[Weekly Scripture] 1 John 1:8–9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

What is keeping your from picking up your cross daily?
What is keeping you enslaved to sin?

Pray that you will not “think more highly of yourself than you ought.”  (Rom. 12:3)

E-devotion by Jay Berryman (Deacon)
The challenge Jesus is giving us in Matthew 16:24-25 above is not how to become a mediocre Christian, rather how to become His disciple. Everyone I know who has been greatly used by God has gone through an experience of “dying to self” described in both Galatians 2:20 and referenced above in Romans 6:6. So how do we do this and what does it look like? Holy living involves a daily decision to surrender to the lordship of Christ. It involves yielding our will to God and adopting His perspective. God wants our minds and hearts to be filled with His holy qualities. As our lives are transformed, we will project the light of His holiness into the darkness of our world. DL Moody said the world has yet to see what one person fully dedicated to God can do. 2Chronicles 16:9 tells us that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal toward Him. Real life….Abundant life….Begins with dying to self.