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WHAT IF YOUR GOAL IS NOT SUCCESS… BUT CHRIST? “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem.” — Luke 18:31 I’ve been thinking about something lately. Our goals can change. The career we wanted at 20 may not be the career we want at 30. The dream we once prayed about may look completely different today. But there is something different about following Jesus. The goal remains Christ. We begin with Jesus. We walk with Jesus. And we want to finish with Jesus. Paul described the goal as becoming increasingly like Christ: «“Till we all come… to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:13» That means the goal isn't simply to build a successful ministry. It isn't to become popular. It isn't to have thousands of followers. It isn't even to see spectacular results. Those things may come. But the deeper question is: “Lord, am I doing what You have asked me to do?” Jesus knew what was waiting for Him in Jerusalem. Rejection. Suffering. The cross. Yet Luke 9:51 says: «“He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.”» He didn't allow people's reactions to determine His direction. Some welcomed Him. Some rejected Him. Some followed Him. Some walked away. But Jesus kept following the Father's will. And honestly, this speaks to me. Because sometimes we allow people to become our compass. When they praise us, we continue. When they criticize us, we question everything. When people appreciate us, we're encouraged. When they forget what we've done, we become bitter. When ministry is fruitful, we feel successful. When nothing seems to be happening, we wonder if God is still with us. But what if people's reactions were never supposed to determine our direction? Maybe the question isn't: “Do people appreciate me?” Maybe it's: “Am I faithful to Jesus?” There may be moments when following Christ costs you something. You may have to forgive when you'd rather remain bitter. Tell the truth when lying would be easier. Walk away from an opportunity because it requires compromise. Keep serving when nobody notices. Keep obeying when you don't understand the outcome. That is costly obedience. And Jesus understands that road. But here's the beautiful part: The cross wasn't the end. There was resurrection. There was victory. There was glory. So don't measure God's faithfulness only by what you're experiencing today. If you're tired, keep looking to Jesus. If you're misunderstood, keep looking to Jesus. If nobody notices your service, keep looking to Jesus. If people celebrate you, keep looking to Jesus. If the ministry is growing, keep looking to Jesus. If the ministry is struggling, keep looking to Jesus. Don't let rejection stop you. Don't let applause control you. Don't let success distract you. Just keep following Jesus. Paul eventually said: «“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7» Maybe that's the goal. Not simply to be impressive. Not simply to be successful. But to be found faithful. Christ is the goal. To know Him. To love Him. To obey Him. To become like Him. To finish faithfully. So today, maybe our prayer should simply be: “Jesus, I don't know everything that lies ahead. I don't know how difficult the road may become. But I know You are worth following. Lead me, and help me remain faithful.” Can I ask you something? What is one thing that could easily distract you from following Jesus—people's approval, success, money, comfort, or fear? Let's talk about it honestly. 👇🏽 #Jesus #ChristianLife #Faithfulness #FollowingJesus #ChristianLiving #Ministry #SurrenderToJesus

WHAT IF THE TEMPTATION DOESN’T LOOK BAD AT FIRST? “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15 Have you ever been tempted by something that didn't initially look like temptation? Maybe it sounded reasonable. Maybe it even sounded spiritual. Maybe it looked like an opportunity. Maybe the thought was: “Surely this isn't that bad.” “Everyone does it.” “Nobody will know.” “You deserve this.” “You don't have to wait.” “God wants you to succeed, so why not take the easier route?” That's where temptation can become dangerous. Sometimes temptation doesn't come wearing a sign that says: “I AM SIN.” Sometimes it comes looking attractive. Reasonable. Convenient. Even apparently good. Think about Jesus. After His baptism, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, and Satan tempted Him. — Matthew 4:1–11. Jesus was hungry. So Satan said, in effect: “Use Your power. Turn these stones into bread.” Nothing about bread is sinful. Jesus needed food. The issue was deeper: Would Jesus satisfy Himself outside the Father's will? Then came another temptation: “Throw Yourself down from the temple.” Again, it was wrapped in religious language. Scripture was even quoted. But Jesus refused to manipulate God's promises to serve Satan's agenda. Then came the offer of the kingdoms of the world. A shortcut. Worship Satan, and supposedly receive the kingdoms without the suffering. Jesus refused. He would not take a shortcut around the Father's will. And maybe that's where some of our temptations begin. Not necessarily with: “Go and do something obviously evil.” But: “Take the shortcut.” “Force the outcome.” “Compromise just this once.” “Use this dishonest method to achieve a good goal.” “Don't wait for God.” “Protect yourself.” “Get even.” “Everybody else is doing it.” The question becomes: Will I trust God's way, or will I choose my own way? Peter experienced something similar. Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer and die. Peter said: «“This shall not happen to You!” — Matthew 16:22» Peter probably thought he was helping. But Jesus recognized that Peter's thinking was pulling Him away from God's purpose. «“You are a hindrance to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” — Matthew 16:23» That's sobering. Sometimes the temptation isn't simply: “Do something evil.” Sometimes it's: “See this differently.” Change the perspective. Change the standard. Change the meaning. And once our perspective changes, our decisions often follow. So what is temptation asking you to abandon? Your integrity? Your purity? Your patience? Your contentment? Your identity in Christ? Your trust in God? Your willingness to wait? Your commitment to truth? Because temptation often becomes clearer when we ask that question. And please remember this: Being tempted is not the same as sinning. Jesus was tempted, yet He was without sin. The temptation can come without becoming your decision. The thought can knock without being invited inside. The desire can appear without being obeyed. You don't have to surrender to every impulse. And when you're weak, you don't have to run away from Jesus in shame. Run to Him. Hebrews 4:16 says: «“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”» Did you notice that? Grace to help. Not just grace to forgive yesterday. Grace to help right now. When you're tempted. When you're weak. When you're struggling. When the shortcut looks attractive. When obedience feels expensive. When sin looks easier. Come to Jesus. Don't fight temptation as though you are alone. Open His Word. Pray. Ask for help. Change the environment if necessary. Seek godly support. And refuse the lie that says: “You have no choice.” In Christ, you can choose faithfulness. You can say no. You can wait. You can walk away. You can remain pure. You can remain truthful. You can remain faithful. Because Jesus understands weakness without having surrendered to sin. And perhaps that's one of the most comforting truths in Hebrews 4. Your temptation does not make Jesus ashamed of you. Come to Him. The One who was tempted yet remained without sin is the One inviting you to the throne of grace. So when temptation comes this week, don't only ask: “How do I get rid of this feeling?” Ask: “What is this temptation asking me to abandon?” Then bring that thing to Jesus. Maybe the answer is: “Trust.” “Patience.” “Purity.” “Truth.” “Contentment.” “Obedience.” And whatever it is… don't take the shortcut. Jesus is worth more than the temporary pleasure. His way is worth more than the quick result. His presence is worth more than the approval. His will is worth more than the temptation. ❤️ Have you ever experienced a temptation that looked reasonable at first, but later realized it was pulling you away from God's will? You don't have to share anything private. Just tell us what helped you choose Christ. #Jesus #Temptation #ChristianLiving #Faith #Grace #Holiness #Bible #Prayer #FollowingJesus

