Jeanie Martin Ministries

When I first became a Christian I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I believed that the difficult, strained, and repetitious life that I was living would be of none existence. I didn’t know that my new (born again) life would be birth out of whatever was in my heart, and I had to put my best effort forward expecting the negative to escape my mind. I thought that everyone would see things differently because I was happy and I felt care free. I felt as though I was running on top of a wave, and the height of the wave did not even matter. In my minds eye, there was no way the wave could overtake me. I knew that with God nothing was impossible for me, because I believed. My new life existed inside of me. I had feelings of joy and happiness, on top of excitement and endless possibilities; and because of my exuberance some of my family members, and a few friends, thought that I was losing my mind. I thought that all of my troubles had passed, and there was nothing standing in the way of me living my life more abundantly.

Over time and what seems to be endless lessons, I learned that being a Christian never presented itself as an easy-laid-back lifestyle. I had to learn that in living a Christian lifestyle there were responsibilities, instructions, and duties that accompanied it. It’s a lifestyle filled with challenges that requires dedication and commitment. Living this lifestyle requires trust, focus, and most of all, (at least) “a mustard seed of faith”.

We must set our focus on Jesus, while denying ourselves the freedom of letting self roam free. We are required to take up our cross and follow Him. You may lose some things, but it will all be for your good; and keeps one aligned with godly principles. Jesus walked daily with purpose, and direction. He remained  focused, never losing sight of His Father’s will. Idleness never fits this description, but it does leave an open door for the devil’s deceptation.

Throughout the Bible people are called to action, from Noah to Abraham, Moses to Joshua, Samuel to David, Matthew to John, Paul to believers today. We have been called to serve God accordingly, and with the call comes the responsible of aiding the advancement of the Kingdom. Here are a few Scriptures and commands that our Lord graciously appointed all believers to follow.

The Command:

“Come, Follow Me” – The first disciples were told to come and follow Jesus and he will make them fishers of men; (Matt. 4:19-20). Following someone is a call to action. Following Jesus means that we are following his pattern and imitating his character. Jesus is our perfect example, and as our Lord and Master we are to follow not only His ways, but His commands also.

 The Assignment:

“Go” – The disciples were told to go out into all the world and make disciples of men and baptize them in the name of Jesus; (Matt. 28:19-20). We have been chosen as Jesus disciples on the earth. These instructions that were left for the twelve, are relevant for us as well. We have immediate access to talk to people, via social media, video, skype, TV, Email, Direct messages, etc. We have personal transportation, (automobiles, planes, buses, trains, boats), while the disciples traveled by camels, mules (donkeys), and their feet. They didn’t let the things they didn’t have stop them from fulfilling the call. Jesus usually walked from destination to destination, we find only a few occasion where he and his disciples traveled by boat (Matt. 8:23; Mark 4:38; Luke 5:3; Luke 8:22).

 Your Identity:

“Be” – You are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. (Matt. 5:13-16). Salt is indescribable, yet it adds flavor to whatever it is added to. Likewise, this is the quality of the believer, which makes them unique. Jesus is the light of the world, and we are to be a reflection of His light. Light over shadows darkness. We are the children of God, called by God, to do His will. Our identity is hidden in Christ, which means, when others look at you, they should see Him.

The Preparation:

“Do” – Put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17). This prepares you before the onset of the battle. In spiritual warfare we must be fully dressed if we expect to win not just the battle but the war. We are in a war, although there are a very few who realize it. Christians are soldiers fighting in the army of the Lord. Jesus is the Captain of the Host.

     – Study to show thy self approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth; (2 Tim. 2:15). Our faith is built upon our beliefs, therefore how can you know what you believe, if you haven’t read God’s Word. You must read, meditate and study your Bible. Reading your Bible is a daily requirement for living a healty and prosperous Christian lifestyle.

     – Pray without ceasing; and pray on all occasions (1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18). Intercessors are not the only Christians called to pray. Having a prayer life is essential to all believers. Prayer gives us direct access to God, at all times, regardless of our need. Having a relationship with the Father is the most important relationship that one can ever have.