Follow Me!

"Because God disciplines those He loves, He will take drastic measures to get our attention if we need to grow up spiritually."   - Crystal McDowell

It's far to easy for us to get sidetracked and concern ourselves with things that Jesus already has taken note of. If one truly is a disciple of Christ, then Jesus will take of them. Our main business is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

We see this in action in John 21:20-22 (NIV). Here, as they walk along, Peter is curiously asking Jesus, maybe in a vain and/or brash manner, about John's future, who is following from behind.

Jesus' answers Peter, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me" John 21:22 (NIV). This reproval by Christ was stern and clear. It was meant to make a point.

The CEV translation of Jesus' response in the same verse begins "What is it to you?" Jesus was telling Peter not to worry about what was going to happen to John. In other words, we need to get our own house in order first!

A big reason many Christians come crashing to the ground in regards to their service, is that they are too preoccupied with what's going on with fellow disciples (not in a good way), instead of concentrating on the Lord Himself.

Jesus' command to "follow me," is very enlightening and comprehensive. In it we find every other requirement and mandate of the Gospel. Not only that, but it calls into action every power and capacity of our renewed being.

It directs us to follow with the heart. That is, we are not bowing to some outside pressure or trying to showing an outward conformity to His will, but rather it comes from deep within our hearts. It is loving and sincere.

It tells us to follow in faith. We must step out into the unseen, trusting in Jesus Christ unconditionally. We have the promises of God as our guarantee. Think only of Him, listen to His voice. "Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ" Romans 10:17 (NLT).

It indicates that we must follow with the will. Our will needs to be in this following either all the way, or nothing. True obedience starts, not in outwardly observable actions, but in the will. If we are serious about following Christ, we must will to do His will.

Never forget, "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:14 (NLT). Stay focused, be obedient, and resilient. And, let Jesus do what He does best!

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; John 14:6; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 2:8; John 10:27

Prayer: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me, amen.  -Galatians 2:20

Stay blessed, 

Kate

Video - J. I. Packer: Who is the Holy Spirit?

A short lesson with author and theologian J.I. Packer. Once again, great teaching packed into a brief format. A video clip worth playing more than once. Learn and enjoy!  ~Eve

The Spirit of Truth Comes! - Part 1

"The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people."  - A. W. Tozer

It's hard to imagine how radically different things would have been for this world had it not rejected Christ the first time around. Instead, the world would have to wait to grasp the seriousness of its refusal.

Jesus' own band of disciples did not fully understand a lot of what he told them, though they walked and talked with him daily. Before Jesus' death on the cross, they were more concerned about their own fates than his departure.

He really did try to explain the reason for his departure, but they were too distraught to listen (John 16: 5-6). Even so, Jesus told them that he wouldn't leave them without any help. He would send a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; John 14:16-17).

Jesus would do so only after he returned to heaven and was glorified. It was because of the world's denial of him that he had to return to heaven. Thus, the Holy Spirit is here in place of the rejected Christ.

As for the disciples, it was to their advantage that the Holy Spirit should be sent. The Advocate (Holy Spirit; Helper) would empower them, provide courage, instruct them, and make Christ more genuine to them.

And though the Holy Spirit had been here before, this time He was coming back with a new purpose. He was returning to condemn the world, and to take care of the redeemed.

His conviction of the world would be centered on sin, righteousness, and judgment, as we see in John 16:8. In general, this is understood as His creation of an inward knowledge of these things in the sinner's life.

While true, it is not the lesson of this particular portion of Scripture. Rather, that the Holy Spirit convicts the world by His very presence here. And it is here, that we will continue our discussion next time!

Scripture: Romans 8:9; John 14:26; Acts 2:38; Isaiah 11:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17;

Prayer: Dear Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help me to delight in what is right, and rejoice in your comfort always, amen.

Bless you always,

Brielle

Our Comfort in Jesus Christ

"When Christ returned to heaven, He withdrew His physical presence from our sight. He didn't stop being with the disciples but by the ascension fulfilled His promise to be with us to the end of the world. As His body was raised to heaven, so His power and reign have spread to the uttermost parts." - John Calvin

As they all sat at the table sharing in the Lord's Supper, the disciples were stressed about what Jesus had said about leaving them (John 13:33; 36). What would happen to them without their beloved friend and teacher?

All sorts of things must have been running through their minds. Without Jesus they would have to face persecution and trial alone. They had no visible income, no friends outside of their group, and held no positions of importance.

