“DENY HIMSELF!”

Matthew 16:24-25                        (KJV)

“24 Then said JESUS unto HIS disciples, If any man will come after ME, let him “DENY HIMSELF”, and take up his cross, and follow ME. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for MY sake shall find it.

The idea that ALMIGHTY GOD is like a humongous Genie from never, never land WHO is waiting anxiously to poor HIS untold wealth and knowledge upon any who has a problem in life is a lie hatched by the enemy to deceive all he can.  He keeps us so caught up in what is going on with “this world”, we usually don’t have the Spiritual foresight to SEE what the enemy, and all who fail to TRUST in JESUS, have waiting for them for ETERNITY!

GOD is HOLY, and those who worship HIM “MUST” worship HIM in SPIRIT and TRUTH (John 4:24)!  We can’t serve HIM just on Sunday mornings, and possibly Wednesday night.  We can’t just serve HIM when things get tough!  As a matter of fact, JESUS said in the scriptures above that one is required to “DENY HIMSELF” to be able to follow HIM!  Along with “DENY HIMSELF”, we take up our cross (that one HE assigns to us!), and follow HIM!  Where will HE lead us?  HE went to Calvary to be crucified , and we ALL must crucify our selfish desires and live for HIM!  We all have our own Path we are delegated to follow for HIS Glory.  

To clarify what “prosperity gospel preaching” would have you believe, GOD “promises” that “this world” WILL hate you!  John 16:33 PROMISES “I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for WHEN HE HAS STOOD THE TEST he will receive the crown of life, which GOD has promised to those who love HIM.”  Sure, we ARE going to receive our TRIBULATIONS, but our reward is JUST as sure!!!

Don’t let the enemy deceive you, you must “DENY HIMSELF” to be eligible to receive CHRIST!  When HIS Plan becomes our will, HIS PEACE and JOY will become your new found desire!  To be able to “take up our cross” is a price that many are unwilling to pay.   We need to have the Spiritual foresight to “DENY HIMSELF” and accept HIS Plan for our lives.