Andy Rooney, a commentator on 60 Minutes for over 30 years, once said that a writer’s responsibility is to tell the truth. Not the comfortable version. Not the popular one. The kind that weighs on you, the writer, until you finally put it into words.
That is how I approach writing these Devotional BLOGS. Sometimes I would like to tone them down, but the Spirit will not let me. Always keep in mind that my goal is to encourage you to press on toward the mark of your high calling in Christ Jesus. To listen for His voice - hopefully you will hear it through the words I write or say on my podcast. - As for me, I have decided to follow Jesus - no turning back!
Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”- Luke 9:57-62
One man was concerned how he would live - his standard of living and security. Another was concerned about taking care of his family - nuclear or extended. Another was concerned about leaving family and not seeing them.
All of those reasons seem reasonable to people - even responsible. But put those things in context to what Jesus said.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. - Matthew 16:24
So what does it mean to deny yourself. It starts with changing your priorities. Your preference must be to submit to God - every aspect of your life. Loving God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength. That does not leave any room for other passions or pursuits. But to be in step for Jesus. He may not lead you to missions in some foreign land but He will most certainly require you to abandon your priorities in life that would take precedence over your devotion to Him.
Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. - Luke 12:51-53
Choosing the Jesus way can cause division perhaps even in your own family and your friends. I know it has in ours. It will test your true devotion. Choosing your family over Jesus means that you are not willing to follow Jesus. You must trust God even in the face of rejection by the people you care most about. Salvation brings radical change in our natural life and relationships. Don't expect those who are not born again to understand your new life.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18
It doesn't mean that you love others less - it is that you love God more.
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? ..... whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. - Luke 14:27-30, 33
Often people want the benefit of salvation - eternal life - but do not consider the cost of salvation and following Jesus
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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