Doing What We Do- Morning Devotions – Following Jesus From the Edges.

Following Jesus From the Edges – Morning Devotions

Doing What We Do

Pastor Calvin Cook – September 5, 2024

Scripture focus – Luke 9.23-24

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.”

Some time ago I came to a place of identifying as a “follower of Jesus”. Some days it is easy, most days it is tough. The reason is all about claiming identity. Before I can claim identity as anything else, my identity must be in Jesus. I caution you this is not popular to the world’s standards.

In the last few days I read this statement, I can’t site the writer, but it speaks loudly to me today –

“The truth is this: our identity and purpose can only be found in the God who created us, saved us, and calls us. Seeking identity and purpose any place else is doomed to failure. We belong to God. Sin separated us from Him, but in Christ we are returned to Him. The life for which He created us is found as we respond daily to the call of Jesus.  “

“The Lord does not call us just to be saved. He calls us into deep, intimate relationship with Him; and He calls us to a way of living and working that reflects the reality of His presence in every dimension of our lives.  Jesus first calls us to Himself and then calls us back into the world so that we might live and work to fulfill His purposes. “

What then or in whom am I claiming my identity ? Is it God honoring and God glorifying? Am I truly trying to become more like Jesus? Or have I been sucked into the vacuum of life only following after my own  wishes, wants, and desires.

Today I have a meeting where I realize that I am just a very small fish in a very large fish bowl. Where what I deal with on a daily basis, others are also dealing with. I have to examine the why of course but most importantly I must continue even to choose who or what I will claim as my identity and continue to be transformed into all that is offered me.

I choose Jesus and to be a follower of Jesus.