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.