“And he said unto them all,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9 v23-27 AKJV
To be like Jesus. Christian, to be like Christ, and of course we have not arrived to a divine state of eternity as yet but we are to-take up the cross of our mantle (role or responsibility) daily and do as he would do.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12 v1
We are not directed to do more than we can even though at times what we are facing seems more than we can handle. To what degree can we afford to gain in this world above the plans God has for us and our lives. No material possessions, nor any legacy we leave of this life, other than our service to Christ and the testimony of our faith, will be of any value when eternity comes. We are to live our lives, work, and enjoy the fruits of our labor and all the same time as following God’s commands in the love and spirit of our savior, Jesus Christ.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even as a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4 v14
Every day will count to someone, someday and how will the fruits of our labor in the kingdom of God fare? Daily, I am checked by others and by myself as well. Yesterday, it was mentioned that I would need to go home and repent, as yes I engaged in what seemed harmless humor and activity but obviously could have been viewed another way. I do know that there is an accuser of the brethren, yet I must not use that as an excuse not to check myself. My witness of Christ in me must stand the test, not the test of men, but the test of the one who lives in me and then there is no worries.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vane babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6 v17-21
God gave us the gift of life.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2 v7
And Jesus came and gave his life that we might have eternal life.
“For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: like-wise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be ye not servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” 1 Corinthians 7 v22-24
Humility/humbleness. Our joy in the Lord is knowing that we are a part of the family of God. The humility and humbleness of our lives is displayed through our respect and reverence for God. The way we live, and the words we share carries that joy, or at least the opportunity to experience that joy onto another. Is it always easy? No, but it is always good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8 v28
Lord, we thank you for this day. Amen
January 11
Threecrosses 