us in Colossians to be steadfast and watchful in prayer, full of thanksgivin…

Apr 22·1 min read·57 words

Are You Tired of the Grind of Adulthood?

Life can be hard, and the constant pressures can wear you down. When this happens, turn to Paul's words in Colossians 3.

Apr 20·1 min read·30 words

Why Do We Keep Trying to Fix Ourselves Without God?

We can easily get drawn into lots of spiritual activity for God's kingdom, surrounding ourselves with people, groups, and schedules in the church. But true transformation comes only through time spent…

Apr 17·1 min read·53 words

Jesus Over Everything

A question from the app Lectio365 lingers: “Do I pray because I’m into prayer, or because I’m into Jesus?” Reflecting on this helps us prioritize our relationship with Christ over mere routines.

Apr 16·1 min read·35 words

Are You Living Like You've Already Been Made New?

Easter is a day of celebration and joy, but it is made more meaningful and can be transformational when we remember that Easter is about new life because of the death of Christ on our behalf.

Apr 15·1 min read·45 words

What's Quietly Pulling Your Attention Away From Christ?

It's easy to get swept up in theological discussions or philosophical debates, especially with social media! But truth is found in Christ alone, in whom are hidden all the riches of understanding, kno…

Apr 14·1 min read·43 words

How Do I Recognize Spiritual Deception?

Have you ever fallen for a spiritual lie? We all have at one point, but here is a way you can remain focused on God's truth.

Apr 13·1 min read·32 words

How Do I Live As Though Christ Is Sufficient?

Does life feel like it's outside your control? If so, here are some encouraging thoughts to remember today.

Apr 9·1 min read·27 words

What Does a Life That Actually Pleases God Look Like?

Living a life that is pleasing to God can feel overwhelming if we lean on our own strength. But as we spend time with God and the Spirit brings about fruit in our lives, we are enabled to walk in a ma…

Apr 8·1 min read·56 words

If Christ is Alive, Why Isn't My Life Changing?

Sometimes our idea of bearing fruit doesn't align with the fruit God is bringing about in our lives. True fruitfulness will include growth in faith and love, signs of the gospel of Christ taking root …

Apr 7·1 min read·46 words

Just the Hope You Need This Week

In a world that is void of hope, Paul's words in Colossians 1 are just what you need today.

Apr 6·1 min read·26 words

Death Never Has the Last Word

Despite what we're tempted to believe, death NEVER has the final say.

Apr 3·1 min read·18 words

Why Is Maundy Thursday Important?

Why is the Lord's Supper so important? And what meaning does it hold for my life? Here are a few thoughts.

Apr 2·1 min read·26 words

What Does God Do With My Brokenness?

Do you ever feel like you're too broken for God? If so, here are some words of encouragement.

Apr 1·1 min read·25 words

What Should You Do When Life Is Not Okay?

Do you ever feel like life is anything but okay? You're not alone, but here are four choices you can make that will sustain you.

Mar 31·1 min read·34 words

A Time for Change

The Daily Devotional is now free of charge

Mar 30·1 min read·12 words

What a Dumpster Maintenance Man Taught Me About Contentment

In difficult trials or in times of abundance, Paul reminds us that true contentment is found not in our circumstances, but in being rooted in Christ.

Mar 27·1 min read·35 words

How Does God Want Us To Give?

Giving generously and with a cheerful spirit is much easier when we trust that God loves us and delights to meet our needs as our good Father.

Mar 26·1 min read·34 words

What You Think About Shapes Who You Become

It's easy to think on good things when life is going well and problems seem far away. But Paul's call to guard our thoughts is a critical battle plan, especially on the difficult days. When we take ou…

Mar 25·1 min read·54 words

Can Scripture Transform Us Even In the Most Mundane of Tasks?

If we have often read God's Word, it can be easy to skim the familiar words. But when we read it thoughtfully and memorize it, applying it intentionally, we begin to see the true transformational powe…

Mar 24·1 min read·49 words

Beyond Tribalism And For the Kingdom

It's easy to fall into our own separate tribes, and it's tough to have a kingdom-minded perspective. But that's what God calls us to have.

Mar 23·1 min read·31 words

What Should You Do If You're Feeling Anxious Today?

If you are worried about current events in the news or in your community, here are some thoughts to consider.

Mar 20·1 min read·29 words

Lent: Diplomatic Immunity in a Rival Kingdom

Lent is a time to give something up as a reminder of where our true allegiance lies, and to redefine where our hopes truly lie.

Mar 19·1 min read·32 words

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Do you struggle to stay focused? If so, here are some words of encouragement.

Mar 18·1 min read·20 words

Knowing Christ in His Suffering and Resurrection

The closer we walk with Jesus, the more our lives are shaped to look like His. He gives us His heart, and that gift includes the willingness to suffer as He did.

Mar 17·1 min read·39 words

Watch Out for Dogs

It's easy to lean on your own human ability, but this week, resolve to depend on God.

Mar 16·1 min read·21 words

What Does Epaphroditus Teach Us About Self-Sacrifice?

