Followers

Followers

Revelation 19: ¹⁰ I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God!”

 

For the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophets.

 

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As the other speakers finished, I noticed the audience gave the obligatory applause. I was next. I gave my presentation and got strong applause, due to the interest in the subject.

 

• I felt good getting the applause.
• I wanted to get that same applause again and again.
• I wanted more and more people to know “my” name, so “I” could get a promotion.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was filled with awe. He saw such great wonders, so he decided to do something. He fell down to worship the angel but was abruptly stopped. “Don’t do it!” was the exclamation from the angel.

 

My Observations:

• The angel saw Satan get kicked out of heaven for trying to be worshipped.
• GOD is a jealous GOD and deserves to be worshipped alone.
• Any following that I create should be pointed to JESUS.

 

Developing a kingdom on earth can be dangerous. I mean, when people follow me, they are following a flawed person. But when they follow JESUS, they follow perfection. Following flawed humans can possibly cause deeper flaws in my character because I could be subject to manipulation.

 

JESUS is the one all of us need to follow. John the Baptist, different than the disciple, pointed people to JESUS. He did not think it was important to hold onto followers when JESUS was the Way, the Truth and the Life. I gladly point people away from following me and onto the path of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer try to worship the angel?
• Have you ever become enamored over a certain human you thought had more capabilities than you?
• Have you considered following JESUS with your life so you can see what perfection looks like and share it with others today?

Assurance

Assurance

1 John 2: ³ If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. ⁴ If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. ⁵ But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: ⁶ if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did.

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were all hesitant to immediately follow. I was a longer hold out, because things had worked well the way they were. But after seeing the new direction, I was able to act differently.

 

• It took me some time to change.
• I had to understand the leader.
• I had to make a change to follow the leader’s ways.

 

John reasons with everyone in a gentle way. He appeals to everyone’s logic to address insecurity some people may have felt. Times may have been difficult and hard to understand. Choosing between sin versus following GOD may have needed to be addressed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave commands to follow so we could have a great relationship with HIM.
• GOD knows the opposition and confusion I will face because the enemy wants me to become discouraged.
• By following GOD’s commands, I can be sure that any trouble I face I am in good standings with HIM.

 

Life is difficult enough without having to question if GOD loves me or not. I mean, Satan has been given a short time in which he is allowed to bribe humans, tempt humans and trick humans to follow him. GOD is not worried because JESUS died for the sins of everyone who will accept HIM.

 

By following JESUS, I can have assurance that any difficult time is not punishment, rather it could be an assault from the enemy to keep me from spreading the love of JESUS. I do not have to worry about GOD when I follow HIM. I am glad GOD is gracious even when I question my relationship with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use “obey” so often?
• Have you ever wanted to get your own way, even if it was not good for you?
• Do you have more questions about GOD’s love than answers?
• Will you get to know who GOD really is by following the ways of JESUS so you can have a solid relationship and gain peace with HIM today?

Approved

Approved

2 Peter 1: ¹⁶ We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. ¹⁷ We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

 

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“How will I know the person I am meeting?” I asked. The response was a description of the person followed by “he will be looking for you.” When I arrived, I could see a few people who could possibly fit the description, but he saw me looking and waved, as if to say “It’s me!”

 

• I needed to know the right person I was meeting.
• I needed a clear description of the one I was looking for.
• I needed someone to tell me “this is the one you are looking for.”

 

Peter, in his first letter, praises the people who sought after JESUS without ever seeing HIM. But in this letter he describes JESUS as the ONE everyone is looking for. He goes into detail about seeing JESUS and hearing GOD’s approval. He may have said this because he knew about false prophets who claimed to be the Messiah.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the only being who GOD approved in front of many witnesses.
• GOD revealed JESUS to many people so there would not be any confusion as to who to follow.
• Witnesses were at the scene to help other people know who to follow.

 

Knowing who to follow is hard these days. I mean, anyone with a camera and a mouth can develop a relative truth to gain followers. This action requires no verification and feels good to the individual when the “like” or “subscribe” button is pressed. BUT GOD did something different with JESUS.

 

HE approved JESUS in front of many witnesses, letting everyone know who to follow. HE approved what JESUS did so false prophets would be revealed and the truth be shown. I am glad JESUS was revealed and I give HIM all the glory!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer go to great lengths to explain being a witness to JESUS?
• Have you ever been an eyewitness to something that needed clarification?
• Will you increase your faith in JESUS by believing HE is the ONE you need to follow without any doubt today?

