Weekly Reflection

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

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Over the past few weeks, we have reflected on belief, faith, repentance, transformation, and the daily choice between light and darkness.

Today, I invite you to join me in one honest, soul-searching question:

Do my daily decisions, actions, and thought patterns truly express my belief in Jesus—and is that belief being lived out through faith?

Jesus tells us that hearing His Word is not enough. Putting His Word into practice is how we secure our foundation in Him.

In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus warns that a life built on religion without relationship will not stand. He makes it clear: only those who do the will of the Father will enter His Kingdom.

My friends, this teaching is not mine. Jesus is using me as a vessel to warn every soul not to fall for Satan’s schemes.

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

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Light vs. Darkness

My friends, read this Scripture slowly. Then pause and reflect.

What darkness is Jesus speaking of?
If Jesus is the light, who is the darkness?

Satan.

Scripture tells us that Satan was cast down from heaven and now works to deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:7–9). His purpose has never changed: to lead humanity away from God and into darkness.

During a moment of deep anguish, when I pleaded to leave this earth, the Lord clearly told me, “No. You cannot leave yet. I have work for you to do.” And He said, “Go warn.”

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

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

My friend, obedience to the Word of God is the clearest evidence of genuine discipleship in Jesus.

Anyone can say they love Jesus. Many may even carry titles such as Christian, disciple, believer, pastor, or teacher, yet remain unanchored in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Claiming love for Him while continuing in sin is deception. Jesus makes it clear that true disciples hold to His teaching (John 8:31). Knowledge about Jesus is not enough—belief must be lived out through obedience.

This is not about stumbling as we strive to walk with Christ, for Scripture reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This is about deliberate, unrepented sin—sin excused, justified, or hidden behind position, title, or the false comfort of believing, “Jesus understands,” while ignoring loving correction.

“And, ‘My righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’”

Have you taken time to reflect on the power of faith in our lives?

Last week, I shared the meaning of faith and how faith and belief work together. In the passage above, the writer of Hebrews is quoting an Old Testament Scripture from Habakkuk 2:4 (NIV):
“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—
but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”

In both instances, God uses this message to remind His people not to regress into their former sinful lives, but to trust His sovereignty and faithfulness, even when they could not see His hand at work in a physical way.

In other words, faith (pístis) is lived out even when you do not understand the beginning or the end of the story, because you trust and believe in the God who promised never to leave you nor forsake you
(Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5, NIV).

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

What does it truly mean to say, “I believe in Jesus”?

We live in a world where belief is often defined broadly and shaped by personal preference. It is no surprise that many profess to be Christian, yet live far from Jesus. As you read this, you may wonder, “Who are you to judge?”

You are right, I am no one special. I am simply a sinner who has spent time with the Lord and learned that holding on to Jesus is far more than:

1. A feel-good experience.
   Believing in Jesus, according to Jesus, requires transformation, from a worldly mindset to becoming a new creation.

Luke 9:23 (KJV)
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2. Religious knowledge or ritual.
   Learning to follow an organized religion does not mean we are right with God.

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means.”

My friend, we are approaching the end of the second month of the year. Have you taken time to examine your journey with Jesus? Whether you call yourself a disciple, a Christian, or a believer in Jesus Christ, the expectation to follow Jesus is the same.

Let us take time to reflect and meditate on the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ, and examine the soil of our hearts to determine whether we are cultivating our soil to bring God glory and to join Him on the narrow road He speaks of in Matthew 7:13–14, rather than being surprised to discover that we may have been living out a false discipleship.

When you have time, read all of Matthew chapter 13, but for today, we will focus specifically on verses 18–23, where Jesus explains the meaning of the parable for today’s devotional.

If you are not familiar with what a parable is, it is simply an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus often used parables to reveal spiritual truth to those who were willing to listen and understand.