March 11 – A COSTLY DECISION

 As they followed Jesus along the road toward Jerusalem, the disciples were astonished and alarmed. They became more afraid as He took them aside, telling them more details of the things to come. (Mark 10:32)

               Will you follow Jesus when you see that He is leading you into trouble? Often, days following Him are spent in happy, positive, and even miraculous times. People’s lives are transformed from misery to joy, broken families are healed, and hungry people are fed. But, there are times when it becomes clear that trouble lies directly ahead.

                In front of the disciples, Jesus had just invited a man who approached Him to leave everything behind and follow Him. The other man determined he had too much to lose to risk all of it on Jesus. The disciples had made the decision to follow Jesus. Clearly, they wondered who had made the better decision. It was becoming evident that Jesus was serious about this plan to give up His own life. Maybe they did not wish to follow Him so closely if it meant they may also, literally, carry a cross.

                How about you? There will come a time when you will be faced with a choice between being true to Jesus at a great cost, or turning aside. Be prepared to make the right call when that moment arrives.

March 10 – OWNER OR SERVANT?

 But Jesus responded, “No one who chooses me over family, home, your work, or anything else will lose. Your life will be overflowing with such things, and with trouble. But, in eternity, those who have chosen me will come in first. (Mark 10:29-31)

               What do you think? Does Jesus want you to be rich? Or, does He require you to live as an impoverished martyr? Have you read Scripture to say that wealth is bad? Or, that it is evidence of good? Some feel a sense of guilt when they achieve wealth and other success by the world’s standards. Others feel that possessions and status are signs of God’s favor.

               Jesus says that focusing on these questions is not the way to spend your life. God’s kingdom is about Him, not about stuff. Certainly, it is not about collecting or hoarding stuff. The proper ambition is to be a trustworthy manager, rather than to be concerned about how much you manage. The faithful, loyal manager doesn’t think it is strange when the owner asks for His property. That manager is also careful to use everything he or she is given in a way that is consistent with the owner’s wishes and goals; to complete that owner’s work.

               Family, homes, labor, talents, and money are important. Each of these is created by God and should be respected and valued. Mostly, though, each one should be used for His purposes.

March 9 – HEALTHY FRUSTRATION

 Peter started in, defending himself saying, “We gave up everything to follow you!” (Mark 10:28)

                Do you ever reach a place of frustration; where you feel that you have done enough? Sometimes, you may work tirelessly, devoting all your energy to work that doesn’t seem to amount to much. In those times, you may focus on what you have given up, and all your hard work. You can easily lose focus on what God is calling you to do.

                Peter did what people often do in such times of frustration. He looked around, compared himself to others, and said, “I have done better than them.” Peter did not hear Jesus say what he wanted to hear. He was looking for praise and affirmation. After all, he had left his home and family, the family business, his standing in the community, and all that made him feel comfortable. Jesus told him, despite all of that, he still had not earned God’s favor. Nothing he could do would earn God’s favor. He’s saying that to you too. There is still nothing you can do to earn what the Lord offers to give to you. You can only accept Him and His way.

                Frustration is healthy. It’s good for you, when it drives you to Jesus Christ. Like Peter, let your frustration lead you to relationship with Him today.

March 8 – IMPOSSIBLE?

 So, they asked, “Who will make it into God’s Kingdom?” Jesus looked straight at them saying, “You can’t do it on your own, but for anyone who trusts and relies on God it is possible.” (Mark 10:26-27)

               Do you ever hear or ask this question, “What is required to please God and to get in on what God is doing?” Like the disciples asked, “Who will make it?”  Some think it is a basic right of every person. They feel that a loving god is going to simply overlook and forgive – regardless of their decisions and choices in life.

                Jesus makes it clear that this is not the case. In fact, He says it is not possible for anyone – no matter how good, how generous, how loving – to find relationship with God unless God makes it happen. Only moments before, Jesus disappointed a young man who thought he had checked all the boxes on God’s task list, and had therefore earned Jesus’ admiration. But, as he talked to Jesus he quickly realized he had not accomplished much after all. Jesus revealed the real tests – selfless love and constant reliance on the Lord. These, as Jesus explained, are only possible with God’s grace.

                Tear up your to-do list of how you will please God. Instead, let Jesus write His list on your day. Let Jesus accomplish the work you do. He just wants you!

March 7 – GOD’S WAY

 The wise and discerning know, and they will learn God’s ways. His plans for you, and the way He completes them, are the right way to live. Those who love and obey the Lord will live and walk as God leads them, but others will stumble and fall. (Hosea 14:9)

                The word, “way” speaks of a journey, or a path. Are you walking along your path each day with God? Are you allowing the Lord to lead you on your journey?

                Hosea explains there is a way that is God’s. Life is a journey that everyone must take on His terms. This is the Lord’s world (Psalm 24:1). God’s way is a path to life. Men and women who will trust God, and who will obey the Holy Spirit’s leadership each day as He gives them counsel are on this path. Hosea also says that there is another approach that many will choose. Most people will choose to rebel against God’s love and ignore His voice, opting to travel without Him. These people will not find prosperity. In fact, they will not survive the journey. Their journey leads to death.

               As you consider this reality, choose to follow God. It is not His will for anyone to follow the path that ends in death (2 Peter 3:9). Watch and listen, as you travel on your journey, for the people God is sending you to love in His uncommon ways, so they will also come to know Him, and find God’s way to life.

March 6 – TRUTH AND TRUST

 The bottom-line total of everything you say is one thing – Truth! And every word of it lasts forever. (Psalm 119:160)

               Can you really trust God? If you can believe the two statements in this verse, you have a basis for life-changing trust; the kind that will enable you to throw caution aside and fully invest in a life of devotion to the Lord. God requires you to trust Him that fully if you want to experience the life He offers. His life is only for those who take Him at His word.

                The Bible is filled with the stories and testimony of hundreds of witnesses who went with God where He told them to go, spoke the words He gave them to say, and acted as He told them to act. Many who have followed Jesus this way have seen Him change lives. They have felt God’s Holy Spirit move them, and they bravely kept going in challenging times. These people, many of whom suffered and died as martyrs, said, “He can be trusted.” Until you can believe that God is reliable, these will be simply stories, and you will understand the Bible simply be a book. What happens when you trust – enough to stake your life on it - is that God begins His work in you. Then, He begins to write your story!

                Take your first step. or take the next step, of trust. You can trust the Lord God! His word is forever truth.

March 5 – MEASURING

 It is by this one measure that everyone will know that you are mine – if you love one another. (John 13:35)

                Do other people see love in your actions? How about your people? Could someone who observed the people who represent you see them loving others? Take stock. Gather your lists of people (customers, vendors, employees, friends). How many of these could you say that you and your people love?

                During His last Passover meal with His closest followers; those who would soon be leading His church, Jesus gave one instruction. He said, “Love one another.” Then, for more clarity, he explained that this will be the measure of their devotion to Him. Time has proved this counsel to be true. From the time of those disciples to this present day, there have been many people who have opposed everything about the church. But, those same opponents, when they observe uncommon acts of unselfish love, find themselves drawn to that love. Whatever your business, wherever you work, and with whomever you relate each day, love should be your primary measure.

                Make love for others your primary measure, and watch for the change that will come.