Followers and Leaders

Followers and Leaders

Hebrews 13: ¹⁷ Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your souls without resting, since they must give to God an account of their service. If you obey them, they will do their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you.

 

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Complaining about the leadership was a common practice with “us.” I joined in on the side conversations about him or her. I could see flaws in their leadership styles a mile away. But then, one day I was made a leader. “Why won’t they do what I say?” was my naïve question.

 

• I thought leadership was easy.
• I thought I had the right to sit back and complain.
• I never considered that perhaps I needed to change my following style.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appealed to those who were not in leadership roles. He urged them to follow their leadership without fighting. He also provides insight into leadership. Leaders will be held accountable by GOD, which can hold a higher reward or consequence.

 

My Observations:

• When I am in a follower role, GOD wants me to set the leader up for success.
• When I am in a leadership role, GOD wants me to “watch over the followers souls without resting.”
• GOD will hold followers and leaders accountable.

 

Bad leaders are common, but is there such a thing as a bad follower? I mean, when I am supposed to do something a certain way and I choose to ignore the leader and do it “my” way, am I being a bad follower? Possibly. Hard to say. I may have to assess why I need to have it “my” way and determine if I could possibly be contributing to the problem with his or her leadership style.

 

Awareness of how I serve others and follow leaders is quite humbling. I have served under belligerent, egotistical, arrogant people who demand so much that people were broken. I have also served  those who set up their followers for success, yet their followers still do not perform. I am glad GOD gives me a chance to humble myself in either a follower or leadership role.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to followers?
• Have you ever been in a leadership role and had a group of followers who made it difficult?
• Have you ever helped a leader succeed?
• Will you bow down to the MOST HIGH GOD and humble yourself in any role you have today?

Dare to be Foolish

Dare to be Foolish

2 Corinthians 11: ¹⁶ I repeat: no one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, just so I will have a little to boast of. ¹⁷ Of course what I am saying now is not what the Lord would have me say; in this matter of boasting I am really talking like a fool. ¹⁸ But since there are so many who boast for merely human reasons, I will do the same. ¹⁹ You yourselves are so wise, and so you gladly tolerate fools! ²⁰ You tolerate anyone who orders you around or takes advantage of you or traps you or looks down on you or slaps you in the face. ²¹ I am ashamed to admit that we were too timid to do those things!

 

But if anyone dares to boast about something—I am talking like a fool—I will be just as daring.

 

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Going with the crowd felt good. I finally fit in, even to the point where people expected me to act a certain way. I was finally considered a leader. But something happened. Someone challenged me to give up my partying ways and focus my life on CHRIST. This seemed foolish. Give up being popular?! Yeah, right!

 

• I felt there was safety in numbers.
• I wanted to be seen and noticed in the big ocean of people.
• I wanted “my” way to be followed.

 

Paul seems to get sarcastic with his words. He points out that people so easily followed “fools” who used the right words at the right time. Then he says he will be daring at what the crowd says is foolish.

 

My Observations

• Surrendering my life to JESUS may seem foolish to many, but not to HIM.
• Following HIS word may seem foolish to the world, but not to HIM.
• Seeking CHRIST every day may seem foolish to the greedy, the power hungry and the controllers, but not to HIM.

 

Daring to follow CHRIST means being looked at by the world as foolish. I mean, JESUS died trying to tell HIS creation HE loves each and ever one. This message of surrender could not be heard so they killed HIM, looking for a political giant to follow.

 

JESUS was raised from the dead and those who believe in this resurrection are labeled as foolish. “Why would GOD die?” The world does not understand HIS love and it seems foolish to the power hungry for HIM to give up everything to save HIS own creation. I gladly accept HIS foolish gift and will be just as daring to speak about HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about a form of wisdom?
• Is it tempting to follow the rich and powerful?
• Do you think you would be different if you were rich and powerful?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST and accept the weapons that are considered weak by the world, such as the fruit of the Spirit today?

Following the Fallen

 

Following the Fallen

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁰ By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. ¹¹ For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

 

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Watching a “successful” person was my way of getting ahead. If I could just mimic a few characteristics of “that” person, then I could be a “successful” too. I read articles, books and listened to words from the person I followed. But then it happened. That person fell from the grace of the public. Oh well, on to the next person.

