loving God

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
True Riches: God’s Grace and Inheritance

True Riches: God’s Grace and Inheritance

James 2:5 “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

This verse challenges our definition of wealth.

God’s Perspective on Wealth

The world measures wealth by possessions, status, and power. It focuses on acquiring more and surpassing expectations.

The Bible, however, offers a different perspective. True riches come from what we receive from God, not what we have ourselves.

It’s about God’s grace and our future inheritance.

Poverty and Heavenly Riches

James calls his readers “brothers and sisters,” acknowledging their shared faith and God’s choice. He highlights their richness in faith – a gift from God – and their inheritance of the kingdom – a promise from God. However, he acknowledges their earthly poverty and struggles.

This seeming paradox – present poverty and future riches – is resolved by understanding their source of wealth.

It’s not earthly possessions but God’s grace.

Power of God’s Grace

Grace is God’s undeserved favor, love, and limitless resources.

It’s the power that saves, transforms, and empowers us. It makes us rich in God’s eyes even when we lack in the world’s.

Grace enables us to trust, obey, and love God, even in challenging times.

It empowers us to overcome sin, resist evil, endure suffering, serve others, share the gospel, and live for God’s glory.

Promise of the Kingdom

The kingdom of God signifies His reign and rule. It’s not a physical place but a spiritual reality, already present.

It’s the ultimate goal and the greatest expression of God’s glory.

This kingdom is the inheritance of those who love God, a reward for obedience and a treasure for those who seek Him.

Focus on seeking the kingdom of God, for it represents the true riches found in His grace.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Beware of the Selfishness Trap

Beware of the Selfishness Trap

We need to be careful that we do not fall into the “Selfishness Trap” mentioned in the following passage of Scripture. As you go about your life in Christ, be generous. What people need the most, is your time and attention.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

As followers of Christ, the Scripture above ought to be, turned on its head!

We should be; selfless, generous with our money (tithe more, tip well) be humble, kind, obedient to our parents, grateful, holy, loving, forgiving, encouraging, self controlled, merciful, loving the good, honest, prudent, modest, loving God, and exemplifying Him in all things, walking in great power!

Make a fresh commitment to live this way today . . . and every day; you can be sure, the world around you will take note, and God will too!

Posted by onthesolidrock in Discipline, Faith, Holiness, Humility, Trust, 0 comments