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Shield Daily Devotional  

Day 110

We are continuing to look at 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." In thinking about this verse it dawned on me the necessity of our wanting to "take up your cross" as an specific act.The words "deny" and "take" are imperative aorist verbs. This means that they are commands that require singular action as opposed to continuing action. This means that there is a definite time that one would actually deny himself and definitely pick up the cross. However, the word "follow" is in the present tense which means continuous action. We are to make a conscious choice to become a "cross carrier."

This is very important as too often we go through life with a "come what may attitude." "I wonder what today holds." Instead of this, we are to approach each day with the idea that today I am going to pick up my cross and follow, i.e. walk as Jesus' walked. Jesus had purpose in all that He did. No; I am not talking about you becoming "purpose driven." That focuses on your purposes; I am talking about purpose driven to do the Father's will as you carry your cross. Do you see the difference? One is about you and the other is about the Father. If we follow Jesus, our emphasis must be about the Father.

This makes each day a challenge because the Father will call you to radical behavior, e.g. worshiping Him in Spirit and truth, loving Him with your whole heart, loving your neighbor as yourself. That is radical; that is carrying your cross. Today, be a radical cross carrier for Jesus. Walk the walk of love for the Father and for your fellow man. And remember, it is not about you, it is about Him.

 
 
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