It's natural to want to put ourselves first, to look out for our own interests, but Jesus models self-sacrifice, calling us to be a part of his upside-down kingdom where we seek the good of others bef…

Mar 13·1 min read·46 words

Shining Like Lights in a Dark World

Our world prioritizes external success, the recognition that comes when the spotlight is trained on you. But Paul calls us to cultivate the inner light of Christ, a steady glow of the Spirit that quie…

Mar 11·1 min read·47 words

What Accounting Taught Me About Descent and Glory

In our fallen state, we naturally grasp upward, reaching for recognition, status, glory; Paul points to Jesus and shows us a better way, the way of humility.

Mar 10·1 min read·35 words

How Do You Love Difficult People?

Do you find it hard to love others who are different than you? If so, Philippians 2 is the passage you need this week.

Mar 9·1 min read·30 words

Living Worthy of the Gospel in a Fractured World

Our heavenly citizenship unites us even when everything else divides us. The gospel calls us to stand together around the cross, not fracture over our differences.

Mar 6·1 min read·35 words

When Hard Seasons Make the Gospel Shine Brighter

No one enjoys seasons of difficulty, but as long as we live in this fallen world, they will be inevitable. When hardship comes into our lives, what a comfort to remember that, in Christ, our suffering…

Mar 4·1 min read·47 words

The Beauty of Being Seen and Known

Spending time with Jesus allows us to see his love for us more clearly, leading us to greater discernment of his will. As Paul prayed in Philippians, let us pause, fix our eyes on Him, and listen so w…

Mar 3·1 min read·52 words

God Will Finish What He Started In Your Life

Do you ever feel like there is so much unfinished work in your life? If so, take heart. There is reason to be hopeful.

Mar 2·1 min read·33 words

The Final Words We All Need

Regardless of what we may face today, let your heart be encouraged with this truth: peace, love, faith, and grace are ours in Christ Jesus!

Feb 27·1 min read·31 words

Why Prayer Is Your Lifeline In Every Battle

So often we think of prayer as something we ought to do, when in reality, it is a divine gift from our heavenly Father, one that connects us to our Savior, brings us peace and comfort, and strengthens…

Feb 26·1 min read·50 words

The Full Armor of God

Our enemy is a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, but Paul lays out for us what we need to overcome: the full armor of God.

Feb 25·1 min read·31 words

You Are In a War

Do you have a tough time recognizing you're in a spiritual battle? This is a common challenge Christians have, but it's one we must overcome.

Feb 24·1 min read·30 words

The One Commandment My Generation Finds Easiest to Ignore

Do you have a hard time honoring your parents? If so, here are some thoughts to consider.

Feb 23·1 min read·26 words

Why a Perfect Marriage Shouldn't Be the Goal

Far more than a happily-ever-after, marriage is designed to reflect the heart of Christ through humility, service, and self-sacrificial love.

Feb 20·1 min read·28 words

When God Interrupts Your To-Do List

There's never a shortage of things to do, but living with discernment means being willing to let the Spirit redirect your focus from your list to what he is calling you to.

Feb 19·1 min read·38 words

What a TV Show Taught Me About Godly Discernment

Media is everywhere, and it's more than just innocent entertainment; it can be a lure from the enemy, pulling us into poor patterns of living. Let's follow the advice of Ephesians and refrain from par…

Feb 18·1 min read·49 words

Setting Your Sights On Something New

God calls us to be renewed, to put off our old ways of thinking and living, and to put on a new self that is created in the likeness of Christ. What a gift of grace that we can participate in a new wa…

Feb 17·1 min read·52 words

Should Christians Be For Diversity?

The term "diversity" can be a hot-button issue for many, but here is why it shouldn't be for Christians.

Feb 16·1 min read·24 words

What Does Belonging to Christ Mean for Us?

According to Ephesians, we as believers have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead, and that same power at work in us is able to do abundantly above all that we can ask or think!

Feb 13·1 min read·47 words

Being Rooted in a Love that Never Runs Out

What freedom comes when we surrender our striving and earning so that we can live secure and confident in the extravagant, unconditional love of God!

Feb 12·1 min read·34 words

What Can a Cheating Norwegian Biathlete Teach Me About My Approach to God?

Do you find it hard to approach God? If so, here are some words you need to read today.

Feb 11·1 min read·32 words

From Strangers Into Family

Differences abound in the body of Christ, and too often, we can fail to see other Christians as fellow workers in the kingdom of God. Paul reminds us that if we belong to Christ, we are one in Him!

Feb 10·1 min read·43 words

What the Epstein Files Teach Us About Our Need for God

There is a lot of darkness in our world today, but this can be just the reminder our souls need.

Feb 9·1 min read·31 words

What Jesus Over Everything Means For Your Monday

As Christians, what we do matters. But if our actions are motivated by anything other than our identity in Christ and our love for him, then we're in danger of making the story about us rather than po…

Feb 6·1 min read·49 words

Why Paul Prays for Eyes to See What Hearts Often Miss

Even Christians who know the truth can find themselves with blurry spiritual vision. While our faith is not solely dependent on us, we need to be intentional about living from intimacy with Christ, no…

Feb 5·1 min read·53 words