Sunday, April 1, 2012

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

5 comments:

  1. YAY!! I can't believe I WON! I'll inbox you with my snail mail address :)

    Great post on taking up our crosses, and a good reminder that there are consequences for leaving them. May we be found faithful with the things He's called us to bear!
    Love you!!

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  2. Great post, Jamie! So often we want to follow him in the good times, when everything's going well. But it's much harder to follow when we know the choices won't be fun. I had this situation recently and truly had to seek Him. It would have been more fun and lots easier to go my own way.

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    1. Sorry--it wouldn't let me continue...

      But I knew what He wanted me to do. Once I became obedient in my heart and mind, I knew it was the right choice and His peace filled me!

      Great post of truth, Jamie! Thanks!

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  3. Jamie, Thanks for this great reminder. God bless you, Love, Hester ;)

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  4. Thank you Jamie. Jesus went on to say, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." What is deemed foolish is the world's eyes is found to be wisdom in God's eyes: We lose to gain and we die to live. If only we could open our eyes to see His eternal purposes for all things which concern us. Your reminder is beautiful. You are a precious member of the Body of Christ. Love you!

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