Weekly Reflection

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."

Identity Before Ministry

When you hear the word ministry, what comes to mind? Do you immediately think of a church, an organization, or a formal position?

My friend, if you have renounced the enemy and made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, then your life has become a ministry that exists to glorify God.

As we journey through the book of Romans over the coming months, I encourage you not to simply read God's Word but to study it prayerfully. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth and allow Scripture to transform your heart.

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Looking Back Is Satan's Plan, Not God's Direction

My friend, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful picture of the Christian life in Philippians 3:13–14. He reminds us that following Jesus requires us to leave what is behind and press toward what is ahead.

Does this mean we forget what God has done in our lives? Absolutely not.

There is a difference between remembering and looking back.

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"

When Yesterday Competes with Eternity

My friend, very few people begin their journey with Jesus intending to turn back. No one says, "I will surrender my life to Christ today, only to return tomorrow to what He has set me free from."

Yet many believers find themselves looking back, not because they planned to, but because they underestimated the enemy's schemes

That is why 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) warns us:

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

Looking Back vs. Remembrance

My friend, have you ever asked yourself, What is the difference between looking back and remembering?

The difference matters because one strengthens our faith, while the other can pull our hearts away from God.

Throughout Scripture, God called His people to remember His faithfulness. The Israelites built memorials after crossing the Jordan River. Abraham built altars to honor God's promises. Jesus established Communion, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Remembrance points us to God's goodness.

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.  I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.  As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

The Battle Within: Keep Fighting

When was the last time you paused to meditate on these verses?

I have read this passage many times throughout my journey with Jesus Christ. Yet over the past six years, as my relationship with Him has deepened, I have come to better understand what the Apostle Paul is describing for those who have died to sin and confessed, "Jesus is Lord."

I often pray, "Lord, this battlefield is hard. Sometimes I wish You would take me home the moment I surrender my life to You."

My friend, Paul, is not giving us permission to continue in sin. He reminds us that every believer is engaged in a daily spiritual battle.

The moment you declared Jesus as Lord, you became a target. Your mind, heart, and soul are under attack.

By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

You know I love it when I read a passage throughout my journey with Jesus, and then one day the Holy Spirit leads me to pause, meditate, and ask questions.

As I read the passage above, a question came to me: What is it about a kernel of wheat that made it so important for Jesus to use it as an illustration to teach me the importance of dying?

I was amazed by what I learned. The facts about a kernel of wheat reinforced something I have often said: it is impossible to truly meet Jesus and remain the same.

This is what I learned, and I encourage you to prayerfully reflect on it as you consider your own walk with Jesus.