Give Me Jesus

I love Fernando Ortega's version of  Give Me Jesus. This morning I did not start my day with Jesus, and boy was it bad. Everything that could have gone wrong at work, did. I was so frustrated, but quickly reminded of how distracted I can become when He is not my sole focus. I had good intentions, but good intentions just won't cut it. I want my mind to be ever-focused on Him; for my eyes to be intently locked on the prize that is Jesus.

Today while I was walking I was reminded of how much He lavishes His love on us...He quiets us with His love; He rejoices over us with singing; He is my Rock and my Shield; our very great reward. Regardless of what the world throws at me, I have Jesus.He sets my feet on the Rock and helps me to stand. He gives me wings like an eagle when my strength is gone. I pray that my life would be a vessel for Him to use. I've also been thinking a lot lately about For the Sake of the Call...the SCC song written 20 years ago.

"...we will abondon it all, for the sake of the call...not for a creed or a promise...and if we believe, we'll obey....just like some crazy fishermen who chose to go where Jesus led....if we believe, we'll obey....."

How much do we truly believe? Do we believe when it is convenient, or when the sacrifice is not too great? Why do we not obey more often? Do we only obey when it fits our schedule? Or when it allows us to stay in our comfort zones?

I want to be poured out like a drink offering...and I think about those 12 disciples who did choose to follow Jesus. They left EVERYTHING to follow Him. Would we do that today? Everything....job, family, American-conveniences, comfortable churches, cars?? Unfortunately I don't know. Do you? Would you?

And I wonder why not? He died for me. He DIED for me. The LEAST I can do is live for Him...and it might look pretty crazy...even to the Christians around me. But like Paul, we should count it a blessing to appear foolish, but know it is the power of God that is saving us and working in us, and that work won't be complete until He returns or calls me home.

There are times when I long for heaven....my heart aches to be there. But He reminds me that the work here on earth is not done. Not until the Nations KNOW. How will they know if we don't tell them? There's no gettin' around the Great Commission. I think for a long time I liked to pretend it wasn't there or didn't apply to me because I had not been 'called'...but I had to re-read it. It does not say spreading the Gospel is for the 'called'. If Jesus is real in your heart and you are sold out for Him, you MUST go and tell. They will know us by our love for each other. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith....so when the time comes, we will have no regrets.