New Testament: Matt 16.24

To read the Bible in a year, read Matthew 16 on January 23, In the year of our Lord Christ 2022

By Don Ruhl 

What keeps most people from turning to Christ and becoming one of his disciples? There are certainly many reasons, but I wonder if the following words that Jesus said keeps any potentially half-hearted ones away: 

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 16.24 

People do not want to deny themselves, but they want to affirm themselves. However, in Christ we lose ourselves and do what he says, and that proves contrary to many people. 

If you deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus, you will find freedom and blessings that you never knew existed. 

Questions: 

• What do you think is the number one reason people do not become Christians? 
• Are you denying yourself? 

To subscribe go to EmailDevotionals.com and click “Follow”