God has called each of us to follow Him. This is a life devoted to trying to learn to mimic our teacher, mentor and Lord, Jesus. Today, let’s look at a few scriptures and see what a life devoted to following God is all about.

18 The Lord said to Moses, ² “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. ⁴ You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. ⁵ Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord. Leviticus 18:1-5

God tells Moses to instruct the Isrealites to now follow a different standard than what they were used to. Even though they were slaves, they were raised in a certain lifestyle and the practices and customs of the Egyptians was what was normal to them. Moses was trying to prepare the people by pointing out who they were and how they should follow after the God who had delivered them. They now knew that they were God’s chosen people and that He hadd called them to be His own. But He also wanted them to know there would be conditions attached to the call to follow.

God made it clear that they should not practice the old ways of the Egyptians because He had called out from under the bondage of slavery. He also was leading them into a new land and Israel had to be warned not to take up the ways of the people of that land.

What God wanted them to understand was that He was leading them into a new way of living and that they were going to have a new truth to follow. It would take sacrifice, commitment, and at times following God can result in the world hating or rejecting you.

A fantastic story that portrays the risk and faith in following God can be seen in the Book of Ruth.

¹⁶ But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16

Ruth was married to one of Naomi’s sons and was a Moabite woman. It was not custom to marry outside their culture and people. When Naomi’s husband and two sons passed away, one of Naomi’s daughter in laws decided to go back to her home country, but Ruth pledged to stay with Naomi as she travelled back home to Isreal. Now this was a risky move on Ruth’s behalf because she was a gentile, and in all likelyhood, would not be accepted and could very well be treated like a second class citizen. However, Ruth saw something in the life of Naomi, something that showed her there was one true God. Ruth was determined to to follow the God of Israel.

And in the verse we read, we see Ruth’s response to Naomi, which parallels our response, or what it should be, to our call to follow Jesus. “where you go, I will go, …where you lodge, I will lodge”. As disciples, we are pledging to follow Jesus, wherever that takes us, whatever that may look like to us personally. Ruth then makes a bold statement of faith “your people shall be my people, and your God my God”. Essentially, Ruth was proclaiming she was leaving behind her old life and gentile culture. She was now going to follow the God of Israel.

However, the story of Ruth is an incredible one, and I encourage you to read this book. Because of her faithfulness, God blessed her and her willingness to follow Naomi and her God, Ruth became grafted into the geneology of Jesus Christ. (Mathew 1:5-6), and the great-grand mother of King David. Much like we have become grafted into God’s family when we place our faith in Jesus Christ.

When we make a decision to follow Christ, it literally changes the direction of our lives forever. We, just like Ruth, are to leave everything behind and walk forward into a “new land”, and join with a new people- the Church. There is risk and sacrifice, but huge reward.

so the question today is, are we willing to leave behind our old way to follow God?

²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

To be called to follow in someone’s steps requires great faith in the person you have chosen to follow. it may mean leaving behind life as you know it, even changing your lifestyle and your beliefs. As His disciples, Christ leads, we follow. He goes before us like a shepherd before His sheep. When someone chose to follow a rabbi, they literally gave their entire life to that calling. They lived 24/7 with that rabbi, learning His every word and action, mimicking his lifestyle. Essentially trying to become just like them in every aspect.

Step number 1 in our calling as disciples is to be followers of Jesus, who is our teacher and Lord. His desire is that we surrender our wills and follow Him. This is a lifelong committment, striving to become just like the teacher. If we look at the whole context of the verse we read

