"And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23, ESV).
We are called to be disciples of Christ. Here is a list of synonyms for disciple: follower, supporter, believer, admirer, devotee, student, protégé, upholder, supporter...
In other words, we are to be like Jesus! He has empowered us to be like Him and to further His work.
There are three commands for discipleship: (Take notice the action words involved).
Deny self and submit to Jesus daily. This is not about you, it's all about Him.
Follow Jesus daily. Pay attention to what you are following, listening to, or watching.
Take up your own cross. Show your devotion to Christ; He bore His cross for you. Know His truth.
Always be completely devoted to Christ. Either He is the most important priority above your own life, or you are putting something or someone above God in your heart. Your challenge is to follow Jesus closely - don't let Him out of your sight!
It has been said that the body cannot be happy if the soul is miserable; but the soul may be happy, though the body is greatly afflicted and oppressed in this world. We must never be ashamed of Christ and His Gospel. We must completely surrender to Christ and His direction, and His calling upon our lives.
You will be so filled to overflowing with the love of Jesus, that you will not be able to contain it inside. You will be prompted by the Spirit of God to share the Gospel of Christ and lead others into discipleship. Remember as a child of God you are also His disciple.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"
(Matt. 11:28-30, NIV).
Father, may we bless You by fulfilling our calling to be disciples of Christ. Thank You for empowering us. May we show the world who Jesus is by our very lives. We love and honor You, our heavenly Father. In the greatest Disciple of all time, in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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