Following Jesus

At our prayer meeting on Tuesday night we reflected on the work that a church does to help other people to follow Jesus. There is so much that a church does. What a church can do is 'lead a horse to water.' Of course we know that it 'can't make it drink.'

A church can encourage people to open their Bibles and read to listen to God. It can encourage people to talk to God and rely on God. An amazing lady from our church is has undergone a life saving operation, and may need some more treatment. For us to walk with her, she has been an inspiration in depending on God, even in the face of a valley of the shadow of death. She has known the rod and staff of comfort of the Good Shepherd.

Through the disciplines of reading her Bible and prayer, she has intimacy with Jesus. She has a peace that is felt and deep. It's a peace that I pray as the pastor of a church that others would experience as they face their challenges and difficulties.

This Sunday in John 7 we will be looking at the dangers of relying on a tradition when it comes to follow Jesus. Robotic routines and cold religion are dangerous. The object of our affection deserves the efforts of our energies as we listen to Him and grow closer to Him. As said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" What satisfaction there is to be found when we follow Jesus.