I think its easier for kids to be a follower of Jesus. We should be more like the innocent children!

As God has entrusted us to help lead a church, New Day Christian Church, we try to set a good example of how a family loves and serves Jesus.

This picture was taken outside of the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. this week. My wife and I were in the museum when the shooting of a security guard took place on June 9th. This is holy ground, given the meaning and reason for the museum itself. And to see how continued persecution and bigotry can still exist in what we saw confounds explanation at times. We pray that God will use the supreme sacrifice the officer made to uplift God's people, to give comfort to the family and to use this to cause us to engage and understand one another in a loving way that brings honor, praise and glory to Him. This is the upside down world of Jesus that we live in... a world where following is about the dying and not so much about the doing. So, how heavy is your cross today? Luke 9:23.

This is my daughter, Josey. While on our way to Cedar Point we were listening to Kyle’s “not a fan” sermon series. Josey, who is 4, starting really becoming insistent that she be baptized. She has been talking about it for a few weeks but we weren’t sure if she was ready and really understood the whole thing. That was my big mistake. Who am I to judge her understanding? This is what the Bible says, "But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" (Luke 18:16) So once we got to the hotel Josey and I took a walk along Lake Erie under the moonlight and discussed what it meant to be a Christian and the statement you are making when you are baptized. We stopped and said a prayer together asking Jesus to be the Lord of her life went up to the hotel room and baptized her right there in the bathtub. I will not be a fan but a follower. I will die to my own understanding and follow Him who has made me and given me life everlasting. I pray that I NEVER hinder anyone from coming to Jesus. Josey is not a fan but a follower.

It takes effort.

It's hard for me to be a follower every time I look in the mirror because I'm so used to insulting the body God made for me even though I know He loves me the way I am and I am made in His image. My bad self-image mixed with other sins led me to eating disorders, depression, and thoughts of suicide in the past. It got to the point that I decided I didn't need Him anymore. After a while, I wanted to go back to Jesus but I felt that I wasn't good enough and had to get to a certain point spiritually before I could let Jesus in. Church camp finally made me realize that I will never be good enough and that is why I need Jesus. When I let Him in my life and repented, I found life happier and my sins easier to deal with because Jesus was there. Although I still struggle every time I look in the mirror, I know that He is always there reminding me of how much He loves me.

Being a follower requires you to give up all your selfish desires and put the needs of others before your own.

No matter how good my intentions are... sometimes my conversations can accidentally turn more in the form of gossip, and it’s at these times I find myself merely a fan. But it’s my desire for my words to speak ENCOURAGEMENT to others and to be a Completely. Committed. Follower.

This picture does not truely represent being a fan versus a follower for me. It only shows me by myself. At first glance you might think it is hard for me to be a follower simply because of my physical challenge.At times part of me has accepted the limitations of my physical challenge. However, where it is hard to be a follower of JESUS is in the area of human relationships of all kinds. I believe GOD created me to have a disability so that I would have to depend on others and in so doing learned to depend on him. In some instances I am learning that sometimes it is easier to trust him then to trust others, my favorite bible verse is Hebrews 13:5-6

The World... that’s where it is hard to be a follower. It seems that everything in this world can distract you from your walk with Jesus if you let it. You have to be a follower 24/7 because the minute you let your guard down is when the enemy is going to slip in. The areas that I struggle with is my weight and our financial debt. Those two things tend to bring me down but I know that God will give me the strength and will power to get healthy and will help my wife and I get out of debt if we just believe and ask him for guidance. 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." That means that we can no longer afford to be fans anywhere. We can not get wrapped up in the things of this world. Growing up my family had nothing. We never stayed in one place very long because my dad would follow the construction work. I had to grow up fast. Many nights as a kid I would go to sleep in the backseat of the family car because we had no home. I had a rough life as a kid. My family history is one of drinking and fighting and sadness but I made a decision as a teenager that I was going to follow God. It does not matter if you are a millionaire, a housewife, a mechanic or the Pastor of a mega church you have a responsibility to Christ to be his hands, feet, eyes and voice... we are the body! God put the "not a fan" idea out there for a reason. Let's do our part to spread it. I know that on May 11th when Kyle announced the "not a fan" campaign, the room was full but there are only a handful of pictures on the website. Don’t worry what people might think about your testimony. You have nothing to be ashamed of. God loves you and you love God. Your story might me the one that helps a person find Christ. Post a picture and give your testimony. We are ALL the family of Christ and together with his blessing we can help bring revival to Louisville. My name is James Hayes and by the grace of God I am not a fan.

I work at this BMW dealership -- in the service department. An automobile dealership is a high pressure, high anxiety, high expectations facility every minute of every day. It is very emotionally charged for our clients for two reasons, one because it is their car that they are emotionally invested in (BMW owners rarely consider their car just transportation – it is special) and two because frequently money is involved and sometimes large sums of money. I have found that unless I am in constant prayer it is difficult to stay focused as a follower for even 10 minutes much less the 12 hour day that I work 5 days a week. I don't want to be a cultural Christian that doesn't appear to be any different than the other guy who works next to me. I want to be seen as different because I am different – I am a follower not a fan.

I am glad for the "Not A Fan" project. Revelation 3:14-22 talks about being lukewarm in your faith. Our days have become so busy and preoccupied by work, kids, sports, hobbies, computers, etc., not leaving much time for the starving spirit in all of us. I hope by beginning every morning in a prayer requesting direction will help me focus more each day on whether I'm being a server or a servant. I find it hard sometimes in the workplace, the Louisville Fire Department, to take a stand because of the "macho" stereotype.

When I am behind the wheel of my truck it is hard to be a completely committed follow. At times I am shocked at how selfish I can become: my lane, my speed, my turn, going to my destination.

Three days after the first sermon in this series, our daughter went in for a routine test that turned out to be cancer. For 3 days, our prayer had been as Kyle had asked us to do each morning, kneel and say, "I surrender." Little did we know that we would have to surrender in such a big way that very week. Our faith is being put to the test though as we surrender daily in a new way. Our little girl is only 2 1/2 and we are not asking the question "why?" as so many people do. We, as committed followers, are asking what is the Lord's plan for our family and how can we honor Him during this time. We have spent 1 week and a half in the hospital and already God is using our testimony to reach others and affect people for His glory. It is not easy to die each day in this way, but the peace that our family has been given is only the result of a deep and committed relationship with Jesus. We could not have the joy that we have right now without Him. It is for this reason that we have chosen to to trust His plan, no matter if He chooses to spare our daughter's life or take it. On the front of our hospital door it says, "Right now our mountain is cancer, but not for long because, "whoever says to this mountain,'Be taken up and cast into the sea' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. (Mark 11:23)" Even though a miracle is our desire, God's will be done is what we are seeking. Fans doubt the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Followers don't.

