Deny Yourself
Scripture
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Mark 8:34 NIV
Devotion
Pastor Darren reminded us of a hard but necessary truth: you have a cross to bear. Following Jesus begins with surrender. Before we pick up the cross, Jesus says we must deny ourselves. Denying yourself means laying down your agenda, your expectations, your timing, your pride, and your need to control the outcome. It means saying, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
This is not easy. Self-denial goes against our nature. We want comfort, convenience, recognition, and control. But the way of Jesus is different. The cross-shaped life begins when we trust Him enough to let go of our own way. The call to follow Jesus is not casual. It is costly. But it is also worth it. When we deny ourselves, we make room for Christ to lead us into something greater than we could build on our own.
Reflection
What is one area of your life where you are still trying to stay in control?
Today, pray: “Jesus, help me deny myself and follow You with my whole heart.”
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Mark 8:34 NIV
Devotion
Pastor Darren reminded us of a hard but necessary truth: you have a cross to bear. Following Jesus begins with surrender. Before we pick up the cross, Jesus says we must deny ourselves. Denying yourself means laying down your agenda, your expectations, your timing, your pride, and your need to control the outcome. It means saying, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
This is not easy. Self-denial goes against our nature. We want comfort, convenience, recognition, and control. But the way of Jesus is different. The cross-shaped life begins when we trust Him enough to let go of our own way. The call to follow Jesus is not casual. It is costly. But it is also worth it. When we deny ourselves, we make room for Christ to lead us into something greater than we could build on our own.
Reflection
What is one area of your life where you are still trying to stay in control?
Today, pray: “Jesus, help me deny myself and follow You with my whole heart.”