What a beautiful ride this morning, Father! It was quite cold but even in the darkness, the frost on the weeds by the side of road glittered as they reflected the light from my bus – it was breathtaking! At any given moment Your blessings can shine through!
Mark 1:16-20 (<<click to read the passage)
Once again the Amplified Bible gives me food for thought. Following Jesus is most certainly a journey and the longer we walk with Him, the closer we should walk with Him.
Even today there may be some that follow Him in that they like some of what He as to say and may walk in “His presence regardless of personal belief or commitment”. It may be a comfortable place to be and it is “safe,” if you will.
Then there are many who accept and identify with the salvation which He offers – churches are full of people in this category. It’s pretty “safe” here, too.
But if we are to truly follow Jesus, His call in Mark 8:34 AMP speaks loud and clear.
Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. (emphasis mine)
Not necessarily “safe” for the here and now but oh the security for eternity and satisfaction and, yes, the security for here and now.
Lord Jesus, this is truly how I want to live my life… I accept Your salvation but I want to flesh out Your call to deny myself and take up Your cross and follow You, amplification and all. Draw me close to You side, that I may be all I can be in You. Amen.
Jan 14th, 2019, Mon, 10:15 am