And of course, there were all the plans that revolved around Jesus. Would they all be crushed with His departure?  Along with not having fully learned the doctrine regarding the suffering and death of the Messiah (Luke 24:21), who could blame them?

We can all certainly relate to feelings of despair, anxiety, hopelessness, and uncertainty. The disciples, even though they had walked next to Jesus himself, were still, after all, as human as you and I.

That being said, especially in trying times, we seek some sort of assurance that everything will turn out okay. Jesus' disciples were no different. When Jesus broke the news of his coming departure over supper they were at a loss.

At that moment, however, they were only thinking about their own fates. Jesus could tell by looking around the table, seeing their worried and concerned expressions, that He needed to bolster their sinking spirits, or risk losing them.

And that He did. He told them that comfort may found in their confidence in God and him (John 14:1). He also hinted at the perpetually binding union between him and the Father (explained in greater detail in John 14:7-12).

We, too, may find our comfort when we need it in Jesus Christ. His assuring and empathetic words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," tell us that we are never alone. There is ever a shining light in our darkest hour, and that light is Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Psalm 71:21; Isaiah 66:13; Philippians 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord, He is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; and because He inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Barbara

Trust In The God of Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  - Romans 15:13

What would the world be like without hope? Hope helps us look forward to tomorrow, which brings the promise of better things than today. Without it, this world and everything we know would have ceased long ago.

The Bible, the written Word of God, has much to say about hope. Within its pages, hope is dispensed most generously. Jesus Christ himself represents hope everlasting to a condemned humanity that is surely lost without Him.

Hope is presented to us from the beginning of Scripture. In Genesis 3:15, we are given a sneek peek of God's plan of redemption, which ends with Satan finally being driven into the eternal hell of fire (Revelation 20:10).

In the Book of Exodus, we can read about the hope of an oppressed Israelite nation that is freed from Egyptian captivity by the hand of God who has assured them a better life in an abundant land if they obey Him.

The master-stroke of hope was when God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who by His death on the cross for our sins, offered us hope of one day being able to join Him in His heavenly home for all eternity (John 3:16).

The dictionary tells us that hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Billy Graham once said, "I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." 

Many search for hope in various things, but never find it. But, God has given us hope in His promises. And no matter what troubles or trials we have to contend with in life, we can always grab tightly onto the hope that He offers to us. Amen!

Scripture: Lamentations 3:24; Psalm 33:22; Romans 8:24; Psalm 147:11; Titus 1:2

Prayer: But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me, amen  - Micah 7:7

Stay blessed,

Kate

Are You Willing to Pay the Price?

"Believing is accepting as a fact and making a commitment of your own future to the promises of God to save you -- simply by believing in Christ."  - John F. Walvoord

Everyday, people like you and I are faced with life-changing situations. They could personal, financial, work, or health related. No matter. A decision must be made that, in one way or another, will affect their lives. But at what cost?

Of course, we can apply this to any thing, cause, or belief that we are passionate about. Something that is truly worth the trouble of pursuing, or seeing through to the end is going to have some kind of price tag attached to it.

But, not every one is willing to "pay the price" for what they believe in. Take the young rich man in Matthew 19:16-22, for instance. He was willing to do everything Jesus required except walk away from his wealthy lifestyle.

The early followers of Christ, the apostles, left homes, jobs, and families behind to follow Jesus. But it wasn't all blue skies for them, either. Scripture tell us that they were "hard pressed on every side" by troubles (2 Corinthians 4:8).

There are definitely some things to consider prior to choosing Christ. It's no big secret that it won't be a cakewalk. There will be some changes in your life, some good, others not (Luke 21:16; Luke 21:17).

And so it is with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, or not. There is no arm twisting involved. It is your free will decision to make. This, however, does not imply that we are "free" to do whatever we want in life. We must choose our actions responsibly.

As this applies to following Jesus, it is by the grace and power of God, and the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we are "free" to choose Him, and receive the benefits from our choice (John 15:16; John 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:24).

Thus, we seriously need to think about the choices we make concerning Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be a shame to find out too late that we squandered the biggest opportunity ever set before us, because we weren't willing to pay the price?

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; John 6:47; James 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:14

Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask You in undoubting faith to provide the wisdom I need to help me with whatever decisions I am faced with in life, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Barbara

Video - Billy Graham - Timeless Truth - Change

How's life working out for you today? Need to change it up? Let Christ into your heart! Rev. Billy Graham speaks about the change that Christ can bring into your life in this video clip. Enjoy!  ~ Eve