What’s Before You?
One of the simplest and most profound messages about the Gospel is in the hymnal by Simon Marak, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” The first verse has just two sets of lines but provides a fantastic synopsis of how every Christian should live:
I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back.
If you are unfamiliar with the story behind this song, it is truly inspiring. Marak was from the Garo Tribe in Meghalaya, India. During his life, an incredible revival spread across India, and Marak came to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. The tribal leaders were not happy about Marak’s decision and threatened him and his family with death if they did not recant their faith. Instead of giving in to save their lives, Marak boldly proclaimed, “I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back.” That became the foundation of the hymnal for which he is given credit for writing.
The Cross Before Me
Marak died for his faith. He died because he decided that he was not turning back to his old way of life, and wanted what was ahead of him.
This is the message of verse 2 of the song. “The world behind me, the cross before me.” The inspiration of that line comes from Hebrews 12:1-2, which reads:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Our direction should be toward the cross. We should be looking at Jesus, who is the One who founded our faith and also perfected it. This means that if we want to draw closer to God and to be more like Him, that the only way to do so is to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and His work on the cross.
Get Behind Me!
Here is an obvious statement that needs to be said anyway. If we are going to be moving straight toward the cross, then we should only be focused on what is straight ahead. In other words, we cannot be spiritual gawkers, looking around to see what else is available to us.
This was the theme this past week as our song during devotion was “Get Behind Me” by Emerson Day. You can follow the song by watching below:
Jesus, the Author of our faith, explained this perfectly with three words, “Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32).” During a discussion of how it will look when the Kingdom of God arises, Jesus talked about how people were eating and drinking in the days of the flood of Noah and how Lot’s wife needed to look back at Sodom as it was destroyed. They were not focused on the path that God had for them but were more interested in the things around them.
Make Straight the Way!
One of the most referenced Proverbs by many Christians is Proverbs 3:5-6, which reads:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
You may put the devil behind you. You may decide you don’t want to follow his ways any longer and boldly proclaim that he is under your “blood bought boot” but, if you are not pursuing the straight path that God sets before you, you are going to be led astray.
Here is an important thing to keep in mind. Lot’s wife looked back at her home as it was being destroyed and died as a result. However, she did not die for looking back. She died for looking any other direction than the straight path that God set before her. You see, any path other than the “straight” one that God created is a path that leads to Satan. If I am one degree or one step off the path, then I am moving away from God and toward Satan.
Let’s be honest. Staying on the straight path is not easy. Jesus said we had to pick up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Said another way, He was telling us that we had to head straight toward Him and His teachings, denying any other path. It is not enough to say, “Devil, get behind me.” You need to make a choice to move toward Jesus. To follow His straight path and to quickly get back on that path when you stray.
The question to ask yourself is “what’s before you?” If it is the cross of Jesus, the Author of your faith, then it is time to say, “No turning back.” In fact, it is time to say, “No, turning at all!”
Hope Good News
Jeff Brafford began the Hope CDA program on Thursday. We are excited to see how God is going to transform his life… Kaleb Duerre’s graduation is Monday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Mission of Hope. Please come and join us for this momentous occasion… Last week, I said that Detric Howell reached nine months of sobriety. It was six months but is still an amazing milestone for our brother… Divine Shine is rolling forward. Our amazing crew was able to work out a deal to detail all the cars for a local car dealer.
Get Your Spring Detail at Divine Shine
Divine Shine is running a spring special. If you make your appointment before April 30, you can get a full detail for $150 and an external detail for $75. Call today because spots are going fast! 319-929-3084.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are also looking for four people who are interested in helping teach classes on Friday mornings about nutrition and health. These classes are taught every other Friday, and we are looking for some who have ideas on how they can help our men to be healthier. Please reach out to Tahsha Jones (Tahsha.Jones@HopeCDAcr.org) for more information.
Prayers for the Week
We ask you to join in prayer for these things:
- Jose Trevino was shot last Wednesday. He was not seriously injured, but we pray for our brother to be healed from this terrifying injury.
- We continue to pray for Quinton Edwards and his family as they deal with the loss of Quinton’s mother.
- We pray for Jeff as he begins his new journey at Hope CDA. May he lean into Jesus to help him get on an amazing path.
Tuesday Night of Encouragement
On Tuesday, Dr. Jay Haugh from New Covenant Bible Church will deliver the message. Jay always has a great message of encouragement, so you will not want to miss. Compass will also lead us in worship before Jay speaks. Please join us at 5:30 for dinner. Compass will begin about 5:55.
On Tuesday, April 7, Dr. Jessie Frerich, the Executive Director at House of Hope, will speak. Jessie has an amazing testimony and great words of wisdom to share. You will not want to miss this either.
Get The Hope Herald Each Week!
Not receiving The Hope Herald each week? Sign up below and you can receive the latest news, teachings, and other information from Hope CDA each week.
