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And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; And they went forth, and preached every where,
Lord working with them, and confirming word with signs following. Amen. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
And all his acquaintance, and women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am light of world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have light of life. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not voice of strangers.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Yea, and all prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Remember them which have rule over you, who have spoken unto you word of God: whose faith follow, considering end of their conversation.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving end of your faith, even salvation of your souls. Of which salvation prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand sufferings of Christ, and glory that should follow.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached gospel unto you with Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to end for grace that is to be brought unto you at revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as voice of many waters, and as voice of a great thunder: and I heard voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before throne, and before four beasts, and elders: and no man could learn that song but hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before throne of God.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are dead which die in Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. And armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Glimpses of God © 2004 by Joyce C. Lock http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This scripture selection may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.
Joyce C. Lock founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ . She also has a published e-book, "The Difference", which can be purchased here: http://www.theeaglesgarden.com/
