VERSE FOR TODAY: And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Mark8:34, New American Standard Bible).
HYMN FOR TODAY: Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me"
Throughout history men and women have risen to challenge of a high calling proffered by a great leader. Abraham Lincoln called upon the people of the North and South to "bond up the nation's wounds." Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Winston Churchill told the people of England, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil,tears, and sweat."
We admire a great leader who never asks his followers to go where he himself is not willing to go or do what he idnot prepared to do. When Jesus the greatest of all leaders, ask us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him,He does not promise an easy life; but we know Hehas experienced every temptation we face and remained sinless.
As Christians, do we practice self-denial and cross-bearing? Do our daily careers and earthly pleasures prevent us from visiting the sick and lonely, providing food, shelter, and clothing for the needy,and counseling those with problem? If we are to serve God, we must serve humanity. By losing our lives in service we save them for eternity. Jesus never promisedcrosd,-bearer an easy life, but He did promise us eternal glory.
PRAYER THOUGHTS: Thank You, Father for the example we have in Your Don, Jesus Christ. Thank You that He experienced temptation and yet remained sinless. Help us to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow His example in our lives. Save us in glory. In Jesus name, Amen.
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