July 3, 2026
Following the Master
I believe Jesus’ life was meant to show us the way we’re supposed to live, with an absence of ego, posturing and calculation. By living in the moment, reacting to situations one by one, He demonstrated a willingness to live truthfully. He leans close when we are in grief. His calm presence is comforting. And as we are comforted, we accept the reality of life after death because we feel Him with us, full evidence of the resurrection. To be comforted by Jesus is to accept eternal life.
Jesus experienced God on a level we all seek. He knew God’s plans for His life. Plans that can sound outrageous. He grew up seeing ordinary people live ordinary lives and yet He knew He would do much more. While we can fall into the trap of the Impostor’s Syndrome, Jesus knew He was the Son of God and He had come to bring that message. Very courageous!
Humans love their comfort zones. We habitually gravitate to our favorite pastimes, allowing these distractions to keep us from operating in God’s call on our lives. We can resist blatant sin in bars and honky-tonks, only to be lured into recliners and technology, digital diversions that lead us far from God’s will.
It isn’t our best work when we keep our prayers and ministry inside the church. Get out into the madness. Go to Walmart. Go to the park. Ask God to show you who needs a touch. Maybe buy someone that chicken they set down by the magazines, afraid they wouldn’t have enough money. Hand it to them. And those folks standing on the corner? A lot of begging is a scam…some isn’t. If God clearly tells you to give to them just do it. Trust God more than you trust your own cynicism. Become the hands and feet He needs on this earth.
When we walk in Jesus’ footsteps, we’ll face a lot of criticism. Even people who have our best interests at heart might encourage us to be less religious. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not know they were bad guys. They meant well. And since God imparts wisdom to us every day, He expects us to remember our purpose and to find our way back on tract.
Throughout my life, Jesus has always been present. When I was a child, a mom, a single mom, a Believer and even a cynic, He has been my source. Many Christians’ judge harshly. Jesus takes our hand and leads us into His beautiful light! I cannot imagine life without His Grace and love.
Oh Lord, I tremble when I imagine life without You. I see people who refuse to believe in You, and I cannot help but see how many fears and problems they have. Help me be gracious to them. And generous. Let love cover their reluctance to accept You and help me, Lord, to remind them You are ever present should they call upon You. Lord, let my life reflect every word and behavior I learned from Jesus so I can be a light when their darkness grows oppressive.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”