MEDIA – We are all so bombarded with input it is difficult to find a quiet time/place to pray. TV is perhaps my most difficult source of wasted time. I need to turn off the TV and spend more time on my knees in prayer. Turning from being a Fan into a Follower requires time and effort. This in not easy but it is so worth it. Peace, quiet growth, humble joy, calm spirit and rest are just a few of the gifts God rewards us with. You can't buy that.

Notice, I am in a box in the picture. A box is an expected place, with expected limits. There is no expected place beyond the boxed limits to expand. It is hard for me to be a follower in a box. In a box I can not grow and expand and be who I really am. Outside of this box is where I can be the best follower I can be, because outside of this box I can touch others, and show the love and compassion Jesus allowed inside of me. I am committed to being a follower as I broadcast daily inviting singers, rappers, and musicians from around the world to submit songs of the love and compassion Jesus expects of us to www.recordsongs.us during the "Tony Dollars" international satellite radio broadcast, on the Joy Satellite Network.

The stressors of life really show through when we are at home and in our "comfort zone." For Jason and I, Satan really can tempt us and we treat the ones we love with the least love and respect when things get tough... needless to say it is a constant prayer of ours - to be like Christ in our own home and serve as leading examples to our children, Maliea & Micah.

This is me, just the way God intended–late night, no makeup, no contacts; just me. I often forget that God made me in His image when I try to "improve" or "enhance" my appearance through disguising my imperfections. It's easy for me to be a fan and encourage my friends in saying that true beauty comes from the inside, but a follower exemplifies the idea in practice, not just words.

When I am church, it is easy to be a follower, and not just a fan. Yet once I pick the kids up from their classes and head to the car, the pressure of the "outside world" is all around and all it takes is a car to cut me off and I am back to being a fan again.

Sometimes it's just easier to act more like a thorn than a jewel in his crown.

It is hard to be in the world but not of it. Things that the world says are OK and it is not. (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25) Things that Satan means for evil but God intended for good, for the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20) You see, I had a crisis pregnancy and did not choose life. It is a choice that breaks my heart. I believed lies from the enemy. (John 8) I thought I was alone. It is truth that sets you free. (John 8:32, 10:10) Your test will be your testimony. God is so full of love and mercy, He gathers us up in all our brokenness and says, "Let nothing be wasted." (John 6:12) We need to put all of our nothingness into the pierced hands of our savior (Isaiah 49:16) and let Him be our everything. Whether it is lust, greed, alcohol, drugs, temper, or pornography, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). In Deuteronomy 30:19 God tells us that we have a choice... choose life that you and your children may live. We need to fight for life, love, and for Him! His love is AWESOME and will heal you into wholeness little by little, from glory to glory. Whatever your issues, know that you are not alone! Cry out to Him. He loves you! Jesus is crazy about you! He is always waiting for you with open arms! Look to the cross! (1 Timothy) God bless you in your/our journey! Not a Fan.

"LEAD OUR FAMILY" Perhaps the hardest place for me to be a follower of Jesus is in my own home. My family needs someone to lead them. They need a follower of Jesus to lead them not a fan.

I work in an emergency room and it can be a very tough place. There is not much light in the darkness and it is easy to be a fan and not a follower and just blend in. It was more difficult to hang this flyer than I thought it would be - risky to stand out and be different. I want to be bold and be a strong "follower" of Jesus.

Like everyone else, I have 24 hours each day. As a fan I might spend them as I please. But as a follower of Jesus, I want to live every hour in a way pleasing to Him.

Ever since I became a stay-at-home mom, the most challenging place for me to be a committed follower of Christ is when I get together with unbelieving friends and relatives (although the friend in this photo also is a committed follower). They know my spots and my history, which includes years of rebellion, and something inside me always wonders whether they think I'm for real. But the Holy Spirit reminds me that it's not my job to make them believe. I'm just called to be faithful in telling them the truth in love - the same love the Lord has extended to me.

Three good reasons to be a follower and not a fan... I want my children to be followers and not fans and and their children and their children's children... and even though God will bring them to that conviction in His time, I want to lead by example. I wore this t-shirt to the mall today anxious about who might comment and what my response would be only to be stopped by a sweet couple walking through the mall looking for opportunities to share Christ. I left after talking with them praying that someday my face might radiate Christ's love like theirs, which said loud and clear I AM NOT A FAN BUT A FOLLOWER. That's the face I want my kids to see each day.

It is hard to be a fan in the work place because it is just not very popular. Most people don't talk about Christianity at work. They would rather talk about others, sex, dirty jokes and such things. It is much easier to blend in than it is to say "excuse me but I am a Christian and would rather not hear what you have to say. Today was great because I had an opportunity to share with several other people, what "Not a fan" is, and why I have chosen to be a "follower" instead. On my knees this morning I asked God to fill me with His Spirit and go with me. He was there in a big way for me. I am a shy person and for me to talk about this with people at work was a hugh step out of my comfort zone. Thank you God.

Being the head of our blended family household presents me with incredible opportunities to reflect a completely committed follower of Christ. Unfortunately, I rarely listen to opportunity knocking. I really love my blended family but we do have unique challenges. I need to stop keeping score as to who bought what and at whose house it belongs; I must stop pointing fingers and casting aspersions. I have to die to myself and completely trust Jesus so I will stop the blaming and arguing.

Unexpected Diagnosis. Uncertain Future. This has been the hardest place I have had to learn to be a follower of Jesus and not just a fan. I simply could not walk the paths of caring for a medically fragile child and daily surrender my precious son to the will of God without being a completely, committed follower of Christ. Thank you God for teaching me that through the painful realities there are also many, wonderful blessings! Although I am not sure of what the future holds I am certain that it is YOU who hold the future! Help me to live this truth in action.

