Luke 9:59-60

And to another (Jesus) said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

How many of us believe in Jesus and are fans of His…but when it comes to following Him…then we make excuses. I’d love to follow you but I’ve got this or that to attend to first…or…I’m too young (or old) and busy right now, etc. Jesus said that NOW is the time to be present and to spread the Good News of unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. When someone meets you today…will they get the message that “the kingdom of God is at hand?”

Psalm 138:1

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart.

Stop…and take a few moments to acknowledge all the wonderful blessings in your life and the ultimate gift of eternal life. Even the so-called “bad” things that have happened to you sometimes turn out to be your best life-lessons. When you call on God during tough times…He will answer and strengthen your spirit. Later…you will be able to use these experiences to help others. God is with you. Give thanks…for we are truly blessed!

Luke 9:48

“For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Our culture…and our egos…say just the opposite. It is the one who finishes first…the one who defeats everyone else…who is greatest. Not so says Jesus. How can we serve and love others if we are trying to defeat them? Is God the center of my life…or my ego?

Luke 9:18

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

Even Jesus, the Son of God, in his humanness, prayed in solitude, to connect better with Abba…our loving God. Do we set aside 5 to 10 minutes each day to do the same? In today’s scripture, the disciples tell Jesus that the crowds have many opinions about His identity. The same goes today. But then Jesus asks his followers, “But who do you say that I am?” Well…what is your answer?

Haggai 1:6

You have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And he who earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it.

These are the words spoken by the prophet Haggai over 2500 years ago. Isn’t it amazing that they are still true? Do we not still try to satisfy a spiritual yearning with food, drink, fashion and material stuff that will wear-out and disintegrate? Where will we find satisfaction? In John 6:68 the apostle Peter said to Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life.”

Luke 9:2-3

He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal [the sick]. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey.”

Just as the Apostles were called…so are you and I…to proclaim the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is a place where compassion reigns…not power. It is a place where each person channels God’s love to others to bring them healing and wholeness. God’s unconditional Love resides in you…ready to be tapped. So you won’t need to bring anything else on your life’s mission.

Luke 8:21

He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Jesus was good at using exaggeration to make a point. He wasn’t suggesting that his followers shun their families…because honoring your parents is a Commandment. But Jesus was emphasizing that our top priority is following God’s will. What is God’s will? One major way of pointing us in the right direction…is by reading the bible…listening in the silence of our inner rooms for God’s gentle nudges…and then…to take action!

Ephesians 4:1-3

I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the body and one Spirit.

What is the “call” you have received to follow Christ? It is not too early or too late to answer that call. But it is not easy being a follower of Jesus! It may get you persecuted, made fun of, or in St. Paul’s case…imprisoned. But despite the hardships, we are urged to treat others with humility, gentleness, and patience. Do we bear with one another to preserve the body of Christ…or are we quick to cast out or reject those who cross us or differ with us? We are all called to build up the body of Christ and that means being with those whom we may not agree with. Jesus eats with the tax collectors and the sinners. Do we?

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.

Why does this lesson from St. Paul seem so obvious…and yet it seems to be dismissed by most in the world? So many people spend their lives trying to accumulate more and more wealth…only to leave it all behind when their earthly lives end…and eternal life begins. Each of our lives is a precious gift from God. How will you spend each moment of that precious gift? Will you pursue wealth to build your own kingdom…or will you be a channel of your Creator’s love…to build God’s kingdom?

Luke 7:47

“But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

We do not have to prove ourselves worthy of God’s love. God already proved that we are loved infinitely and unconditionally by becoming human to show us this love…even allowing Himself to be nailed to a cross. It was from that cross that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Get it? You are forgiven! Isn’t it time to forgive everyone who may have harmed you…and while you’re at it…to forgive yourself as well? Let go of past hurts. Forgive…and allow God’s endless love to flow freely!