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.
