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Author: Jim Halstead

The Great I AM vs What I AM

The difference between God saying, “I AM WHO I AM” in Exodus 3:14 and Paul saying, “By the grace of God I am what I am” in 1 Corinthians 15:10 is profound. Both statements speak about identity, but they reveal two very different truths about who God is and who we are in relationship to Him. 1. God says, “I AM WHO I AM” — Exodus 3:14 biblechapteraday.substack.com God spoke these words to Moses when He called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” — Exodus 3:14 (KJV) What does God mean? God is declaring His own divine identity. He does not depend on anyone or anything else to exist. He is eternal, self-existent, and faithful to His promises. Consider these three truths: God was telling Moses, in effect, that the One sending him was not an ordinary ruler or a temporary power. He was the living God who had heard His people’s cries and would act to deliver them. The key truth: God does not receive His identity from anyone. He is God in Himself. 2. Paul says, “By the grace of God I am what I am” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 Paul writes: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV) Paul is not claiming to be God or saying that he possesses God’s self-existent nature. He is acknowledging that everything he has become as a servant of Christ is because of God’s grace. Before becoming an apostle, Paul persecuted the church. But God changed the direction of his life and called him to proclaim the gospel. Paul recognizes three things: Paul does not say, “I am what I am because of my own power.” He gives the credit to God. The key truth: Paul is what he is because of what God has done in him and through him. 3. The difference between the two statements God: “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:14 God declares who He is in His own divine nature. He is the source of life and does not depend on anyone else to be God. Paul: “By the grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 Paul acknowledges who he has become through God’s undeserved favor. His identity and ministry are dependent on God. The distinction is this: God Paul Exists in Himself. Depends on God for life and calling. Is the source of grace. Is a recipient of grace. Declares His divine identity. Acknowledges God’s work in his life. Needs no one to make Him God. Cannot take credit for what grace has accomplished. 4. What connects the two statements? Here is a beautiful spiritual connection: God reveals who He is, and His grace shapes who we become. In Exodus 3, God sends Moses to accomplish a divine purpose. Moses is not sufficient in himself for the task, but God promises His presence: “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12). In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul recognizes that his own calling and labor are likewise made possible by God’s grace. Both passages teach us not to rely merely on human strength. However, there is an important distinction: God’s existence is independent; our existence and service are dependent on Him. 5. What does this mean for us today? When you say, “By the grace of God I am what I am,” you are not declaring that you are equal to God. You are giving God the glory for what He has done in your life. You are saying: This agrees with Ephesians 2:8–10, which teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Paul also makes clear that grace does not lead to laziness. He says he labored abundantly, yet he recognized that God’s grace was working with him. Grace is not an excuse to do nothing; it is God’s undeserved favor that enables us to serve Him faithfully. Final thought God says, “I AM WHO I AM” because He is the eternal, self-existent God. Paul says, “By the grace of God I am what I am” because he recognizes that his life, transformation, and ministry are gifts from that God. One statement reveals God’s identity; the other acknowledges God’s grace at work in a human life. And the lesson for us is this: We do not become who God calls us to be by our strength alone. We grow in faith, serve faithfully, and give Him the glory because His grace is at work in us. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.” God is the great “I AM.” By His grace, we can become what He calls us to be.

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell by Pastor Jim. Jesus Never Said: “Repeat after Me!” BUT He did say “Repent” and “Follow Me!” Pastor Jim’s video highlights a remarkable idea from his evangelist friend: Jesus never said to echo a prayer word-for-word, but to transform, to “repent and follow.” It’s a challenge to question the norm and embrace a full-hearted pursuit of something greater. Matt 4:17 “17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matt 4:19 “19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Go & Tell Ministries resources are based on scripture, stories, and simplicity to equip you to share the gospel and make disciples. Go & Tell…The Story of His Glory! #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory www.goandtellministries.org

