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Monday, July 7, 2008

Every Day with Jesus
Chapter 5
Taking up the cross

Matthew 16:13 - 28
" 'If anyone wants to be follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' " (v.24)

The phrase "take up your cross" can sometimes be puzzling to new Christian, so let me explain what the term really means. In the days in which Jesus lived, a cross meant just one thing - death. Whenever a cross was up lifted, it meant that someone had to die in a horrible way imaginable - by begin nailed to a tree to face slow, lingering death.

Be known as a Christian

"Taking up your cross" does not mean, of course, that we nail two pieces of wood together and carry it around on our backs as a sign that we are followers of Jesus. It means simply that we become willing to "die" to our own selfishness and self-centredness. Let's take a specific example. To be known as a Christian may make you unpopular with colleagues at work. They might ridicule and scoff at the Name of Jesus. It is not easy to stand against this opposition, and our own nature will tend to speak us deep within and say: "Don't tell anyone you belong to Christ - hide the fact that you believe in Lord Jesus... " etc. "Taking up your cross" would be able to deny your own desire for the approval of others, and willingly bear their taunts for the sake of your Lord.

Put Jesus first

It is important to remember , of course that whenever you make up your mind to put Jesus first and your own desire second, a special supply of strength is directed towards you by God. It will not be as hard as you think, for God's help is given to all those who step out to obey Him and live the way He expects. If you decide to "take up your cross", I promise you a thrilling new discovery - by denying self and putting God first, you will know the joy of becoming more like Jesus.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, I do so long to be strong and brave in my testimony for You. Help me to accept this challenge, and to deny my own selfish pleasure, so that You can glorified in me this very day. Amen.

flew into your heart at [Monday, July 07, 2008]

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