AFTER SURRENDER — WHAT? “I have finished the work which You gave Me to do.” — John 17:4 Have you ever had one of those moments when you told God: “Lord, I surrender everything to You.” Maybe you cried. Maybe you prayed deeply. Maybe something happened that made you realize, I can't keep running my life my own way. But then what? After surrender—what? I think this is where the Christian journey becomes even more beautiful. Because surrender isn't simply about giving up a relationship, a career, a possession, a dream, or a particular plan. At its deepest level, surrender is about who gets the final say. Me? Or Christ? And honestly, that question can be uncomfortable. Because sometimes we want Jesus as our Saviour but still want to remain the manager of our lives. We say: “Lord, save me.” But when He says, “Follow Me,” we hesitate. We say: “Lord, bless my plans.” But rarely ask: “Lord, are these plans Yours?” Surrender says: “Jesus, I have plans, but Your will comes first.” “I have desires, but I surrender them to You.” “I have dreams, but I want Your purpose more than my own.” And here's something important: Surrender doesn't mean becoming passive. You still think. You still work. You still plan. You still make responsible decisions. You still pursue excellence. But now, you bring everything under the lordship of Christ. Jesus said: «“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Sometimes fear, anxiety, confusion, disappointment and uncertainty become the very things that push us toward Jesus. Not because He wants to break us. But because He wants us to discover that we were never designed to carry life without Him. And surrender isn't always dramatic. Sometimes surrender looks like forgiving someone when your flesh wants revenge. Sometimes it looks like saying no to a temptation. Sometimes it means waiting when you desperately want to move. Sometimes it means walking away from something you know isn't pleasing to Christ. Sometimes it means obeying God when nobody applauds you. And sometimes… surrender means staying faithful when following Jesus becomes costly. Peter learned this. Jesus told him in John 21 that there would come a time when someone else would lead him where he did not want to go. Peter's surrender couldn't remain an emotional moment. It had to become a life. And perhaps that's the part we sometimes miss. We can surrender something to God today… …and try to take it back tomorrow. “Lord, I give this to You.” Then later: “Actually, Jesus, let me handle this one.” 😂 But real surrender grows beyond emotion. It becomes a way of living. After surrender, life doesn't suddenly become problem-free. You still work. You still face temptation. You still have unanswered questions. You still experience disappointment. You still have difficult seasons. But something fundamental has changed: You are no longer trying to be your own master. You belong to Christ. So the question every morning becomes: “Lord, what is the work You have given me to do today?” And then… Do it faithfully. Not perfectly. Faithfully. Because after surrender comes daily obedience. After surrender comes deeper intimacy. After surrender comes continual dependence. After surrender comes learning to say: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42 Maybe today, the thing Jesus is asking you to surrender isn't a possession. Maybe it's your need to control everything. Maybe it's your timeline. Maybe it's your fear. Maybe it's your relationship. Maybe it's your ambition. Maybe it's simply your right to always have your own way. Whatever it is, you don't have to pretend you can surrender perfectly. Just come to Jesus. Open your heart. And tell Him the truth. “Lord Jesus, You have my life. Teach me to live like it belongs to You.” After surrender—what? A life of walking with Jesus. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One act of obedience at a time. ❤️ Let me ask you: What do you think is harder to surrender—your plans, your desires, your relationships, or your need for control? Let's talk honestly in the comments. #Jesus #Surrender #ChristianLife #Faith #GodsWill #FollowingJesus #ChristianLiving #Prayer

