“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

Matthew 4:18-20

FOLLOWING JESUS

When Jesus calls us to follow him, it means a giving up of those illusionary things that we believe gives us a purposeful life. However, in following Jesus we begin to a create a purposeful life that is not illusionary. We give up things that bind us and create a false want. We give up a chasing of material things that only temporarily soothe us. We acquire a different perspective of what is important. When we follow Jesus the ways of the world dim, replaced by the truer life of being a disciple. Fear of scarcity is replaced with hope, love and faith.

Points of Reflection

• What limits us from following Jesus completely?
• What changes could we make in our lives that free us to follow?
• What is our most important possession?

Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman

Photo by Ben White

We love giving credit to budding photographers to help them gain more exposure.

 

 

“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:17

 

BEING LOVED BY AND PLEASING GOD

At Jesus’ baptism, God makes this powerful statement about Jesus. A statement that reflects God’s approval of the obedience of Christ to righteousness, and earthly submission to his solemn and sacred task on earth. Likewise, with our own earthly existence, we please God through our own desire of being righteous and our submission to the will of God. Our sometimes rebellious nature can recoil at this submission, but our submission gives us freedom to be both; what God desires for us and our internal desires. That which is; to be loving, joyful, peaceful, forbearing, kind, seekers of goodness, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.

Points of Reflection

• What are the things in our lives that distract us from being the person God desires for us?
• How does being submissive to the will of God give us freedom?
• What are our desires for our lives?

 

Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman

Photo by Ben White

We love giving credit to budding photographers to help them gain more exposure.

 

How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.

How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.

How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.