Following Jesus demands total surrender—loving Him above family, possessions, and even one’s own life. “Counting the cost” means renouncing all ownership to become His disciple, taking up a cross daily, and enduring sacrifice, with the promise that losing one’s life for Him leads to eternal gain.
The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33)
Total Surrender: It requires abandoning selfish ambition and personal agendas.
Putting Him First: Relationships with family must come second to loyalty to Christ.
Sacrifice: It may involve losing worldly comforts, possessions, and reputations.
Daily Commitment: It is a daily decision to “die to oneself,” not a one-time act.
The Value of the Cost While following Jesus is costly, it is presented as “always worth it” because it brings true life, peace, and eternal reward, replacing fleeting earthly desires. It is a conscious choice to choose the cross over comfort.
THE TIMELESS MIRROR.
📍Was there no other means to redeem Mankind than this matter of “A Life for lives“?
“…O My Father, IF it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
Matt. 26:39
[In fact]… almost everything is purified by means of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is neither RELEASE from SIN and its GUILT nor the REMISSION of the due and merited punishment for SIN” – Heb. 9:22 (AMPC)
These two bible quotes addresse the question above about Jesus’ atonement for our sins. It is an ‘agelong’ mystery and divine plan but no man is PERFECT to do it. How do we appreciate Him for this? Heowns everyone! submit to Him!
Reflection: The passion week reflects the depravity of human nature… everyone is in the picture, including you!
The truth? Jesus’ passion was not for ‘fun’; He endured it to fill the gap of virtues left in us by sin so, we can access His life… let’s seek it with fear and trembling!
Even when you stumble or face moments of darkness, your story does not end there. God’s grace is greater than your fall, and His light is stronger than any darkness around you. You may feel down, but you are not defeated. Rising again is part of your journey, and God is with you every step of the way. What others may see as failure, God sees as a moment for restoration and strength. Don’t let discouragement define you. Stand back up with faith, because God’s light will guide you forward, and your comeback will be a testimony of His power and faithfulness.
“Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” Micah 7:8.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my light in dark moments. Help me rise again when I fall and strengthen my faith. Remind me that I am never defeated with You by my side. In Jesus’ name, Amen. God bless you abundantly.
Stop overthinking. If it’s God’s will, it will happen—nothing can stop it. And if it’s not, God has something better prepared for you.
Be encouraged—overthinking steals your peace, but trust restores it. You don’t have to figure everything out or control every outcome. God is already ahead of you, working things out in ways you cannot see. What feels uncertain to you is fully known to Him. Even closed doors are part of His protection, and every delay has a purpose.
Release the pressure to have all the answers. Rest in the assurance that God’s plan is always greater than your own. When you trust Him fully, your heart finds calm, and your mind finds clarity.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Prayer: Lord, quiet my anxious thoughts and help me to trust Your plan completely. Give me peace in the waiting and confidence in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember: God often uses broken, sinful, or unlikely individuals to accomplish His will, turning failures into triumphs to display His power. Examples include Moses (a murderer with a stutter), David (an adulterer), Rahab (a prostitute), Jonah (a disobedient prophet), and Peter (who denied Christ three times). These figures represent the “lowly” whom God uses to achieve great purposes.
Here are key “public losers” or flawed people used by God:
Moses: A murderer who feared speaking, chosen to deliver Israel.
David: An adulterer and murderer who was still recognized as a king after God’s own heart.
Rahab: A prostitute who showed faith, protecting spies and becoming part of the lineage of Jesus.
Jacob: A deceiver and manipulator known as a “homeless grifter,” whom God transformed.
Peter: A disciple who publicly denied knowing Jesus three times before being appointed a leader of the early church.
Jonah: A disobedient, racist prophet who ran away from God, yet was used to bring revival to Nineveh.
Paul (Saul): A ruthless persecutor of Christians who became one of the greatest apostles, according to Facebook.
Gideon: A fearful man hiding from his enemies, called “mighty warrior” by God, according to Anthem of Hope and Stacey Pardoe.
These individuals were chosen specifically because they were broken or considered “failures” in society, highlighting that God uses the weak to shame the strong.
In a world full of uncertainty, God offers you something the world cannot—true, lasting peace. Not a fragile peace that depends on circumstances, but a deep assurance that steadies your heart even in the middle of storms. His peace quiets your worries, calms your fears, and reminds you that you are safe in His care. Whatever you are facing right now, you don’t have to be troubled or afraid. God’s presence surrounds you, and His peace guards your mind and heart. Receive this gift today—rest in Him, trust Him, and let His peace carry you through.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your peace. Calm my anxious thoughts and remove every fear from my heart. Help me to rest in Your presence and trust in Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen. God bless you abundantly.
God’s plan is believed to be sovereign and inevitable, ensuring that His ultimate purpose prevails regardless of human plans, timing, or setbacks. While people make their own plans, Scripture suggests that God uses all events—including challenges and detours—to bring about a greater good and ultimately achieve His will.
Core Beliefs on God’s Plan Coming to Fruition:
Divine Sovereignty: No matter the circumstances, God’s purposes will ultimately triumph, as highlighted in Proverbs 19:21 [“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”].
Trust and Surrender: The process often requires trusting God’s timing, even when it does not match our own, and, as discussed on DesireJesus.com, committing plans to Him.
Redemption of Setbacks: God is seen as capable of turning negative circumstances, mistakes, and detours into opportunities that serve His final, good purpose.
Active Participation: While God’s plan is sovereign, individuals are often encouraged to participate through faith, prayer, and obedience.
Key Perspectives:
It brings ultimate good: God’s plan is portrayed as ultimately aiming for the blessing and “good” of His followers, even if it is not immediately apparent.
It requires faith in the unknown: As explained by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, trusting God’s plan means releasing personal expectations and finding peace in His sovereignty, even when faced with disappointment.
It is not always easy: The journey may involve challenges and trials, which can be uncomfortable but ultimately fulfill a divine, larger purpose.