How To Follow In The Footsteps Of Jesus

From time to time, we sing an old hymn entitled, Footprints Of Jesus. The chorus of this song reads...

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where e'er they go.

For those who understand the nature of Christ (God's Son and the Savior of mankind), following in the footsteps of Jesus is the prime objective. Consider the words of Peter's God-breathed message...

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21, ESV

But how does one truly follow in Christ's footsteps?

B -- Believe in him (John 1:12)

Y -- Yield to him (Romans 12:1)

G -- Go to him in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

R -- Read & study his word (2 Timothy 2:15)

O -- Obey his commands (John 15:14)

W -- Work for him (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I -- Ignore the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

N -- Nothing held back (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

G -- Give talents and resources (Matthew 25:20; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

I -- Increase in fruit (John 15:8)

N -- Neglect not God's gift (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)

G -- Gather with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)

R -- Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:4)

A -- Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

C -- Conquer Satan and temptation (James 4:7; Matthew 26:41)

E -- Expect Christ's return (Hebrews 9:28)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18, ESV

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20 Ways To Simplify

Most of us think we are pretty busy. Most of us are right. While busy can mean productivity, busy can also mean a life that is “out-of-whack” in terms of priority.

Yes, work begets more work, hobbies beget more hobbies, stuff begets more stuff until the point where we step back in the one free moment we might have during a week and realize…. “It’s time to simplify!!"

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The more “stuff” we have crowding our lives, the more danger we put ourselves in of dividing our loyalty that rightly belongs to the Lord.

Here is an excellent list of 20 ways to simplify, compiled by Dr. Steve Stephens:

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on T.V.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say “no” at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.

12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
16. If you don’t have time, don’t do it.
17. Have a plan for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

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Just One Way

Among the most quoted and recognizable words from the life of Christ are the following, found in the fourteenth chapter of John's account of the gospel:

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

Christ declares himself to be the solution to the fundamental problem of the human race: sin and the consequences thereof. Have you given thought to the words in contrast to what we hear from other "authorities?"

Philosophy says THINK your way out.

Science says INVENT your way out.

Legislators say LEGISLATE your way out.

Politicians say SPEND your way out.

The liquor industry says DRINK your way out.

Psychiatry says TALK your way out.

Banks and lenders say BUY your way out.

Demonstrators say SHOUT your way out.

Rioters say FIGHT your way out.

Industry says WORK your way out.

False religion says FEEL your way out.

Satan says THERE IS NO WAY out.

Jesus says I AM the way out!

As the beloved old hymn declares, "There is just one way to the pearly gate!"

Are you going that way?

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A Thousand "Thrones" Fit For A Thousand Kings

The Chinese are serious about their bathrooms. The city of Beijing recently opened a public restroom featuring 1,000 stalls spread out over 32,290 square feet and four floors.

"We are spreading toilet culture," said Lu Xiaoqing. "After they use the bathroom, they will be very, very happy."

Some of the urinals are uniquely shaped -- such as several crocodile heads, and several units that features a bust of the likeness of the virgin Mary. I'm not sure how or anyone else has any idea what Mary looked like, but I think it's safe to say that she never would have envisioned the day her supposed likeness was mounted on top of a toilet.

Officials have submitted paperwork to The Guinness Book Of World Records in an effort to be recognized as the largest public restroom in the world.

The first passage of Scripture to "pop" into my head as I read all about this "porcelain palace" was the first chapter of Ecclesiastes. In a book devoted almost entirely to declaring the vanity of "life under the sun," verses two through eleven (read them here) are especially applicable when we see useless, yet remarkably funny stories such as this.

All the work that went into constructing this facility and all the fanfare it receives will fade soon. As always, something bigger, better, more fancy, and more remarkable will come along soon enough.

The message is simple: In all our hustle and bustle and seemingly worthwhile pursuits in this life, remember what/Who is most important -- living for Christ and preparing oneself for judgment.

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Now THAT Is What I Call A Will To Live!

It was September 1914, and three of the Royal Navy's armored cruisers -- the HMS Cressy, Aboukir, and Hogue (pictured at right) -- were on patrol off the Dutch coast.

None of these three British behemoths were zig-zagging (as sound naval practice dictates), and their water-tight doors all hung open. They were oblivious to the danger that was lurking nearby.

The crew of German submarine crew U-9 could not believe their luck. In less than an hour, the German "U-boat" had torpedoed all three ships, sinking them one after one. This event marked what most consider to be one of the worst naval defeats (or greatest naval victories, depending which side you were on) of all time.

The most amazing part of this story, however, are the experiences of 15-year-old Kit Wykeham Musgrave. He went overboard when the Aboukir was going down as a result of the first torpedo. He swam like mad to escape the immensely powerful suction as the ship sank into the deep. Just as he was getting onboard the Hogue, she was torpedoed. After abandoning that ship, he swam to the Cressy which, a short time later, was also torpedoed. All

The list of men who can lay claim to being blown off three ships in the same day while living to tell about it is rather short -- comprised of just his name, as best we can tell! Kit Wykeham Musgrave was a young man of only 15 years who had an intense desire to live. His is a wonderful story of perseverance.

Have you ever felt like Satan's "darts" are more like heat-seeking missiles -- almost following you wherever you go? Listen to the words the Lord relayed to some Christians in the first century:

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58, ESV

How strong is your desire to live in eternity?

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