JOURNAL=4-27-15=FOLLOWING THE MESSENGER

JOURNAL=4-27-15=FOLLOWING THE MESSENGER “THEY do not RECOGNIZE the voice of strangers” John 10:5 OF COURSE we don't-we are the SHEEP O F GOD-the sheep of Jesus-as CHRISTIANS-that is the ONLY VOICE we are called to recognize FOLLOWERSHIP is definitely part of our lives in the 21 st century-it is OK to follow certain celebrities-it is OK-to follow sports teams-but GOD AND OUR FAMILY must always come first There are so many mixed messages in this world-but the ONE TRUE VOICE-is ALWAYS the voice of God and Jesus-GOD speaks to us in SCRIPTURE-he speaks to us in the deep yearnings of our heart and through his HOLY SPIRIT-but we must stay close to God-so that we can really and truly discern his voice WE ARE CALLED to be the people of God-the people of Jesus-get to KNOW him so well that you really CAN RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE and FOLLOW him above all else it is a GREAT DAY to be ALIVE in GOD'S LOVE for us and a great day to follow God and Jesus by loving-forgiving and and being KIND TO ALL OUR COMPANION AND OUR MESSENGER Jesus is OUR faithful companion WHO walks with us And talks with us On our JOURNEY through life He is our HOLY COMPANION Our leader And our messenger Who carries THE MESSAGE OF GOD In fact He is our scout He goes up ahead TESTS the waters And tells us Which way to go He explores The most productive The most hospitable And guides us To the BEST VENUE for our life And HOW to find PEACE And WHERE to find The most RECEPTIVE people For our message We are NEVER ALONE For we have The COMPANIONSHIP of God And God's own Son Who is ALWAYS with us And the companionship Of our brothers and sister In Christ Who WALK ALONG with us FOLLOWING Christ's message (AND GOD'S) “Who has BELIEVED our message And to whom Has the arm of the Lord Been REVEALED?” Isaiah 53:1 I BELIEVE LORD I BELIEVE in your message Of love-and mercy-and forgiveness For your love HAS TRANSFORMED my life Your message has Given me the FAITH To live off of YOUR POWER Not my own “Consequently Faith comes from Hearing the message And the message Is heard through The WORD OF CHRIST” Romans 10:17 THE MESSAGE of Christ The message of God Is to Pick up our crosses And COME and follow him The cross of chronic illness The cross of financial debt The CROSS of broken relationships The cross Is the ONLY WAY to SALVATION “And anyone Who does not pick up his cross And FOLLOW ME Is not worthy of me WHOEVER finds his life Will lose it And whoever loses his life For my sake will FIND IT” Matthew 10:38-39 JESUS CONQUERED his cross Through love and forgiveness Only to LIVE AGAIN We CAN do the same That is Jesus' MESSAGE I am following Jesus To HOPE AND SALVATION Are you COMING WITH ME? Let us ALL FOLLOW THE MESSENGER Robert P. Wallman 11-12-14 4-27-15