Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”
Mark 8:34 NLT
Carry your cross. No one can carry it for you. You must choose to willingly die to your own way and crucify the deeds of the flesh daily to follow Jesus.
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”
Mark 8:35 NLT
Apart from Jesus, there is no eternal life. He laid down His life to save ours. We must lay down our lives to receive His.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Mark 8:36 NLT
There’s nothing in this temporary world that is worth giving up your inheritance in the Kingdom of God for. Everything on Earth will perish. Everything will be burned up. The only thing that transcends the material world is our souls.
“Is anything worth more than your soul?”
Mark 8:37 NLT
The devil wants your soul. But Jesus won’t let you go. You will suffer in this lifetime. You will be persecuted for following Jesus. The world will hate you because you are dedicated to Me, says the Lord. Don’t worry, I have overcome the world.
Keep walking. Walk by faith, not by sight. Keep listening. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truth. Keep dying daily. Die to the world and live in Christ.
All of Creation waits to be set free from this time of dying. Then, when the glory is revealed, it will have all been worth it. Take courage, little ones, your Father won’t let you go.
Father in Heaven, redeem Your People from worldly living. Lead us to grow in godliness everyday until we truly resemble Christ and are worthy to be called by His Name. Amen.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NLT
Recommended reading: Mark 8 and John 16.
Igniter Ministries 