Money. Everyone is going through rough times lately, with the loss of jobs, raising gas prices, and the stability of the stock market. Everyone is cutting back and trying to find ways to pay the bills. I struggle in this area of accountability. Where does all my money go? For years, I used to tithe weekly by the envelopes, but upon seeing my statement from the church for the year of 2007, I saw many (way too many) weeks where I had left my envelope/checkbook at home. So I decided to start giving the first fruits of my income, online. Now it’s the first deduction, the way the Bible tells us to. I know it’s tough for a lot of people, but there is no way we can ever out give God.

It is so hard for me to be a follower when I am with my spouse or with family. My personality is to have everyone like me and it is like I put all my effort is to being the best person I can be to others, sometimes when it comes to my family they just get the leftovers and my selfish ways come out. I am really working on reaching to Jesus so when these situations arise I can be more like Jesus and be more compassionate, no ego and just love people for what they are not what I want to make them to be.

I have to be more than a fan to conquer the sin in my life. When I use food, namely sweets, to comfort and satisfy me, the sins of gluttony and greed begin to take control. So I commit to being a follower behind closed doors, seeking my Savior for fulfillment rather than food.

My daughter plays in a competitive softball league. "Here", at the ball field, everybody is a fan of somebody. To wear the "not a fan" shirt was a statement in and of itself. It is difficult to spend so much time, between practices and games, in an environment which doesn't acknowledge God. It's easy to just blend in or stand in judgement of others. As I come to cheer my daughter and her team on I'm torn between wanting to protect her and pray for those who appear lost to the message of Jesus Christ. I know God has placed us here for a specific purpose - the question for me is am I willing to fulfill that purpose. Only through His power.

I hear myself say to my eleven-year-old son that a TV show is too violent, too sarcastic, has inappropriate content of one kind or another and that he is allowed to watch only what his dad and I have seen and approved. Sadly, even with those guidelines, he is still bombarded with images in commercials or while changing the channel–images that are now in his mind. And now the kicker–What am I watching? I try to be selective about what I view on television, but I am seeing things on TV that I am not even seeking to view. Most of what I see on TV is not what I would call God-honoring. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things." Philippians 4:8. That verse goes through my head and I find that very little of what I see on TV passes that test. I will keep censoring what I watch. It's hard to pull the plug completely... I will keep praying about it.

One of my co-workers says she doesn't believe in God and puts down everything in Kentucky. Anything that is moral and right she is against. Her voice and negative attitude can make me so angry in a flash and I'm not usually a person to let people get to me or make me angry. I decided a few months ago that the only way I could continue to work here was to stop being a fan and become a complete follower of Jesus. I found this verse in a devotion I had "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23) In a very real sense, everything we do, we do for Jesus. We can do our jobs for Christ, or we can do them for a supervisor. We can do ministry for those who perhaps don't appreciate it or we can do it for Christ. It's our choice. So every time I get angry or upset, I go back to my desk and read this verse and note that I have posted and by doing so, Jesus is teaching me I can't be a fan and survive here, but that I must become a true follower depending on him completely to get me through those tough days.

I'll be honest. This t-shirt was NOT what I had originally put on this morning. I was wearing the green shirt. I did not want to wear the t-shirt today. Soon I would wear it. But not today. I might be questioned. I might be judged. I might get embarrassed. I want to give God my very best, but I don't "feel" like I can today. I had a lot of places to go in a short amount of time. I just wanted to run in and out and get my errands done–to check them off of my list so to say.

1) Drop daughter off to pre-school (it's a church run preschool so if I was questioned they would understand)
2) CVS (could get questioned & uncomfortable)
3) Crestwood Supermarket (could again get questioned & uncomfortable)
4) Friends house for Beth Moore Bible study ( very excited to show my friends. They understand. They need no explanation. They are my comfort zone)
5) Lunch at Red Pepper Deli with a great Christian friend (small community, know a lot of people. ALWAYS see someone I know. Could get very uncomfortable, may interrupt my "friend" time.)
6) Baseball game at 5:45 (Know lots kids and their families. Will definitely be out of my comfort zone, may get interrupted during my son's game).

As I was trying to rationalize this list with God this morning, it dawned on me how much of a FAN I HAVE BEEN! It sickened me. I stopped wasting God's time. Prayed, and boldly put on my t-shirt. I have worn it all day. I have to admit it was not easy to deny myself and carry my cross. But it became easier as the day went on. God never promised easy. HE held my hand and HE led the way; like he does promise. It is very fitting that my self-portrait is backwards & difficult to read. Because I realize that is the message I have been sending out to my friends, family and neighbors. They are very capable of reading. It is my spelling (language) that is the problem.

Signed,
A proud FAN CLUB DROPOUT.

I am wearing my Not A Fan t-shirt in my family room where I sit being a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate and the Sci-Fi Channel. This is a tough place for me to be a true follower because I love science-fiction TV series and movies. I have about 5 different Bibles in this room as well and I realize I need to spend more time with them and a lot less with Science Fiction TV. I watch reruns of Star Trek over and over and over so this is a real challenge for me to be a true follower in this room. I pray with God’s help, He will give me strength to turn the TV off and the Bible on; to die of self (and Sci-Fi) and take up my cross and truly follow Him.

I pulled over while in my car to take this picture. I realized that "Everyday Life" is what makes it easy for me to just be a fan, but I am taking responsibility to face the challenges of everyday life (whether it be traffic, fans, or something more challenging) and become a committed follower. I am renewing my faith and commitment to Jesus by being baptised this weekend.

This is my office in the basement of our house. When I go here as a fan it is often to escape from the real ministries in my life–like being a husband and father. The computer can be as simple as a waste of time (Spider Solitaire and UK message boards) to a poison of my soul. When I go here as a Fully Committed Follower He has done great things in me and through me–it goes from being a hiding place to being a Holy Place. The difference is amazing.

I could say I'm like the 5% of men who struggle with lying, but I'm with the majority that struggle with lust. It's funny how God works as soon as I had someone at the gym take this picture I ran into a lady that I used to have a crush on. I hadn't seen her in years and bam there she was right after I had taken this picture. God was testing me and I'm proud to say that I turned the volume up on Casting Crowns from my mp3 player, closed my eyes and prayed while I worked out. I may have passed His test this time around. My name is Sean and I'm not a fan.

Because I'd rather be a follower, not a fan!

When using the telephone it is so easy to stray from being a “Follower to just being a “Fan.”

After a stressful day at work, often I just want to relax in my easy chair at home and zone out. But to be a follower, when I get home I need to focus on my most important job of the day - being a husband and father. My name is Dennis Brooks and I am committing to being a follower.

After a lifetime of being "churched" and twenty years of bouncing between "fan" and "follower", I wear the Christian faith pretty well externally; oh but if you could only see my thoughts. If we had bubbles over our heads like in the cartoons, my thought-life would disgust you. Judgment, disdain, lust, covetousness, idolatry all live there in varying degrees and at different times. As a FOLLOWER, my desire, my prayer is as stated in 1 Cor. 10:5 that "we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Lord, I cannot do it on my own. Please help me!

Running my insurance business requires good people skills. I enjoy taking care of my customers and talking them through all the aspects of the insurance process. Let's just say it's easy and comfortable for me to communicate with them... in everything except for what really matters the most... their eternal destination. It's hard to bring up the subject of faith with some people. Pride causes me to think too much of what they'll think of me. My worst fear is that I'll be in heaven and God will show me a glimpse of someone in hell that I have known and ask me, why didn't I tell them about him. Wearing the "Not A Fan" shirt makes me look at myself differently. I try to watch my actions and my words more carefully to make sure I am being a good witness for Christ. (Now I know what it feels like to be Dave or Kyle). Why do I need a shirt to do this?

At Work. I am a Supervisor at a large company and I like to thank that I am good at it. However, my job is very stressful and there have been some days that I have left work and felt like pulling my hair out. I have been a Christian for over five years but it wasn't until I heard Kyle do his sermon on the upside-down way of Jesus that I realized that being a fan just was not good enough.I have now put God first at work and everything else is falling nicely in place. Since I am now a follower at work I have been a lot happier. I had just asked God to use me for his glory and to let me work for Him when I received a email about this Not a Fan ministry. Isn't God awesome! This is our chance Louisville, let's bring God back to our city!

As a housewife it is so easy to slip into being a fan when no one is watching. I find myself with ample time to study God's word and have an active prayer life, but instead I choose to do other things. That is my biggest struggle with not being a fan. I find myself being more of a fan during the mundane day to day household work. My prayer is that with this campaign I can start to be more of a follower in the day to day work of being a housewife.

I have always struggled with spending time in the word and with God. In the morning and at night are the best times to do it, yet somehow I never find the time to get out of bed earlier, or go to sleep a little later. It is hard to be a fan when I want to sleep.

Society allows and encourages me to glance and stare at women. After all, Jesus wasn’t being literal in Matthew 5:28 when He said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Was He? I did not consider the sadness I was causing Christ. I did not consider what pain I causing my beautiful wife. I did not consider how my four year-old watches daddy’s eyes to see where he was looking. I am the example of the man that she will look for in a future husband. Am I teaching my daughter to look for a man like me? Job made a covenant with his eyes over 4,000 years ago to not to look lustfully at a woman and it rings true for me today. I no longer hurt my wife. I am no longer a poor example for my daughters. I no longer give Satan a foothold to sin. And I am no longer a fan of Jesus Christ. All glory to Him.

It’s hard for me to be a follower in my home. I practice forgiveness very well in the “real” world, but back at home, looking at my husband and sometimes only seeing his affairs, instead of his repentant heart, I struggle. Nothing can be done without Christ, I give it all to Him. Matthew 19:6, Matthew 19:26, Psalm 2:12.

It comes natural for us to say "That's mine!" This begins even before we can talk. So it is easy to see why I have thought it's my money. However, the Lord has been teaching me recently that is no more my money than it is my air that I breathe. It is He who has given me the abiltiy to produce wealth; Deut. 8:18. I pray that I will continue to embrace this truth and be an excellent steward of what He has given me to manage.

The Bible for too long has been a rule book for me rather than a source of life and God's grace. I'm so thankful that God has been teaching me to see His Word through the lens of grace. I'm thankful too that Kyle said that a follower of Christ realizes that there is a difference between sinning, stumbling and falling and saying "I'm fine with it."

As a woman who stays home while my husband works, I find that my home is the place where I have to be intentional in making the choice to be a follower of Christ and not just a fan. I spend anywhere from 50-70 hours a week in my home, alone, and it is incredibly easy to convince myself that I am following Christ daily because I spend a lot of time in God's Word and reading books written by godly men and women. But the truth is, if I spend all of my free time reading and learning without acting on what I've read I am nothing more than a fan. Knowledge and conviction without action is disobedience. By God's grace, I am choosing to lay down my own agenda, take up my cross and be a completely, committed follower of Christ. I am not a fan.

I asked myself where am I a fan and not a follower of Jesus and I was able to come up with hundreds of thoughts. I challenged myself to honestly write down where am I a follower. I was unable to honestly come up with one response. The white board behind me shows that I have a long way to go.

After today's sermon I thought about all of the excuses that keep me from moving from a fan to a follower. After spending the afternoon thinking about it I realized it is not any one place or thing, it is an internal struggle. The excuses I voice to family and friends and the ones I do not even say out loud prevent me from taking the next step to a closer relationship with Jesus and all that goes with it. So i wrote down all the excuses I could think of even the ones I had to dig down deep for and then after giving these to God in prayer and asking forgiveness for allowing his blessing to me to become distractions, I burned the list in my backyard fire pit. Even before the paper turned to ash I felt the presence of my loving heavenly father and a renewed sense of focus. No doubt the excuses will try to crop back into my life, but I am focusing on moving forward in my journey to be a follower not a fan.

Over the past few years, we have seen the stock market embark on a volatile journey. This journey has seen the market fall nearly 50% in value from its all-time highs. This has caused many people to be in a state of panic and uncertainty. The Bible mentions the word "money" over 800 times. Matthew 6:24 states that "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Other verses that come to mind are Luke 16:11, Proverbs 13:6 and Proverbs 13:11. For me, it is hard to be a follower of Christ in this situation because investing in the stock market can sometimes be promoted by greed. I know that if I am true to God's word, I will grow in the knowledge of His greatness. Being a completely, committed follower means seeking His kingdom first and His righteousness. I need to learn to not look to the stock market for future security, rather, as a Christian, my security is in the amazing power of Lord Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life.

