The Cost Of Following Jesus

Remember, you cannot do both. You have to make a decision. What does the way you live say about the decision you have already made? Is it time for a change? Is it time for assurance? Is it time for you to finally make that decision? All I can say is when I see people who are purposely more interested in the world than they are in church or in Jesus, I feel great amounts of pity and sorrow for them. For they really do not know what they are doing – they just think they do. They are absolutely lost and don’t realize it.

I remember the day I made the decision that I had to finally start getting serious about the Lord. I knew that if I delayed further, my whole family would suffer because of my selfish pride. It was uncomfortable; it was a little scary; and I was very unsure of myself. But I made that decision because I knew it was the best for my wife, my kids, and me. And I knew that was what God wanted me to do.

And since then, everything in my life has changed. Let me tell you who I am today, not because of me, but because I have made myself truly available to God.

I am a soldier in the army of my God. Jesus Christ is my commanding officer whom I submit to. The Bible is my code of conduct, my faith, and prayers are my weapons in war.

I have been humbled by God’s love, taught by the Holy Spirit, tried, and tested in the fires and storms. I am a volunteer, and I enlisted for eternity. I will either retire from this army at the Rapture of the true church, or I will die in this army and go to Heaven to be with my Commander.

I am faithful, dependable, accountable, and trustworthy. I know that if I need my God, He is there for me. I also know that when He needs me, I am there for Him. I have given all I have away so that I might follow Him. Have you given anything away so you can do the same?

I am a soldier in God’s army, a member of His personal household. And it is my duty to keep my walk with Him, not someone else’s duty to pamper me, visit me, lure me, pet me, or otherwise try to convince me to have full faith in God. It is my responsibility, and as a child of Christ, I am accountable to do my job.

I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me away. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead.

My God has, and will continue, to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I am a winner. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me, nor can governments silence me.

And because of my unwavering walk with Jesus Christ, hell cannot even begin to handle me. I am a soldier in the army of God and with each step; I claim victory for God’s sake. I cannot give up, and I will always encourage others to join me.

Will you join me? God is waiting for you; will you show up this morning?

INVITATION