Suffering: Self-Denial, Like John The Baptist

Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:14 (NKJV)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

I’m humbled by long-term missionaries: those who sacrifice the comforts of home and live humble lives to go where God calls.

I’m awed by Christians in North Korea, Yemen, Pakistan, and Nigeria: places where Christians are on “WANTED” lists. They’re denied the most basic of freedoms.

Bible heroes lived self-denying lives, always choosing God’s will above their own, with Jesus as our perfect Example.

Another look-to is His cousin, John: a rough-hewn, eccentric desert-dweller, Christ’s opening act in the show of shows!

John preached with an in-your-face honesty. While the Baptist’s fame as a prophet spread, he refused to take credit or glory: denying Himself, affirming Jesus, and pointing all “fans” in His direction.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

I would be a smug Christian hypocrite if I told you I've died enough to self. I've got work to do and HIGH HOPES FOR YOU…

That despite Entertainment’s attractions, offering golden tickets and tokens, you will lower yourself face-to-the-floor, most critically when you’re succeeding!

I love you for denying easy lives: not settling in comfy cozies with kin, but walking faith-first as God’s performers.

Rather than embracing gifts to yourself, you're focusing on God's Gift to the world: to unwrap and distribute His Good News.

Suffering: Self-Denial, Like John The Baptist (Part 35)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!