A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”
2 Peter 1:10-11 NASB2020
Peter asks us are we sure we want to be true followers of Christ and not just part of His fan club, as a “follower” of his on tick tock, twitter or instagram? Peter is asking are we sure we want to be True followers and not just someone who goes to church every other Sunday to feel good about themselves. A follower who would lay down their life for Christ not someone that merely goes to church on Christmas and Easter.
I’m reading a book by Todd Nettleton, one of the leaders of a group called the voice of the martyrs. The book is titled “When faith is forbidden, 40 days on the frontlines with persecuted Christians”.
Todd Nettleton explains, “ the early church in the first century, was not like things in the United Kingdom or the United States today, it was more like Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and North Korea. We always say follow in the steps of the apostles. Where are their steps? In the difficulties, in the persecution! Nettleton goes on to explain “when we think of following and the steps of the apostles, most of us probably imagine times, sitting around the fire with Jesus, seeing thousands come to faith in the Messiah, at Pentecost, or seeing the sick healed, and the lame walk, in the name of Jesus. There aren’t nearly as many warm, fuzzy feelings, when we think about being locked in the stocks in the long, cold hours, after midnight at the jail in Philippi, the beatings, shipwrecks or being crucified upside down. But the apostles footprints go through these experiences also. Their path traverses both mountaintops of faith and wonder, and valleys of darkness, pain and doubt.”
Are you walking faithfully with Christ? Are you seeking a right relationship with Him? Are you ALL IN! Remember what Jesus said to the Church at Laodicea “‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 NASB2020
Don’t be Lukewarm! Be ALL IN, for Christ is ALL IN for you even to death on the cross! Remember what Paul said to the Philippians “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 NASB2020
We are blessed to live in a country where our lives are not threatened because we believe In and follow Christ. But there are millions of followers of Christ who live for Christ even though it could cost them their freedom and even their lives. We must Pray for them and learn from their unwavering faith!
Lord, thank you for your incredible love! Thank you for being ALL IN for us. Thank you for wanting a relationship with us. Give us the strength we need to seek you first, so that we do not get complacent. Help us to be ALL IN for you! We pray all this in The Mighty Name of Jesus.
Shalom Shalom blessings! Press in and Press on!