Families/Individuals with no young children, please follow this devotional by Rev. Ronald Ray:

Ephesians 5:1-21 (please read this first)

Follow God’s example.  This admonition/encouragement/suggestion/good idea/command (perhaps all words apply) contained at the beginning of the text for today caught my attention as I began to read.  This must be something that I take seriously.  Reading the truths about God’s character gives me an idea of what it means to be a follower. 

Looking at the life and ministry of Jesus we see the example that He set for us:

• 1.      Prayer.  “ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  Mark 1:35.  What are your habits regarding prayer?
• 2.      The Word.  The many examples of quoting scripture shows us the importance Jesus attached to scripture.
• 3.      Obedience:      Jesus described His own ways of doing things as:  “ I always do what pleases him.”  (John 8:29).
• 4.      Spirit filled and Spirit led:  See temptations of Jesus in Luke chapter 4:  “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness….”  Luke 4:1.

That gives you a starting place for what it means to be a follower.   When you become more and more a follower you will be able to say as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1.  “ Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  If you are a follower of Jesus, you can say it with humility, boldness, and compassion. 

In ways are you following Jesus?  I what areas do you need improvements?

Ronald Ray