Brothers and sisters in Christ,
I pray you and yours are well.
Denial can be such a good thing. Denying ourselves an extra serving of food when we already have had enough to eat. Denying the urge to start thinking unhealthy thoughts about someone who has hurt us. Denying the desire to watch something that we know is not something we would watch if Jesus was sitting in the room with us. Denying the impulse to remind our children about their failings in the past when they have let us down today.
Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:24).
When we remove something, we create space for something else. When we remove the unhealthy things in our lives, we create space for the things of Christ.
When you were Baptized, you were given your cross. Your pastor made the sign of the cross on your forehead and on your heart. Jesus is calling you to remember your Baptism. In your Baptism you were marked as a child of God, and you were indwelt with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit desires to guide you into paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
How can you be more intentional this Lenten season in listening to the voice of God? Daily devotions. Prayer. Worship. Communion. Fellowship with your fellow believers. Confession and Absolution. Singing hymns and songs. Sharing your faith.
The denial that Christ calls us into is one which brings rejoicing—joy over the new life, the abundant life that is ours in Christ, for time and for eternity.
V/r
Pastor Jim