The first writer we’re introducing and featuring today is Pastor John Jakes who writes at Calvary Baptist Church in Indianola, Iowa. (Yes, I thought it would be in Indiana, but I guess they already have Indianapolis.) Clicking the header which follows next will take you there to read this as it appeared earlier today.
The Test of Commitment
In today’s world we lament a lack of commitment. We applaud and show excitement when people last long in in their job or position. Why? We applaud because we don’t see it very often! We lament that people just can’t stay committed. We complain. Yet, when talking about encouraging commitment to God’s church we get shy about it. We sometimes say we can’t push for it because it will drive people away. This makes me ask – What does it mean to be a disciple?
When Jesus was asked what it meant to be a follower of His, He described discipleship in two ways. First, He described it as a type of love. In fact, the type of love we were to have for Him was supposed to make all other loves look like hate. He said, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26) No shying from commitment there! In fact, this teaching almost offends us, doesn’t it?
The second way Jesus talked of being a disciple was in cross-carrying. He said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Two words leap out at me from that description: cross and daily. Both of those words speak of commitment. A cross is tough to carry. It is especially tough when you think about the end of the journey: death. Doing anything daily is a conscious decision that requires commitment. Put the two together, and you and I receive this call – commit permanently to a hard choice: follow me.
As we consider what is necessary in the Christian life, we must take a close look at the type of commitment we are giving Jesus. Without a Jesus-level of commitment, what are we saying about Him? What are we saying about this truth upon which we say we are risking our lives? If His call doesn’t demand much from us, then what is it? It is past time for God’s people to commit to His purpose for them. Are we committing to that purpose?
Something to think about.
NIV.Mark.4.39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
The second new writer we’re featuring today is Scott Dixon of Eagle, Idaho, who writes at Exploring Jesus. Clicking the header which follows will also allow you to see some graphic images which go with this short devotional.
Peace in the Storm
Jesus was always on the move, so when He said, “Let us cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35), the disciples set sail… and then a great windstorm arose. Storms are common on the Sea of Galilee and these were experienced sailors, but we learn from the original Greek that this was an exceptionally violent wind-tossed sea that threatened their boat.
I wonder if the disciples anticipated smooth sailing just because Jesus said, “Go.” Herein is a lesson for every child of God.
To voyage with Jesus is to voyage in peace, even in a storm.
In the presence of Jesus, we can have peace in the wildest storms.
In desperation, the disciples turned to Jesus. He rebuked the wind, and its fury ceased. He commanded the sea, “Peace, be still!” and there was tranquility. At the sound of His voice, the tempest quieted, giving them infallible proof: He is LORD over ALL.
“He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.”
Psalm 107:29-30
Do you belong to Jesus Christ? Have you followed Him only to experience wave after wave of trouble? Are you being tossed by fear and doubt over how it will end? Then insert your name and circumstance into this account and its eventual outcome because the same LORD is with you today.
Rest in His power alone and trust Him to take you over to the other side.
Christianity 201 
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