Take Up Your Cross

To have a fruitful life is a life for Jesus. Nothing on earth can satisfy us like His love. Are you willing give Your life to God? To walk in His ways is life eternal. Walking in the ways of the world are the wages of death. The Lord said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”. To deny yourself means to make Jesus the centerpiece of your life and put aside all things that come before Him. We must be willing to give up our old life and follow Jesus. The Lord continued, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The things we gain in life will all come to dust, one day. Only the things we do for Jesus will give us eternal joy and happiness in this life and the life to come in heaven. Take up your cross and be willing to live for Jesus even through trials. Just like Jesus died on the cross for us, in all His pains and sufferings for our sins, take on what the world throws at you for Christ’s sake.

How many hours, this week, have you watched TV? How many hours, this week, have you read the Bible? We may say that we love God but if our hearts aren’t for Him than we are against Him. Are you willing to choose Jesus over your comforts in life? God calls all believers to walk in their faith. If you love Him, than make Him the biggest priority of your day. Pray often. Don’t let your hopes and dreams get in the way of following your Savior. Anything that interferes with Him is a hindrance in our lives. Commit this day to following Jesus. Give your lives over to Him willingly. Understand His commandments and keep them. You will find peace in your walk with Christ. People may ridicule you for living for Him but it will be well worth it in the end. If you are willing to die to self you will find true life in Christ. Oh Lord, Your love is greater than anything this life can offer. I never found satisfaction in anything this life could offer me. It is Your love that makes me stronger each day. I am blessed in the time that I follow You. I give You my life and my soul. Have Your way with me. I will gladly endure this life, through trials, for Your sake. I love You.

Matthew 16:24-27 (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.