Listen to this challenge from Jesus in Luke 9:23, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and follow me."  Henry David Thoreau said, "If any person does not keep peace with their companions, perhaps it is because they hear a different drummer.  Let them step to the music which they hear, however measured or far away."

Friend of Dial Hope, Christians march to the drumbeat of Jesus Christ.  He's our "different" drummer.  His will, his kingdom, and his values set the cadences for our life.  And, he gives his strength to those who take up the cross and follow him.  This leads us into an incisive inventory.  In what relationships, situations, and responsibilities do we find it most difficult to march with our Drummer?  It's so easy to tone down, to water down, or compromise our convictions to maintain popularity.  Sometimes our thinking is controlled more by culture than by Christ.  Another way to discern the level of our obedience is to ask ourselves what stands in the way of our living unreservedly for Christ?  If we were totally committed, what would we do differently today?  Following our Drummer requires time alone with him so we can receive his marching orders.  When we do, we'll discover the meaning of Robert Frost's metaphor, "We find ourselves on 'a road less traveled'".  But it's a road that will be traveled with Jesus.  Today, and all your tomorrows, listen for the drumbeat.

Prayer:  O God, open our eyes, our hearts, to the joy, the wonder, the adventure of following the drumbeat of Jesus, who came not to make life easy, but to make us equal to life.  Our hope is rooted in your promise... "I will be with you always."  As you entered time in Jesus the Christ, be born in us today and lead us to the light of your love.  Through the grace of Jesus.  Amen.