many bumps along the way. Trials, tribulations, burdens and heartaches are our ever
present traveling companions. Yet despite all these obstacles, the Word of God entreats
us in Luke 9:23 "And He (Jesus) said unto them all, (His disciples) If any man will
come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
There are three important steps in this verse that I would like to look at today. The
first one is "deny himself." Our old human nature does not like to deny itself! We
prefer to indulge in what makes us feel good, happy, and promotes our interest. When
we put Christ first in our lives, self takes the back seat. The Lord's will and not our
own becomes predominate in our lives. We cannot follow Jesus without denying our-
selves. John 3:30 "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease." The Holy Spirit
cannot fill up a heart that is already filled with self.
Secondly, we must take up our cross daily. There is one important thing I've learned
about this step...we cannot do it in our own strength. So many Christians get discouraged
in this life because they are trying to carry the burdens and navigate the tribulations
all on their own. God has given us two very important resources to help. Ephesians
3:16 "That He (God) would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man:" God wants to grant us
His divine strength for our journey! Not only is His strength available to us, but He
has also instructed us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Wherefore comfort yourselves
together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." We are to help one another,
to encourage one another along this difficult journey we are on. And notice, it is
daily that we are to take up our cross. Don't quit. I've been there on those days when
you just want to throw in the towel and give up, but don't. There is promised blessing
and victory for those who keep on. James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the
Lord hath promised to them that love Him."
And the last step is to follow Christ. Who are you following? Are you following man,
his teachings and philosophies? It is so easy for the worlds way of thinking to creep
into our lives. We must always stay on guard against anything that goes against the
way of Christ. We are warned about this very thing in 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe
not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false
prophets are gone out into the world." Show discernment in who you follow! If
what they are saying does not line up with the Word of God, do not listen to them!
The first you must follow is Christ.
Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ. It's not an easy road, but we
have this precious promise in 1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God little children, and have
overcome them: because greater is He (God) that is in you, than he (Satan) that
is in the world." We can be overcomers because of the inner dwelling of our Great
God...Whom has already overcome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKSwpbsuzP4
It's Not An Easy Road
It's not an easy road we are traveling to Heaven,
For many are the thorns on the way:
It's not an easy road but the Savior is with us,
His presence gives us joy every day.
It's not an easy road, there are trials and troubles,
And many are the dangers we meet;
But Jesus guards and keeps so that nothing can harm us,
And smooths the rugged path for our feet.
Though I am often footsore and weary from travel,
Though I am often bowed down with care;
A better day is coming when home in the glory,
We'll rest in perfect peace over there.
No, no, it's not an easy road,
No, no, it's not an easy road;
But Jesus walks beside me and brightens the journey,
And lightens every heavy load.
John W. Peterson
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