Taking Up my Cross - Part 2

CROSS (Strong's Concordance)

Matthew 10:38

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."

Matthew 16:24

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'"

Matthew 27:40-42

"and saying, 'You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.'

     Likewise, the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 'He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.'"

Personal Notes

1. If we don't take up our cross....If I don't use self-control with my words and actions, I am not worthy of Him.
2. We must deny....I must deny self. Acting out is usually my selfishness and lack of desire to serve others.
3. He led the way....I must follow. Jesus showed self-control.
4. Others may test us....I need to not let others make me take down my cross. I choose my reaction.

 Lord, You are God of not only Israel, but You are God of me. May I act like it more and more every day. Renew me from the inside out. Help me to learn more and more about how to control my temper. I pray for Titus in this area. Help him to know self-control. May You use me in this area of his life. You have brought me so far and I know You are not done with me yet. Thank You, my Lord, my Savior, My friend. Amen.

Amendment to Personal Notes #1

I am not worthy of Him and never will be worthy of the salvation He has so freely given through the cross. It is only by leaning on Him that I can learn self-control in my words and actions.