The step I missed is this: I had been teaching for years just what Jesus said, that in order to follow Him we must first, deny our self; second, take up our cross and third, follow Him. According to Jesus, we can’t follow Him, unless we are willing to deny ourselves (as often as needed) and take up our cross (really bring our screaming flesh to death). That’s clear isn’t it? Get those first two steps first, then we can…
What is saving faith? Let’s listen closely to the shocking answer Jesus gave the rich, young ruler. He was a good kid—exactly the kind of person any church or synagogue would want. He always kept himself within the moral boundaries of the Law (“from my youth”), was a person of influence in the community, and was clearly serious about getting his life with God right (“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”). What’s not to like about him? In…
Ages ago Nehemiah declared that the joy of the Lord is our strength—and he was right! With this joy flowing in us, we positively glow and grow. Joy gives us a confidence for anything and puts a fresh song in our hearts. With it we sail over the normal obstacles of life, feeling invincible even in the midst of trouble. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone…
Hearing what people say is one thing. Really listening is something else entirely. What turns listening into an art form is learning how to juggle listening to others and listening for the Lord at the same time. Listen well enough to others and you will more easily hear from the Lord. These simple rules and visual images will help put you on track, but only practice makes perfect. And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”…