It starts with Self Denial
Whatever It Takes (Day 1) #Prayer365
Yesterday we started a new series for the month of September titled “I Desire to Know Him”. In connection with our Series, the theme of this week of devotion and prayer is “Whatever it takes!”
Getting to know God is a journey, it takes time, effort and sacrifice. It is not something that will come over night but it’s an ongoing process of growth and, again, a journey. One of the best ways to know someone is to follow them. It’s through following them that you will learn their heart, habits, values, and vision. In our text (Luke 9:23) we find Jesus in conversation with the disciples and it leads to this powerful moment where He reveals the three requirements to becoming one of His followers. This list is not for the faint of heart, instead each of these requirements call for a “Whatever it Takes” mentality.
The first of the three requirements is Self Denial. The Amplified Version defines self denial as to “set aside selfish interests.” From the start, this is a tough pill to swallow. I believe that self interest is the number one enemy of growth in relationship with God. Most people are not willing to set aside self interest because it’s the source of their comfort and instead of setting it aside, they choose to protect it. In our pursuit to know Him, our desire for Him must be greater than our comfort. What self interests are you protecting? What comfort are you preserving? Are you willing to let it go for the sake of knowing Christ? It may be uncomfortable at first, but I promise it will be worth it. I pray that in your desire to know Him, you will walk in a “Whatever it Takes!” mentality.
Read Luke 9:23 AMP
I'm praying for you and with you,
Pastor Enrique Brooks
P.S. Did you miss this morning's prayer? Catch the replay here!
Getting to know God is a journey, it takes time, effort and sacrifice. It is not something that will come over night but it’s an ongoing process of growth and, again, a journey. One of the best ways to know someone is to follow them. It’s through following them that you will learn their heart, habits, values, and vision. In our text (Luke 9:23) we find Jesus in conversation with the disciples and it leads to this powerful moment where He reveals the three requirements to becoming one of His followers. This list is not for the faint of heart, instead each of these requirements call for a “Whatever it Takes” mentality.
The first of the three requirements is Self Denial. The Amplified Version defines self denial as to “set aside selfish interests.” From the start, this is a tough pill to swallow. I believe that self interest is the number one enemy of growth in relationship with God. Most people are not willing to set aside self interest because it’s the source of their comfort and instead of setting it aside, they choose to protect it. In our pursuit to know Him, our desire for Him must be greater than our comfort. What self interests are you protecting? What comfort are you preserving? Are you willing to let it go for the sake of knowing Christ? It may be uncomfortable at first, but I promise it will be worth it. I pray that in your desire to know Him, you will walk in a “Whatever it Takes!” mentality.
Read Luke 9:23 AMP
I'm praying for you and with you,
Pastor Enrique Brooks
P.S. Did you miss this morning's prayer? Catch the replay here!
Watch this week's message!
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