And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." {Verses 23-26}
What does it mean to take up your cross? Jesus says here that if you want to follow him, you need to deny who you are- let go of your plans, dreams, hopes for life and surrender to the plans and purposes of Jesus. Notice, that Jesus says to take up the cross daily and follow Him. Following Jesus isn't a one time decision, it is a daily decision to surrender yourself to Him- even when that means rejection from people even to the point of death. If you try to save your earthly life by living your dreams and in your control, you might live a great earthly life, but you will not inherit eternal life in Christ. If you deny your earthly life, giving up the comforts of this world, caring more about plans and purposes of Jesus rather than the popularity and reputation you have with people, you will gain eternal life with Him in heaven. What's the point in gaining all you can on earth, but being rejected by God at the end of time? Do things really matter to you that much that you would lose your soul over your reputation or possessions?
This is something to seriously ponder. There are so many people that because they can't see God or heaven or know His plans, just pass it by instead. But know that, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) This is one of my favorite verses of Scripture. Even though I don't know His plans, they are always greater than mine. Being human (and a woman!), I like control. There are times when God brings me to a place and reminds me to let go and let Him. Jesus asks us to give up control of our lives daily. If you are wrestling with God about something, check how much control you have or are trying to still have on the situation. Remember that God is good, all the time- even when things seem rough or when you wonder what the heck He is up to. He sees the bigger picture- and if you do deny yourself and take up His cross, you will be blessed His plans and purposes and will bless you in ways you would have never thought for yourself! His ways are perfect.
Deny yourself, and follow Him.
~Leanne~
This is something to seriously ponder. There are so many people that because they can't see God or heaven or know His plans, just pass it by instead. But know that, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) This is one of my favorite verses of Scripture. Even though I don't know His plans, they are always greater than mine. Being human (and a woman!), I like control. There are times when God brings me to a place and reminds me to let go and let Him. Jesus asks us to give up control of our lives daily. If you are wrestling with God about something, check how much control you have or are trying to still have on the situation. Remember that God is good, all the time- even when things seem rough or when you wonder what the heck He is up to. He sees the bigger picture- and if you do deny yourself and take up His cross, you will be blessed His plans and purposes and will bless you in ways you would have never thought for yourself! His ways are perfect.
Deny yourself, and follow Him.
~Leanne~
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