Day Four: A Father's Dilemna

Who Do You Trust?

      When I think about following a total stranger, I always get this picture of a man seen once clicking bones together and walking down Clinton Parkway in Lawrence, KS chanting something about Jesus. In this day and age, he seems a little crazy to us. Not many  of us would follow him anywhere. But what about a man like Jim Jones who lead over 900 followers to a church in Jonestown, Guyana. There he orchestrated a mass suicide in the name of his religion.
      Until I read Beth Moore's explanation of preparedness I wondered how could the apostles who dropped everything to follow Jesus, know this wasn't just some crazy on a self-serving mission. John and James were actually working in the family fishing business alongside their father when Jesus said follow me. And they got up and went. They gave up their place in their businesses and their families and stood up and followed. How brave is that? How must they have known Jesus' voice to be the true saviour? They didn't even consider the cost.
     We are being prepared to hear our master's voice so we will not be lead astray. I always pray that I hear and recognize Christ's voice. I don't want to follow some crazy even if it is just to hear him speak a Sunday morning sermon. If I am going to give up something, I only want to give it up for Christ and that includes my time on Sunday morning.
    1. When have you been called to give up something that you were just beginning to enjoy and appreciate?
How did you know it was Christ asking you to give it up?

    "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24: 23-25

Study Outline:

• Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 18-20
• Read Mark 1: 16-20
• Answer the following questions in your study guide:

            1. When have you been called to give up something that you were just beginning to enjoy and appreciate?
            2. What have you learned from seasons of seperation-- those moments when change and transition lave you feeling at a loss?

•  Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
• Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasteing a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

 PRAY WITH ME:

 Lord, thank you for the opportunity for each of us to draw close to you and come to know you better through your word. Prepare us to know your voice when you call us and give us the courage to follow you without hesitation. Help us to recognize without a doubt tthe false teachers in the world that try to lead us astray. In Jesus name, Amen.