Fan or Follower?

Good morning Brothers. Happy Friday! Praise God for waking you up this morning and bringing you to the end of another week. God loves you. I love you. We are a couple days away from the first day of school! Thank God for a safe Summer break. Let’s pray for a great school year! With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.(Ezra‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬). ‭Let’s sing, Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long. Bring in the day of brotherhood and end the night of wrong. Let women all rise up! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings. Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod. Disciples of the Son of man, Rise up, O church of God! Today we read in Matthew 16:24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Jesus isn't looking for fans who will admire Him, but followers who will trust and obey Him. Choose to do what's right even when it's hard. Choose to love others-even when they're difficult. And choose to follow God no matter what. Take a moment to think about your life. Are there things that you're holding onto that you would be hesitant to surrender to Jesus? Are there relationships that serve your own desires rather than God's? Commit to following Jesus regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become. The cross, while painful, is temporary-abundant life with Jesus is eternal. God loves you. Have a blessed day.