Humilty and Carrying my cross

Zechariah 10,11,12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

Scripture:
Luke 14:11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Observation:
This passages I choose this morning are simple, yet so powerful. Humility is a non-negotiable with the Lord. God will not bless the prideful, He cannot use them. Pride is always self-seeking, humility other seeking. Jesus reminds us in verse 27 that bearing the cross is not fun, it is painful and sacrificial. We are to consider the cross and to live out of our faith each day.

Application:
As I reflect on these passages this morning I see so much pride in my heart. There is still a lot of unwrapping that God needs to do in my life. God seeks humility in His shepherds. God promises to exalt the humble and to give them grace. Humility grow in ones life when you understand the desperate need you have of Jesus in your life. I know that I need Him, I know that I need His love, grace and favor each day. I want to know Him in a deeper way, and the humility is part of the key that unlocks the mysteries of God. Jesus reminds me too this morning to carry my cross. Sometimes it is not fun to be a Christian. Sometimes one wants to simply blend in, not make a scene, but more and more I realize the desperation of the world and the need for a Savior. If I do not share, how will they know. I pray today that I would have an opportunity to share hope with someone in need. Carrying on my cross is the greatest honor of all. Thank You Jesus!

Prayer:
Father thank You for a new day. Forgive me of my sins and selfishness. Restore a clean heart in me and renew my mind. I pray for wisdom today, favor, discernment to know your will and for Your love to flow through me. Forgive me for pride, for I know it is the flesh in me that so often likes to take control. I ask You to work in my heart and to change me. I know I need You. I need Your love, Your presence, Your peace in my life. Father I pray that I would represent the cross with honor, and that Your boldness and wisdom would flow through me. I thank You for allowing me to carry my cross. It is not the one I should have carried, for Jesus You did that for me. I pray that I would carry the burden of my Father God and His kingdom with excellence, passion and righteousness. Lord, I ask You to go before me today. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May the transference of kingdom take place in my heart today. Amen.