“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

     To follow Jesus requires self-denial, dedication and willing obedience.  Denying ourselves requires us to give of ourselves in many different ways.  Instead of self-indulgence, we give our time, effort, and resources to those who are in need.  It might be a physical need, such as the need to have basics like food, shelter, and clothing.  It might be the need to just have the love and attention which is so important to our well-being.  It might be the spiritual need of having the Lord in your life, giving us peace within and the assurance of salvation and eternal life.  There is a big world out there in need, and God calls us to do what we can based upon our own abilities.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the heart to serve others in the ways we can.  You have done so much for us, and now we can show our appreciation by serving others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.