March 5, 2015

Read: Luke 9:23

Passionate people amaze me. I get frustrated sometimes because I have a horrible habit of losing my passion about something and caring about it less as time goes on. Whether it's exercise, expanding my knowledge about my job field, or even committing myself to the study of scripture, I have the hardest time maintaining my passion.

However, in Luke 9, we see Jesus demand exactly that. In verse 23, our King tells people to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him.

Deny yourself? In our culture, we celebrate our self-sufficiency. Our ability to get things for ourselves is limitless. The cross represents the greatest sacrifice any human has ever had to make, and He had to carry it Himself. 

Step 1: Deny yourself of the things your flesh desires. Step 2: Learn what God has asked you to sacrifice for the advancement of His kingdom, and carry it every day. Step 3: Follow the King. Everywhere. Through everything. Every trial. Every mistreatment. Every awkward encounter. 

“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Wrapped up in that 19-word sentence is the hardest thing God has ever asked, so He had Jesus do it first to show us how.

Pray:  

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.  

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.  

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your desire to know and please Him.  Ask Him to give you a greater love and commitment to Him.  Ask Him for the grace to glorify Him in your life.  Intercede on behalf of your local church, other churches, evangelism and discipleship ministries and other concerns you may have.  Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.