✨ We weren't created to walk through life alone. God designed us for community, a place where faith grows, friendships flourish, and lives are transformed. 📍 Join us this Sunday as we worship together, grow in God's Word, and build an authentic community. 🌐 Learn more: www.valleychurchwinnemucca.com #ValleyChurch #LifeIsBetterTogether #CommunityGroups #ChurchFamily #GrowInFaith #BiblicalCommunity #YouBelongHere #FaithJourney #Winnemucca #FollowingJesus

✨ God calls us to pursue holiness. . #PursueHoliness #FollowingJesus #DailySanctification #SurrenderAndObey #ChristianGrowth #FaithInAction #LordsbookApp

There is a difference between being saved and living as a disciple of Jesus—and understanding that difference can completely change how we approach the Christian life. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/25/saved-by-grace-called-to-follow-the-difference-between-salvation-and-discipleship/ Salvation is a gift. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not because we have worked hard enough, behaved well enough, or earned God's acceptance. But salvation is not the end of the journey. Jesus calls those He saves to follow Him. “If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 MEV Discipleship is the daily decision to surrender our plans, habits, relationships, priorities, attitudes, and desires to Jesus. We don't obey Christ to earn salvation. We obey because we belong to the One who saved us. Salvation changes our standing before God. Discipleship changes the way we live. Salvation rests on what Christ has done. Discipleship responds to what Christ has said. The question isn't only, “Am I saved?” We should also be asking: “Am I actually following Jesus?” Read the new blog: Saved by Grace, Called to Follow: The Difference Between Salvation and Discipleship #Salvation #Discipleship #FollowingJesus #SavedByGrace #ChristianLiving #Faith #JesusChrist #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianFaith #BibleTeaching #FollowJesus #GraceThroughFaith

Spiritual growth requires more than good intentions. It requires training. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/19/train-yourself-for-godliness-the-discipline-of-a-life-devoted-to-christ/ In 1 Timothy 4:7–8, Paul tells Timothy: “Instead, train yourself for godliness.” Just as physical strength is developed through consistency, spiritual maturity grows as we intentionally spend time in God’s Word, pray, worship, serve, repent, and obey. The question isn’t simply, “Do I want to grow closer to God?” The deeper question is: What am I doing consistently that is training me to become more like Jesus? Our newest blog looks at Paul’s challenge to reject distractions, develop spiritual discipline, and invest our lives in something that has value not only for today—but for eternity. 📖 Read: “Train Yourself for Godliness: The Discipline of a Life Devoted to Christ” Don’t underestimate ordinary obedience practiced consistently. Read the Word. Pray. Worship. Serve. Repent. Reflect. Obey. Keep showing up. #TrainYourselfForGodliness #1Timothy4 #SpiritualDiscipline #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #BibleStudy #Prayer #FollowingJesus #GrowingInChrist #Faithfulness #ChristianEncouragement

Gideon defeated an overwhelming enemy, experienced an incredible victory, and became one of Israel’s most celebrated leaders. But his greatest danger may have come after the battle was over. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/16/when-success-becomes-a-snare-learning-from-the-final-years-of-gideon/ In Judges 8, Gideon tells the people, “The LORD will rule over you!” Yet what follows reveals a troubling spiritual decline. He accumulated wealth, began living much like the king he said he would never become, and created an ephod that eventually became an object of false worship. His story gives us a warning we still need today: Winning yesterday’s battle does not guarantee tomorrow’s faithfulness. Success can test our hearts just as much as suffering. Recognition can become a trap. Influence can become identity. Even something connected to our faith can become an idol when it takes the place that belongs to God alone. The question is not simply, “Am I succeeding?” We also need to ask: Am I becoming more faithful?
 Am I still teachable?
 Am I pointing people toward Jesus or toward myself?
 What kind of spiritual legacy am I leaving behind? Read the new blog: “When Success Becomes a Snare: Learning From the Final Years of Gideon.” #Gideon #Judges8 #ChristianLiving #BiblicalLeadership #FinishingWell #Faithfulness #GuardYourHeart #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #BibleStudy #FollowingJesus

✨ We weren't created to walk through life alone. God designed us for community, a place where faith grows, friendships flourish, and lives are transformed. 📍 Join us this Sunday as we worship together, grow in God's Word, and build an authentic community. 🌐 Visit our website: https://www.valleychurchwinnemucca.com/ #ValleyChurch #LifeIsBetterTogether #CommunityGroups #ChurchFamily #GrowInFaith #BiblicalCommunity #YouBelongHere #FaithJourney #Winnemucca #FollowingJesus