Sacrifice

 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 8:34 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mrk.8.34.ESV

Jesus doesn't promise health, wealth and happiness to His followers. He demands self denial, self sacrifice and the following of Him. With the help of His Spirit we can do it.

We might want an extra slice of cake, a lingering glance at an attractive person, or get covetous of other people's things. Jesus demands that we deny ourselves. If we deny ourselves, we get eternal rewards.

Taking up our crosses isn't about having a piece of jewellery round our necks. It's about being prepared to die for Jesus. May people have been martyred for their faith in Him, would we be prepared to be?

We are to follow Jesus. We're not to keep looking back. Instead, we are to resolutely walk the Calvary way.

'Dear Lord, please help us by Your Spirit to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow You. For Your glory we pray, amen'

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