Follower of Christ

Good Morning, Papa God! 

As I read Your Word this morning, the Holy Spirit has settled upon my spirit this verse (Luke 9:23). So, I started unpacking this verse as it relates to following Christ. I sort of “rewrote” it by elaborating on some key words (desires, come after, deny, take up, follow). Now it reads to me, “If anyone chooses above all other desires to pursue Me, let him (her) reject the desires and will of self, and be willing daily to be crucified to the world, and let Me lead and go before you as you follow.” So, Papa God, if my choice is to be a Christ-follower (His disciple, His student, His protégé, His reflection, His image-bearer), then my pursuit of Him (to live like Him, and to be like Him) must be first in my life, my first choice every day. Reading that verse and understanding that verse is easy. It is the doing of that consistently every day that is the hard part. Only by Your might and power through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me can I possibly do this, Papa God. Help me to continue to know You more, to control my emotions, to persevere in my walk as I pursue You.

Good morning, My beautiful child!

How you please My heart! Your perseverance, your determination to be My image-bearer, My reflection daily, to pursue My will and My heart’s desires for you is My good work in you. You are daily laying aside your will and desires even when it is hugely difficult for you. Yes, of course, there are times when you fail and your own desires creep back in, but you always come to Me, repentant, and determined to pursue My will again. I know living in this world and trying to not be a part of its lures and desires is difficult. But you are determined to do so and will do so through My power living within you. Continue to make your determined purpose be following Me.

(Luke 9:23)