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Crosswalk Devotionals http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/ Bible Pathways October 24 Read Luke 8 -- 9 In Today's Reading: Jesus' teachings; more miracles; 12 apostles sent forth; 5,000 fed; Peter's confession; transfiguration of Christ Jesus put the sincerity of would-be disciples to the test when a certain man said to Him, Lord, I will follow You wherever You go. And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head (no place to sleep) (Luke 9:57-58). The foxes illustrate the clever ones and the birds of the air illustrate the worldly. Jesus pointed out to this man that, if he chose to follow Him, he could expect hardships. Jesus was also saying that He was not attached to earthly possessions, nor could His followers expect any guarantee of earthly resources. And another also said, Lord, I will follow You; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hands to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God (9:61-62). Our Lord did not welcome volunteers who were only willing to join Him on their own terms; serving Christ requires a lifetime commitment. Love dictates that there be no compromise in following Him. Jesus was not then, nor is He now, in the midst of a membership drive, nor is He counting converts to prove His success. Self-seekers and compromisers are often misled, believing there will be a more convenient time when they can choose to follow the Lord. Their excuses reveal that they have divided hearts. Some lack the "single eye" of devotion to Christ where, by comparison, all else in this world is of little importance. Others fail to put Christ first in their daily decisions and, yet, all who do will discover that the satisfaction of self-denial far exceeds fleeting earthly rewards. Each of us needs to consider whether there is someone in our life or something in our heart that is keeping us from giving Christ, His Word, and His will, first place in our lives. Jesus warned: The Kingdom of God is near at hand. Verily (truly) I say to you. . . . Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (self-indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (suddenly and unexpectedly) (Luke 21:31-34). Word Studies: 8:23 jeopardy = exposed to injury or death; 8:44 stanched = stopped flowing; 8:46 virtue = power from a supernatural being; 9:3 scrip = small bag for money or food; staves = staffs; 9:29 glistering = shining with brilliance. Cross Reference: For Luke 8:10: See Isa. 6:9. Prayer Needs: Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash � Government Officials: Rep. Mary Bono (CA), Gov. Mike Rounds (SD), Rep. Jos� Serrano (NY), and Rep. Bradley Sherman (CA) � Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America � Major language: Spanish � Religious freedom � 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox � Prayer Suggestion: Pray, remembering that there is no one like God (II Kings 19:14-15,19). Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 6:9 For more great resources to help you grow in your relationship with God, please visit Crosswalk Faith: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.27651.1.1698058 View the full selection of devotionals available from Crosswalk.com here: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.27651.2.1698058 >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/210/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
