When Faith Demands Everything: Embracing Extreme Devotion

faith

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that Jesus is worth everything we can give. In moments of doubt or despair, when we feel like giving up, we are called to step up and embrace extreme devotion. Mary’s story reminds us that even when it seems like everything is over, Jesus is worth one more chance, one more act of praise.

The Worth of Jesus

Mary’s understanding of Jesus’ worth drove her to anoint Him with costly perfume. She knew that He was facing death for her sake, and this knowledge fueled her passionate worship. In times of struggle, we too must remember that Jesus is worth every sacrifice, every act of devotion.

In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus tells the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value. These parables illustrate the incomparable worth of the kingdom of heaven and, by extension, the worth of Jesus Himself. Like the man who sold all he had to buy the field with the hidden treasure, we are called to give everything for the sake of knowing and following Jesus.

Going Beyond the Ordinary

When we feel at the bottom of the pit, it’s time to go beyond what we think we can do. True faith is not just about bowing our heads in prayer but about giving in to our passion and emotions for Jesus. This kind of faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the extraordinary.

Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated extraordinary faith. From Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, these stories inspire us to trust God and take bold steps of faith.

Application: Study, Share, Serve

  • Study: Study the life of Jesus and the examples of faith in the Bible to strengthen your devotion. Reflect on Hebrews 11 and consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life.
  • Share: Share your personal journey of faith with others, encouraging them to see the worth of Jesus. Consider starting a small group or Bible study to discuss the challenges and joys of living a life of faith.
  • Serve: Serve with passion and commitment, going beyond the ordinary to reflect Jesus’ love in action. Look for opportunities to serve in your community, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need.

Conclusion As we journey together at Lakeview Christian Church, let us be inspired by Mary’s example to embrace extreme devotion. Jesus is worth everything, and our lives should reflect that truth in every way. By stepping out in faith and living with passion, we can be the change that Jesus has called us to be.

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