following Christ

10
Jul
2024
No Escape from the Echo Chamber

No Escape from the Echo Chamber

Imagine being hated for something you deeply believe in.

John 15:20 offers a sobering truth from Jesus to his disciples:

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”

John 15:20

Why the Warning?

Jesus isn’t trying to scare his disciples. He’s preparing them for the reality of following Him.

Throughout history, Christians have faced persecution for their beliefs. Jesus, Himself, wasn’t exempt.

Facing Rejection with Courage

John 15:20 offers two important points:

  • Shared Experience: Knowing you’re not alone in facing opposition can be a source of strength. Jesus, the ultimate role model, experienced persecution too.
  • Testing Our Faith: Persecution can be a test of our faith. How will we respond when following Christ becomes difficult?

Finding Comfort in the Midst of Suffering

John 15:20 doesn’t promise a trouble-free life, but it does offer comfort:

  • God Understands: He knows what it’s like to be rejected and persecuted.
  • God is with You: Even in the face of opposition, you are not alone. God is always with you.
  • Purpose in Suffering: Sometimes, persecution can be a platform to share your faith and glorify God.

How to Prepare for Persecution

  • Live a Life Above Reproach: Let your actions and character reflect your faith in a way that makes criticism difficult.
  • Be Ready to Explain Your Faith: Be able to articulate your beliefs clearly and confidently.
  • Find Strength in Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can offer support and encouragement.

John 15:20 reminds us that following Christ may not always be easy.

By drawing strength from Him and the Christian community, you can face persecution with courage and find purpose even in suffering.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
08
Jun
2024
Loving the Unseen Savior

Loving the Unseen Savior

Have you ever considered how remarkable it is to love someone you’ve never seen? For many of us, our love for Jesus falls into this category.

We believe in Him, trust in His sacrifice, and strive to follow His teachings, yet we’ve never physically laid eyes on Him.

The apostle Peter acknowledged this unique dynamic in his first epistle:

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”

1 Peter 1:8

Despite not seeing Jesus face-to-face, the early believers loved Him deeply and experienced profound, inexpressible joy in their faith. This verse invites us to reflect on our own love for our unseen Savior.

Trusting Without Seeing

In our world of instant gratification and constant visual stimuli, it can be challenging to grasp the concept of loving someone we cannot see or touch.

Yet, this is the very essence of faith – trusting in unseen realities.

When we come to know Jesus through the Scriptures and the testimonies of others, we begin to see His character, His teachings, and His sacrificial love for us. As we experience His transformative power in our lives, our love for Him deepens, even though we haven’t seen Him with our physical eyes.

An Inexpressible Joy

Peter reminds us that loving Jesus, whom we haven’t seen, fills us with an “inexpressible and glorious joy.” This joy transcends our circumstances and trials, for it is rooted in the eternal hope we have in Christ.

True, lasting joy, cannot be found in fleeting pleasures or material possessions. It wells up from within, as we bask in the love of our Savior and the assurance of His promises.

Even in the midst of suffering or uncertainty, this joy remains – a constant reminder of the glorious inheritance that awaits us.

Cultivating Our Love for the Unseen

So, how can we nurture our love for Jesus, whom we haven’t seen? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, allowing the living Word to reveal more of Christ’s character and teachings.
  2. Spend time in prayer, pouring out your heart to the Lord and inviting Him to deepen your love and trust in Him.
  3. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
  4. Reflect on how God has worked in your own life, reminding you of His presence and love, even when you couldn’t see Him.
  5. Look for glimpses of God’s beauty and love in His creation, allowing these tangible reminders to point you to the unseen Creator.

As you intentionally cultivate your love for Jesus, the joy and peace that surpass understanding will fill your heart, even in the face of life’s challenges.

For though you haven’t seen Him, you love Him – and in that love, you find true, lasting joy.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Joy
28
May
2024
Following Christ: More Than Just Words

Following Christ: More Than Just Words

In Matthew 10:37, Jesus makes a seemingly harsh statement:

“Whoever loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Matthew 10:37

This doesn’t mean God expects us to abandon our families.

The verse emphasizes that true devotion to Christ requires putting Him first. Here’s how to understand this concept:

  • Priorities: Following Christ may involve prioritizing your faith commitments over some personal desires or activities.
  • Commitment: Being a Christian is a lifelong journey, requiring dedication and willingness to learn and grow in your faith.
  • Action: Faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about putting those beliefs into action through your words and deeds.

Following Christ in Your Daily Life:

  • Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Develop a consistent quiet time with God.
  • Seek opportunities to serve others. Look for ways to share your faith and God’s love with those around you.
  • Surround yourself with positive influences. Connect with other believers who can encourage and support you on your faith journey.

Remember, following Christ is a process of growing closer to Him.

It may require sacrifice and change, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Further Exploration:

  • Read Matthew 16:24 for another verse on following Christ.
  • Consider joining a Bible study or small group for fellowship and spiritual growth.
  • Explore resources on Christian discipleship.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Trust
10
Apr
2024
Facing Rejection: The Cost of Following Christ

Facing Rejection: The Cost of Following Christ

John 15:19 reminds us, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (NIV).

This verse highlights a reality – following Christ can lead to rejection.

Price of Choosing Christ

Choosing Christ comes at a cost. It means embracing values and beliefs that differ from the world’s.

It means living differently, loving differently, and serving differently. This difference can make us targets for ridicule, rejection, and even persecution.

However, Jesus offers comfort: we’re not alone. He chose us despite the world’s opposition, and He promises to be with us (John 16:33).

Persevering Through Trials

The good news is that we don’t face this rejection alone. Jesus promises to guide us and give us the strength to persevere.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

When trials come, we can find comfort in knowing He has already overcome the world. His promises and faithfulness assure us He will never abandon us.

Respond with Love

Despite the hatred, we’re called to love. Loving our enemies shows them Christ’s love and demonstrates that our motivation is love and compassion, not hatred or revenge.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

Matthew 5:44

Loving our enemies also frees us from the burden of bitterness and allows God’s love to transform us.

Facing rejection for your faith can be challenging, but it’s a sign you’re on the right path. You called to follow Christ, persevere through trials, and respond with love.

Commit to living a life that honors God even in the face of opposition. Trust in His love and grace, allowing Him to work through you for His glory.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration