Luke 14:28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it.Thought:Jesus tells us that a wise builder sits down and counts the cost before starting a tower. A wise king thinks carefully before going to war. In the same way, Jesus wants us to understand that following Him is not a quick emotional choice. It is a ser...

Luke 14:27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.Thought:When Jesus spoke of bearing a cross, the people knew exactly what He meant. The cross was a tool of death. It was a picture of shame, pain, and public rejection. Jesus was not talking about small personal annoyances. He was calling His followers to be ready to die, even physically, for His name sake.T...

Luke 14:33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.Thought:From Sunday's sermon, we learned that the Sir John Franklin expedition carried the comforts of England into the frozen Arctic. They brought silver dishes, fine clothing, and other nice but useless things instead of what they really needed for survival. They tried to keep their old wo...

Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.Thought:Jesus is not telling us to sinfully hate our family. The Bible clearly calls us to love and care for them. Instead, Jesus is using a strong word to show how great our love for Him must be. Our love for Christ should be...

2 Corinthians 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.Thought:  The Word of God reminds us that “people need the Lord.” That includes us, but it also includes every person we see each day. Behind their smiles, successes, anger, or addictions, many carry the same fear, shame, and hiding that began in G...