"THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST"

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him ... and the fellowship of his sufferings.
It's hard to know Christ without following him into the garden of Gethsemane ("the oil press"). Where he was sorrowful and very heavy. This is where Christ's will die and he choose to do the Father's will. To complete what he came into the world to do. That the bridge between God and man could be mended. Many wants the blessings without suffering. They want to detour by the garden and by-pass the sufferings. Paul on the other hand wanted to know him and the fellowship of his suffering. Paul gave up everthing in order to know Christ and his resurrection power. What are you willing to give up to know Christ. Whatever it is, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice. Most today live there life spending more for clothes, vacations and self than they ever give to God. While others in the world go lacking daily food and the simple or basic necessities of life, even water.
2 Tim 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must first partakers of the fruits. This is speaking of a farmer who works hard for the harvest. Many in the body of Christ are facing difficult things as well as times. The enemy of our soul has told them they have did something wrong or missed the mark. Remember the word calls Satan a liar! We are facing things, because of the stand that we have taken. One song says " TAKE THIS WHOLE WORLD, BUT GIVE ME JESUS". Only you and God knows truly what it has cost you to serve God and do his work for the kingdom. What ever it maybe, minister, singer, or a sunday school teacher or a child of God. The mountians as well as the valleys. All the tears- fears- rejection from family and peers. Yet our souls still crys give us more of Jesus, his love and his power as well as his mercy and forgiveness. Yes there are some gardens and we may even have to go from time to time through the "valley of Baca" Psa 84:6. A valley of tears that could fill a well. The scripture says " Who passing through" not staying or living, just passing through. With each storm of life and every tear that we face. We begin to relate and share ( a very small portion) of His sufferings. As we reap, just like the farmer, we grow in our relationship with Christ Jesus. That we may KNOW HIM, not JUST KNOW OF HIM. Not just an hour on Sunday morning. A walking and talking relationship that is 24/7 with the Master. We become intimate with Him. Webster's says intimate means close in friendship; familar; close. We come close to Him, and learn His ways and of His faithfulness, as well as His great love for mankind. 1Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Saints of God payday is almost here. 1Corinthians 3:8...and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. So dear brother or sister don't give out and don't give in for we are to near the shore! I can almost see the lights of that city. We may have to stop- regroup and pray, BUT WE CAN NEVER QUIT! The reward is too close and the cost would be to great, WE MUST PRESS FORWARD. For soon He shall wipe away our tears ( Rev. 21:4). Many years ago I seen an open vision of the hands on a clock spinning so fast like the blades of a motor fan. I heard the Lord say " THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK" Jn 9:4. Just like the hands of that clock, time is almost spent. So let's win every soul we can, and tell the world of a Savour's love and forgiveness. One day you will be so glad that you did! AMEN
Thank you for all the comments by email and the kind words about the blog site as well as the website. They truly bless and encourage me, because I do this not for myself but for you God's dear children.