Luke 9:23

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me."

The last book I read pretty much focused on this verse. "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman has quickly become one of my favorites. The book talks about assessing whether you are a fan of Jesus or a follower of Jesus. Many of us say we are followers, but are we truly followers, or just "fans"? Idleman defines a fan as an "enthusiastic admirer".

Following Jesus is not a one-time commitment saying that you believe in Jesus. It's a daily commitment, or should be, and our daily lives should be reflective of this.

Do I want to be a follower of Jesus?

Will I turn from my selfish ways?

Other translations of the verse say deny yourself; will I deny myself?

Will I take up my cross "daily"?

Will I follow Him?

Or do I just say I do? Luke 9:23 is so convicting to me. Alot of times when interpreting the Bible, I've heard that Jesus speaks in exaggeration, sometimes not to be taken literally. For this verse, I think He meant exactly what he said. I think He means if I want to follow Him, this life can't be about me, but about Him. Anything that could get in the way of me following Him - I must give that up - even if it is an American norm or part of my need for being "comfortable". I don't think there is any comprising this. Idleman points out that God wants all of us, wants to be our only priority not just our first priority. That may sound a bit extreme, but I think if God is our only priority all other priorities fall into place.

Take up your cross daily...hmm. Jesus really wants me to carry a cross every day? Ok, so this is not too literal. I think He is saying that no matter what your circumstance may be, don't lose focus of your goal - following Jesus. Following Jesus is no easy task, that's not what He promises.

Follow Him. How? By turning from my selfish ways and taking up my cross daily. By making Jesus first place - no matter what. By loving God and by loving my neighbor as myself. By getting out of my own little world. By following Jesus, wherever and whenever He leads me.

Make Me Over

I've been silent instead of speaking up

Gave my advice instead of giving love

I have been unfair, faithless and unkind

I have shut my eyes just so I would stay blind

It's not what I meant to do Cause I wanna honor you

Make me over, make me new, make me a mirror, a reflection of you

Take me all apart, take me to your heart and pull me closer

Oh, Jesus, make me over

Take away the pride that whispers in the dark

Take the stone out of the middle of my heart

Hidden underneath my insecurities is the servant that you've destined me to be

But day after precious day I get in my own way

Make me over, make me new, make me a mirror, a reflection of you

Take me all apart, take me to your heart and pull me closer

Sweet savior, make me over I am only made of your imagining

I'm dust and clay on the wind

Wash me in the river of your sacrifice

Until I'm changed, purified


-Make Me Over, Natalie Grant

I remember...

I remember when my first nephew, Zavier was born - September 15, 2009. It was an exciting moment in our family's life. We had all been anxiously awaiting his arrival.

I remember wanting him to be older already so he could laugh and play with us.

I remember January 8, 2010 came all to quickly.

I remember the phone call on that cold Friday afternoon.

I remember getting to the hospital to find out that Zavier did not make it.

I remember feeling a little numb; alot of disbelief.

I remember the next few days being a whirlwind....doing things I never thought our family would have to do.

I remember feeling helpless and actually sometimes I still do.

I remember trying to cling to God with all I had.

I remember going through moments being angry at God, but then feeling his peace calming my anger.

I remember God...never letting go and I know He never will.

Do Not Love This World

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

1 John 2: 15:17