following Jesus

14
May
2024
All In: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

All In: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

Have you ever felt a nudge towards following Jesus more diligently? Maybe a sermon resonated with you, a friend invited you to church, or a scripture passage spoke volumes.

Perhaps you felt God’s presence in prayer, a crisis, or a joyful moment. Whatever the case, you sensed a pull to follow Jesus and become His disciple.

But what exactly does that mean? Is it just a prayer, church attendance, or good deeds? Is it a one-time decision or a lifelong commitment? Easy or hard, or maybe both?

The Cost of Discipleship

For answers, let’s look at Jesus calling His first disciples (Luke 9). Traveling and preaching the Kingdom message, He encountered people interested in following Him.

However, Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the cost. He challenged them to consider the commitment and make a radical choice.

One person said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family” (Luke 9:61). Seems reasonable, right? Family is important.

But Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62)

Was Jesus being harsh? Unrealistic? Not at all. He used a farming analogy to illustrate a spiritual principle. Plowing required focus. Looking back disrupted concentration, creating crooked furrows, wasted effort, and a poor harvest.

Similarly, following Jesus requires focus. A disciple glancing back at their old life loses focus, leading to poor decisions and wasted effort.

Jesus wasn’t saying to abandon family, neglect responsibilities, or ignore relationships. He emphasized not letting anything distract from our primary allegiance to Him and His Kingdom. He wanted our wholehearted following.

Challenges and Rewards

Following Jesus isn’t a walk in the park. It involves sacrifice, surrender, and service. Leaving behind old ways, habits, attachments, and ambitions. Taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and following Him.

Facing opposition, persecution, and hardship. It’s about faithfulness, obedience, loyalty, humility, teachability, and willingness.

But it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s grace, forgiveness, and love. A new life, identity, purpose, and hope. Experiencing God’s presence, power, peace, and joy.

Joining His mission, community, family, and Kingdom. Growing in faith, character, wisdom, and fruitfulness. Sharing in His glory, honor, inheritance, and victory.

Following Jesus is the best decision we can ever make. It’s the most meaningful, fulfilling, and satisfying life. It’s the only path to true happiness, freedom, and life.

Following with All Your Heart

So, how do we follow Jesus wholeheartedly?

How do we avoid looking back or holding back?

How can we be fit for service in God’s Kingdom?

The answer is simple yet challenging. We need to love Jesus more than anything else – family, friends, possessions, comfort, reputation, dreams, plans, even our own preferences.

We need to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He’s our Lord, Savior, Master, Friend, Treasure, Delight, our Everything.

This isn’t achievable alone.

  • We need the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to love God and obey.
  • We need the Word of God, guiding us.
  • We need the support and encouragement of the Christian community.
  • We need God’s grace, which covers and sustains us in weakness.

Most importantly, we need the example of Jesus, who loved us enough to give Himself for us.

He followed the Father’s will wholeheartedly, even to death on a cross. He rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven, and intercedes for us. He will return and welcome us into His eternal Kingdom. He deserves our wholehearted devotion, unwavering attention, and unreserved commitment.

He is the one who says to us, “Follow me.” Are you ready to follow Him with all your heart?

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith, Trust
13
May
2024
Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Life as a follower of Christ isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face opposition, even violence, for their beliefs.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

(John 16:2)

This can be a scary thought. Why would anyone be persecuted for their faith? And how can we stay strong when things get tough?

Why Does Persecution Happen?

The truth is, the world doesn’t always understand or embrace what Jesus represents. He challenges the status quo, exposes darkness, and offers a different way of living (John 7:7).  This can feel threatening to those who cling to worldly values and priorities.

Here’s the thing: persecution isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a sign that you’re living faithfully and making a difference.

Responding to Persecution

So, how do we react when faced with persecution? Here are some key takeaways from Jesus’ teachings:

  •     Don’t be surprised. Jesus warned us about this reality, so we shouldn’t be caught off guard

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

John 15:18
  •     Don’t be afraid. Our physical safety might be threatened, but our eternal soul belongs to God

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28
  •     Don’t be ashamed. Standing up for your faith, even in the face of opposition, is something to be proud of

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

The core response to persecution is unwavering faithfulness. No matter the cost, we continue to:

  •     Obey Jesus’ commands and follow His example.
  •     Share the message of the gospel with love and compassion.
  •     Remain rooted in Him and allow His teachings to guide us.

