But First

 📖 Truth Tuesday — But First...Have you ever noticed how easy it is to intend to obey God...later?In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three people who talk about following Him.One says:“I will follow You, Lord; but first...” — Luke 9:61Those two words are worth noticing:“But first...”None of these people simply says, “No, I won't follow.”The problem is that following Jesus keeps getting pushed behind something else.And we can do the same thing.I'll forgive...later.I'll deal with that sin...later.I'll have that conversation...later.I'll get serious about spending time with God when life slows down.Sometimes “later” sounds a lot more spiritual than “no.”But James 4:17 gives us a direct reminder:“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”The issue isn't always that we don't know what God wants us to do.Sometimes...we know. We just haven't done it.💭 Today's TruthDelayed obedience has a way of becoming disobedience.Maybe you're waiting for God to show you the next ten steps when He's already made today's step clear.You don't need tomorrow's instructions to obey today's.So here's the question:What have I been postponing that Jesus has already made clear?🙏 Today's PrayerLord Jesus, thank You for Your patience with me. Show me where I have been postponing something You have already made clear. Forgive me for the times I have postponed to later when I really needed to obey in the moment. Give me courage to take the step of faithfulness that is in front of me today. Help me follow You without waiting for perfect circumstances or complete understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.If that prayer expresses your heart, pray it with me—or find your own words and spend some time honestly talking with Jesus today.If He brings something to mind...don't promise Him someday.Follow Him today.🎙️ Today's Five More Minutes is also available wherever you listen to podcasts.