I used to think I’d never measure up to the standards of what a ‘good Christian’ should be. My expectations were based on what I perceived the Bible to be saying, but also on who I thought were ‘successful’ church goers. But God’s love throughout the Bible is an invitation to join Him without knowing the outcomes of following Him here and now. Following Jesus is not joining a cruise ship after meeting with a travel agent. It’s may involve being on a battle ship at times, but it’s more of being a trip with His GPS planted in my heart, surrendering all my assumptions to Him, trusting He knows what He is doing in and around me.
“I don’t know much, but what I do know is that the way forward is not by matching power with power, comparing possessions or status, but by following the crucified One. That is the path of tears, the path of solidarity with the lowly, the path of humility.
Blessed are those who come to the end of themselves. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for justice. This is the way. Stay hungry and thirsty, my friends.” - Excerpt,
Life Is Hard. God Is Good. Let’s Dance by Brant Hansen
“Jesus once again attempted to teach them to think differently. “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). We humans inherently operate out of merit-based thinking. We think from the perspective of earning and deserving. This kind of thinking will not gain us access to the kingdom. Nothing we do—keeping the law, being righteous—will make us worthy enough to enter the kingdom. Being a part of the kingdom is a gift given to us by God. We have to be like little children, eager and delighted to receive a gift (Mark 10:15).” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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