Wednesday January 22, 2003

~Follow the Leader~

   Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?
   He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

— Matthew 15:12-14 —

   As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at a tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

— Matthew 9:9 —

   So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 
   Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

— 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 —

   But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps.

— 1 Peter 2:20-21 —

   I’m sure most of us have played the game called Follow the Leader. You know the main point, someone leads and the rest follow. In the childhood game, the leader does harder tasks and the followers struggle to follow in the leader’s footsteps. 

   Where am I heading? Here’s my story: 
      So I was talking with a non-Christian friend, asking her why she keeps in touch with me. I m very bad at keeping contact with people. She enjoys my friendship. Somehow she knows I care for her, even though my actions can be misconstrued and taken out of context alot of the time. I ask her what she thought about God and I got no straight answers. But I think this illustrates the concept of following. Why does she follow me? I have no clue,

   Maybe I am worth following? But when I think about it, that cannot be true, I stumble and lose my way just like any other human. I am not a born leader, my social skills are not wonderful. But Jesus is who I follow. I think most of my friends know this. If they follow me and try to imitate my actions are they not, in fact, following Jesus? How can you follow me and not follow Jesus? I don’t think you can. I think within their hearts, they realize a good thing when they see it. Do their heads realize what their hearts are telling them? Is the Light shining in my life enough to illuminate God’s ways? So stop with this childish game… Follow Him. Don’t follow me, I am only your companion. A friend, a brother, not a leader. Follow the one who will not mislead you. The One who never stumbles, who never falters. I am only human, I have bouts of blindness and sin may waylay me.

   Yes… Truth. There is nothing to fear from the truth. Jesus, be Lord over my life. But unworthy as I am for leadership, leaders are chosen, so lead though me, Shepard of my soul. I hope and I pray that you will not let these sheep be lost. 
   God, CW is having some family problems at home. He is seeking a new shelter. I don’t know what is going on, but please lead him to quiet waters and green pastures, Lord. He called me… Father, am I to be your instrument? Shine through me Lord. Every day.. in every way. VL is also having some problems. I don’t know what to do. She is too close, I don’t know… help me. You said you would lead me, if I would only follow. I’m waiting Lord, what do you wish me to do? Last but not least, the body of Christ I am currently a part of is going through some changes, if you want me to help, I am waiting for your word. I feel the urge to do something, but I know not what. It is all in Your hands. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.

Oh yeah… no substitute for some good music.

Nicole Nordeman – Fool for You

There are times when faith and common sense do not align,
when hardcore evidence of you is hard to find,
and I am silenced in the face of argumenative debate,
and it’s a long hill it’s a lonely climb. 
Cause they want proof,
They want proof of all these mysteries I claim. 
Cause only fools would want to chant a dead man’s name. 
Maybe it’s true, yeah but….

Chorus:

I would be a fool for You, all because You asked me to.
A simpleton who’s seemingly naive,
I do believe, You came and made Yourself a fool for me.

I admit that in my darkest hours I’ve asked what if,
What if we created some kind of man-made faith like this,
Out of good intention or emotional invention,
and after life is through, there will be no You.
Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim,
Cause only fools believe that men can walk on waves.
Maybe it’s true, yeah but…

(Repeat Chorus)

Unaware of popularity,
and unconcerned with dignity,
You made me free.
That’s proof enough for me.

(music break)

I would be a fool for You (Fool for You)
Only if You asked me to,
A simpleton who’s only thinkin’ of
your cause of love.

I will speak Jesus’ name (Fool for You).
If that makes me crazy,
they can call me crazed,
I’m happy to be seemingly naive,
I do believe, You came and made Yourself a fool for me.

(music break)

A fool for You.