The Cost of Following Jesus
Did you know that the enemy will always try to use the people closest to you to distract you? And if you’re like me, you’re trying to figure out why this person or persons is doing this; or you’re wondering why they can’t see that you’re just trying to follow Jesus. So you find yourself praying about it, and the Holy Spirit answers you right away by giving you the exact word that you need so that you can tell the enemy, IT IS WRITTEN!
This morning as I was reading in Luke (yes it was a random opening of my Bible to this scripture), the Holy Spirit revealed to me that there is definitely a cost to following Jesus. Lately, I have felt this sense of loneliness that comes with it. I have even felt guilty at times for being such a different me to everybody around me, especially my family and friends (the ones who are still around). But definitely family because family is forever, right?
Let’s look at Luke 14:25-27:
25 Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said:
26 You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
27 You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Luke 14:25-27 CEV
As I read this scripture this morning, it put so much into perspective for me. Jesus deserves priority over every other relationship including family! And who else but the enemy would try to use family to distract you from Jesus being the priority!
I thought about Ephesians 6:2 where the commandment says for us to honor our father and mother and by doing so, things will go well for us and we will live a long life on earth. That’s when I heard Holy Spirit say this: Honoring them doesn’t mean disobeying Me!
I was like whoa! Okay! I see what you’re saying Lord. I even took a moment to look up the word honor to make sure I understood what it meant. Honor can mean to respect, admire, and/or appreciate.
The Holy Spirit instructed me to pray for my family and keep planting seeds. He said: As you pursue me and teach your children to pursue me, others will see MY GLORY and be encouraged and inspired to seek Me more.
On Monday, Holy Spirit said he saw my desire to change my family. On Tuesday, He said I am a generational curse breaker. On today, He confirmed yesterday’s word in Luke 14:33 which boils down to everything from the Lord is for His glory.
When I was cross referencing the above scripture in Deuteronomy, I just happened to land in chapter Deuteronomy 12 (not the chapter I was headed to) and saw where I had already highlighted verse 28. This verses talks about being careful to obey the Lord’s commands so that me and my children and their children will prosper forever because we are doing what is good in the sight of the Lord. Yesterday He spoke to me about my grandchildren and generation after generation!
Last night during prayer, I asked Him some business questions regarding what to do on some projects. Do you know that in reading Luke 14:28 He answered me?
But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Luke 14:28 NLT
There is a cost to following Jesus, but I love that my prayer time gives me so much clarity as I follow Him.
How much are you willing to give up to follow Jesus? What about if it costs you your family, your own life, or renouncing all your possessions and organizational affiliations? Would you do it?
SALVATION PRAYER
If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and you’re not a believer, but you have a desire to be, all you have to do is openly confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). When you pray that prayer, you are saved. Get connected with a good, bible-based church in your community, stay connected to other believers, and start having daily conversations through prayer with God every single day. Welcome to your new life with Jesus Christ!!!
ASSIGNMENTS
What did Holy Spirit say to you in your conversation with Him this morning?
How does the Lord answer your questions or give you clarity?
How much are you willing to give up to follow Jesus?
Record yourself reading the word of God on video or audio and watch how God will use your own voice to give you revelation and build your faith (keeping this assignment on here for a while).
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