Chapters 12,13, and 14

 The final three chapters are really convicting. A decision is to be made.  Am I really willing to follow Jesus wherever? Whenever? and do whatever he asks? Or will it be tomorrow? What excuses do I give him?
 This is scary to consider and intimidating to think about.  Am I a fan or a follower? Will I say "NO" to self and "Yes" to him no matter where he leads? WITH NO EXCUSES?
How could my past have been different if I had not said tomorrow one less time? Scary to think about my life in a movie as Kyle described. What would be revealed? Is God just my consultant? Someone whose wisdom we highly value but ultimately, I make the decision? Luke 9 revealed three different type of followers. They had excuses. What is your excuse? What would your life had looked like if you had followed Jesus completely with no excuses?
The last chapter forces me to make that decision right now. Will I follow Jesus today, not tomorrow, but today? Step out of my comfort zone? Tell me what you guys think. What are these final three chapters speaking to you?

Chapter 11

This was a tough chapter and one that I will be re reading.   Slogans such as "DIE DAILY" or "COME AND DIE". Not just die one time when we become a christian but die every day? I mean nothing. I have no power. I have to suffer and not be comfortable to be follower. It means stepping out of my comfort zone and putting Jesus first not the creature comforts that I have grown accustomed to. Am I really carrying a cross if I am not suffering or making any sacrifices? To die daily means to put aside our personal goals and dreams to go where Jesus leads. We say, I love you Lord and I will do anything UNTIL it really does costs us something. A true follower would never be afraid or worry about anything. When we die, none of our things of comfort will matter. How do you die daily? What are your thoughts?

Chapter 10

DENY! Oh yes, the story of the rich youg ruler. This story is not just about the money but about the following. giving it all up to follow Jesus. Could you do that? Could you give every possession that you have away and live on the faith that he will provide or will multiply your needs with even more than you gave away? The comparison with the flexitarians put it all in perspective. Yep, I can be a vegetarian, as long as I can eat X once a week.  I love Jesus but don't ask me to do _________. We want to say yes to Jesus without saying no to ourselves.  How true that so often it is, what can Jesus do for me and not what can I do for Jesus? Interesting contrast between servant and slave. Society has convinced us that it is all about me. Work hard. Make a lot of money. Spend your money on those self indulgences. You deserve it. You work hard for it. Guess what? That is the opposite thing that Jesus wants. It's about denying ourselves. Everything we own is his. we have no rights. We own nothing. Are you a Jesus slave? Is he your Master?

Chapters 8 & 9

Okay.Going to see this study through. Have really enjoyed the book. Have to say after reading the first 7 chapters and then seeing a new section, entitled, An invitation to Follow, I was excited. I have read the first few chapters waffling on the line, fan or follower ( okay, more fan than follower, in all honesty) and was anxious to see how to walk on the follower side. The problem is that I must be all or nothing. Anyone and everyone is invited. BUT there must be complete sacrifice, not just sacrificing the things that are easy to sacrifice. Deny self in everything. Even with our "Stains", Jesus still loves us. Anyone can follow but not without giving up everything. Thank goodness for his grace because my everything is not meeting his expectations! And not just follow but follow passionately. It hit home when Kyle mentioned the two conditions some of us use for following..I will do as long as you don't ask too much of me and I will do it as long as things are good. But if it makes me uncomfortable, forget it. Not doing it! And then the part about spiritual apathy in chapter 9, hello, yes, that is me. The analogy a new relationship and then look at that couple after several years; the pasion is at a different level. It was encouraging to read his suggestions to keep on praying , keep on reading the Bible, keep on repenting, and the flickering flame may burst into a fire. Thank you God for your grace.

Chapter 6 and 7

Whew! Busy week this week. Kirsti, praying for you and your Dad. Susan, hoping you survive the dreaded conference reports. Friday, a day off, will be your light at the end of all that hard work.  Mom, praying that the transition to Florida is  smooth  and not too exhausting for both you and Dad. Just a normal week for me. Sometimes, normal is welcoming.
Maybe this is the perfect week to complete the sentence that Kyle presents to us on page 98. "By the power of the Holy Spirit......."  How would you complete that sentence?
Galatians 5:25  " If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the spirit."
We need to ask for his presence more than just once a week on Sunday mornings. So grateful that there is a way to follow him without relying on me.

Chapter 4 and 5

We are going to shoot for chapters 4 and  5 this week. Thanks for your comments so  far. First off,  don't be afraid to say anything. Thanks Susan, for your "school teacher" outline. You are certainly on a different level of study than I am but I know that Jesus doesn't care about how elementary my comments are in comparison to yours. How are you doing Mom and Kirsti? Don't feel that you have to comment on every chapter. Just move forward and comment on  our assignment for this week. I have read chapter 4 but not 5, yet. Our goal wll be to through chapter 5 by Monday. Hope that is doable. Kyle Idleman's style of writing is very light hearted but gets the point across. Enjoying his sense of humor.

Chapter Three

This week's reading is chapter 3.  Luke 7. Chapter 3 discusses the difference of having a knowledge of Jesus and having an intimate relationship with him. Questions for thought. When is the last time you had a relationship with Jesus like the woman in Luke 7 had? Do you know about Jesus or do you really know Jesus? It is one thing to announce that we are going to have an initimate relationship with Jesus but it is another thing to put it into practice.