As I stood in front of this station, I thought of what it means to take up the cross of Jesus in my daily life.
I thanked Him that I did not have to carry a literal cross.
But, His words clearly say
And he said to all,
"If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself
and take up his cross daily
and follow me."
- Luke 9:23
"If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself
and take up his cross daily
and follow me."
- Luke 9:23
The road to being a true follower of Jesus, a true disciple is really the road of self denial.
The world has wrongly taught ascetism or austere self-discipline as the path to true spirituality. And I am aware that there are correct, as well as wrong ways of doing this.
But it is true that the enemy of our souls has succeeded in propagating the religion of self-indulgence.
Today I just want to renew my commitment to my God and King, to live a lifestyle of simplicity, of joy, contentment and Christlikeness.
Jesus, help me to know what it truly means to take up my cross daily and follow You.
Walkway Reflections: Introduction
Walkway Reflections 1: The Garden
Walkway Reflections 2: The Betrayal
Walkway Reflections 3: The Trial
Walkway Reflections 4: The Verdict
Walkway Reflections 5: The Whip
Walkway Reflections 6: The Curse
Walkway Reflections 7: The Cross
Walkway Reflections 8: The Two Simons
Walkway Reflections 9: The Crucifixion
Walkway Reflections 10: The Mother
Walkway Reflections 11: The Promise
Walkway Reflections 12: The Darkness
Walkway Reflections 13: The Cloth
Walkway Reflections 14: The Table
6 comments:
I join you with your precious renewal of dedicating yourself to truly follow the Lord.
Cross reminds me of the Lord's suffering and as followers, must we not also partake of that? But one time I was exercising, He gave me that vision of it being a "plus" sign so my finite mind could understand...That a life surrendered to Jesus is a "+"...With Jesus, instead of eternal death, we have eternal life...Instead of weakness, we can do everything...etc...
So, glory be to God! I enjoy this reflection so thanks sister!
Hi Lidj,
We don't have to physically carry a cross but our walk in life is our cross and when we bare this walk yolked with Christ then the burden is easy. Thank you for sharing this!
I agree that it is not self-discipline but self-denial that defines a follower of Jesus.
God bless you sister as you share this journey.
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I will cling to the old rugged cross
Dear Lidj,
I am grateful that Jesus carried the cross that really matters; his cross.
I pray for strength to carry the small cross He needs me to carry for my own good.
Even for my own burdens I need not use my own strength.
I cling to the words of Paul from 2 Chor12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
I boast about the help I am getting, carrying my cross.
From Felisol
In the cross, oh Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadows o'er me....
---"Near the Cross" Fannie Crosby
I pray all is well with you and your family! I've not been visiting blogs as much this year with medical challenges, and family having moved in with us. But I wanted to stop in and pray a blessed Holy week for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this powerful message with us.
Much love!
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