This is me. I have found that it's been very hard to narrow down the area(s) in which I am a fan... they seem to come in abundance. I am a fan when I'm with my family, in uncomfortable situations, when I'm seeking someone's approval, at home, in my car, at church... the list goes on. The conclusion I've come to is that the common denominator between these different areas is ME. The biggest obstacle that keeps me from completely surrendering is my selfishness. I want my way and I have a hard time giving up that control to God. I love my Savior very much, but it's about time I stepped out of the way, died to myself and my desires, and let God take control. I'm Rachel, and with the help of my Savior and Lord, am not a fan.

I do outside auto part sales and travel daily all over Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. In all my traveling I absolutely lose being a Christ-follower on I-71. I travel this road twice a day for about six weeks at a time and between the truckers and the hills and just the distance, I can forget that I am a follower, not a fan and therefore need to relax and let Jesus take the wheel.

For me I think the hardest part is not getting caught up in the comforts of my surroundings. Jesus talked to his disciples about this on the way to Jerusalem. They met three men who thought they wanted to be committed followers but Jesus asked for more than they were willing to give. Am I ready to live a life of sacrifice? Am I ready to give him total dedication not just half hearted commitment? I struggle daily to keep my comforts from distracting me and live in the manner He is calling me to.

He'll be 13 in September... and two more siblings coming up right behind him. It's tough being a mom... not just any mom, a mom that is NOT A FAN, but a committed follower of Christ, trying to lead her children to the Lord. Without Christ, I know I couldn't be the mother my kids need me to be.

I would say that I have been one of those people as Kyle said "wanted to be close enough to receive the benefits, without sacrifice" my entire life. I have been asking Jesus Christ daily to take control of my life for the past several months. I know that I have started dying to myself. I am 45 years and I have always avoided the baptistry, knowing the level of commitment it brings. I will be baptized this coming Saturday May 23, 2009. My name is Kyle Paschal. I am not a fan.

Well, who does like the dentist in the first place? We only go when we have to or when something is wrong. The dentist can be a very professional place. You sit in the chair and get your teeth worked on. There is little time to socially interact with either the dentist or thier dentist technection. It is easy to just sit in the chair and say nothing about Christ and your relationship with Him.

If we are not careful the internet can quickly fill our minds with incorrect information, and that information can lead to a lot of garbage and untruths in our lives. We are not perfect, only Christ is, but God asks us to raise the bar and to live up to a higher standard. When what we absorb on a daily basis is garbage. We must take control of the information, control our conversation, our thoughts, our lives, and live as Truth. As Christian ministers, pastors, teachers, leaders, members, and volunteers, we are called to be different than the world.

When the world is against you, when we struggle to live as Christ, when all we want to know is what is true; we find most of the questions we ask have to do with everyday issues from; money to family, from alcohol to sex, from sin to forgiveness. When the world is against us and we struggle to find the Truth we feel by living the Christian life we are swimming against an impossible current of garbage. It takes a lot of work, to filter our life through the Truth of Christ, but it makes a person stronger the more we are able to find the Truth in our lives. If we do not learn to filter what is coming into our lives and find the Truth it becomes easy to stop swimming and have the current take you back in the other direction. 

Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Trade Shows (picture from the National Restaurant Show Chicago) are often the opportunity for some to express their inhibitions. Excessive drinking, sexual innuendo, crass jokes, and more, are prevalent. As a person who makes a living servicing customers, it can sometimes can test where I stand. I am so thankful that "God is faithful, He will not test you beyond what you can bear, but when you tempted He will provide a way out so you can stand up under it." If I live by the spirit, I am amazed at how He guides my path when I ask. Constantly conscience that I want to be Not A Fan.

I am wearing my UPS t-shirt, because it is hard to be a follower of Christ at work, when surrounded by non-Christian co-workers. Joking and talking about non-Christian things. And my failure to speak up and share the gospel with them. But I took the picture of me in front of my computer because, it is hard to be a follower of Christ when those you know can't see what you are doing. And you may think at times you are alone, but God is still there. And he sees my daily struggles while I try not to be a fan, but a Follower of Jesus.

Winning is highly valued by Society. Not so much by Jesus.

It can be hard to be a follower when you're out in the real world away from your church friends.

Money has represented security to me all my life. I want to learn to trust Jesus to take care of me and provide for my needs no matter what the future brings.

I have always been a fan of Jesus, but since my daughter’s murder, I have to make the choice everyday to trust God to carry me through this grief. So every day I get up, and I choose to be a, “Completely Committed Follower” of Jesus. It’s never easy, but it’s what He's asked me to do. I’m going to live what I believe!

I work in construction with a bunch of people that I use to run with before I changed my life. In my union people are so eager to put you down to make them look good, or stab you in the back to get ahead. These people that I used to run with now that I have changed my life are so willing to point out my past and try to get me to do the things that I use to do. The topic of conversations, the language used in a simple conversation, it simply does not sit well with the life I am living. To be on a construction site every day with the stress of being a single father of 2 is hard to be a true follower. It is so easy to get back into the old habits of drugs or drinking to "help" ease the stress. By me turning them down and speaking up on the topics of conversation for my faith, I find myself mocked and made fun of for my faith and my beliefs. Being in construction the world can easily consume me and take me back down to where I was before Jesus came into my life. But I know the punishment that Jesus took for me, so what I get from the people at work is easier to deal with. I know I always have a friend beside me in these times. I AM NOT A FAN!! Jesus took it for me, I can take it for HIM!!

In today’s May 24, 2009 Courier Journal, in the Forum section, there is an article from David Gibson (Special to The Washington Post) I don’t know what David believes and this is only one man’s perspective of history, culture, and faith, nevertheless his article speaks to the broader point of what happens when we ARE A FAN. David says “…Since the emergence of Catholicism in the 19th Century as a counter-weight to the US reigning Protestant culture, American Catholics have struggled to balance their desire their desire to assimilate into society with the fear of losing their faith in the nation’s melting pot. These new controversies show that, in the Catholic saga, assimilation is winning.” This is not about Catholic, Protestant, etc, this is the struggle to be “Not a Fan” from the first time we are on the playground to the day we choose what our tombstone will say about our life. It is a conscious walk everyday to be in this world and not of it. I have to ask myself in the office everyday if I show “Not a Fan” not on my shirt, not in quoting scripture verses, not by praying at lunch, but in the everyday things. Am I seen as different, do I standout not by words, but by life? There are days I struggle to love others, respect others beyond the worlds expectations, to give of myself to honor Christ first above all things in the work place. I am called to be set apart from this world every day, in every place, and in every way by being transparent for all to see Christ in me. I am “Not a Fan” living in this world.

