Season one of The Chosen ended with Jesus and some of His disciples beginning there journey to tell others about the Good News. My shirt for this week reflects the last scene where the group heads out into the unknown to “spread the news.” Notice this shirt says “Trouble,” because this is what can be expected once Jesus begins His earthly ministry. Not only will He cause trouble to others by upsetting their neat and safe little world, but others will begin to cause trouble for our Jesus too.
Have you ever noticed that, when you begin to share God’s Word, not everyone is happy about it. This has certainly been my experience. It saddens me how some people are so set in their ways, that they get horribly upset when you suggest there just might be another way to handle life and it’s challenges. Many just don’t want anyone messing with their understanding of life. Some cannot grasp that this world’s methods are not what is best for us. Yet others dismiss any discussion about God all together, ridiculing your Faith. Ultimately, trouble comes because we are making our number one enemy both angry and scared. He will do anything to shut us up. So when this type of trouble comes it is a good sign that we are truly following Jesus.
Jesus plainly warns us that trouble will come. (Jn 16:33) But this is to be expected, right? We are followers of Jesus so if He encountered trouble, won’t we? Jesus said, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (Jn 15:20) Jesus was persecuted for speaking the Truth, so we are in good company when we are imitating Him and encounter trouble too. So please do not allow fear to stop you from speaking truth in love and grace. The reality is we cannot make all the people like us, all the time, so take courage and speak your heart out even if trouble comes. After all, we are simply walking in our Savior’s big footsteps, and that is a good thing indeed.
We will start with Book Two of these great devotionals tomorrow…
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
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
