Take Up Your Cross

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23, New King James Version)

This is Jesus speaking, and he gives us a choice. He says that "if" you want to follow me, here's the things you'll have to do. This isn't an easy verse to do. Sometimes, we don't like the cross He gives us to bare. We want something different, but He says "take up your cross." That means whatever that cross may be. Another part that we really don't like to do is to deny ourselves. We're so self-obsorbed at times, that to think we have to deny ourselves isn't very appealing. But, in order to follow Christ, we have to do what He's commanded. If we don't, there will be consequences. And the consequences won't be pleasant. Do you need to take up your cross and follow Him today? Perhaps you need to do that for the first time. I invite you to do that. It won't be easy, but it will be the greatest decision you'll ever make.

Father, help us all to take up our cross, deny ourselves and follow You. Help us to do it in a more intimate way. Draw us closer to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.


******Last week, I had the privelege of giving away an autographed copy of my friend Edie Melson's new book, "Fighting Fear: Winning the War At Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle. I'm proud to say the winner of the book is...Susan Stilwell! Susan, just email me your address and the book will be on its way! jamiebritt2006@gmail.com