There Is Only One King of Kings
Count Yourself Among His Followers
This morning while taking a walk I stopped in a favorite spot. It is at the crest of a steep incline. From the top of this vantage point you can see mountain vistas in all directions. There is a soft scent of honeysuckle this time of year and a baby rabbit that frequents this place. As I stood there this morning I was overwhelmed with the majesty of God all around. From the views, to the heavenly scent, to the new life hopping around in the brush, life was magnificent in that moment of time.
I cherish the mornings that I can be in that place. I could not help but think how wonderful it would be to feel that alive and in the midst of God’s very best all the time. But as with every life, daily life does go on with demands and moments that try your very soul. Do you sometimes wonder if you can make it through another moment? I think we all do at times. With terrorism, multiplying natural disasters, political decisions that go against all that is right it is easy to feel the weight of all of that on top of what you deal with in your own household. For many, what goes on at home is more than enough.
The Choice Is Always Yours
I spoke with a son this week whose father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at Thanksgiving. The family was told that there was less than a 17% cure rate for the particular cancer his father had. He had surgery and today he is back at work and cancer free! He is a miracle to be sure. The son quickly gave all the glory to God. He said he could not imagine how anyone can get through life and all the trials without faith and prayer. He was overwhelmed with emotion.
This conversation made me wonder how anyone can get through every day without Jesus Christ in their life. I know many who do just that. I am sure you do also. There are some who have told me that they believe that when they die that is simply the end of their existence. They believe that there is no eternity for them. It is simply death. The end. Sadly, some of these people are former believers who for whatever reason have chosen to walk away.
Count The Cost
Wherever you are today in your life make sure that you are walking with Jesus minute by minute. These are such treacherous times and true disciples are being tested and challenged. Know that there is an enemy who only comes to steal, kill and destroy. But also know that Jesus came to give you life more abundantly. Fight for that life. Jesus died for you. Jesus died for that abundant life for you but it would be spiritually naive to think that the enemy will not try to take all he can from your household.
When explaining the true cost of discipleship, Jesus says to count the cost. There is a cost to follow Him in spirit and in truth. It is a big cost. It may cost you your family, your friends, your comfort zone(s). If you truly follow Christ, even church people who attend on Sunday and then start Monday to live an unchanged life, will come against you. So, yes, consider the cost.
Maybe when you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you really did not consider the cost because no one mentioned that there would be one. If you have been faithful to walk with the Lord any length of time you understand now that there is a cost. It varies with each individual, but make no mistake, there is a cost. Perhaps this is one reason some walk away. They love their worldly life too much. Only God knows what goes on in an individual heart (and it is always a heart issue).
To Whom Shall You Go?
However, if you truly commit to Jesus, spend time getting to know Him through His Word, praying, and building a relationship with Him, the cost is not an issue. He will lead you through His Holy Spirit into a life filled with much opportunity to advance His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Once you commit to being ‘all in’ your life will change exponentially. You must fight at times to hold your ground. You must fight to take back the ground the enemy took from you. Know that He goes before you and is your rear guard. He has you covered!
After the twelve had walked with Jesus some time and many had walked away, He asked if they wanted to leave Him also. Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” So, yes, consider the cost, but also consider if you walk away, to whom would you go? There is only one Lord of lord and one King of kings. Once you have been with the King there is no one else. Meditate daily on His majesty in all the world! Find your space to clothe yourself in His majesty every day.
It Is Never Too Late!
If you have not yet made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart, do it now. Do not wait another minute. Speak to Him from your heart (for it is always a heart issue). Tell Him you have fallen short in your life. Sincerely apologize for your sins. Ask Him to cleanse you and come into your heart and be Lord over your life. From this moment forward let His Spirit guide you along the narrow road that leads to everlasting life.
Quotes to Ponder This Week
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it…” ~Jesus, Luke 14:28
“Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” ~John 6:67-68
“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.” ~Psalm 145:5
“You are Lord and You are mighty and You are merciful. Raise up all who would call upon Your name. Raise up those that love You and seek You and trust You. Lord, we need an army of believers that would stand on Your Word above all else. Raise up warriors, Lord, who will fight on their knees; who will worship You with their whole hearts, Lord. Lord, call us to battle that we may proclaim the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Raise them up, Lord. Raise them up!” ~Miss Clara, War Room the Movie
Please Join Me in Prayer
Father we thank You that You have placed each of us here ‘for such a time as this!’ Equip us and grow us to reflect Your Kingdom. Renew us afresh with your Spirit. Set us afire with your Spirit to go forth in this time. Awaken those in the church who have been lulled by religion and choked by legalism. Let us each count the cost and choose to follow you with renewed hope and faith. Bring each of us to the fullness of Your commission in each life. Grace us daily to allow Your Holy Spirit to convict us from worldly thoughts, words and actions to be anointed to bring Your Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Quicken us and use us to bring others to salvation in this season. We stand in agreement in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen and amen.
A Prayer Request
These are treacherous times and now more than ever we must maintain our walk. Fail not in this hour. #Pray for America. #Revival. Please join us in prayer: https://drmicheleburke.org/esthers-warriors-ministry/
We thank You , Father God, that You keep Your hand on America. Forgive our sin and heal our land that we will remain One Nation Under God. May God richly bless the United States of America, bring to light every single crooked place and keep her safe. May we arise united once again as One Nation Under God in this auspicious season in our country’s history. We continue to pray for truth to prevail concerning Benghazi and all issues as we saturate this country in prayer and stand for all that is right in America and for all of us who call ourselves American. We pray this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen and Amen.
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NB According to The Washington Post, the Republican-dominated legislature of Oklahoma has called on the U.S. Congress to take action in ousting Obama as the leader of our country. While highly symbolic, the impeachment effort is being pushed forward as a way to call out Obama for what many state leaders have seen as a federal overreach. The Oklahoma resolution condemned the transgender bathroom instructions sent out last week by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education, calling it “contrary to the values of the citizens of Oklahoma and to the interests of public safety,” according to KOCO. Oklahoma Rep. John Bennett also denounced the directive as “biblically wrong.” Pray that other states will join Oklahoma and arise in this time to stop this travesty that would only endanger the safety of women and children thought-out this country. Estimates are 0.3 percent of Americans are transgender yet that small percentage is driving this agenda. We need to stand now and take back out country!