Word for the day "Take up His cross"

Luke 9:23 (KJV) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. When Jesus addressed His disciples, He warned that each one must "take up his cross and follow me." The disciples must have known exactly what the Master meant. In Jesus’ day, prisoners were forced to carry their own crosses to the location where they would be put to death. Thus, Christ’s message was clear: in order to follow Him, Christ’s disciples must deny themselves and, instead, trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.If we are to be disciples of Christ, we must trust the Lord and place Him at the very center of our beings. Jesus never comes "next." He is always first. The paradox, of course, is that only by sacrificing ourselves to Him do we gain salvation for ourselves.I believe the compelling question for all of us is this: What do you think of Jesus, and do you have a personal relationship with the Lord?" Indeed, the answer to that question will determine the quality, the course, and the direction of your life today and for all eternity. Take some time and then put in place a plan of action to grow in your relationship with the Lord.Jesus has called upon believers of every generation (and that includes you) to walk with Him. Jesus promises that when you follow in His footsteps, He will teach you how to live made whole. And when Jesus makes a promise, you can depend upon it.Point to ponder- Today, think of at least one single step that you can take to become grow in your relationship with Christ. Then, take that step.Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2017 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Barbara Mason, and Ms. Gertrude Scott. Why don't you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we'd love to hear from you!Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow! Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2