“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