While attending U of L I was a music education major and participated in the Cardinal Marching Band along with my girlfriend at the time and now wife, Mary. We had a lot of good times and fun memories but one that sticks out in my mind today is the time we played a road game at OSU. The stadium itself made you fill like you entering the Roman Coliseum: not only was it beautiful but it was huge. This was pre-Papa John's Stadium when the Cardinals were still playing at the Fairgrounds. I can remember just being in awe. Sure I was a fan of the Cards but maybe just a fair weather fan. I was so impressed with the size, appearance and history of the stadium and the OSU program I had given up all hope that we would actually win the game. In reflecting on this event it makes me realize how on guard I must be in my commitment to Christ. I can not be just a “Fan” but I must be a committed “follower” no matter what the price or sacrifice. Scripture tells us that the devil is like a lion seeking who he may devourer. I can not let myself be lured away from Jesus during the tough times because no matter how impossible it may seem or how hard it is to keep on going my victory is assured through the precious blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus!

The medallion with the arrow pointing to Mecca (Makkah) is permanently attached in this room at a hotel in Dubai, UAE. Being in the Middle East on business has shown me that the freedom we take for granted to be a follower (or even a fan) may not always be available to Christians in this region. In the small island nation of Bahrain, where Saudi Arabians come to play, Islam is the religion of the majority, however other religions are tolerated. I met a man with the fish symbol on his car. I asked him if he was a Christian and he said yes. He even had some scripture written out and displayed prominently in his car. He is a follower of Jesus! I want to be one too!

Since the break up of my marriage I have had to assume the role of spiritual leader for my family with the goal of raising my children in a Christian faith-filled home. Transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling to being a single parent, working full-time and going to graduate school has been difficult and honestly sometimes even seems overwhelming. On the tougher days I remind myself of Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Staying in the comfort zone just being a fan may seem like the easy way at times but I know that being a follower has made all the difference in dealing with the pain and uncertainties of life after divorce. Each day I am grateful to have a relationship with Jesus Christ who cares about all the little details of our lives and loves us with an everlasting love. By the merciful grace of God I remain a committed follower. Carrie--not a fan

What's up? Are we on "Holiday" in this life or what? Are we trying to please God or man? (Gal. 1:10 and 1 Thes. 2:4) This is not a joy ride. In this world you will have trouble, but fear not, Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33) We are to love hard and play hard! There is a reason for all seasons! (Jer. 29:11, Romans 8:28, 9:17)

"THANKS" be to God for His indescribable "GIFT" (2 Cor. 9:15) at CHRISTmas time. Are we focused on CHRIST or just the gifts? Don't take CHRIST out of CHRISTmas! His gift of eternal life is yours... you have a blood-bought right! Thank you Jesus! Wise men still seek HIM! (Matt. 6:33)

In true love there is no fear. (1 John 4:18) What are we afraid of? Lies? (John 8) What people think? (Gal. 1:10 and 1 Thes. 2:4) Let's keep our focus up! (Col. 3:2 and Phil. 4:8) Jesus loves us! not a fan.

Be joyful always, pray continually, give THANKS in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thes. 5:16-18) At Thanksgiving are we "THANKFUL" or are we hurried, baking, stressed out? Hello? Me? I am working hard to keep first things first. (Matt. 6:33) especially during the holidays when our focus can be on anything and everything but the Lord! Good, better, best decisions. (1 Cor. 6:12) especially when you have your own family... what works for one may not work for you. Ultimately you are accountable to God! Lord we seek you! not a fan.

Christ has "FREED" us from our sins by His blood. (Rev. 1:5) It is a revolution, a complete change in the way we think. ( 2 Cor. 10:5) It is in dying that we live. The truth sets us free to live abundantly. (John 8:32, 10:10) Thank you Jesus for setting the captives "FREE!" (Isaiah 61) Your banner of LOVE is over us. (Song of Songs 2:4) not a fan.

Wife, Mother, Friend. I thought long and hard about his experiment and the assignment that was given. Where will I wear the t-shirt? Where will it be most difficult for me to be a follower? The mall? A restaurant? The workplace? I looked at the photo’s posted. I have read the blogs and testimonies and I have been in awe of the candor and openness as people share how they are dying to self daily, dealing with their issues. Speaker, singer, student. Where was it going to be most difficult for me to be who He has called me to be? Would it be around my friends, in mixed company, in my home? I have without question been faced with many hardships and trials in life that have presented big challenges culturally, financially, and spiritually, but I still couldn’t put my finger on the one place it was hardest to be a Follower – until now. Facilitator, decision guide, prayer warrior. It was my church. The Word says to be ready to give a reason for the HOPE we have in Christ Jesus. I saw a fellow believer at church – my sanctuary, my safe place, my refuge. Having shared my most recent life occurrence with her, she knew my struggle and she knew my pain. She hugged me and asked, “How are you?” I smiled and answered, “Blessed and highly favored!” She drew me in closer and said, “No, really. How are you?” as if I couldn’t have joy or that couldn’t be true because of my circumstance. I stood firmly and looked her in the eye and said, “I really am -blessed and highly favored” and I went on my way. The events that I shared with her that happened one day were without question serious and life changing, but they do not define me any more than the other adjectives that you have read. I am defined by His stripes, by every drop of blood, and every tear that He shed. It was my sin that held Him there – I have no choice but to praise Him, in good times and bad. Regardless of how my situation looks to the world or how the enemy tries to get me to feel. Going through this tough time, many Christians weren’t pushing me to hold onto my faith and their words echoed give up Karen and move on – how could you have any joy? My life didn’t look pretty and my future, in the natural, looked bleak, but my HOPE was and is in Jesus. I knew that what He had done for others, He could do for me and ultimately regardless of what other Christians thought, I believed in my heart that He and He alone could change my situation and I prayed that He would. But even if He didn’t, I have already been blessed more than I deserve. He is still God and it is all part of His plan. I sin and don’t have it all together, but I choose Him daily. My name is Karen R. Kaufman Brawner, I have joy, and I will praise Him no matter what the circumstance. I am blessed and highly favored and I am a Completely. Committed. Follower.

