Luke 9:23 – “And He was saying to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, what can I say but WOW! I was moved by more than I can convey.   My journey began in 2 Samuel 21, when Israel was enduring severe conditions.  David sought God’s presence, not just relief.  The key is that God’s presence is the answer.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus revealed how to develop a genuine relationship with Him. He said we must “deny self.” No more self-centeredness. If we truly examined our lives, how many decisions are based on “self”?

He said, “Take up his cross DAILY.”   We focus on our Cross rather than His Cross and miss a key word, “daily.”   It is an ongoing relationship, not a one-time experience.

Then He said the ultimate key – “Follow Me.”  Every decision, every word, every action, and every thought is to be His. What would Jesus do is not the focus; what Jesus is doing in and through us is.

The Christian life is Impossible for the flesh.   We can’t live “for” God until we live “in” Him.   Until He is “in” us, living “through” us, we expend energy trying to do the impossible.

Try doing Luke 6:27-35; by your own willpower, you will make frustration your constant companion.   But when Jesus lives through you, His yoke becomes easy and His burden light.   The only way to live “for” God is “through” God.   You can’t!  He can!   It’s time to do as David and seek His presence!

Father, help us to learn to Deny Self so that we can Live to and through Jesus!