Week Two Devotion
Luke 9:23 (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
To deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus is not an easy command. We often get comfortable in our familiar ways of life and resist change, even when we know it’s for our good. In this resistance we are pushing away the One who made us, the One who invites us to walk with Him. We are silencing the voice that speaks truth and life (1 Thess. 5:19). What then, are we really resisting?
We don’t like to talk about surrender much. It means we are bending our knee to something greater than ourselves. Watch TV for more than 5 minutes and you can see that surrender doesn’t sell in today’s culture. But as believers, surrender is where the walk with God begins. Being surrendered is a vulnerable position. Understanding that God is good, and He is for you must be established before coming to this place. The irony is that we are strengthened, refreshed, and filled when we let go. It is almost like the anticipation of doing it leads to a huge relief once you can. In that, we can see that God is safe.
I came to a place where I could see I didn’t surrender in certain areas because I did not believe God was enough. My initial reaction was to deny this because I did not want to admit it. I love Jesus! How could I not believe that He is not enough?! It does not even make sense. But it was there, whether I was willing to look at it or not. Without giving God access to every area of my life, I would have continued to live a life void of His fullness. He is not trying to hurt us with these revelations, but rather He is trying to heal us.
Song suggestions: “Never Leave” Red Rocks Worship
Questions for reflection (and sharing with someone else if possible):
- What does surrender look like to you? Do you see it as weakness or strength? And the thought of denying yourself, what does that look like?
- Is there a particular area in which God is calling you to surrender? If so, what is stopping you from surrendering to God today? Lack of trust? Unconfessed sin? Fear?
- Are you willing to allow the Lord to take you there?
He is gracious and gentle. It is all in love. Freedom is waiting.
Psalm 91:1-2
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
Song suggestions: “Never Leave” Red Rocks Worship
1. Pray and decide what you can give toward our 36 month goal.
2. Make your commitment by presenting this card at our 1st Fruits Offering October 3rd.
3. Weekly or monthly, mark your check, envelope or e-giving with the designation “Building Fund.” You can give securely at app.easytithe.com/app/giving/pillargiving
4. If possible, contribute as much as possible by October 3rd to help us meet our down payment goal.
Contributions of non-cash assets such as stock or property are also welcomed.