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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Fan or Follower of Christ

I just finished an awesome book called Not a Fan written by Kyle Idleman.   Actually this would be the second time I read it and I must admit that it took some time but it made me realize what it means to be a true follower of Christ.  For years I will honestly say that I was playing as a fan just like I am a fan of baseball or a fan of Star Trek.  It all started from the verse Luke 9:23-Then He said to them, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

I believe the key in that verse is the word "daily" now I’m not saying that the rest is unimportant so make sure you truly understand that.  But, I want you know if we are to follow Christ it needs to be a daily commitment because Satan enjoys screwing with our minds and he does this by making it seem not important if we side backwards even just a little bit then the next day it is just a little bit more than before you even realize it you have found yourself so far back you forgot where you started from.  Daily means just that every day and sometimes more than once a day.  If you don’t do this then how can you make sure you are on track?  You need to understand that Satan can take every advantage he can to cause you to sin.  He can tempt you in ways that you, yourself, would never think of.  He will do this trust me.  I know because over the years I have fallen victim to the lies and temptations.

What do I do when this happens?  Well, What I have done was when I saw what had happened to me I quickly did what I thought was best and recommit myself. (Which was fine) And this was done once then I go through life and realize I did it again.  "Wow, really Shawn Again?" I would say to myself then back to the alter or on my knees asking once again for forgiveness and another chance.  See the pattern.  I am sure that I am not the only one who has done this.

People please don’t tell me you never had this happen to you and if you tell me that then I will call you fibber, LOL.  Yea, I just may have offended one or two people and I will say I am sorry you feel this way but truth hurts at times.  This brings me back to the daily thing and even more than once per day.  Jesus wants us to know Him.  Not just know Him like we know our favorite actor or favorite singer but to really know him.  Example, One of my favorite actors is Sir Patrick Stewart and I feel I know him but really I don’t know him.  I don’t call him on the phone or sit and have coffee with him.  I really only know of him.  So hence the term fan.  Whereas Jesus I know...I can talk with him during all times of my life.  He is there in the good and the bad.  That is where He wants to be.  I have to keep in constant communication with Him and I do this daily.  I am always asking for His guidance and protection from the temptations that life has to offer.  But this cannot be done once very couple of days, months, or years.  It is a daily thing.  That keeps me strong and filled with the Holy Spirit and I know Christ is with me and in me.