Be Forged
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Following Jesus
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” -Jesus
“Surprisingly enough, when Jesus begins to unfold this inescapable truth to his disciples, he once more sets them free to choose or reject him. “If any man would come after me,” he says. For it is not a matter of course, not even among the disciples. Nobody can be forced, nobody can even be expected to come. He says rather, “If any man” is prepared to spurn all other offers which come his way in order to follow him. Once again, everything is left for the individual to decide.” [Dietrich Bonhoeffer in The Cost of Discipleship]
Don’t Ruin Your Life
“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3) Men, be careful not to ruin the life God has given you. A foolish man cannot lead himself or a family. We must understand that success is an anomaly. We all want health in our minds, bodies, marriages, families, ministry…you name it. Yet, we see many fail and fall into ruin. Here are 3 things that will ruin your life.
I. WINE
Alcohol, substances, and anything that can impair your mind or emotions leads to ruin. Guard your marriage. Protect your mind. Everything is permissible as Paul stated, but not everything is beneficial.
II. LACK OF BOUNDARIES
It is easier to drive on a road with painted lines and guardrails. Boundaries bring safety. Consider the boundaries in all areas of life, with the opposite sex, in your schedule, in your sleep habits, with entertainment (i.e., videogames & tv), with devices (your phone and laptop); you need solid boundaries.
III. PRIDE
Pride is a closed and hard heart. Pride makes you unreachable. Pride can hear the truth and reject it in conceit. The antidote to pride is the Holy Spirit and His guidance. Be humble or be humbled.
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