MATTHEW 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

TO PONDER

Jesus’ teaching, is often in opposition to conventional wisdom. Jesus says to find life, you have to give up your life for him. Being a disciple of Jesus is often about not doing what the world says we should do, or what I want to do, but what Jesus ask us to do.  It means relying on his strength and power, not our own. It means putting his mission and purpose above our own ambitions and goals. It means humbling ourselves and following Jesus, wherever he leads. Discipleship requires that we listen closely for God to guide us. It means that we get to know his Word and what it means for our lives. It also means that we stop putting ourselves first and instead love God with everything we have.

PRAYER:Father, help me deny myself and follow you in everything I do.

Today's devotion written by Francis Leung, LifeWay Epping