Finding Strength in the Midst of Trials

Even the most courageous person can feel overwhelmed.  The good news is, we’re not alone!  Here are some promises from Jesus that offer strength and hope:

    The Holy Spirit is with us. We have a powerful comforter, advocate, and counselor by our side

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:16-18

    We have a purpose. Our trials can refine our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-4).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

    Eternal life awaits. The temporary hardships we face pale in comparison to the joy and reward that awaits us in Heaven

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

Standing Firm in Faith

Persecution can be a difficult reality, but it doesn’t have to define us.  By remembering the reasons behind it, responding with unwavering faith, and clinging to the promises of God, we can face any challenge with courage and hope. 

Commit to following Jesus, no matter the cost, knowing that He is always with you.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
12
May
2024
Seeing God in Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Seeing God in Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Have you ever felt a longing to know God on a deeper level? Maybe you’ve asked questions like, “What is God really like?” or “How can I have a closer relationship with Him?”

The good news is, the Bible gives us a clear answer. In John 14:7, Jesus makes a remarkable statement: “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus is basically saying, “Get to know me, and you’ll get to know God the Father.” But how do we “know” Jesus? This devotional explores how Jesus, through His teachings and actions, reveals God’s character and offers us a path to a deeper connection with Him.

Knowing Jesus as the Way

Imagine you’re lost in a maze. You’re confused and disoriented. Suddenly, someone appears who knows the way out. They offer to guide you, step by step, until you reach safety. That’s what Jesus does for us.

When Jesus says He’s the “way” (John 14:6), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

He’s saying He’s our guide. He shows us the path to God, a path that was blocked by our sin. He overcame those obstacles through His sacrifice, opening the door to eternal life.

Knowing Jesus as the way means trusting Him. It means believing He knows the best route for our lives and following His lead.

Knowing Jesus as the Truth

Think of a teacher you truly admired, someone who not only presented information but also lived by it. Jesus is that kind of teacher.

He doesn’t just tell us about God; He reveals God’s character. He fulfills God’s promises and embodies God’s truth. Jesus speaks God’s words and does God’s work. He instructs us in God’s ways and corrects us when we stray.

Knowing Jesus as the truth means believing what He teaches. It means accepting Him as our Lord and surrendering to His wisdom and guidance.

Knowing Jesus as the Life

Have you ever felt lost and alone? Like there’s no hope for a brighter future? Jesus offers a solution: Himself.

He’s the source of God’s love and grace. He shares God’s joy and peace. He died for us, conquering sin and death, and now lives to intercede for us. He saves us, sanctifies us, and promises to never leave us.

Knowing Jesus as the life means receiving Him as our Savior and friend. It means allowing Him to fill us with His love and purpose.

The Bridge to God

So, how do we truly know God? By knowing Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God, the embodiment of His nature. He makes God visible to us and bridges the gap between us and the divine.

Knowing God through Jesus isn’t just about intellectual understanding; it’s about a personal relationship. It’s about experiencing God’s love firsthand and living a life transformed by His presence.

This knowledge isn’t something we achieve overnight. It’s a journey of continual growth, a deepening intimacy with Jesus as we walk alongside Him.

Commit to seeking Him more and more, allowing Him to reveal the Father’s heart to you. As you grow in your knowledge of Jesus, you will naturally grow closer to God; as a matter of fact; Jesus IS GOD!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
17
Apr
2024
Beyond Rules: Jesus’ Call to True Righteousness

Beyond Rules: Jesus’ Call to True Righteousness

Matthew 5:20 – “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Many grapple with achieving God’s standards and pleasing Him. Traditionally, righteousness is seen as following rules and rituals.

The Problem: External Righteousness

Jesus challenges this view in Matthew 5:20.

He says our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, known for meticulous rule-following. Their focus was external actions, neglecting the heart of the Law: love for God and neighbor.

This kind of righteousness is superficial and self-serving.

