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25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. (Luke 14:25-33 NRSV)
A marvelous Monday to you and yours, dear Friend! Praying that your weekend was a great one! As we spend time in God's word and as we pray, please pray for those on your prayer list, those of your church's prayer list, and for these: Hannah Keck underwent a procedure and we pray her recovery continues well. She is the grandbaby of Bill and Willa Keck. Prayers for Mr. Sammie Gibson and his health needs. Prayers for Rev. Michael Dobbs who has some health challenges. Prayers for Rev. Bill Henderson and some foot problems; may he recover fully as he has some tennis games scheduled for this week! Prayers for the people of Midland-Odessa and the horrific act of murdering innocent people. At last count 5 were dead and some 21 wounded. Prayers for the members of First UMC in Marble Falls, whose children's ministry director was killed in a traffic accident this past week. Pray for one another. Pray for yourselves.
Have you ever driven by what was to be a new home, but the overgrown grass and weeds gives it away as something not planned well. Even sadder, have you driven by an abandoned church?
Jesus spoke of an uncompleted home or tower as a reference to a person who does not consider the cost of discipleship and all that is involved in following Jesus. Those who do not, may soon find themselves walking away from Him. I will never forget that night at Lon Morris College, Dean Virgil Matthews, the pre-ministerial coordinator and Dean of Students, gathered the 30 or so men and women who felt a calling into ministry. In his always loving voice, he said, "Friends, take a look around you. There are about 30 or so of you. Only two, maybe three of you will become ministers." Gulp. It was like a cold glass of water thrown in my face. "This is getting real!" I said to myself. I vowed, with God's help, to be one of those two or three. Dean Matthews was a prophet. He spoke God's word to us and it came true. Jesus had said, "Many are called, few are chosen."
Jesus wants us to put Him first. Anyone or anything else takes away from the importance Jesus should have in our lives, and we end up the weaker for it. To believe and serve Jesus is a serious matter. It is full-time work and a full-time joy. Yes, it has its ups and downs, but is it so rewarding and fulfilling.
PRAYER: Loving Lord Jesus, guide my walk with You today and all days. I ask your blessings on the dear ones mentioned above, asking Your will be done. Bring healing and comfort to all. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be one to tell others of the joy of Jesus!
Blessings of love,
Pastor Eradio
