Reflections from Faithwalkers

This is by no means finished, nor are my thoughts completely fleshed out, but here are just a few things I've taken away from Faithwalkers this week.

A true follower of Christ realizes he is gaining more than he is losing by paying the price of discipleship.
Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
It was a joy for him to give up all he had because he knew what he was gaining was far better.

The joy is found at the end of the journey. It is our eternal reward.
There is blessing in this life as well when we sacrifice everything to God!

Jesus commands to us are not burdensome when he is at the center of our lives.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

1 John 5:3 This is love for God, to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome...
Being Jesus centered alleviates the burden.

God is our refuge in times of trouble. Where do I go when I am burdened? In times of stress? When the cost is too high to pay?
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5-8

Commitment is not a feeling. It is a choice.

Discipleship Requirements
1) Hate your father and mother. Your love for your family should look like hate in comparison to your love for God.
2) Be willing to die for Christ
3) Be willing to give up everything you have

If we focus on our rights as a Christian there will be rebellion. If we focus on our responsibilities there will be revival.

There is a cost to becoming a disciple of Christ. There is also a cost to not becoming a disciple of Christ.

Unity is all of us using our different gifts together to bring God glory.

And I will leave you with that final thought. Possibly more up tomorrow!