Tuesday, July 31st
Jesus turned and spoke to the crowds and said, "If any man comes to Me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life too cannot be My disciple….. And one who does not carry his cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple"
Luke 14:25-27

As the faithful and true disciple follows the path which the Father opens up for all who respond in loving commitment so is he endowed with that singleness of mind and purpose without which no further progress is possible, and with that insight is given the knowledge and power to live in the light of it. As his life proceeds, and as he constantly walks in faith and in loving commitment, so do all relationships, experiences and responsibilities fall into place. Indeed, there is need for deep soul searching and for a readiness to discard all that is found to be irrelevant and contrary to that which is being shown. And the going is not infrequently hard and painful. But the reward is life itself and fulfilment both now, for the rest of time, and in eternity. And as the narrowness and limitation of natural self-hood is discarded, so is the redeemed, sanctified soul endowed with such love as passes all knowledge.

And with that love is the invitation and challenge to identify with the deep pain at the heart of existence created by man's wrong choices and devious ways. To each is offered a share in the burden and the promise of joy in the victory. Everyone who shares |My cross is known of Me and participates in the glory and happiness of every lasting life.