Everyday I come home knowing my best friend is now longer there. March 6, 2007 my husband died suddenly in our home. He was a great Christian man who brought so much joy to my life and the lives of everyone that met him. When he died so many good Christian friends jumped in and met every possible need I had and I saw God work in so many ways. Time has passed and they have all gone back to their normal lives but mine will never be the same. Through all the pain and loneliness I often find myself questioning God. All the scriptures, devotions and books I read, keeps telling me that Jesus loves me and is going to carry me through but sometimes the emptiness I feel makes me wonder just where He is, and why isn't He easy the pain. Things seem to go along pretty good for a while, then a holiday, birthday or anniversary (May 24 would have been our 40th Wedding Anniversary) comes along and all the sadness and pain comes back full force. I know being a fan just won't cut it here, only being a true follower and believing and trusting Jesus and the promises in His Word will give me the strength to face each day.

It is so hard to not get caught up in the ways of the world. We are taught one thing in church, and then we leave and we are bombarded by a ton of pressures to fit in and be "normal" in a not-so-normal world. I have spent a good amount of my life, especially in my first few years of college, trying to be accepted and doing things that would be viewed as "normal" to all of my friends who were merely fans of God and the Bible. None of them wanted to face up to what the Bible actually said. Therefore, I fell into this category of being a fan of God, but only being a fan when things were easy. Now, I am trying to remember to not take the easy way out. I pass up all those gossip magazines that used to be a weekly investment of mine. My source of staying up to date with the movie stars, and fashion. Those magazines also had pretty "normal" information. Information that I became used to, or rather "numb" to. Things that I should never have read when I was younger, or even 10 years from now. Cosmo was one of the worst investments that I could have ever spent my money on in my life. Anyway, instead of chasing an unsatisfied, "normal" world, I am challenging myself to take up my cross daily and dare to be different. One of my favorite songs by Staci Orrico says, "Well it's life but I'm sure there's gotta be more." This song sums it all up basically. But, anyway, thanks for reading my story!

Working in the Emergency Room at Floyd Memorial Hospital, can sometimes be a challenge. You never know what you are going to face and when you are going to face it.

Being part of an amazing community group and around Southeast it is easy to follow God. Where I work moving myself from being a fan to a follower can be harder. I work in a good office with very nice people. Many very nice people who do not know Jesus and I find it too easy to sit by and miss opportunities to share with them the God I want to be a total follower of. I only say I love Jesus around people who love Jesus too then miss my opportunity to tell people who are not connected to God.That is why my only current option at work and everywhere else is to be not a fan, but to be a follower. God help me to be willing to share your life with those people I work with every day.

It is hard to follow Jesus–by loving him, serving him, and loving others–when I do not love myself. For years I have struggled with this disease and I know it is something I will always struggle with. And although I have made considerable progress, there are still times when I am weak. It is during those times that I completely ignore Him and all he has commanded me. You see, as a fan of Jesus, I was allowing myself to handle this disease on my own. And with this, not only was I destructing my own life, but the lives of those around me as well. I was a fan of Jesus so long as I was at peace with my body. A follower of Jesus puts aside her selfishness and vanity. A follower loves and serves everyone including Him despite the way things are going in her own life. A follower of Jesus dies to this disease, no matter how hard and scary it is, and allows Him to take control. I was baptized recently with many things that I was giving up to the Lord, including this disease. However, dying completely to this disease has been the biggest struggle in my walk with Christ. But it starts here: I am not a fan.

to be a follower it takes true complete commitment to God

i love to read and study GOD's word but I need to study his word more

Traveling was one of the ranking reasons I took the job I did 5 years ago (when I was single and fresh out of college). Five years later, I travel a lot more, have been married for 3 years and have more job responsibilities. All of those factors can make my travels more of a drag than an opportunity. Where inexperienced travelers, grumpy workers and passengers can all be excuses for a less than pleasant response from me. While I may not always be a fan of travel and being away from home, I am thankful for the bosses I have, more than just a job in this economy and a place to sign a light... in airports and on the road, where a light is noticed. I surrender my travels (and attitude doing so) from fan to follower.

Being a follower here should be the safest and easiest place of all. But, this has been my biggest challenge. I came here six years ago as a guest for a baby dedication. I felt God's presence here and He said to my heart "where have you been, I have been waiting for you". I had tears flowing down my cheeks. I knew right then and there that God was calling this prodigal daughter back home. I repented of my sin and started coming to Southeast every week. It felt really good to be here, but it did not take long for the fear to set in. I was so afraid that I would run into someone from my past who knew about the life I had lived. I had sin in my past that I did not want anyone to know about. I was afraid that people would be judgemental of me and shun me. If I had of lived in Jesus time I could have been one of Liz Curtis Higgs "Bad Girls of the Bible". My fear kept me from getting involved in bible study and volunteer work, and anything that would require that I get to know others. Therefore it kept me from growing in my christian life. When Kyle gave the sermon about "Not A Fan" I realized that I had only been a fan of Jesus for the past six years and that it was time to get rid of the fear, take up my cross and be a completely committed follower of Jesus. His cross was much bigger than any I would ever carry. If He did that for me then surely I can do this for Him. Praise you Jesus for being a God of second chances. I am all yours. NOT A FAN

So the other day I was at a business meeting and upon leaving and going to my vehicle I noticed two Middle Eastern women on their prayer mats praying towards Mecca. Right there smack dab in the middle of the parking garage. It took me off guard for a second but then I thought to my self what a strong showing for their faith in their religion. I am no expert on the Islamic faith but I know they have certain times they are required to pray. The great thing about My God is I can go to him in pray anytime I want to and don’t have to do at a specific time to prove my obedience to him. In fact the scriptures encourage us to pray without ceasing. God wants to be in constant communication with us. Our prayers should not be a showcase to say look at me they should be a power tool of communication with our Lord and Savior. A few years ago I heard a Talk Radio host talk about tipping. He said that in a survey that most wait staff hate working on Sundays because of the religious crowd. He went on to explain that they said church goers would come in all dressed to the nines and make sure everyone saw them praying before their meal but then when it came to showing generosity they would leave small tips or tracts (cleverly disguised as money) in lieu of tips. It was a that point I decided that not only do I want people to know my heart belongs to Jesus but that my heart is like Jesus’. I said no matter what when I go out to eat I am going to tip well. If I have a bad day at work or mess something up I still get the same check each week so why should wait staff be expected to be held to a higher standard than me to earn a living. No, I don’t like bad service but it opens the door to a good way to minister to someone that might be having a bad day. It really does make me wonder how many people have turned their backs on God because of bad tipping for those who pray before their meals in public. I’m not a fan I will die to self and follow him. I will give what He has given me so that honor and glory may be given to Him and His Kingdom.

