Luke 9:10-36
I absolutely want to follow Jesus--just tell me what to do. Do you ever find yourself thinking Ok Lord, I want to follow You but I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do? Yeah, me too. Now when I'm asking that question, what I'm really wanting is fully detailed, step-by-step instructions for pretty much every circumstance in my life. I'd love to open my Bible and find a special "instructions for Tami" section. (wouldn't we all?) Well, that's never happened and it never will, and actually God has provided me (us) with quite a bit of instruction and formation on what being a Christ-follower requires or looks like. Luke 9:23 from our passage today is one of those places where we find instruction. Jesus tells us "'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."'
So let's jump in and think about being a Christ-follower. First, what does taking up our cross daily mean? And then, what does this look like as we daily follow Christ? Tami W.
I have so often wondered just what it was God wanted me to do. After many years of following and striving to learn, I have come to realize that God wants me first of all to trust Him and then take up the work of sharing the Gospel. Learning to pray for the lost people who are part of my life and taking up the spiritual weapons God has given me is the on-the-job training that I'm involved in right now. Both my husband and I are beginning a new journey of prayer. And wow, we are seeing God's hand in our own lives already, blessing, showing us how to let go of things that hinder and take up those things that bring blessing. We can hardly wait to see all the wonderful things He plans to do for those people He's calling to himself. And what a privilege for us to be helpers in all of that. We have a new peace about how, when and what God will provide for us on our journey. There truly is no greater thing than knowing Him!
Good day Tami, Thank you so very much for the time and dedication you have in serving the LORD JESUS by provding us with the info, your work is definitely felt around the world, and also a big THANK YOU to all of the BTTB Staff ...GOD BLESS!and Praise the LORD JESUS..Amen ! May we ALL meet for the Lord's supper one day !
Hi Tami, Just wanted to say thanks for thoughts today, I find the way you present things so 'normal' and relative. You're so great to connect with - to know we all face the same struggles in our approach - wishing God had a special Bible page mapped out with our day's instructions is exactly where I was at this morning ... now facing the challenge of taking up my cross - but it's wonderful to know that's how we all feel! Thanks.
Hi Tami,
I agree with you. I do sometimes think about a customized directional just for me. Very normal and relative as Polly said. Taking time to hear that still small voice this morning that seemed to say read the bible in 2 Corinthians the 17 verse of chapter 3. this was helpful. And checking the P4 blog today,the subject I find helpful.
Direction does come, but we have to first look to Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith. Praise God For all who listen to his calling, and may God bless each one who does as he asks them to do.