Are You Willing To Answer the Call?

I'll be honest, many times I feel like I let Jesus down. I mean the Man was spit in the face, beat up, the whipped Him till His skin was ripped off His body, then they mocked Him, then they made Him carry His own cross across town, then nailed Him to it, mocked Him some more and then stabbed Him in the side to make sure He was dead.

He did that all out of love. Because He loves each and everyone of us personally so much that He wants to help us stay out of hell and enjoy the everlasting greatness of Heaven.

And what have I done today?

Mostly I try to not think that I am letting Jesus down, but that I have further to go in my journey and an admiral goal to shoot for in my day to day life. I reflect each day, "Have I loved the way Jesus wants me to?" Sometimes in the same day that I do, I will also fail. That's okay though because I sit in prayer with Jesus and learn. I read my Bible everyday and realize that I'm not alone. Even Moses and King David fell, and fell hard, and God was there patiently waiting to mend them just like he is waiting to forgive and mend you.

Why, because he loves you.

Why do I, or anyone for that matter fall? Why do we sometimes make the most stupid of mistakes? Well for starters we are weak. We are flawed and we have been marked with original sin. Baptism wipes that away but the effects still linger. We live in a fallen world. Especially these times, there seems to be a focus on "Just getting what you deserve/want". The shortest distance between two points is a straight light so, if you are here and what you want is over there, then just go get it and never mind the consequences, at least that's how the world sees so much today. Never forget either that you have been born in the midst of a Spiritual War. The war has been won. Jesus conquered death for you but there are still battles going on. There are still plenty of souls that Satan would love to try and drag down to Hell. That's why it's important to be on your guard and focus on Jesus and the faith that He calls you to everyday.

It can all seem a bit daunting. I mean that's a lot to fight against, especially on your own. I don't recommend it. Jesus wants to be there for you. You CAN'T get to heaven without going through him anyway. Why would you want to live each day without his guidance? I can tell you that I have foolishly tried this and failed miserably. I thought I was smart and could see temptation from a mile away. I laugh now when I think of my foolish attempts now, "Yeah Jesus thanks for that salvation. I'll see you in Heaven. I gotta lot work to do know. Catch ya later."

Wow, stupid with a capital "S" I was. Don't do this to yourself. God didn't only give you his Son either. He gave us each other. We are to come together in his Church. We are to love each other and be there for each other. The plan is so simple and beautiful at the same time, yet if you dive deep God's plan is so vast as well, but do yourself a favor and love. You won't regret it. Love your God with all your mind, heart and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. I have never truly loved someone and regretted it. Wether it be the person next to me in church on Sunday, the guy at work that swears constantly, or the homeless person asking for that extra dollar you got in your pocket.

I will not lie. It's not always easy to love. You may feel that pull in your heart to love someone that you even fear, but know that pull comes from God. If you are scared that's okay. Pray about it. God wants to hear from you. He wants to help you. Pray, you are not the first and will not be the last that God calls to do wonderful, scary, but beautiful things.

Sometimes the things that Jesus says to us even seem crazy, but trust him. Jesus didn't go through all that he did to toy with you. Sometimes you may even feel like Daniel in the "Karate Kid", for those not familiar in the movie and old man helps a young man named Daniel learn karate cause he is getting bullied, but when Daniel shows up to learn he finds himself doing a bunch of ordinary work which the old man is very specific in which he is to do. After sometime Daniel has had enough because he has come to learn karate, not be some sort of odd jobs free laborer. Late one night Daniel snaps and the old man has him review his work and how he was to do it. To Daniel's surprise all along we was learning specific karate moves which helped him to not only overcome his bullies but become a man. Jesus will do the same as well if you let him, but he won't force ANYTHING on you. Jesus let's you choose. Your most amazing gift that you have ever received is free will. You are not a slave to Jesus. You get to choose to love him.