Death of ALL which would pull you away!

The sinful temptations of your flesh, the misguided priorities of your selfish ambition, or the vast number of trivial activities which consume your time, they all hinder your intimacy with God. These "hindrances" of the world keep you from knowing Jesus, and keep you from walking closer with God and glorifying His name. That’s why Jesus says, you must crucify the things of the flesh; "If you would come after Christ, you must deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow Him" (Luke 9:23). "Crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20) - a complete death of ALL which would pull you away!

You are not called to the glum and dreary dead life so many Christians seem to be living - the life removed from the entanglements of the world but also removed from any and all form of joy. No, you have been called to much more; you have been called to a glorious new birth! You deny yourself so you can live in Christ and give Him full control to work in and through your life.

Jesus came for the single purpose of dying on a cross for the forgiveness of sin. But Jesus was not just crucified and buried...He rose!! His resurrection was God's declaration to the world that Jesus was His Son (Romans 1:4); and it was confirmed, with absolute assurance, with complete victory over sin and death. This life of crucifixion and victorious resurrection is the full life to which you have been invited.

You have been called to take up your cross and follow Jesus up the hill to die to self. You must put to death your sinful desires. But you are not locked inside the dark and lonely tomb. (Matthew 28:6). You thru Christ have truly risen and are born again.

Walk as a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17), and declare to the world through your joy and peace that you are a child of His. Arise with new desires and dreams - those formed in your heart by The Father - and live by the guiding power of His Spirit. Praise Him all of your days as you joyfully live the resurrected life.