Bible Verse of The Day – 12-4-23

Luke 9:23 (NKJV) 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

This verse is one that we hear quoted often. But do we fully understand the implications of it?

Over the centuries, Christianity has become softer, more watered down. It has lost its edge, so to speak, compromising many critical truths to become more palatable to the masses.

This has resulted in a large percentage of believers who know or understand little about some of the most crucial principles of “following Jesus”.

Being a child of God is not intended to be a “cake walk”. It was never meant to be easy and convenient.

Yes, God blesses His children as we obey. He rewards the faithful.

But many of those blessings and rewards do not consist of material things.

Following Jesus has a cost.

Look at what Jesus told His disciples; “if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself”.

That doesn’t sound much like what some would call your best life now, or Friday every day, does it?

Being a child of the Most High God requires dedication, persistence, faithfulness and a willingness to make sacrifices on our part.

Are we willing to surrender some things to follow Him?

Are we ready to put ourselves last, and others first?

Are we willing to lay down our lives for our faith, denying all other gods, submitting fully to Him?

Are we willing to allow Him to change our heart, so it longs after Him and not after the things of the world?

These are hard questions.

But they are questions we must each consider and answer honestly if we wish to grow and mature as believers, and not just go with the flow.

Jesus spoke these words for a reason, so let us serve Him wholeheartedly, and with a purpose, denying ourselves and following Him wherever He leads.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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