Archive for the ‘ Carry your cross ’ Category
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
If we find our identity in anything other than God, we live in rebellion to Him, idolizing ourselves or whatever we base our identity on.
When we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, our identity is found in Christ, and our lives should revolve around Him.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16, ESV
Our God came to us to share His love, grace, and Presence with us, making it possible by sacrificing Himself in our place for our sin and rebellion.
May we follow Christ in sacrificially doing good for others, bringing them into knowledge and deeper relationship with Him.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4, ESV
We want comfort and ease, but do we want these things more than we want God?
May we seek to please God above our own comfort and needs, for we know He will take care of us.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38, ESV
The Father sent the Son to save us, they send the Spirit to empower us, and they send us out to lead others to glorify God.
May we pray we are effective workers who make more workers for Christ.
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8, ESV
The answer to the hatred, hubris, and hedonism of the world is to be like Christ: deny ourselves for the sake of others that they may come to know the lover of our souls, Christ.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8, ESV
Christ laid down His life for love and forgiveness, and God calls us to the same love for others.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
As messed up as our world is, we are called by the God who loves us to love with patience, kindness, and humility Christ showed us.
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7, ESV
Crucify your worries, trusting in the One who cared enough to take them on Himself on the cross. Most worries come from trusting in anything but God.
Trust God.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2, ESV
It is easier to be distracted with entertainment and pleasures, but we are called to sacrifice our wants and desires, crucifying them in Christ, and lifting each other up in prayer, seeking God in prayer, and growing in thankfulness … through regular, sacrificial prayer.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV
Let us die to selfishness, nailing it to the cross, and instead focus on strengthening our fellow believers through encouraging words and helpful works, always pointing each other to Christ.
a simple man of God 