2 Sam. 3-5 & Lk. 14:25-35

In today's reading David is finally made king. One thing that is interesting to note is that he was only 30 when he was made king. What's interesting to me about that is thinking about all he's been through. He stepped up to battle the giant Goliath on the Lord's behalf, he played the harp for Saul, he was put in charge of the armies and battles by Saul, then he was chased and many efforts were made to kill him - ALL BEFORE HE WAS 30! Wow. Then he goes on to lead Israel for 40 years - quite a guy. (Although, even he was not perfect. In fact God never uses anyone who is perfect, except Jesus, because...........there are no perfect people!!!) ***So take heart, if you're not perfect, you're in good company.

That being said, in today's New Testament passage Jesus really issues a challenge to His wannabe disciples. There were many who were following Him because He did miracles and taught some interesting things, and perhaps, just because everyone else was following. But Jesus stops and warns them that if they want to truly be His disciples that they must give Him first place. He must take priority over family, friends, work....even ourselves. On top of that, Jesus says we must carry our own crosses. In other words, we must give up our lives and follow Him. Just as the waters of baptism symbolize, we are buried with Him and are raised into a new life.

Let's be intentional about living new lives.