Coffee Devo: A Spiritual Journey Through Luke 24

Reflecting on the story of the road to Emmaus from Luke 24, let’s delve into the profound insights from this passage and discover how it stirs our souls to draw nearer to God. The story of the road to Emmaus is a powerful reminder that Jesus meets us on our journey, opens our eyes to His Word, and draws our hearts closer to Him. The Road to Emmaus: A Story of Revelation The road to Emmaus isn’t just another biblical tale; it’s an invitation to experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Luke 24 narrates the encounter of two disciples with Jesus after His resurrection. As they were walking and discussing the recent events surrounding the crucifixion, Jesus appeared and joined their conversation. Yet, they did not recognize Him at first. “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” — Luke 24:32 This question posed by the disciples speaks volumes about the profound impact Jesus has when He reveals Himself to us through God’s Word. Just as their hearts burned with divine recognition and understanding, so must ours as we dive deeper into the Scriptures. The road to Emmaus story reminds us that Scripture is more than words on a page. As we spend time in God’s Word, He can open our hearts and minds to understand His truth and draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. The Call of the Holy Spirit When the Holy Spirit speaks to us through God’s Word, He draws us closer, kindling a fervent desire within us. It’s not just about reading the words but experiencing them, allowing our hearts to ignite with passion for a deeper relationship with Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply Scripture to our everyday lives. As we pray, read, and reflect on the Bible, we create space to hear from God and allow His truth to transform us. Drawing Near to God: A Biblical Invitation The Scriptures are clear: God desires a closer relationship with us. James 4:8 promises: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This isn’t merely a suggestion but a heartfelt invitation into His presence. Be encouraged to embrace this invitation by diving into God’s Word and spending intentional time with Him. The act of drawing near to God is a journey, one that involves trust, faith, and a willingness to explore the unknown depths of God’s love and wisdom. It’s about cultivating a daily habit of engaging with the Bible, allowing its truths to illuminate our path. How to Cultivate a Heart for God Creating a life-altering shift in how we approach Scripture can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some practical ways to invite God to speak through His Word and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him: Going and Telling the Story: The Mission Be challenged to not only bask in the beauty of God’s Word but also to take action: to “go and tell the story of His glory.” Understanding the Scriptures compels us to share the good news, extending the invitation of freedom and redemption to others. The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t keep their encounter with Jesus to themselves. Their experience moved them to action. In the same way, our encounters with Christ and His Word should inspire us to share His love and grace with those around us. Living Out the Scripture Living out the message of Luke 24 means embodying the hope and joy of the resurrection. It’s a call to actively engage in our communities, to be beacons of light and testimonies of Christ’s transformative power. Faith is not simply about what we read or learn; it is about how we live. As we draw near to God and allow His Word to shape our hearts, our lives should reflect the hope, love, grace, and truth we have found in Christ. Conclusion: Is Your Heart Burning Within You? As we close this reflection on Luke 24 and the road to Emmaus, ask yourself: “Is my heart burning within me as I read the Scriptures?” If the answer is yes, let it drive you to a deeper commitment to Christ. If not, perhaps it’s time to invite the Holy Spirit to rekindle that passion. We’re reminded that walking with Jesus transforms us, an experience meant to be shared and not kept to ourselves. Let us be active participants in His story, ready to tell of His love and grace to a world in need. In this journey, remember: God’s Word isn’t just meant to be read; it’s meant to be lived. “Church, let’s go and tell the story of His glory.” — Pastor Jim May your journey with God be richly blessed, and may your heart continually be stirred by His enduring love.

Walking in Faith: Embracing Jesus’ Call to Follow

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? As we reflect on Matthew 4, we’re  reminded that following Christ is about much more than simply saying the right words or believing the right things. Jesus calls us to something deeper, a life of repentance, obedience, discipleship, and action. I recently heard a powerful statement from an evangelist friend that challenged me: “Jesus never said, ‘Repeat after me.’ He said, ‘Repent and follow me.’” This simple yet profound statement invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to truly follow Jesus. Are we merely reciting words, or are we committed to a life of genuine repentance and discipleship? Following Jesus is not simply a statement we make. It is a life we choose to live. Jesus Calls Us to Repent Matthew 4:17 tells us that as Jesus began His ministry, He proclaimed: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repentance is an important part of following Jesus. It means more than recognizing that we have done something wrong. Genuine repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. Jesus calls us to leave behind the things that separate us from Him and walk in a new direction. That can be challenging. We may be comfortable with our old habits, our own plans, and the way we have always done things. But following Jesus means allowing Him to lead us, even when that requires change. Repentance is not about trying to become perfect before we come to Jesus. It is about recognizing our need for Him and being willing to surrender our lives to His direction. “Come, Follow Me” A few verses later, Jesus gives His first disciples a simple but life-changing invitation: 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  – Matthew 4:19 I love the simplicity of this invitation. Jesus didn’t give Simon Peter and Andrew a complicated five-year plan. He simply called them to follow Him. And their response was immediate. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4:20 That challenges me. What am I holding onto that Jesus is asking me to surrender? What would it look like for me to follow Him more completely? Following Jesus sometimes means leaving behind what is familiar so that we can step into what He has prepared for us. The disciples left their nets, their routines, and their old way of life. They followed Jesus because they trusted Him. An Invitation to Repentance and Action The heart of following Christ lies not in formulaic recitations but in a transformative relationship with Him.“Have you repented of your sins and are you following Him?” This reflective question shakes the very foundation of a lukewarm faith. It calls for action, urging us to not only believe but to also embody the teachings of Jesus. It is this full surrender that marks the beginning of true discipleship. Taking the Step From Following Jesus to Going and Telling There is another important part of Jesus’ call that I don’t want to overlook. Following Jesus naturally leads us toward others. We aren’t called to keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves. The more I understand what Jesus has done for me, the more I want others to know His love, grace, forgiveness, and hope. This is at the heart of the Go & Tell message. We are called to go and tell the story of His glory. Our testimony doesn’t have to be complicated. We simply share what Jesus has done in our lives and point others toward Him. Maybe someone around us needs to hear a word of encouragement. Maybe they need to know that forgiveness is possible. Maybe they are searching for hope. We may never know how God will use our willingness to speak. Walking in Faith Matthew 4 reminds us that Jesus still calls people to follow Him. His invitation is simple: Repent. Follow Me. Go and tell. So, as we continue with our journey of faith, we want to keep asking ourselves: Am I simply talking about Jesus, or am I truly following Him? And if I am following Him, am I willing to tell others what He has done? My prayer is that we would never become comfortable with a faith that exists only in words. Instead, may our lives demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus,to turn toward Him, trust Him, walk with Him, and share His story with others. Let’s go and tell the story of His glory.

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Promo video (long) for Go & Tell Ministries. Go & Tell Ministries’ resources are based on Scripture, stories, and simplicity to equip you to share the gospel and make disciples. Go & Tell…The Story of His Glory!

Coffee Devo | Luke 24:32

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell by Pastor Jim. Luke 24:32 “They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Go & Tell Ministries resources are based on Scripture, stories, and simplicity to equip you to share the gospel and make disciples. Go & Tell…The Story of His Glory #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory www.goandtellministries.org