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. ²⁰ But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Peter is giving some very radical teaching here. I’ve often heard the complaint by non-believers, which used to be me, that the bible endorses slavery, because it doesn’t outright say anywhere that slavery is wrong. And if we know anything about human nature, we know that people don’t just do whatever you say. Rather, Jesus, then the apostles, began to teach in a way to slowly change cultural thinking. Slavery was a normal practice. Most people saw nothing wrong with it, it was just the way it was. In these verses, we see Peter exhort those in slavery to first, fear God (put your whole trust in Him), and submit to their masters, even if the masters were tyrants and treated them badly. His point was this is part of following Jesus, part of becoming like the teacher. Jesus gave them the ultimate example as He willingly was placed in chains, beaten and nailed to the cross. And He even blessed His oppressors as He hung there. This is our calling, in order to follow Christ, we must love others just as He did; even the tough ones. And in addition, throughout the New Testament, we see where the Apostles exhorted the masters of the slaves to treat them well, with respect and as brothers in Christ. This was extremely counter-cultural, but Christ new that everyone needs to decide, not be told, to follow.

To follow, one must give the reins of leadership to another; one must be willing to humble oneself and hand over one’s own desires and pride to Crist. We must trust that Christ know what is completely best for every area of our lives. Jesus gives us a new life and He is the bridge to that new way of living. It takes a step of faith but one that first step is taken the road ahead begins to take on an all-new meaning and purpose.

The very idea and concept of discipleship means that you are willing to come under the teaching and direction of a leader, teacher or mentor. We need to “follow” them. Paul encouraged this concept when he asked the churches “to follow him as he followed Christ”

The journey begins first by answering the call of Christ and then committing oneself to following where ever He leads.

Tomorrow we will look at some examples from stories in the bible of following God.

Lord, we thank you for your calling. Teach us to follow and become more like our teacher and Lord, Jesus. Amen.

New topic today. Should be an interesting one

Therefore, do not be asharmed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner., but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. 2 Timothy 1:8-9

Here is a question; does God take time to call out to every man, woman and child of this world and invite them to walk in fellowship with Him? What does this mean to be called, and has God been calling out to you? What does this mean to you today?

Let’s define the word “call”. It means to cry out, to call aloud, to proclaim, to summon, to invite, to appoint, to praise, to celebrate, to be named. The idea of “call” means that someone is clearly and specifically speaking directly at someone else, to summon person to a specific task. Ex. Isaiah 55:5 “behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you…..”

Throughout the bible and all of history, we see men and women called out by God which we read about as heroes of the faith (and sometimes as bad examples). Calling is a key foundational topic for all a disciple may or may not do in their lifetime. The call is imperative if we hope to see any type of revival in our lives or in our churches. Disciples are touched daily by this word “call”

The men and women we read about that God called out had their hearts and lives changed in very dramatic ways, and changed the course of history in extraordinary ways. Think of people like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, the many prophets, Christs disciples, Paul, and many more. And how about now in modern times? Billy Graham comes to mind, missonairies, what about our own pastor? These all come to mind because either they have been recorded in the bible or have done very big, public things that affected the church in huge ways. So this comes back to the original question, does God call each one of us, or just specific people?

My answer and opinion to this is that He does indeed call each of us. Let us look at a verse in 2 Peter that was addressed to “the church”.

2 Peter 1:1-11

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

² Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

³ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, ¹¹ and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As you reflect on these words, you can see the importance for the disciple to keeping God’s call on His or her life in the forefront of their thinking and action. So how does God call you today? God will call you through His Holy Spirit, and we need to be willing to listen to Him regardless of what He is telling us. He speaks and shows us His will and plan. Everything He has to say to us is relevant to our times and our daily walk. We just need to have the faith to trust that He knows what is best for us.

The question of who, what, where, when, why, of our calling with God is what we will explore in the coming days and weeks, just as we are challenged to do so in 1 Cor. 1:26-29 “⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Lord we thank you for your Word and your call. Give us insight and understanding as we explore this topic. In Jesus name, amen.

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing”.2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT)

I have always been sensitive to different smells, very quickly noticing if something has gone bad in the fridge or the fruit bowl or if someone in my family doesn’t smell quite right! I am also very aware of the opposite; when something or someone smells amazing, I am naturally drawn to them.

