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Discipleship!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24

If you are serious about discipleship, here are three requirements:

1) Deny yourself. James and John coveted the limelight. They told Jesus, 'We want to sit in...honor next to you' (Mark 10:37). One of your greatest challenges will be to resist promoting yourself and trying to succeed on your own, then asking God to bless your efforts. God's not interested in second-hand glory. He wants the credit for what He (not you) accomplishes in your life.

2) Take up your cross. Nobody goes directly from denying themselves to following Jesus. First we go through crucifying experiences. Paul says: 'I die daily' (1Corinthians 15:31). Certain things in your life can be handled only one way - dying to them. Listen: 'Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God' (Romans 6:11). Jesus did not even talk about the cross to His disciples until He knew they understood this principle. Why? Because until you do, you will never see the cross as a plus.

3) Follow Him. Too often we take God's presence for granted because He said He would never leave us. But He also said: 'You did not choose me...I chose you' (John 15:16). It is not God's job to follow you, it is your job to follow Him! When you do, it will cost you, change you, and challenge you. Sometimes you will go through valleys, other times you will stand with Him on the mountaintop. You must be willing to follow Him anywhere, any time, under any conditions; that is the deal! Still want to be a disciple of Jesus?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me deny myself, pay the price, and follow you in ALL that I do. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen