Denying Myself

Then He said to them all, " If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in glory and that of the Father and His holy angels.  I tell you the truth: there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God." Luke 9:23-27

This is serious stuff! What does denying myself daily look like? I'd say any indulgence in fleshly living. This also includes self-righteousness and religiously. We can take the flesh by going to the gym and going on a diet, but we need to harness the mind, the will, the emotions, we need to follow the Spirit of God not the Spirit of self.

We cannot live a life of 'not being able to live without coffee or chocolate. Being a health food evangelist does not do it, whilst bodily discipline is of some benefit, says Paul, spiritual discipline is of more benefit.

Daily I will have choices: will I react that way, will I allow my feeling to rule me here, will I allow my lust for foods dictate.? Will I choose to spend time with God instead of time on Facebook? Will I sing worship songs instead of the latest hit parade? If we want more power we need to be plugged into the power socket with the switch turned on. Amen!

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