“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
Interestingly, and, curiously, I am wondering why Jesus did not mention “husband or wife” in His statement about loving family members more than loving Him! There must be a reason for that that I am not aware of.
When I was 7,my father was killed in The Bump on Oct 23 1958.Today is Miners’ Memorial Day and I will lay a wreath when my father’s name is called.
As I often do,I googled this phrase (I showing my great ignorance) and was enlightened.It is ” the Son of Man ” :
” The title “the Son of Man” in 10:23 is the equivalent of ‘I’ (Mat. 8:20; 16:13). The expression “son of man” is a common Semitic way of indicating an individual man (Ps. 4:2; 57; 4; 58:1; 144:3; Jer. 49:18, 33; 50:40; 51:43). God addresses Ezekiel about ninety times by this title…..”
http://revelationbyjesuschrist.com/matthew-1023/
David’s word “OBEDIENCE” reflects the exact meaning ‘I’ wrote in the last stanza of this poem:
Oh So Bright (4 Dr Graham )
You who have whispered eternity
To many,lost in shadows of dark,
In My name for infinity,
Have shown the path to embark.
You who have walked firmly in the light,
Whereby your example opened eyes,
For you are My friend of delight,
With the truth evil can not disguise.
You,who have walked on many oceans
Gathering the aimless waves to rest,
Have pleased me with your devotions;
You’ve loved beyond any test.
You,who’s heart is a vault of My love,
Have been a sower of these seeds,
A harvest that grows high above,
Separate from the demon’s weeds.
You,who I have walked with every day,
Have spoken my word of shinning light,
And never refused to obey:
You,who has shone oh so bright.
G W Marshall / 07-Nov-013
Doreen,I find many small mysteries like that in the bible.”Son of Man “is one example.
Sorry,Doreen,this reply was supposed to be here,not the above.I did not click “Post Comment” before I clicked “Reply” to your comment and my comment went straight to your post.(‘My mother never called me Sonny because I was bright,lol.)
God bless
Don’t worry about that, William. I am amazed at times – the computer seems to make decisions that I didn’t intend to make! Your poetry is very insightful & inspired.
Thank you Doreen you’re very kind.It’s not about the poems but the message in the poems.God bless
As always William, such heartfelt, beautiful words graciously set to poetry. I’m sure God is pleased.
I’m so grateful for this blog David started years ago. I’m not exactly the sharpest tack on the bulletin board either and was so grateful to learn when King David was on earth in relation to when Jesus lived here. Blessings dear saints.
Thank you William for sharing your inspirational poetry with us! God bless you!
I believe that when He includes Father, or parents…that includes the husband and wife…though he doesn’t say… husband will be tray his wife, and visa versa!
In Jesus Name I rebuke the devil in all his ways! Praise and thanks that the Lord God loves us unconditionally, praying for a financial blessing to clear up my affairs, spend time serving the Lord where I can…..
Praise and thanks to the Lord for this blog!
He sent the twelve….and He send us…to be His hand extended to the lost!
Yes, to take up our cross and follow Him…in obedience to His guidance!
thank you Jesus You showed us the way…help me to hear and obey in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
Your Lord are The Way the Truth and the life!!