Following Jesus is not a ride in the park. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never had more peace, and I’ve never had more fun in my entire life, but this is no game. Jesus wasn’t playing when He said “If any man loves father or mother more than me, he is not worthy of me.” What striking words! The Messiah is love, and He also is the ultimate authority. I find that when demons manifest, they don’t really care about what you have to say. They fear Jesus Christ, Yeshua ha Mashiach. Be planted in Him. He is the root of David. The Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is not a wimpy cat. This man, who is God in the flesh, is a fierce Lion! What will shake the heavens? What is it that will cause miracles, salvation, and deliverance? It is the power of the Most High, and the authority of the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Sitting in church every week and doing nothing with what you hear will destroy you! “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” “to whom much is given, much is required,” don’t sit in your seat and say, “the Lord has really blessed me with understanding. I have all these verses memorized… I’ve had hands laid on me by Randy Clark, Robby Dawkins, Todd White…. (and so on)” if you do nothing with any of it! You are bringing condemnation upon yourself! Listen, I love you, this is not meant to be harsh. But someone has to shake the luke-warm out of you! If this doesn’t apply to you, great, but if it does, grab the fire! Ditch the comfy pajamas and Netflix! Put down the remote and pick up the word of God! The junk on the television is turning your brain to mush! Romans 12:2 States “do NOT be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may be able to prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

A full surrender is the only way to go. I wasn’t taught this when I was younger. I was taught a cheap, flaccid Christianity. One that requires nothing, and gives everything. Understand, God has given us everything, (1 Corinthians 3:21-23) but that doesn’t mean it cost us nothing! The rich young ruler ran to Jesus and knelt at His feet, asking Him what he must do to gain eternal life. This sounds like a hungry person. We in the church would say, “oh just pray this prayer, and nothing more needs to be done. Jesus paid it all, and you get your ticket to heaven.” That is not what Jesus said. Here, let’s read.

“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark‬ ‭10:17-22‬ ‭

Jesus sent him away! Why did He do that? Simple. Jesus knew that his riches would cause a fork in the road somewhere down the line. This is why when you follow Jesus, you have to give up some of the things you love most. Nothing is more precious than Jesus. Look at what it says though, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” This is the love of God. When you’ve given your all to God, that’s all He asks for. The life on fire starts by burning your old life to the ground. Give yourself no reason to look back!

This isn’t even extreme. This is basic Christianity! Jesus gave His body and His blood for us on the cross. He literally died for us. Listen closely, He gave up everything. Think about how far you would go for a friend, even then, it would be hard to die for them. But Jesus died for His enemies! He died for sinners. He died for the very people that crucified and mocked Him. We want to say there’s no cost. Not true. This will cost you everything. Trust me though, it is not worth hanging on to. Your life without Jesus isn’t worth it. You are worth it, you are valuable. Jesus wouldn’t have given up His life and risen from the dead if you weren’t valuable, but the King of glory demands change. He will transform your life. Surrender to His passionate love for you.

No one has ever loved me like this Jesus. I love you Lord. You are everything to me.