And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake, he is the one who will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God].
Luke 9:23-24 AMP
Glory and honour be unto God for the blessings of a brand new day and the opportunity to rejoice and be glad in it.
Jesus laid down the conditions required for the disciples to be able to work effectively and efficiently in the ministry. These conditions are applicable to us today.
Firstly, He called for self sacrifice(deny yourself of the pleasures of the world) to be able to follow Jesus Christ, set aside self interest and look at the bigger picture of serving the Lord selflessly.
Be ready and willing to go all out for Jesus! The willingness to endure any challenge that might come for the sake of the gospel reaching the utter most part of the world.
Pattern your life after Jesus Christ so that as the world sees you they are reading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Following Jesus’ life without any compromise so that your life will point others to Christ.
May Jesus be seen in our lives, may we be the carriers of the gospel, may we be instruments of God’s love and may the lost be saved through our obedience. God bless you. Amen.
abmingle
Fresh Thoughts 