Scripture: Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Thought for the Day: There is a very interesting Blog entitled: the Naked Jesus – A Journey out of Christianity and into Christ. It is written by John O’Keefe, and not long ago, he wrote the following:
It is harder to live in grace, than it is to live in law
It is harder to forgive, than it is to judge
It is harder to love, than it is to hate
It is harder to include, than it is to exclude
It is harder to engage, than it is to ignore
It is harder to share, than it is to hold
It is harder to accept, than it is to reject
It is harder to welcome, than it is to walk away
As much as I wish his observations were off base, it is quite apparent that he is spot-on. Jesus spoke about his followers denying themselves, taking up the cross and choosing to lose their lives. Those words of scripture sure make for a pretty cross-stitch that grandma might have made, but what it is asking is so demanding that Christians throughout history have justified doing just the opposite. Lord, help us!
Prayer: We call upon your assistance and your empowering Spirit, O Lord, for we know that we cannot do what we have been called to do without you. Amen.
JOIN US THIS MORNING
at 8:15, 9:30 or 11:00
Change Begins With An Honest Oops
PUT THESE DATES
ON YOUR CALENDAR TODAY