The Solution: Grace and True Righteousness

True righteousness isn’t achieved by our efforts. The answer lies in:

  • Grace: God’s grace forgives, cleanses, and empowers us. It transforms our hearts and enables us to live for Him. Righteousness comes from His work in us, not our own.
  • Jesus: He saves, teaches, and leads us. His sacrifice and intercession make us righteous, not by imitation, but by His presence within us.

Following Jesus’ Way

To live out this higher righteousness, we need to:

  • Examine Our Motives: Focus on our inner thoughts and attitudes, not just outward actions. We must avoid both outward sins and inward sins like anger, pride, or envy.
  • Love, Not Just Law: Seek the spirit of the Law, which is love. We practice the positive aspects of “doing good” and “showing mercy” alongside avoiding negativity like “lying” or “stealing.”
  • Internal and External: We demonstrate both internal signs of faith like humility and sincerity, and external acts like fasting, praying, and giving generously. Our goal is to please God, who sees our hearts, not impress others.

The Invitation: A Higher Calling

Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness, one leading to the Kingdom of Heaven.

This call is not a burden but a blessing, a gift of true connection with God.

Prayer for True Righteousness

“Lord Jesus, I confess my sin and need Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again for my righteousness. I accept Your call to a higher righteousness, surpassing that of the Pharisees, leading to Your kingdom. I surrender my life and follow Your way. Forgive, cleanse, and empower me. Be my Lord, Savior, and Example. Be my Righteousness, not by my imitation, but by Your indwelling. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! You’ve embarked on a life-changing journey.

Next Steps: Growing in Faith

  • Find a Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth.
  • Read the Bible and pray daily to deepen your relationship with God.
  • Share your testimony to inspire others to seek Jesus and His righteousness.

May God bless you on your path with Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
12
Apr
2024
All In: The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus

All In: The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus

Luke 14:33 “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

This verse challenges us to consider the true meaning of being a follower of Christ.

Meaning of Discipleship

The word “disciple” translates to “learner” or “follower.”

A disciple of Jesus is someone who actively learns from Him, listens to His teachings, obeys His commands, and imitates His example. It’s about a relationship – loving Jesus, becoming like Him, following His path, and sharing His mission.

Jesus calls us to join Him on a journey of love, service, and sacrifice. He invites us to “take up your cross” – a symbol of willingness to suffer for Him – and follow in His footsteps.

Being a disciple is more than just belief or church membership. It’s about transformation – a growing love for Jesus that compels us to be more like Him, living according to His will.

Cost of Discipleship

The cost of discipleship is nothing less than our all.

Jesus doesn’t demand literal poverty, but a complete surrender of attachments and priorities. He requires our love for Him to surpass all else. He asks us to put Him first in every aspect of our lives.

Two parables illustrate this point. Building a tower and going to war require careful planning and commitment. Likewise, following Jesus demands, we count the cost – are we prepared for challenges and difficulties?

Are we willing to pay the price?

Being a disciple is a serious and lifelong commitment, not a casual decision. It affects everything we do and requires sacrifice, dedication, and our wholehearted effort.

Reward of Discipleship

The reward for such commitment? Jesus Himself. He assures us that what we give up pales in comparison to the gain.

He’s the pearl of great price, the treasure hidden in the field, the bread of life, and the living water. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Life – our Lord, Savior, Friend, Brother, God, and King.

Discipleship isn’t a burden or a loss; it’s a profound joy and gain that surpasses all expectations. It’s the joy of knowing Jesus and being known by Him.

Challenge of Daily Discipleship

The challenge lies in living out our faith daily. Jesus calls for self-denial, carrying our cross (embracing challenges for Him), and following Him every day.

This translates to loving God completely and our neighbor as ourselves. We are called to be “salt and light” in the world, influencing others for good and sharing the gospel message.

Jesus expects us to apply His teachings in everyday situations, showing love and grace to everyone we meet. He desires our continual growth in faith and character, witnessing for Him and His kingdom.

Being a disciple is a lifelong journey of learning, doing, receiving, giving, trusting, obeying, and continually growing in Christ. It shapes who we are and our ultimate destiny.

The cost of discipleship is everything, but the reward is Jesus Himself. He calls you, equips you, and promises to be with you always.

As the hymn writer declares, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration