Deny yourself Jesus tells us. (Mk 8:34) Yet Mr Keller reveals the truth is, only few actually do this. He says, “Actually this is the pivot point on which a Christian either ‘goes on’ with God or at which point he ‘goes back’ from following on.” (p90) I think one of the saddest verses in the Bible is John 6:66. (notice the number?) Here there were so many people at the point of surrendering their lives to Jesus, but they just could not wrap their brain, nor their hearts, around what He was saying and they all left Jesus in the dust instead! To be so close to the Savior, and the Salvation He would freely give them, and then to change their path? How heartbreaking! But Church, are we doing the same? It is not enough to go to a service once a week, if that much. And although it may help some, it is not enough to write a check out to some other organization doing God’s work. WE must follow. WE. Each one of us. I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty, unless it draws you closer to Jesus, that is. What my heart’s cry is though is exactly what this author is talking about. We ruin God’s reputation when we claim to be a Christian but refuse to follow the path of righteousness. It is not good for us, and it is insulting to God.
So how then can we be stirred to surrender more and follow Jesus closer? Mr Keller gives us 7 steps, of how to come closer to the self-less life, then he explains each one in more detail. I am only going to touch on one here, so you will have to read the rest for yourselves…just trying to encourage you to invest in this book and grow in Christ! Here is number 5: “Instead of finding fault with life and always asking ‘Why?’ I am willing to accept every circumstance of life in an attitude of gratitude.” (p93) This is certainly where I am in my walk with Christ right now. Oh my “Will” is certainly there…but now God is working on me to actually live it out, more and more. God put it this way, “Child, I want you to be gratefully, faithfully, sacrificially and joyfully obedient, because this is the path of righteousness.” And this is the only way to a deeper level of the Abundant Life God desires for us, Jesus died to give us and the Holy Spirit longs to bring out of us. Not only is this possible, but it is powerful. (see Php 2:13) Let’s choose to be guided along this path for His Name sake…and ours.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
