An extract from Wendy Backlund’s excellent book:
““Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” Luke 11:52
Many religious teachers have narrowed down the Christian life to kneeling at the cross or to a continual dying to self. The Christian life was never supposed to be about dying; it was meant to be about living. The cross was not the goal; it was the method or means to the goal. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so you could die, but so you could live! God desires us to live a resurrected life, in accordance with the original intent before Adam sinned. We do not glorify God in our dying but in our living!
Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
In this passage, Jesus is talking about life on planet earth, not just in heaven. Even more amazing, He is talking to people who are already alive and breathing.
Is it possible that life is more than survival, performance or whatever we have narrowed it down to in order to feel like we are successfully living? I think it is.”
Living the Life Jesus Intended
My brothers and sisters… as I read Wendy’s words, something rises in me – not pressure, not heaviness, but a quiet invitation to look honestly at how we’re living. Not in a condemning way, not in a “try harder” way, but in a way that asks: Are we experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give us?
Because Jesus didn’t come so we could simply get by. He didn’t come so we could shrink our expectations to avoid disappointment. He came so we could live, really live, with peace, joy, hope, strength, and the fullness of the Spirit flowing through us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control.
Fruit of the Spirit
This is abundance.
This is life.
This is what He died to restore.
The Power of Choosing What We Believe
Here’s the part we sometimes forget: we have a part to play. Not in earning abundance — but in choosing it. Choosing what we believe.
Choosing what we agree with. Choosing what we allow to shape our thoughts, our expectations, and our inner world.
The enemy cannot force us into fear.
He cannot push us into hopelessness.
He cannot steal our joy without our agreement.
He can only whisper.
He can only suggest.
He can only nudge us toward believing something less than what God has already said.
So the question becomes a gentle but honest one:
Are we living from God’s truth, or from the enemy’s suggestions?
Are we stepping into abundance, or settling for survival without meaning to?
This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s not about denying what’s happening around us. It’s about choosing – intentionally choosing – to believe that God’s truth will have the final word over our situation. It’s about choosing to stand in hope, even when circumstances haven’t shifted yet. It’s about choosing to let faith speak louder than fear.
Beginning the Shift Toward Abundance
And that shift often begins small. It begins with one confession, one scripture, one truth spoken over your life until your heart begins to rise again.
“I am more than a conqueror through Christ.”
Romans 8:37“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1
Just one.
Just a beginning.
Just a step toward abundance.
My encouragement to you, brothers and sisters, is this:
You have more power than you realise – not because of your strength, but because of the Spirit within you. You are not helpless. You are not stuck. You are not at the mercy of your circumstances.You can choose life.
– You can choose truth.
– You can choose hope.
– You can choose to be intentional about your faith,
and when you do, abundance begins to grow.
Not overnight.
Not all at once.
But steadily, quietly, faithfully – because God honours the heart that leans toward Him.
So let your heart lean again.
Let your hope breathe again.
Let your faith stretch out its hands.
And watch what God begins to do in you.
May God bless you all,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)
Note from Brother Don — click to open
I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.
You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.
Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open
If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.
Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.
A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:
- God created you for relationship with Him.
- Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
- We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
- He rose again, defeating sin and death.
- Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
- Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
- We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.
A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”
What to Do Next:
1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team
and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you,
pray with you, and help you grow.
2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place
to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new
or simply curious.
Visit the Alpha Course website
3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential
message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is
if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the
appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
