Carrying The Cross
Posted by Dion Todd February 24th, 2016 12,295 Views 0 Comments
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, 'Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.' Mark 8:34 WEB
If you will just keep following Jesus one day at a time, no power on earth can stop you because the Father is mightier than all. He created the universe, the earth, the stars, as well as us. He is not called 'The Almighty' for nothing (El Shaddai Job 11:7). No one can take us out of His hand (John 10:28).
It is when we choose to follow our own path that we get into trouble. We sometimes follow the 'I did it my way' path and like Eve, we follow the lust of our flesh: 'I know that He said not to, but I want it.' Sometimes our own traditions render the word of God void in our life (Mark 7:13).
Taking up your cross daily and following Jesus is not an easy task (Luke 9:23). That is why Paul wrote 'I die daily' (1Cor 15:31). All day long we have to make small course corrections because once the mind slips into the gutter, our body eventually follows and we get slimed.
'But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one other, that you may not do the things that you desire' (Galatians 5:16-17).
Thank God there is hope for He is there to help us and guide us with His Spirit. Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:39). Just involve God in your daily life by asking Him to be a part of it.
When facing something difficult, stop and pray about it for a moment. You may be surprised at the results. When you fall, get back up. Take up your cross daily and have no fear of what the enemy can do to you, for we are safe in the Father's hand.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the open door and Your welcoming arms. Please strengthen me and help me to see through Your eyes. Guide me into all that You have and share Your thoughts with me today. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: Good morning! The highlighted group of the week is "Real Support for Military Families": This group is a place to receive and offer encouragement and prayer for members of the military and their families. We recognize that the families of those who serve in particular have daily burdens that often go unnoticed. If you would like to be part of this community, either as part of a military family, or just someone who would like to pray for them, please do join them! You can find them and any of the other groups on the 'Groups' link on the site menu.