Tough Questions

08 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Seeking Peace in cost, Jesus, not a fan

Last night, I taught a lesson centered around Nicodemus and whether he simply wanted to believe Jesus was who he claimed to be or if he really wanted to follow Jesus. It was a good reminder for me of many years lived as a fan but not a follower, one who knew God and kept an arms-length relationship with him, but not someone who really wanted to have a relationship with God and follow the example of Christ. var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

We see how Nicodemus goes from approaching Jesus at night (maybe to stay hidden from his cohorts?) to being there at his death and burial. Nicodemus went from fan to follower but it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t without cost. Which begs the question…

What has following Jesus cost you?

Grace and peace.

The Motions

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Seeking Peace in disciple, fan, follower, Idleman, Matthew West, not a fan, The Motions

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Matthew West sings a song, The Motions that helped me during tough times of life (as documented in older posts here and here). It’s a song I’ve gone back to lately as it helps spur me out of my doldrums. Enjoy it and then read on…var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

I’ve started a new book, not a fan by Kyle Idelman. I’m just a few chapters in and I already know it is one I will be recommending, if not buying, for my friends. It’s challenging and it is calling me back to my desire to go through life as a follower of Jesus, not just a fan. I want to be a true disciple regardless of the costs – the lost relationships, the questions and criticisms of people who don’t understand (or don’t want to understand), the denial of things I would enjoy but that will use my time and resources that could be better used for the kingdom.

Lord make me a servant, Lord make me like you. It’s easy to sing, harder to live. I pray I will be strong enough to live the hard life, the best life.

Grace and peace to you.