Because the way you were raised

To be follower of Jesus is difficult everywhere I go. At church, I get comfortable with the niceties or place high expectations on others instead of seeking to encourage. At home, I am tempted to unleash my emotions. Work is probably the most difficult place to be a follower. It’s hard to stand up for Jesus for fear of being perceived as a mindless fanatic, or striving towards approval for promotion or salary increases. It is fleeting and empty as I experienced after being laid off from a previous employer of 21 years. Now I choose to die to myself daily and follow Jesus’ example to serve God’s purposes rather than my own. I am a follower, not a fan.

During the commute it is easy simply to listen to mindless songs or talk radio. Because I am seeking not to be a fan, I have begun to take the time from the home to the office and from the office to the home to pray or to listen to positive music. I find that "filling stations" are not those buildings on the side of the road. Rather, my car is becoming my "filling station" where I can fill up with Jesus' peace.

This is my prayer closet. I was so excited when we moved in here because, I was blessed to have a closet actually big enough for this purpose. It is hard to be a follower here because.. 1. I don't come here regularly. 2. When I do, it is hard to stay focused. I know this is where it should begin every morning. I have a new resolve to be a completely, committed follower. Luke 9:23

Last night, right after the Not a Fan campaign, I knelt before God and tearfully surrendered to Him, declaring my desire to move from the half-hearted faith of a fan to the all-consuming faith of a follower. He confirmed my dedication to the "Not a Fan" journey with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as He led me directly to Romans 15:5-6: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves AS YOU FOLLOW CHRIST JESUS..." The very presence of the word "endurance" hints at the struggles of Christ in which we much share, but God promises to help us and provide us encouragement as we grow to fall even more in love with Him. This morning, determined to fulfill the challenge from last evening, I spent the first ten minutes on my knees praying in the exact place this picture was taken- the same place, in fact, where I had dedicated my life to being a follower just hours before. Yet refusing to allow my mind to wander and speaking intimately with God for an entire ten minutes about each of the areas of my life I need to surrender was surprisingly difficult. My prayer was not, as it usually is, about what God could do for me, but what I could do for God. I'm finding as I move from fan to follower that my life is becoming less and less about myself and more and more about Christ...and it's incredibly exciting.

I'm simply by myself in this picture. When I am surrounded by Christians, it is really easy to be a completely committed follower. It's in those moments that I am alone that I find it difficult to be a follower. I get distracted by my selfish ways and find my thoughts swaying from Christ.

Work: The construction industry is known for having a salty personality to say it nicely. It’s even worse in the demolition business. Sure everybody knows I go to church and that I’m a Christian but I want them to know I am “NOT A FAN.” I want them to know I have more than a ticket to Heaven but a deep intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I want them to say that is one Christ like guy I want what he’s got.

When I tell my kids it's time to get in the car and two of them come inside with their feet covered in mud, it's hard to patiently take the time to gently wash their feet (which is what a follower would do).

Sometimes I don't fully trust God. I rely on things of this world (like food) to bring me joy or comfort. I have to be a follower of Christ when I open the refrigerator or I will over-indulge. In Romans 8:37, the Bible tells me that when I place my trust in Christ, I am more than a conqueror! This is so reassuring to me because I know I cannot conquer gluttony by myself. I have to be a follower, not a fan, to conquer sin.

Home: In the sanctity of our home it’s easy to let our guard down and place our cross to the side leaving it on the porch at the front door. In the mornings when everyone is rushing around trying to get ready for the days activities sometimes we forget to be followers and become far from fans with yelling, screaming and rushing to get somewhere on time. Then we run out that door pick up the cross and put our Christian face on for the world to see. Help me to keep my Christian face on even when no one is looking.

"Idiot! Com'n moron! What are you doing?!?!" Let's face it, patience is hard to come by from behind the wheel. I often say things I wouldn't say face-to-face with another driver. I know Jesus wouldn't say those things. So why do I? Being a Christ follower from the driver's seat is tough. I've got to do better.

Its hard to be a follower at work because I'm afraid I'm going to fall on my face even when I'm not 50ft. up!

Between homework, housework and a full time job... life moves very fast and it is challenging to keep from being a fan and not a committed follower. The line was drawn in the sand when I realized that my being a follower had a direct impact on my five children... that they will mold their own relationship with Christ based on my example. And with that... I simply can't afford to just be a fan.

Stepping out my front door into my wonderful neighborhood is one place where it is challenging for me to share my faith. I want them to know about the dearest thing to me, yet fear somehow manages to keep me from doing so. But He never said it would be easy. My desire is to remove self and be more of a light to those who are close to me.

Being a fan is easy. I know all to well. I can do it from the comfort of my home, on my own time, when its convenient to my schedule and when I'm around other fellow "Christians." But what about when I'm out of my comfort zone? Am I willing to bring up my faith on the "outside", out in the world? Will I speak up for my Lord when I know the people around me don't want to hear about Him or His Word? At work? With those friends that just don't understand putting Him first? Ive been trying to be a follower more so in the past year, but it's time to turn up the notch! Especially for my daughters generation! They only have us to look up to as a model Christian. Its not just on Sundays at church, its every day, every hour... we are living like Christ! It's not going to be easy... I know that. But I'm up for the most important challenge of my life.

It has been difficult being a follower of Jesus while my husband has been looking for a job. It's so easy for me to get caught up in the what ifs? How will we pay bills? How will we pay for groceries? and on and on. I say that I trust that God will provide, but do I really mean that? At this moment, I commit to truly trusting in God in this! I know that He will provide and lead us in His will!

To start Not A Fan, I plan to start with a testamony. It is always hard for me to be on a computer because of a past addiction. I was once addicted to adult content. It started in High school and went through college. By the end of college, I didn't like where I was going and went through a back and forth war with my addiction. I won that war as being a fan of Christ, but found that being a fan wasn't enough. I still struggle with temptations. Now being a follower, I have God with me and pouring out of me. I have paid a deep price, but Christ took that price to the cross when he died for me. Now, I follow and keep a bible close by and pray before getting on the computer.