Following Jesus

January 25th – Matthew 10:34

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Matthew 10:34

It can be a lonely road when we set out to change our lives and grow closer to the Lord. Because really following Jesus can mean division within our closest relationships, and even losing people from our lives. And while the process can be deeply painful, we can comfort in knowing the Lord understands. For He too was rejected, abandoned, and hurt by those He loved. But when we embrace His path, we gain a deeper connection with God and a community of fellow believers who support and uplift us along the way. Our pursuit of Christlikeness, though accompanied by loss, is part of a higher calling that aligns us with the very heart of our Savior. The pain is a testament to the depth of our commitment to Christ, and in the midst of such trials, His comforting presence sustains us. Because in Jesus we find understanding, empathy, and a divine purpose that transcends earthly relationships. And what God offers is far greater than anything or anyone we lose.

January 25th – Matthew 10:34 Read More »

May 14th – Colossians 3:10

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Colossians 3:10

Author Robin Lee Hatcher said, “Following Christ is a lifelong journey. Christians are foot soldiers, so to speak. Always learning. Always growing stronger.” When we first receive Jesus as our Savior, we are born again babes in Christ feeding on milk. But we aren’t to be content in staying that way. Like children who grow and move on to solid food, we too need to move to the meat of God’s Word and truth. The Lord calls us to continually grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. This involves moving beyond the basic teachings of the faith. And purposefully growing a deeper understanding of who God is, His word, and His will for our lives. For such growth leads to transformation. A transformation of becoming less like us and more like Jesus. One that involves a change in our character, attitudes, and behavior, as we become more loving, kind, and compassionate, like our Creator.

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February 25th – John 8:12

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John 8:12

Following Jesus means no longer do we walk a path of darkness. Nor do we live for ourselves and the world. Instead all we do is for the Lord and to walk in His brilliant light. And part of walking in God’s light is letting Him shine brilliantly through us to others. We do this by practicing love, humility, mercy, and forgiveness. John had a joyful relationship with the Lord. A joy made complete by leading others to having the same kind of relationship with Jesus. We too can have joy with the Lord by leading others to the Light of the world. And how could we not? For once we experience God’s grace and love, our hearts burst to tell others about the Lord! This world grows darker every day. And now more than ever, people need to hear how they can flee the darkness and receive the Light of life. A Light that will never grow dim, nor ever be extinguished!

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January 31st – Matthew 9:9

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Matthew 9:9

Each of the men Jesus called to be disciples, never once hesitated to follow Him. They didn’t take time to try and clean up their lives. They didn’t take time to wean themselves off the trappings of the world. And they didn’t take time to let go of the people and things of the past for a new and better future. Jesus met them and wanted them right where they were, and in a leap of faith, they answered His call straight away and began a life dedicated to the Lord. Just as He called the disciples, Jesus also calls each of us. “Follow Me!”, cries the Lord. “Follow Me and I’ll give you heavenly riches greater than the world could ever offer. Follow Me and let My love fill your hearts with a peace and joy that can never be shaken. Follow Me and I’ll give You eternal life purchased with My own precious blood. Follow Me, and help save the world!”

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February 18th – Matthew 4:19

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Matthew 4:19 

To be chosen by Jesus as one of His very own is a gift beyond reckoning. And it’s also a gift that requires sacrifice. Because we can’t follow the Lord and follow the world. Following Jesus means laying down all we knew before, giving up our old, sinful, earthly ways, for a better way of life. But sadly for some, this is asking too much. They would rather cling to the world and its desires then to Jesus. The Jews of old sacrificed much to follow the Lord. They were despised and shunned. They lost their friends, loved ones, way of life, and even their lives. But it was a small price in light of the great price Jesus paid to offer us everlasting life. Jesus calls to each of us, “Follow Me!” Will you answer His call? Can you leave behind the world to become one of His beloved disciples?

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October 22nd – Mark 10:17

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Mark 10:17

With Halloween soon approaching, the fascination with ghosts, vampires, and the undead is in full gear. And although we know those spooky things aren’t real, there is a way we can live forever. The Lord and  His disciples were headed to the area on the other side of the Jordan River from Judea. A young man who encountered the Lord, knelt before Him, asking how to obtain eternal life. But Jesus’ answer sends him away grieved. Because the Lord replied that the only way to live forever is to perfectly obey God’s commandments. But when the man says that he’s done that, Jesus says he’s still lacking one thing. To sell all of his worldly possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him. But the man was unwilling. Was Jesus being unreasonable? Not at all! What He wanted the young man to see was that eternal life is not achieved by our own doing. It is a free gift of love that comes only from the mercy of God and the blood of Jesus Christ.

October 22nd – Mark 10:17 Read More »