let me choose You: Blogging through the #Gospels, Luke 9A

Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox.  It is changing my life. And I am so overwhelmed that I am not even using any exclamation points.  :)

Reading:  Luke 9: 1-27


Scripture:  Luke 9: 23

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Observations:


Deny myself.
Take up my cross daily and follow.

The true Christian life is both wonderful and difficult.

Wonderful?
The Savior of the World loved me enough to die for me, to call me His own.
I am not my own, I am a dearly loved and provided for child of the most High God.

Difficult?
Getting out of my own way.
Dying to myself....
Denying myself.
Realizing that pride in myself and my accomplishments while "normal,"shouldn't be my default.
Realizing that when I am feeding my ego, my pride, or my emotions that I am choosing those things over my God and Savior.

Wonderful?
Seeing the way God has provided for our relocating back to the town I teach in.  All of the pieces fell together.  (Oh ... and we have hot water now!! Yay!!)  The timing was hurried in our eyes, but perfect now that we are getting settled.
Feeling that deep heart peace that we are right where we are supposed to be.

The things about our new home that were things that we had always wanted but never put on a list, because we didn't want to be tied to a list that might make us miss the right place for us.
Example?
Bay window in the kitchen.  Beautiful deck.  Beautiful back yard. Proximity to school/town.  Nice water pressure!!!  Beautiful warm yellow color (that we didn't even know we liked) on the walls. A chance to make this place a true home!!

The Difficult?
Fighting with my self to be kind and gracious in all situations.
Remembering that while I am living this life, this life is not about me.

The Wonderful?
Knowing that I have a purpose, even if I don't understand it.

So....
It is hard, but the daily effort- the daily choice to put myself last and put Christ first, is so very worth it.


Application:

Every single day.
Every decision.

I have thousands of opportunities every day to put Christ first.
I don't really want to take an in depth look and see how many times I fail.

Help me, Lord.


Prayer:


Lord,
I have this insane joy.
This unspeakable peace.
This certainty that you are who you say you are, and that you are worthy of my praise, my trust, my faith, and my own life.  After all, you gave yours so that I might live.

Help me see the opportunities in each decision.
Help me to choose you.
Let my words, my actions, and my facial expressions bring you honor and glory.
Even when I can't speak your name.

I am overwhelmed...
Amen.