Key Text: 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.

As believers, we are called to walk the way of the cross every day. Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered for us and denied himself, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. Jesus, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. He also bore his cross to Golgotha, the place of his crucifixion - John 19:17.

At Gethsemane, Peter and the rest of the apostles failed to watch and pray, and the consequence was very grave. They failed to deny themselves. Today, if you do not deny yourself, you will certainly deny Christ at the hour of temptation. Self denial and cross bearing demands that you give up your rights, reputation, and everything of self for the sake of following Christ.

It is only those that deny themselves that will be able to undertake the task of daily cross-bearing. Apostle Paul, a man of like precious faith declared triumphantly, "I die daily" - 1 Corinthians 15:31. The way of the cross leads to victorious christian living and demands suffering for the sake of Jesus and righteousness - "2 Corinthians 4:7-11. You are required to endure till the end.

Prayer: Father, I recognise that the Spirit of Christ dwells in me, therefore I receive grace to die daily, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me - Matthew 10:38.