Reflection of the week

Posted Mar  2, 2016 in Faith

For the remainder of Lent, our Reflection of the Week will be drawn from the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting, with permission from the creators.

Day 22 – “Jesus says, 'Follow Me'”
with Anderson George
Tribe/Language: Wagilak and Ritarngu people. Beswick, NT
Devotional written by Karen Schneider

Scripture:

Then He said to all His followers, “If you truly desire to be My disciple, you must disown your own life completely, embrace My cross as your own, and surrender to My ways.” - Luke 9:23 TPT

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33 NIV

Watch Anderson George’s story:

http://40stories.com.au/people/anderson-george/

Quote from brother Anderson George:

“Taking up a cross means we have to take up the things that Jesus did… You leave everything behind when you dedicate your life, your work, your ministry to the kingdom of God.”

Reflect:

Have you ever been faced with a tough choice as a follower of Jesus?

Anderson recalls when his mother-in-law needed prayer to receive Jesus’ healing. This would break ceremonial (Anderson’s preferred word) tradition which forbids Anderson speaking and praying with her. He said, ‘When I pray for you, I’m not going to be your son-in-law anymore, got to be your son in Christ!’ Even though Anderson’s actions seemed crazy to people of his culture, it was what Jesus asked him to do. (Matthew 19:29)

Following Jesus is like entering a marriage covenant. We show our love and commitment for Him by forsaking all other gods, idols and ceremonies that do not glorify Him. We leave behind traditions and ceremonial practices that hinder us from demonstrating His passion for healing, truth and holiness. We no longer chase after or depend on money and possessions, our eyes are fixed solely on Jesus, our Beloved. He becomes our Source of provision, spiritual fulfilment and life itself.

Pray:

Jesus, I let go of anything in my life that has taken priority over You. I ask You to be Lord over all aspects of my life. I am devoted entirely to You, my beloved, and Your plans and purposes for my life.

Jesus, may our nation seek after Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. In faith, we declare that ungodly traditions and practices will be forsaken as You are revealed to all Australians as the "lover of their souls," the Holy One of God.

Action Step:

Ask the Lord if there are personal, cultural or religious patterns or traditions in your life that restrict you from following Jesus fully.

The 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting resource was created by a group of people who feel Jesus wants Australia to listen to our Indigenous brothers and sisters. They travelled all over Australia filming people's stories of how Jesus' power had transformed their lives, families and communities.

Daily devotionals are provided during the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting, and can be downloaded all at once, viewed each day from the website or delivered to your inbox.

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