JULY 21, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

JULY 21 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: ACTS 20:17-24

There is a cost to be a true follower of Christ. Some have the idea that to follow the Lord is just the one choice of many different paths that we could go. Actually, to follow Jesus is a distinct choice that sets you against every other worldview. There is a reason Jesus told His followers that, "In this world you will have trials and tribulations." And that everywhere they would go they would be persecuted, put upon, arrested and even killed. How does the path of peace lead to such a reaction? Jesus came loving, healing, teaching and revealing His Father's true message and they killed Him. Why such a reaction and can we expect any different reaction if we follow Him?

The Prince of this world hates the Lord and anyone who would be Christ's follower. Satan hates anything that is holy or righteous or good. The Apostle Paul tells us that our true, "battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, spirit forces of wickedness in heavenly places." Do not be mistaken though, the enemy will use real flesh and blood people to oppose you as you follow Christ...that he will use real flesh and blood systems that will persecute you...that he will even use religion, in the name of its "god," to speak against you. It costs to be a follower of Christ...to follow Him is not just a choice of one of many ways, He is the only way! And that truth alone sets you against a whole ungodly system.

Our Savior told us to count the cost and then come follow. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "When Christ calls a man, He calls him to come die." You say that is a very high price, but my brothers and sisters, it's only in dying that we ever truly find real LIFE!

Please share your thoughts.