Day 109

Today we consider Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Now we are getting to the truth about being a disciple of Jesus Christ. To be a follower of Jesus is to be like Jesus. And Jesus was a "cross carrier;" He specialized in doing the Father's will above His own. If we are going to be like Jesus we need to be in the moving business; we need to be moving our cross daily to do the Father's will and not our own.

Of this verse John Wesley said: "A rule that can never be too much observed: let him in all things deny his own will, however pleasing, and do the will of God, however painful. Should we not consider all crosses, all things grievous to flesh and blood, as what they really are, as opportunities of embracing God's will at the expense of our own? And consequently as so many steps by which we may advance toward perfection? We should make a swift progress in the spiritual life, if we were faithful in this practice."

Our progress in our Christian walk will be steady and sure as we carry our cross. How you may say do I carry my cross? Where do I find the cross to carry? The cross is before you every day as you first begin your day seeking God. Spending time with Him no doubt may bring revelation to changes that are needed in your life. As you read and speak the Word, that Word will cleanse you as you put to death anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and strife. As you obey you are carrying the cross; you are conforming your life to His will not yours. As you daily walk your life and take the truth of His Gospel to a dying world and are reproached, you are carrying your cross. Let us embrace this cross carrying mission. It is to be our happiness to do so for our Lord and Savior. Be a disciple today and carry your cross!