 

• There have been many people I have admired.
• There have been many people I have followed to get their advice.
• There have been many people I have sought after to try to be “successful.”

 

Paul addresses an issue in Corinth. Some people were following him, others Apollos, and others were following Peter. This caused quarrels that were brought to his attention. Paul could have said, “Just follow what I say”, but he knew that was not the answer.

 

• GOD wants me to build a following for HIM.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM rather than to me.
• GOD wants me to follow CHRIST and not the preacher of the day.

 

Humans rise and fall. I mean, one day I am preaching CHRIST, the next day I have fallen into sin. GOD knows the human heart. HE also knows how desperately wicked each human really is. HE supplied the only cure, namely HIMSELF.

 

JESUS volunteered to die for all humans and was raised from the dead. JESUS deserves the following for HE and HE alone never fell. I gladly follow JESUS over any human.

 

• Are you following a certain person?
• Do you admire their success?
• Will you take a moment to reassess who you are following and see if you are following JESUS with a personal relationship today?

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation

Acts 15: ²² Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. ²³ With them they sent the following letter:

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings.

²⁴ We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. ²⁵ So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. ²⁸ It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: ²⁹ You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

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“Please provide three recommendations” said the potential employer. I had worked jobs I really did not like so I struggled to think of who would recommend me. I had to swallow my pride and ask the bowling alley owner, the janitor foreman and the dorm admin for recommendations. “I hope they say something nice” I worried.

• There were times when I worried about what someone would say on a recommendation.
• There were times when I did not give my best so I could not expect a good recommendation.
• There were times when I did not have experience so any recommendation written about me could not show the expertise I brought with me.

Confusion broke out in cities where Gentiles resided. Some people, who did not believe in JESUS being GOD, were teaching rules to follow GOD. The apostles had to do something, so they wrote a letter with specific recommendations for the Gentiles to follow. They also chose people who could confirm the words written in the recommendation.

• GOD wants me to be a witness to HIS word.
• GOD wants me to provide verification to HIS salvation through my actions and words.
• GOD wants me to be sent with HIS recommendation of what to do.

There is a prime recommendation that JESUS gives. No, it is a commandment. “Love one another.” This commandment solve and resolves every issue I could ever face. Even when people do not love me, GOD tells me to love them.

HIS love for me was so strong that HE died just for me. When HE was raised from the dead, HE put in motion a series of unstoppable events. I am grateful HE chose me to be part of HIS plan.

• When people have problems, what is your recommendation for a solution?
• Do you point people to JESUS as your final destination?
• Will you use your skills to recommend solutions for people, ultimately bringing them to JESUS?

Jealousy

Jealousy

John 21: ²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” ²¹ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

²² Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

²³ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

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Me and another person were top in our business class. We worked hard to study and figure things out. When we got our first business engagement, we poured our hearts into in. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth. One guy, who played golf well and told great jokes, got promoted over us. “What about us?” I inquired, really wanting to know “What about me?”

• There were times when I based my worth on winning over someone else.
• There were times when I looked at relationships as win-lose.
• There were times when I felt I needed recognition rather than correction.

Frustrated after JESUS had just restored him, Peter lashed out and said “What about him?”, as if to say, “Why not scold him for betraying YOU?” JESUS sees Peter’s hurt heart and guides him again by saying “What is that to you? Follow ME.” This sounded harsh, but it grew Peter.

• JESUS wants me to have my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look at my sins and confess them to HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to grow my relationship with HIM by seeking HIM and not pouting at what other people are doing or getting.

Jealousy is a heart rotter. I mean when I look at what other people are getting or doing, I wonder if GOD loves me. I question the love of the One who actually loves me. BUT GOD knows this and comes after me anyway. HE erases my jealousy and still rewards me in spite of me. I thank GOD for forgiving me.

• Do you act jealous?
• Do you downplay other people’s accomplishments, talents or skills because you secretly desire to be where they are?
• Will you stop looking at other people and know GOD made you exactly as you are and loves you at HIS maximum already?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 19: ¹² From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. ¹⁴ Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

¹⁵ But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

¹⁶ Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

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Admiring certain leaders, I mimicked the qualities I could understand. I dressed like them, talked like them and understood their concerns. After a while I was named a leader of many by those who I imitated.

