Happy Thursday! For the past week and few days we have covered Matthew 16 – the cost of following Jesus. Today, I  want to write a quick summary on the final verses. Before we move into Matthew 17 on Monday. Enjoy today’s devotion and your weekend.

The thought of losing our lives for the sake of the cross may seem drastic, but we aren’t losing our life we are gaining freedom from eternal death and separation from God. 

The high cost of following Christ involves doing His will, no matter where he takes us and or calls us to do, but in order to know what that is we must stay attuned to His voice. John 10:27-30 NLT says, “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” Brothers and sisters, just as the disciples spent time with Jesus, the more time we spend with the Father in prayer, reading and worship we will recognize his voice over all the other voices and noise we hear.

Therefore, brothers and sisters listen to His voice. Trust his plan for your life. Jesus is the good shepherd, in John 10:6-10 NLT he explains, “Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

When we accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we invite him into our lives and give Him free reign to change us. While change may be painful, relax – don’t fight it. He has a great plan in store for you. Trust Him, trust His plan, keep praying. Don’t be afraid, the One who holds the whole world in his hands holds you too.

PRAYER
Father God,  thank you for the life you have given us. Thank you for the love you have shown us. Thank you for never giving up on us. Lord, forgive us when we step out of our lane and move before you or do things that are contrary to your will. Lord, give us ears to hear and recognize your voice. Lord, give us a humble heart to receive your instructions and put it into action. Lord, penetrate our hearts, soften it to receive and learn from you. Lord, free us from our selves and our selfish desires to control situations that you have control over. Lord, remind us when to step up and when to step back and let you take care of things. Lord, we know you are our refuge and strengthen, protector and shield, and way maker. Lord, we want to follow you all the days of our lives. Lord, continue your work in us. In Jesus name, amen.

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