I awoke this morning singing, “I’d rather have Jesus than anything” by Living Proof. Love that cd! I had awakened early and, after spending a few moments in prayer, decided I wasn’t yet ready to get up. (You can slip back under the covers if you want to on Saturday!) I remember dreaming I was at church and sitting at an organ playing, then thinking I would walk across to the piano, my instrument of choice. Shortly after, I woke up singing the song by Living Proof, one I have never played. But it was wonderful!

And it’s true! Jesus told about a man in the parable of Matthew 13, who found an immensely valuable pearl in a field. He sold everything he had to buy the field. We do well to determine what is most valuable in life, and run after Him, no matter the cost.

As Jesus Himself said, “… Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? Mark 8:34-37 MSG