• Some leaders got my attention.
• Some leaders had the qualities I was looking for so I imitated them.
• Some leaders carried themselves with true power that was genuine.

Pilate feared he would be put in the middle of a political battle. He feared the statement that JESUS was and is GOD. He tried to turn HIM over to the Jews, but they rejected HIM as their king. They chose to follow a man instead. They dedicated themselves to a human political figure.

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as KING of kings and LORD of lords.
• JESUS wants me to place HIM higher than any human.
• JESUS wants me to give HIM all power I am trying to get or hold onto.

Every situation, every solution, every word should fall under GOD. This is easy to say and hard to do. I mean what if I just want “my” way? GOD allows me to get “my” way, but I may not like what I get. “My” way may be conceived in selfish sin. What can I do about this?

GOD enables me to follow HIM by believing that I need a Savior. Admitting I need HIM is the first step. Believing that JESUS died for all my sins and that HE rose from the dead is the next step. Confessing that JESUS is alive and is above everything is the final step. I give my all to my KING, JESUS.

• Who are you following?
• Are you desperately trying to build a following?
• Will you take a moment to follow JESUS and build HIS following today and the rest of your life?

What Love Looks Like

What Love Looks Like

John 14: ¹⁹ “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. ²⁰ At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. ²¹ He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

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No longer could I mask the despair, I sat in the hallway. Things were going okay, but the future seemed cloudy. With no one to guide me, I sat and cried. It was Sunday morning and I was still up from the night before. “Want to go to church with us?” a few people asked. I had avoided the question for far too long. “Sure” I said. I went and felt better. But I stopped going soon after.  

• I once went to church looking for something, but did not find it.
• I once went to church looking for all of my problems to be cleared up, but the magic did not happen.
• I once went to church looking for things to immediately change in my life, but they stayed the same.

JESUS explains to HIS disciples that those who choose to follow the world will never see HIM again. But those who choose to follow HIM would be with HIM eternally. The belief that HE is the only need mankind has, creates a desire to follow HIS commandments.

• JESUS has shown me love, and I want to do the same.
• JESUS has given HIS live for me, and HE wants me to serve others so they will follow HIM to life.
• JESUS has provided a way back to HIM by showing love to those HE has given me.

“A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you.” This single word is easier said than done. In this selfish world of “me” showing love to someone is a rare occurrence. BUT GOD wants me to give up the “me” lifestyle and seek the lost HE brings to mind.

JESUS wants me to abide in HIM. The only way I can do this, is to show love and truly hope “that” person will give their life to HIM, not just by church attendance, but by eternal salvation. When I let go of JESUS, HE holds onto me with a tight grip. I am grateful for HIS love and mercy.

• Do you feel unloved?
• Has everyone abandoned you?
• Will you accept JESUS so HE can fill you up with IS love for others today?

Cautious Confidence

Cautious Confidence

John 13: ³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

³⁷ Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”

³⁸ Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

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“I will never do that again” I said in haste. I was so relieved to be out of the bad situation, so I exclaimed how I would “never” get back into the same problem. Maybe a day or so passed and I found myself tiptoeing around the thing that got me in trouble in the first place.

• There have been times when I was over confident in my ability to stay away from sin.
• There have been times when I was over confident in my ability to follow what GOD says I should be doing.
• There have been times when I just knew I would never sin again and be perfect for the rest of my life.

Peter was perplexed by JESUS’s words of leaving. “Where are YOU going LORD?” Peter inquired. JESUS had already explained that HE was going to die and be raised, so HE said “You will, in fact, follow ME, but not now.”  Peter in his zeal said “I am willing to lay down my life for YOU.” JESUS said “You will deny ME.”

• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS abilities, not mine.
• GOD wants me to understand that my Spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.
• GOD wants me to know there will be times when I will do what I do not want to do and other times when I will do what HE wants me to do.

Being excited about GOD is great. I mean HE cares for me and is the most powerful being there is. Siding with HIM can give me confidence that HE can resolve any situation I can get in. But my confidence needs to be proceeded with caution. I should also know that I am still a sinner who fights temptation daily. My confidence is in GOD’s forgiveness when I am weak.

• Do you have a lot of self-confidence?
• Do you like to control the situation because of your lack of confidence in others?
• Will you place less confidence in your abilities and more confidence in GOD’s love for you?