Has your entire life been a series of struggles? Have you been . . .
More sick than well?
More defeated than successful?
More tired than rested?
More empty than satisfied?
More sad than happy?
Do you feel defeated because after a lifetime of struggle, all you have to look forward to is death and a cold grave? Look up! . . .
Regardless of our circumstances or condition, we can look forward with hope as we glimpse Heaven, My Father’s House, which is being prepared as an eternal home for you and for me!
The power in your life and mine that results in blessing is in direct proportion to the extent that you are willing to die to . . .
your own will,
your own goals,
your own dreams,
your own rights.
It’s what Jesus meant when He challenged His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” However, before you get too hung up on the cross, don’t forget — after the cross comes the resurrection and the power and the glory and the crown! Jesus kept His focus on the joy of abundant blessing as He “endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2, NIV). Because Jesus was willing to die, He was blessed by God with a position of power and authority at His right hand.
If blessing is in direct proportion to a willingness to die to self, how blessed are you?
