January 8
What does it cost to become a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ? What does one have to give up? There is truly only one thing that must be given up. It is not, and it never has been, a question of giving up friends, family, material possessions, fame and fortune. You can give up all those things, just like the first disciples of the Lord, and still run away and deny Him.
Forget the outward things and go right to the heart of the matter. Only one thing is necessary, and if we give up this one thing we are qualified to be disciples of the Lord. What is the one thing? All we have to give up is OUR WAY.
There are two ways, one which seems right, and one which IS right. One is my way, the other is His way.
Brother Chip, I so appreciate this clear dividing of the Word! In my own walk of faith, Father has had to correct me over and over again for trying to choose or anticipate my daily crosses. Some big, heart-wrenching things I was certain I would have to give up in following HIs commands were restored to me more quickly than I could ever have imagined. Yet what a battle to yield to His nudgings in some of my small, everyday matters! I begin to understand why Paul wrote, “…an though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Cor 13:2b). It is truly “my way” that He is intent on destroying in favor of the mind of Messiah.
Amen! Since I got Born Again I started to give up my way and adopt His way. In my daily life I always remember that I’m a child of God and my way now must abide in Him. He must increase and I must decrease. Glory to God!
When we give up our way we are left with His way. I have found that the Lord may not want BIG things from me. Maybe he just wants me to be faithful in the little things. Such as a smile, holding the door for someone. Simple acts of faithfulness, kindness and love.
Amen
There is great comfort in knowing that my Lord and Creator knows me better than I know myself. Therefore, He knows what I need more than I do when my life is hidden in Him. Then I don’t have to fret about so many plans and decisions….just trust Him. One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 16:9, A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. We can trust Him as He leads us even when we don’t understand because His way is always better than my way!
Chip, I really like the art along with the messages. The new look is so refreshing!
Amen and Amen again…this really speaks to life in the Spirit.
Thanks Bro Chip!!
I love the photos. It is so much better than the plain text. Jesus continues to speak to me through the words. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Dear Brother Chip i like this ,Our ways is where our religious things dwell,No power of God in our ways,No Glory of God in our way,if I will not act in the word of God I will simply follow my way.Oh Holly Spirit help me to give up my WAY
All those who call me Lord Lord, shall not enter into the Kingdom of God, but he that does the will of my Ftaher who is in Heaven. How can I keep His will unless I know Him, not know about Him. Except I deny myself and be led by His Spirit, I am heading towards destruction.
Having been going through this very fire for the past year, I can say Yes, He does throw us into situations where our flesh will scream, “This can’t possibly be God!” but when our spirit lines up with His, it cries, “What are You wanting to accomplish here?” And it is about dividing flesh and spirit. Peeling the flesh back is so painful and oh so necessary.
Very valuable message Chip. In reality there is only one path to God. This is the Christ. besides Him , it is mercenaries. Even we, child of God we can not come to God by ourselves or our way. Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing. Heis the door of the sheepfold, the good shepherd , the true vine etc … We can not convaints us using our way to reach God. It is impossible for God establishes only one path and that is the Christ , the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world . For He alone reconciles us with God. That is why Jesus asks us to renounce ourselves, to hate our father , our mother, our brothers and sisters. Renouncing ourselves leads us to take up our cross and follow Jesus .
Renounce himself and let God through His Spirit in us is the key to success and rest. Is to contemplate God’s wisdom , power and bow before Him alone and say: Oh Lord; You can like you? . and say nobody . cause nobody has the intelligence and knowledge of spiritual things except God Himself .
This is the praise in spirit and in truth that the Church must return to God
Brother Chip, Thank you for your daily instruction from Jesus Christ as He has inspired you. Whether it is Crosswinds, a scriptural study, or this Infinite Supply; I am being fed and growing now in ways that “I KNOW” are drawing me into a deeper relationship with Him. Not into a religious mindset that just “follows whatever the rest are doing”. I never was like that at heart. I always just wanted Jesus and His Truth. I wanted His way, and not Mine. I still struggle with surrendering all. Everyone who is a Christian should. I want His Holy Spirit to guide and lead me constantly. But, however, I was taught all wrong! Even my Baptism eventually was taken for granted, and I floundered in a zombie-like state of “just going through the motions”. I want what you have, but like Mary, I can only fall, trembling at Jesus’ feet, washing His feet with my tears. People think I have “better than most”. ALL I HAVE WAS GRANTED ME BY THE GRACE OF GOD! Even this fragile gift of health is from Him! Now I beg and plead for more of Him and His way and less of me. Will I get it? I sure hope so; as that alone is all I have to really live for. For Him alone. Please, DO pray for me as I pray for you, Karla, and your ministry. “Greater things are yet to come, and greater things are yet to be done in His name!” Amen. God bless you all now and always. Timothy