October 31, 2011
DEVO-TED
by: Lydia Rico
Scripture: Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” ~Jesus –Mark 8:34 (NIV)
Observation: Jesus is going on with his ministry (Villages around Caesarea Philippi) along with His
Disciples.
There are three simple things in this verse that I learned on how to become a Disciple.
Being a disciple for God you need to 1. “Deny yourself.” What does it mean?
Denying yourself, means that you’re giving your whole life to God completely (Mark 8:35). You’re willing
to be His living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Even if it means being persecuted, mocked & even killed for the
love you have for your Creator.
2. “Take up the cross.” NO, it does not mean cut down a tree & make a cross (That’s what I thought
when I was younger)!!! No matter what struggles we face through our sinful nature, our cross (Because
we will still struggle with sin while we are still on earth = not perfect). We need to carry it & finally
3. “Follow me (Jesus).”
Following God is having a strong & passionate desire to, know Him more (Everyday!). Reading His Word
& applying it to your life & acting it out through faith. And listening to God (Through prayer, work,
convictions etc.), & act upon what He tells you to do.
You will be satisfied pleasing your Father in Heaven!
Application: Live my life for God, not ashamed of Him (Mark 8:38). Knowing I will make mistakes & fail
sometimes…I will still continue on seeking & yearning for more intimacy with Christ (Because God still
LOVES ME!!!). Striving forward with courage from God! Knowing that, He will NEVER leave or give up on
me (Hebrews 13:5). Do what He calls me to do, and accomplish it because that’s what He has promised
me that I WILL do. And finally, praise God, by using…my LIFE.