 It’s cool to know that as a Christian we have a specific aroma that we omit to the world. Have you ever noticed how some people are instantly drawn to you while others keep their distance? 2 Corinthians 2:15 says this aroma we have as Christians will be perceived differently by those who come to Christ verses those who do not.

When Christ is evident in our day to day lives, we will naturally give off this Christ like aroma as we talk to people about God, as we serve, as we work, and as we just simply love others as Christ loves us! “But thanks be to God, who uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Prayer for today

Lord, it gives me great honor to serve you and to spread the aroma of your knowledge to everyone I meet. Continue to guide me and give me the courage to do this for your kingdom. I love you, in you holy name Amen

Questions to meditate on today

What is it about you that you hope others think is a “sweet fragrance”?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

I am a sweet fragrance to God!

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Have you ever been tempted to do something with your body that wasn’t right? Maybe you were tempted to do drugs, or smoke. Perhaps your boyfriend or girlfriend is pressuring you sexually. What do you do when you’re tempted to do something that isn’t right with your body?

Today’s Bible verse offers us some good suggestions. It tells us to not view our bodies as our own. Rather we should look at our bodies as something special.

In this verse it shows us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We aren’t just living for ourselves, but we should be living with the knowledge that the Holy Spirit lives in you, which means you can choose a different kind of thinking. You no longer need to be bound by the ideas, criticisms, or abuses of others. You can choose to believe what God tells you–that you have high value and priceless worth to him.

So when we’re tempted to do things that aren’t right, we need to step back and remember this verse. Our bodies aren’t our own. We should be using them in ways that bring glory to God. So the next time you’re tempted, remember today’s Bible verse and challenge yourself to say no to temptation.

Prayer for today

Thank you Lord that Your Spirit lives in me. Help me to remember that my body is a temple.

Thoughts to meditate on today

What does that mean to you that your body is a temple?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

God holds you in high esteem–don’t let anyone else hold you down.

Matthew 5:14- you are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. (NLT)

How amazing it is to climb to the top of something and see everything from a different viewpoint. A few years ago I had the privilege of going zip lining with a friend in the mountains of Vancouver. As we climbed higher, so much more of the city below came into view, it was breathtaking! We could see for miles, our eyes were drawn to the many lights that shone throughout the city.

  God’s word says We are the light of the world, We are to shine for the whole world to see, not just on Sundays with our fellow believers but on that mountaintop for all to see. I want to encourage you to examine your day to day life, and ask yourself this question; is the light of Jesus shining through me for all to see?

 The familiar song I learnt as a child comes to mind, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine; hide it under a bush, oh no, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

Prayer for today

Thank you Lord for this reminder that we are to be your light, shining for the whole world to see. Give me the courage to shine bright in this dark world so that those who do not know you will be drawn to you! In your name, Amen

Thoughts to meditate on today

How can I be a light for God today? ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Because of Christ in me, I am the light of the world!

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

We all like new stuff. New shoes, new clothes, new video games, or a new phone. New stuff is just the best! Do you know that when God sees you, he sees new? When God looks at you after you’ve accepted Jesus as your savior He sees a new creature.

He doesn’t see who you were before you knew Jesus. He doesn’t see your shortcomings, failures and all the stuff that you’ve done wrong. In fact, He says He won’t even remember your sin anymore. What  He does see is someone who is fresh and new and incredibly special in His eyes!

When you think about how excited you get when you get a new phone and you can’t wait to use it, that’s just a fraction of how excited God gets about you. He loves you and is thrilled that you’re His child.

Prayer for today

Thank you Jesus for what you did on the cross for me. It has made me new person. Thank you that You do not see my old life, but rather see my potential in my brand new one!

Questions to meditate on today

What are your thoughts about God being excited to see you?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, You have made me a new person, thank you!

