Unclogging my thought-life.: February 2008

What exactly did Jesus mean when He said to take up your cross daily?" That's a quesiton that I asked Matt last week. I have heard that my entire life... but never quite understood what it meant. Matt's answers were great.... and truely encouraged me to dig a little deeper.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said to his deciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

I have so many "plans" for my future... starting a family while paying down debt, owning a business while being a stay at home mom.... so many things that, quite frankly, could never work together beautifully. When you take up your cross, you lose all personal ambitions. You have to be willing to let the leader lead if you are a follower. (This also applies to my marraige.... if I want Matt to be the leader of our home, I have to be just as willing to submit and follow him 100%.)

Matthew 6:25 continues with, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."

Anytime you have to do something to "be seen", you have lost the concept of dying to yourself. As Pastor Charles always says, "It is NEVER your ability, it's your AVAILABILITY!" We want to be 1/2 dead and 1/2 alive... We want to choose what we die to. You can't do that! You have to die to all of it. Die to your marraige. Die to your finances. Die to your friendships. Die to your diet. Die to your past. Give it ALL to God and he will make it more beautiful than ever.

Jesus finishes with with Matthew 6:26. "What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?"

When my heart is right with the Lord, it seems that I tend to "Count my blessings" instead of craving more. I have so much to be thankful for. YOU are # 1 on my list. :) Yes, YOU.

I am most greatful for my wonderful husband, Matt...
(And our baby, Baxter!)...