That very moment, Jesus became my Savior. He forgave my sins and poured His love into my heart so much so that I sobbed with joy until strings of snot hung from my nose. No, it wasn’t pretty, but that didn’t matter. I had Jesus!
I didn’t realize it then, but this was only the beginning of my journey to the cross. It took me several years to discover that Jesus was leading me down the same path He traveled on earth. What path, you might ask? Where was He going? Jesus was continually walking toward the cross. I knew the meaning of the cross for Him. It meant death and Jesus was leading me there too – to die to my selfish desires.
After we are called to God’s saving grace through His Son’s death, our next call is to service. This is where we become Disciples of Christ. Our salvation is a free gift. While it cost Christ everything, it cost us nothing. On the other hand, to be a co-laborer of Christ is very costly. He asks for our lives. “For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:24).
With this realization came a choice. Will I continue to follow Jesus or not? I mean nobody likes death, especially their own. Still, the time had come. I could no longer be a spoiled-rotten child of God receiving His blessings only. It was time to decide whether I would go on with Christ and learn not to only receive from Him but to serve Him. The requirements Jesus offered were difficult. “If you desire to follow me, you must put aside your selfish desires, carry your own cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).
This meant I had to nail to the cross all of my rights, my selfish desires, my pride, my anger, my family and my own personal dreams in order to fulfill God’s dreams for my life.
When I reached this point of spiritual death, I began to understand what Paul meant when he said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith” (Galatians 2:20). My spiritual death led to new life, just as Jesus’ death led to resurrection life. It was the life I was always looking for, filled with power, peace and joy as I served my God and my King.
Oftentimes we stop at the foot of the cross. There God’s grace is extended, our sins forgiven, and Heaven becomes our future home. There is more. You’ve sensed it. You’ve desired it. God has a plan for your life greater than you could ever imagine. Can you hear that second call? If so, will you get up from the foot of the cross, nail all your worldly passions there, and commit to follow Him wherever He leads? It’s an adventure of a lifetime that will last forever more.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, I’ve been on the receiving end, but today I hear Your call to service. I want to nail all that I am to the cross so that I can go where You go and serve as You serve. I want to be Your disciple. I want to be a “living sacrifice” so that Your life, through me, can bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Go to a quiet place and read Isaiah 6:5-8. Notice that Isaiah heard the voice of God calling him. What do you hear? Isaiah felt unworthy in the presence of God. He knew he was a sinner and repented before Him. Is there anything you need to confess to God? The Lord touched his lips and put His words into Isaiah’s mouth. This tells us that God will equip us to serve Him. We need not fear. God is enough. Will you say to God today, “Here I am, send me?”
Reflection Points:
What have you gained by holding to your own rights … anger and pride?
sometimes holding on to my anger and pride robs away joy god has sent to me. I get angry with my dad for nagging at me but he does it out of concern. Because i lose my cool, everything turns out nasty. I tried at times to be gentle in my words and everything turns out nice. i want to continue to pray that god will not keep me in that bodily flesh and teach me to nail all those impatience to the cross.I pray that i will be humble and be willing to listen.Pride is the number one thing which i should put it away.I gain nothing by holding on to my rights. Today i want to pray that i hv nailed everything to the cross and have surrendered my life to him.
What does God want to give you through your surrendered life?
Lord, wants to bless me abundantly with love,gentleness,peace and joy .he will bless me financially and physcially. He will also bless all my love ones, family and friends with peace joy and love...
Have you been hearing God’s call to service?
Yes, since the longest time i have been hearing god to ask me to serve in the children's ministry. I n ever seemed to take it up and never seemed to accept the abundant opportunities he placed for me in the church. I lament at the nature of my job or trying to tweeze and turn and said that i can serve through other means.i have dreams and visions of taking up classes to teach SUnday schools. I wait patiently yet no actions are taken. This year, the desires are strong . I want to go on a mission trip this coming july but i am not sure god ;s will for me is this. To quit early and leave for it.I have to prepare financially,mentally and everything. Being called to mission and ministry must be accoding to his will . Everything you do must rely on his strength. Father guide me and lead me to where you want me to be and what you want me to do. I pray that i will entrust you with this big decision as you lead me .Your words have brought me spiritual revelation. Thank you father.
Have you longed to go deeper with God, to know Him more, and experience life more abundantly? Answer the call.
Power Verses:
Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (NJK)
Acts 27:22, “But now I beg you, take courage! Not one of you will lose your life; only the ship will be lost.” (Good News)
Mark 8:35, “For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for me and for the gospel, you will save it.” (Good News)
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (NKJ)
Galatians 2:20, “It is not longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith.” (NKJ)
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