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” James 1:5 (NLT)

The Word of God is a treasure of infinite value given to us by our gracious heavenly Father, but many Christians today live as if they’re trapped in poverty. Imagine a person with great worldly wealth living on the streets, begging for handouts, even though they have a fortune in the bank. Likewise, the children of God should not struggle hopelessly through daily life when we have access to the wisdom and direction of our Almighty God.  

As God’s children, we must learn to apply Scripture to every area of life and every circumstance we face for our good and for His glory. If we aren’t allowing God’s Word to direct our decision-making and relationships, we will quench the work of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and bring us into a deeper relationship with our heavenly Father. God gave us His Word to use, not just adore. If we’re going to live for Christ and delight in our Lord, we have to let His Word refine us and disciple us.

In what area of your life do you need God’s wisdom? Soak it up from the pages of His Word, and you’ll experience the power and grace of the great I am as He transforms you “into His image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Prayer for today

Thank you Lord for your Word that is so available to me. I pray as I dig deeper into it, that you will would become clearer to me.  I desire above anything else to be obedient to the calling you have set before me, in your holy name, amen

Thoughts to meditate on today

How am I going to use this free, unlimited access to God’s wisdom?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

I have unlimited access to God’s wisdom!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 (NLT)

Have you ever told on your brother or sister to get them in trouble? Maybe you got in trouble for forgetting to do the dishes and instead of owning up to it, you thought of two things your brother did wrong and told your mom. Secretly, you were hoping he would get in trouble instead of you. Basically, you were accusing your brother.

And while God won’t get you out of trouble with your mom, He isn’t accusing you. God isn’t bringing up all the wrong things you’ve done. Instead, He has closed the case against you. Because of what Jesus did for you, all guilt, shame, and condemnation have been removed from you.

This means you can live a life full of freedom. You don’t have to be held back by feelings that you don’t measure up or that you’re not enough. In Jesus, you are more than enough. Your worth comes from what God says about you, not others.

We all make mistakes. It is then the guilty thought may start: “I am  such a loser”, or “everyone is going to hate me now” or “I’m such a disappointment”.

What is important to know is this: no condemnation comes from God. God convicts our hearts when we sin, but offers love, forgiveness and ways to change.  Any lasting guilt and shame you’re feeling comes from Satan. We have an accuser, an enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us through false accusations, shame and guilt. When you’re struggling with this, remember you are being attacked and there is no truth to it.

Prayer for today

Thank you Lord for removing all my shame, guilt and condemnation. Thank you that I can live free of these things, and that You love me even when I make mistakes.

Thoughts to meditate on today

Re-read the verse, what does it mean for you personally?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

When guilt comes, remember: You are loved. You are chosen. You are forgiven.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5 (NLT)

You and I are so connected to Christ that we can literally do nothing without Him. He created us to have this close bond with Him, to walk and navigate through our lives together and to lean solely on His strength.  Yes there are times in our lives when we try to do things on our own strength but that can only last for a short time before we realize how damaging it is. 

We can compare this to any plant or tree we have and we can quickly see how true this is. I do not have a green thumb by any means but I do know that if the branches are not connected to the tree or if the plant is not attached to its roots, it will soon die. Just as we need to be connected to our life giving source! So here are some ways to do exactly that; read Gods word, He has so much to tell you! Secondly, spend time in prayer. Remember God is your friend and He wants to spend time with you. Thirdly, surround yourself with fellow believers, those that will lift you up and hold you accountable. God has designed you to have this communion with Him, to draw everything from Him alone, so you will bear fruit in your life.

Prayer for Today

Thank you Lord for being my life giving source, for supplying me with all I need. I want to stay connected to you, help me to keep my eyes focused on you alone. I love you Jesus. In your holy name, Amen

Some thoughts to meditate on today

How can I draw on Christ’s life-giving nutrients?

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Jesus, I thank you today for…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Lord, you have blessed me with…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, I am really struggling today with… ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus, what I need today is…. ______________________________________________________________________________________________