Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Matthew 16:24-25

When you stop trying to do things by your strength, by your flesh for others to see and admire then you are allowing God to work in you and through you.  We want so desperately for things to go well and smooth but God uses tragedy and trails to strip away our dependence on our self, so we will find our rest and joy in Him. 

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. – Romans 7:18

There is nothing I can do to please God and be reconciled to Him, other than to believe in Jesus Christ who died in my place, for my SIN – self indulgent nature. 

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20

It’s the most difficult thing in the world, trusting God instead of yourself but also the least burdensome and more enjoyable thing in the world.   

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  –  Proverbs 3:5-6

“Vanity” is living your life by your own plan … “I did it my way”.  It’s a life that’s lived in vain because there is no eternal life in it and no reward from it.  It’s a fool who looks around at the world and says there is no God (Psalm 14:1).  It’s a fool who thinks that they are not accountable to the God who has given them life.  If you make something, don’t you expect it to operate the way you make it?  What if you built a bed but it throws you out it every time you fall asleep in it!  Wouldn’t you take it down and burn it up!

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” – Exodus 20:7

Taking the name of the Lord in vain is not just swearing but it’s also ignoring or not believing in God’s word, His way, His plan and His will for your life!  God has made each person with a purpose that satisfies the person and glorifies God but a person must first be “born again” in Christ to be made righteous before God and receive their place in His Kingdom.

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