Luke 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me.
As believers, our instructions from God are simple: "Follow Me". We could replace every creed and bylaw of every Christian church across this planet with just two words "follow Jesus". Now before we incorrectly assume that this is too simple, let's think for just a moment about what these two simple words say to us. Following the church isn't the same as following Jesus. Neither is following a man such as your pastor. Following groups or individuals can never guarantee that you are actually following Him. And let's make this clear, following Jesus will not be comfortable. It will force a change in your priorities. He will be first, or nothing. Following Him must be more important than possessions or even family. Following Jesus will mean selling out. Are you willing? You might ask "does following Jesus really mean all of that"? Take some time and read all of chapter nine today. Take some time and consider the rich man that was asked by Jesus to give all of his wealth away. Consider His disciples that left their source of income to follow Him and become fishers of men. Why would God ask you to follow Him even when it will include pain and suffering? Because He loves you, and He walked in your shoes, and He knows the way. His ultimate purpose for you is not to give you riches in this life so you might serve Him in comfort. God has nothing against riches, He owns it all! Instead, He wants you to use His blessings to share the Gospel and grow His kingdom, and for you to store your riches up in heaven where rust can't corrode, moths can't eat it up, and thieves can't break in and steal. Let's follow the leader together. Amen
As believers, our instructions from God are simple: "Follow Me". We could replace every creed and bylaw of every Christian church across this planet with just two words "follow Jesus". Now before we incorrectly assume that this is too simple, let's think for just a moment about what these two simple words say to us. Following the church isn't the same as following Jesus. Neither is following a man such as your pastor. Following groups or individuals can never guarantee that you are actually following Him. And let's make this clear, following Jesus will not be comfortable. It will force a change in your priorities. He will be first, or nothing. Following Him must be more important than possessions or even family. Following Jesus will mean selling out. Are you willing? You might ask "does following Jesus really mean all of that"? Take some time and read all of chapter nine today. Take some time and consider the rich man that was asked by Jesus to give all of his wealth away. Consider His disciples that left their source of income to follow Him and become fishers of men. Why would God ask you to follow Him even when it will include pain and suffering? Because He loves you, and He walked in your shoes, and He knows the way. His ultimate purpose for you is not to give you riches in this life so you might serve Him in comfort. God has nothing against riches, He owns it all! Instead, He wants you to use His blessings to share the Gospel and grow His kingdom, and for you to store your riches up in heaven where rust can't corrode, moths can't eat it up, and thieves can't break in and steal. Let's follow the leader together. Amen
What an extreme truth to accept and believe on! To love God more than family, more than our spouse, even more than our on children. But, if you think about it, our family can lead us in the wrong direction. Our spouse will fall short of the Glory of God , and our children can control us with tears and a very loud mouth!LOL! But, when we allow our hearts to put God first, just like the holy Spirit within wants to, then everybody else can go crazy and you will still be standing. Now I have to admitt that I would follow my pastor at the drop of a hat, but he is still a man and is not perfect. Though he is one of the closest to perfect examples of a man that I have known personaly. My wife is a better person than I am and I still have to follow what God's word says. My children are the most precious gifts from God that I will ever receive, but I have to love Jesus more. The love that I share with my children will not save me, but the love of God will. He died for me when I was His enemy! Nobody does that, NOBODY! Thanks Jesus. Words cannot express the glory due to YOU!
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