“So, when I hear or read, “If any want to become my followers,” I wince a bit. I know there’s a cost. There’s a cost in carrying a cross, in denying oneself, and it sounds like a follower follows alone. BUT WE DON’T FOLLOW ALONE. JESUS WASN’T ALONE ENTERING HIS PASSION. We wouldn’t be either.”
Obvious Parallels
The message to our world, our community, our friends, family and neighbors IS NOT GOD’S REGRET AND GOD’S JUDGMENT. God already went through that.
What Has He Said? (Trust What He Said)
“He was rejected by his own and died on a Roman cross surrounded by the jeers and curses of those who cheered him when he arrived days before – trust what he says. He arose from the dead, walked through locked doors, showed his friends the nail holes and told them signs and wonders will follow those who believe – trust what he says. Alleluia.”
Lost Track of Us
” Isaiah proclaimed when you wait on the Lord you’ll find strength emotionally, spiritually or physically. A fulfillment of this was in Jesus. Simon’s mother-in-law may have felt hidden from and disregarded by the Lord, but Jesus took her by the hand and the fever left her.”
They Were All Amazed
“The teaching blessed the crowd the most. The miraculous exorcism was what blessed this man the most.”
The Story Shifts
“‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.'” FISH WERE NOT ENOUGH FOR THESE MEN. They wanted something more. Simon Peter and Andrew were casting their nets in hopes of catching something when he invited them to do something else. James and John left their father and the hired men and followed Jesus. FISH WERE NOT ENOUGH FOR THEM.”
Shall You See
“That early morning in Scottsboro, I was surprised beyond words. Greater things were coming? I knew those words were a revelation for me. I knew they exploded in my spirit to awaken me to believe again God had things in store for me, greater things.”
Fully Abandoned and Empowered
Mark 1: 4-11 John knew something greater was coming. He told those gathered to him he baptized with water, but the one who will come after him will baptize with AND in the Holy Spirit. This is the Sunday in the Christian worship calendar to commemorate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus. From the gospel…
Light Has Come
“Why would anyone oppose Light coming into the world? Only if the powerful feared losing something significant. Light does its work when what is hidden in darkness is exposed.”
What Musta Happened?
“It was the work of the shepherds, representing the many common folk throughout the ages longing for the coming of the Lord to deliver and save, who were told he had come, and he could be found. HE HAS COME AND HE CAN BE FOUND.”
Psalm 102 in The Message 