Read Luke 18:18-27 This rich young ruler had devoted a large part of his life to obeying God’s rules. But Jesus recognizes that this man isn’t willing to follow him with all in-like faith. Even though he followed the rules, he wasn’t ready to follow Jesus.
Is your faith about following Jesus or following rules? Think of ways in which you aren’t fully DEVOTED in God’s work. What parts of your life are staying separated? How is God calling you to follow him this week?
3 Comments
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Michael Hulett
on May 13, 2015Lately, I’ve been really disengaged from really connecting with community. I show up to church and show up to small group, somewhat going through the community motions. This week, I need to commit to taking steps to investing in relationships with people, rather than just showing up.
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Cheryl Anderson
on May 13, 2015About six months ago I made a huge step in faith by quitting my job that robbed me of joy in practically every area of my life. To no ones fault but my own, I worked tirelessly on site and from home (like many others do) just to keep up with the responsibilities and demands of the position. This job paid well (hourly no overtime) and I had health and vision benefits while costing me more out of pocket each year, thankfully I had insurance. I would again and again reason why I was continuing the vicious cycle. I would think “I have important position that depended on me alone to make sure programs and events went on as smoothly as possible”. I also went along thinking that my children were grown and didn’t “need” me; I was fulfilling a need for the community. Yeah, well not really. Did it provide a real impact in the lives of people I engaged with. No, not even close. I would pray and pray for God to show me my purpose in the position I was in. There were times that were definitely divine moments and were blessings to be sure. But if you Walk Aware through life you should see, feel, and know these moments no matter the scale of the impact when it happens. To be AWARE; that is the key. Again, I would pray and pray thinking I was “aware” of what God wanted from me. Then one day I really heard God telling me that he can’t help me if I don’t trust Him enough to make the first move. So, I did. I resigned from my position not knowing what was in the future, but I knew if I continued to stay I would remain focused on the same treadmill getting no where.
I felt Him calling me to move out and make an impact on others that really needed a positive, welcoming and encouraging interaction. I have gone back to school to further my education that will allow me to reach community members in a completely different way. Taking next steps may not be easy, and at times may stretch your dedication beyond what you think you can manage. I do everything I can to do my very best and God provides the other energy and knowledge and encouragement to keep me AWARE that HE IS DOING HIS PART. I am confident that these “growing pains” I am feeling in this time of stepping out confidently will indeed be a blessing to many. ~ So to sum up what I am trying to say is found in Isaiah 41;10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
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Kevin
on May 15, 2015One area I am working on being fully devoted in is at home. Somehow I’ve gotten into the pattern of being the least gracious to those I’m closest to. Am I the only one? I recently asked my wife how my life is inconsistent with Jesus’s teachings, and she told me some hard truths. I want to be fully devoted across all my life in a way that changes me permanently for the better. This week it starts with being consistent in following Christ through all of my relationships.
