Matthew 16:24–28 (ESV): Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Abba,

There is a peace in saying “no.”

There is a joy in declaring, “no.”

There is power in denying self with a resounding, “NO”

There is even blessing in “no.”

“No” to self is “yes” to You

“No” to self is “yes” to life and truth!

Father, deeply ingrain on our hearts the immensity of “no;” of dying to self; of taking up my cross.  True joy and satisfaction is not found in pleasing the flesh but rather in delighting the Spirit.

Spirit, strengthen the joy of “no” within us and let us walk in Your power, a life of “no” to the flesh and “yes” to You!