“FOLLOW AFTER ME!” ~ JESUS
Today’s Reading: Matthew 10
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Located in modern-day Nazareth, “Nazareth Village” re-enacts daily life from the time of Jesus, 2,000 years ago.
Key Verse: Matthew 10:38
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
One thousand years before the crucifixion of Christ, King David, in Psalm 22, wrote, “They pierced my hands and my feet” (verse 16b). Crucifixion was unknown at that time. Yet at least 10 statements in that Psalm describe the sufferings of our Lord. Likewise, God knew in advance all about your journey bearing the cross. His provision of Grace for you is all you need for today. So whatever sacrifice you are called to make will be worth it. Joy will be yours. Hebrews 12:2 tells you of Jesus, “Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” This is your “Journey into JOY!”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I am Your follower. Therefore, I have no alternative but to “Take up my cross.” I do so in obedience to You. Please grant me the grace not only to endure, but to enter into JOY! Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
A response from one of my blog participants was “How can I have a faith like yours?” I don’t claim great faith…childlike faith, yes! I’m convinced that the maximum and the minimum faith is simple OBEDIENCE. Last night and again this morning I made this confession, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This confession has been my habit for years. I don’t plan to stop as long as I live.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
David
Thank you David, for being a formidable teacher for me. I say Galatians 2:20 every morning in my prayers. Thank You, Jesus. I carry my cross for You and give my life to make a difference as a Christian in this world. There is a switch in the brain that has to occur that separates our minds from our bodies. When we are attached to the physical pain we are not in the realm of faith we hold because of our belief in Jesus. We have to strive to reach a higher plateau as the apostle Paul said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Thank you God, for Your Word, and for the beautiful rain, this morning. Blessings, dearest saints, in the Lord.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 ESV
Jesus Culture – Miracles (Live/Lyrics And Chords) ft. Chris Quilala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-auXYdMSGM
Because He lives I can face tomorrow because He lives all fear is gone, for I know who holds my future, life is worth the living just because He lives.
Amen! Karen Patterson.
Yes, Amen Karen Patterson, “Because HE Lives, I can face tomorrow!! All fear is gone!!
Amen, indeed, Karen!
Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M-zwE33zHA
Matthew 10 seems to be more of a reality today than before especially concerning persecution of Christians. Thanks for the reminder of praying Galations 2:20. Always pray your prayers Brother David and thanks for your posting of songs and scripture Beverlee. Beautiful photo as always Renold. has been raining all week so happy for the sunshine today. God bless saints!
David I said your pray how can you endure it with joy if anyone can tell me
let me know.
Lianne Hogg
I love CS Lewis’s book title, “Surprised by Joy”. It says to me that the joy of the Lord came to him as a revelation, a gift. As a Christian, he knew all of God’s goodness is given by our loving and gracious God, not because we earn it.
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Thank you Rob I hope you have great day
Amen, Rob. God bless you, Lianne!
Thank YOU LORD…”YOUR MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING”…”THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH” AMEN! and AMEN!!
Amen, Irene. God bless you!
May the Lord bless you and heal you and give you peace, hope, joy and righteousness.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
WITHOUT YOU LORD…I can do nothing, but with YOU LORD, I CAN DO ALL THINGS!!
Pastor David..your “Vlog” each morning is so encouraging, as is Your blog…and such a blessing!! Thank you for your faithfulness in bringing us this daily bread!!
Thanks to all bloggers for your words of encouragement and posts of songs of worship…and your prayers. Have a blessed day in the Lord!!
Matthew has some encouraging and yet some sobering words for us today. With the knowledge of the gospel comes responsibility; we will all share in the harvest, but there is need of many workers in the fields. Pray how God might use us as His labourers, perhaps as prayer warriors, witnessing, sharing, encouraging, helping, preaching, evangelizing, or contributing time or money for the Gospel’s sake. Sometimes it helps us to assess our spiritual gifts to see where we might be most effective. We can all contribute in accordance to what God calls us to do for Him and the kingdom, thereby contributing to His great commission. God Bless all.
Dear Pastor David, I’m so excited to follow your blog and just caught up with it.
Thank you for constantly spurring us on THE WAY.
A big Thank You to your wife Norma-Jean! May Jesus be both your health and whatever you need.
Shalom, shalom!
Ursula