First Sunday of Advent -December 1, 2024
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, NIV)
Advent Devotional
Welcome to the 2024 Waiting on God Advent Devotional from Waiting on God Ministries and First Presbyterian Church London, KY. Please take a moment to read and meditate upon these words and allow God's Word to direct your life.
Discipleship or Followership
Jesus had followers and disciples. What is the difference? Well, followers of Jesus are curious about Jesus. They may even attend church. Jesus’ followers, like many today, stopped following Him when things got tough. The disciples, while certainly not perfect, hung in there. This devotional addresses the difference between a disciple and a follower.
THE STRUGGLE OF SELF-DENIAL
“Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NRSV Self-denial is a spiritual discipline that is hard to practice but is necessary for our growth in Christ.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Luke 14:28-30 provides an essential lesson on the importance of thoughtful commitment. Jesus is teaching the crowd traveling with him about the cost of discipleship. I imagine Jesus sees a guard tower under construction, turns, looks toward his followers, and says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"