Brandon Chai (Brandon Write)

learning to live loved to love. #LoveLikeJeff

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

My favorite current player, @Dame_Lillard dropped a song about my favorite all-time player called "Kobe" featuring @SnoopDogg and @DerrickMilano. He then started the #KobeChallenge by giving us the beat to work with. I'm a few days late, oops?

RIP Kobe, #MambaForever.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

It is possible. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can change. We can become patient, loving and kind.

Not become greater than, but like our teacher.

Knowing about Jesus isn’t enough. To know him and be known by him is all that will matter in the end (Matt. 7:23).

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” - Luke 6:40

Jesus himself said that we can become like him, but only through training. We don’t become like our teacher by just knowing what he said, but by doing what he did.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

To become like Jesus requires daily practice (Luke 9:23).

Practicing what? Dying to self, praying in surrender, repenting of sins, loving our enemies, studying scripture, living in community, being still, rebuking sin, encouraging righteousness and trusting in God’s will.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

A sleeping Jesus is much better than no Jesus at all. Having little faith is worlds more than none.

When we question his care for us, we can remember the great lengths he went to so we could be with him in eternity, and how close he remains through the Holy Spirit. Praise God.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

“But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’” - Mark 4:38

When the 12 disciples found themselves caught in a storm at sea with risk of death, they accused Jesus of one thing: not caring.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

After Jesus calms the storm, he asks them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

The presence of fear is directly connected to a lack of faith.

But remember, Jesus still calmed the storm. Their absence of faith did mean Jesus lost any power or presence.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

Dying to find life makes no sense unless we have an example of someone doing it first. Thank God we do.

Losing ourselves to gain intimacy with God is possible because of the cross. The resurrection provides the promise of one day being made whole. What a beautiful invitation.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This is not the Christianity often presented in churches today. This makes no sense in a primarily self-centric culture.

We want everything and everyone around us to build us up, not break us down.

[Brandon Chai (Brandon Write) @ibrandonchai_]

Our generation wants to dedicate our lives to meaningful causes, living and dying with purpose.

What a great paradox Jesus presented by proclaiming, “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)