So when it comes to denying myself, it’s not one of my strongest suits for sure! In fact, to be completely honest, self-centeredness, comfort, and control are the top three idols of my heart. Neither a good thing nor something to be proud of, I might add. Allowing those three desires to drive my thoughts, speech, and actions has led me down so many dead end roads. On these roads, there was only a pity party for one awaiting me.<\/p>\n
I allowed these desires to burn quite a few relationships, as well as get me into a few relationships I didn’t need to be in! So, basically, it was nothing but a bunch of reckless decisions that were only based upon one thing….ME! And who should my choices, actions, and speech reflect? If you’re saying God you are CORRECT!<\/p>\n
In Luke 9:23 it says: “And calling the crowd with His disciples He said to them Unfortunately, these idols of mine that I mentioned earlier don’t magically disappear with a blink of an eye. It takes discipline everyday of reading God’s word and seeking out ways to serve others rather than myself. This is not a battle that is fought easily. This is where This verse is a continual reminder to me of what Christ did for each and every one So, as you go through your week, look around you, it could be your parents, Grandparents, siblings, friends or just a random person out and about. In some way big or small whether it’s a good morning text , telling the person how thankful you are for them, an afternoon -Resident, 2013<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nIf anyone would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nLuke 9:23 comes into play and I have to go to the feet of God and say, “Okay, I’m willing to set aside my desires of control, comfort, and need of being the center of attention and follow YOU wherever YOU decide to lead me!”<\/p>\n
\nof us when He took up His own cross and died for our sins. To think He could have backed out at any given moment and sent us all to Hell for eternity; but instead, He suffered sacrificially so we could be saved from our sins and know His Father, our Father. In that case, why shouldn’t I deny myself and love others more than myself so He can be glorified?<\/p>\n
\nspent with them, running an errand for them, or for the stranger a simple hello and smile as you open the door for them! There’s always an opportunity awaiting us to deny ourselves and serve and who knows even bring someone to Christ! So let’s make the most of every day God gives us! Who knows what He’s got planned!<\/p>\n