Dear Heavenly Father,
Many people that call themselves Christians are not really following Christ. Some consider it just a label, and they wear it because their other family and friends have become believers. Others have some sort of personal agenda, and they are looking to profit from the Christian community. There are many shallow spiritual movements in the world today, and they are masquerading as an authentic move of Your Spirit, when in fact, these movements are bogus and sent by satan to distract people. It is very common in today’s environment to see individuals trying to commercialize, capitalize, and popularize their own agendas and stamp a “JESUS” label on it, but You’ve made it clear that none of these things will pass the test.
Following You through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is not just some bandwagon that folks can get on. Some people had this kind of attitude when Jesus Christ walked the earth, and he set them straight. In Luke 14:26(NLT), he said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” Father, Your Son is the most gentle and loving human being that ever lived, but in this verse, his words were very strong, even severe. He didn’t put ‘no cut’ on it whatsoever, and made it clear what it takes to follow him. There’s a cross that each of us must carry to be a disciple of Christ, and it means we will not always be popular or comfortable.
You are not telling us that we should hate our precious family members and loved ones, but You are telling us that nothing or no one can be more important than our relationship with You through Jesus Christ. You must always be number one, and our responsibility to Your Kingdom will require that we prioritize it over any other thing in our lives. Because of this, Jesus Christ tells us in Luke 14:28 that we had better count the cost before we begin this journey. It will cost us everything; and likewise, the reward will equal the sacrifice.
Father, I say YES! I say YES to the blessings You have for me! I say YES to change! I say YES to new beginnings! I say YES to being uncomfortable! I say YES to the challenges I’m going to face because I stand for Christ! I have faith that You’re going to have my back through it all! I say YES to You God, because You are my sufficiency. I trust with my whole heart that You will NOT let me fall. I understand that You won’t intervene in my life unless I give You invitation and permission. So, I invite You to have Your way in my life, Lord, and I say YES to whatever You have for me. I say YES to the next level that You want to take me to. I praise You in the highest, and I thank You for everything, especially for the bounty and blessings that lie ahead. Thank You for our Blessed Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and thank You for the Holy Spirit. Let Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“I Say YES!”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2020. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.