Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross to follow me.” – (Luke 9:23)
Jesus was explaining the depth of commitment required of those who choose to follow Him. To deny ourselves is to set aside our own agenda and selfish desires, and to use our time, energy and resources in a way that honors Christ, according to what He asks of us. In order to take up our cross, we must be willing to imitate the attitude of Christ, and obey His commands. Our allegiance to Christ must be above all else; unwilling to be compromised, even in the face of death. Though there is a cost to follow Christ – all that we are; the return far exceeds our investment. Not only do we have His help and His presence here and now, but we have the blessed assurance of knowing that our eternity is secure in the safety of our Savior. May we choose Christ today, and always.
To follow the Lord,
requires great price;
it’s all that we are,
invested in Christ.
Our whole heart and mind,
committed to Him;
no more self-seeking,
nor contest to win.
His Spirit within,
will help us obey;
live life as He lived,
in love each new day.
No matter what comes,
there’s no compromise;
when we are in Christ,
we’re seen through His eyes.
Let us stand in strength,
the strength of the Lord;
our Help and our Hope,
let Him be adored.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose You, You have already chosen us. Thank You that You meet us where we are, and change us from the inside out. Thank You that You strengthen us and lead us, and reveal to us what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily to follow You. Forgive us for our selfishness and our disregard for Your direction, and help us to hear and obey You clearly. Grant us the courage to trust You completely and the strength to go wherever You ask us to go. Let us love others as You so generously and graciously love us, and may lives be changed and hearts turned forever towards You. Be exalted O God, as we daily choose to follow You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14
Revelations In Writing 
Such a hard thing to do sometimes, that denial business. My agenda always seems to be lurking around when I’m making strides to put others before myself and Jesus as my all. Thank you for sharing. God bless.