Verily, Verily

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” ‭‭John‬ ‭12:24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Are you dying to "self", daily?

We can not love anything in this world, even our very life, more than we love God; not our spouse, not our children!  If we are satisfied with our life, here and now, we will not long for eternal life. However, once we taste the eternal, nothing else will satisfy!

What does "dying to self" look like? 

Submission; not insisting on your own way; esteeming others above you; being a servant; being like Jesus!

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John‬ ‭12:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not for gain; not to be exalted, but because it's the least you can do, because of what was done for you! It's what you were created for; called to do.

Who are you called to serve in your little world? And does that mean working your fingers to the bone, as the picture of the selfless martyrs who in their servitude, try and place guilt on all around those they love? No! 

No, it actually means doing everything you do as unto the Lord! You do your job for Jesus, no matter what your job is! It is He you are submitting to, when you submit to your husband, your employer, or others in authority. It is trusting God to have your back, so that you do not have to care if you are being wronged. In fact, it is better to be wronged than to insist on being right. 

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Don't look at the stuff that is going on around you! Don't look at who has done what! Don't look at the trial you are walking through! Keep your eyes on Jesus, focusing on what the fire is perfecting in your life! 

Repent for the pride and bitterness that you are holding onto; humble yourself!

You submit to Him of whom you are to be a reflection! Be JESUS!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 9/23/14