Tags
1 Peter 2:20-24, 1 Peter 5:6-9, Choose Wisely--there is a test!, Following Jesus, Galatians 2:20, Leading To Jesus or Away, Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 6:9-13, Where Do Our Footprints Lead
Where Do Our Footprints Lead?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #46
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself,
and take up his cross,
and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake
shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26
When we choose to follow Jesus, it is amazing to realize that when we follow HIM, we never know who will be following us. Sometimes those closest to us, sometimes those we don’t even realize are watching from afar, sometimes from those we least expect to be watching our walk with Jesus. Our footprints are leading someone either to God or away from HIM! Choose wisely, there is a test!
The key is to recognize the call upon our lives—the call of Jesus to deny self, to take up HIS cross, and to follow HIM, in all our ways. Death to self means I give up my will for HIS.
“After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
in earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day
our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine
is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for ever.
Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus tells us that our heart’s prayer is to be “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…”; we are to pursue the will of God in all we do, in all we pray, in every opportunity of influence, not just to win or prove something, but to serve as Jesus calls us to, with HIS glory in mind, relying on HIS power, grace and love.
“I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live;
yet not I,
but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me,
and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Peter gives us one of the most profound insights into our calling and I hope it will be as encouraging to you as it is to me.
“For what glory is it,
if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,
ye shall take it patiently?
but if, when ye do well,
and suffer for it,
ye take it patiently,
this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled,
reviled not again;
when he suffered,
he threatened not;
but committed himself
to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self
bare our sins
in his own body
on the tree,
that we,
being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep
going astray;
but are now returned
unto the Shepherd
and Bishop
of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:20-24
Jesus trusted Himself to His Father, and so can we, for God IS, “him that judgeth righteously”, and we can trust to His care in all things. We have been healed from the penalty of sin—which is death—by the power of HIS blood! Yet, remember, Jesus told us we would suffer as HE did, but glory is to come when we walk with Him. I am so grateful that Jesus loves me and has been so faithful to me for so many years. He will be faithful to you if you will but walk with HIM!
“Humble yourselves therefore
under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you
in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you.
8 Be sober,
be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion,
walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast
in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:6-9
We share His life, for HE is our hope in glory! Resist the enemy, by standing IN Jesus and HIS Word! I hope this brief word is a help to you today, for we all leave footprints, and someone is almost always following in our steps!!! Blessings on you and yours!
Amen and Amen!!!