the commandments still teach us that we are not the ones in authority to arbitrarily take it from him.

Let's move on to our other verses about carrying something. Again, please read these verses aloud into your spirit. His words are the best source to help you carry your way through life.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23 KJV).

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38 KJV

"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27 KJV).

Notice how this cross you carry is more important than your spouse or your children. Someone once said, "If he's not Lord of all, then he's not Lord at all." But the cross we bear is not a cross that destroys us but one that blesses us.

Notice what David said in (Psalm 23:1-6). The Lord is our shepherd. No matter what we carry or go through in this life, we are not going through it alone. Let's really key in on verse 4. Read it into your spirit.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 KJV).

Notice how thee shepherd doesn't leave them alone. The shepherd may sometimes take them through deep ravines and dark valleys. But notice that he doesn’t leave them in the valley. He takes them through.

Last week I mentioned the famous picture of footprints in the sand and what it represents for true born-again authentic believers. Well, if you’re carrying your cross, who's carrying you? Doesn't this make his will, purpose, and plan for your life light?

Now that you are prepared to carry that cross, please read last week’s verses again. 28} "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29} Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30} For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).

 

🗣📢 Last words: When you are walking with the cross Jesus told you to bear, you can do so because he's carrying you. An overhead crane operator in a steel plant can lift certain items and carry them to their destination.

He may be lifting heavy loads, but he's not under any burdens while moving down the bay. However, if he's lifting a load above the cranes weight restriction, then there could be serious issues with carrying that load.

Christians never have to worry about God giving us too much to carry. That cross will never overwhelm us if we carry it while following him. Please read this verse into your spirit.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV).

The Lord will always bear us up in his strong capable hands (Isaiah 41:10), just as the word says the angels would bear him up (Matthew 4:6). The world and the wide road of destruction that unbelievers walk on has burdens that ultimately bring death.

[When Jesus used the picture of his followers taking up their crosses to follow him, the disciples knew what he meant. Following Jesus, therefore, meant a true commitment, the risk of death, and no turning back.]

Carrying your cross represents embracing sacrifices, trials, and commitment to God's will rather than your own. Jesus has owned the right to lead us to the promised land in his perfect timing.

That means until we see him face to face, we daily bear up our cross and walk on that narrow road of righteousness, knowing we have a promise from him in (Matthew 16:25-26).

While we wear his armor and carry our cross, we are never alone in this corrupt world. Followers of Jesus are the most blessed individuals on the face of the earth. Why do you think so many people have tried to destroy the gospel?

The world has continued to fail to stop the gospel. How do you stop God from filling his people with the power of his Holy Spirit? You can kill the body but it's impossible to kill the spirit. God is a Spirit. He cannot be defeated by human beings.

God gives his true people rest in a volatile world. It is Christ's strength over human effort, and the freedom from restrictive burdens. You see beloved, when you live for God, he covers us with peace that the world cannot receive.

Please read these verses into your spirit. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (1 John 5:3 KJV).

God's commandments are never upon us to hurt us or weigh us down to death. His purpose and plan is to gently bring us home to himself. (Jeremiah 29:11; John 13:36; 14:1-3). Christians have freedom in Christ. (Galatians 5:1).

There are still churches and denominations that put heavy unbearable burdens on people that cause harm to their beliefs in wanting to follow Jesus. They behave like the religious leaders did in Jesus' day.

You see this in (Matthew 23:4-39). But God has showed us the best to walk from long ago to have rest for our souls. (Jeremiah 6:16-17). God continues to offer his loving plan of joy and peace for our hearts.

Please read (Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:17; and 2 Corinthians 12:9) into your spirit. His grace is enough for us. God shows his power in us, even in our weaknesses. When we see our limitations, it helps us trust more in God.

[Our limitations and weaknesses not only help develop Christian character but also deepen our worship, because in admitting them, we affirm God’s strength.]

Jesus is our gentle Savior. He is the opposite of the harsh legalism and dead laws that other religions force on individuals. The cross true believers bear comes with love, understanding, and forgiveness.

Here are four practical points to remember about carrying your cross this week. You should note that only authentic believers can carry this cross. An unbeliever can carry a cross, but it will be a cross with self-achievement on it.

A) Death to self. Crucifying the ego, selfish desires, and sinful habits, rather than letting the self-dominate. (Romans 8:11-14).

B) Daily Commitment. Just as you put on clothes each day, you make a daily commitment to carry your cross. It is your full ensemble each day you go out in the world. (Ephesians 6:10-18).

C) Carry sacrificial love daily. Have a willing heart to sacrifice your personal comfort on the altar of service to the Lord and others. (Matthew 20:26-28).

D) Keep Jesus in clear view and follow him. Keep walking in obedience to the word of God and the words of Jesus. Keep praying in the Holy Spirit’s power regardless of the cost or persecution that may follow. (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Other passages to build on are, (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 141:8; Colossians 3:2). This is certainly worth repeating again. "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39 KJV).

Choose today to be totally surrendered to God's purpose and plan for your life. Carrying that cross helps you trust the true sacrifices made are worth the reward of true, eternal life.


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to carry the light yoke cross. "Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me the difference between your light burden and the crushing load that the world offers me.

Lord, help me to learn your ways by meditating on what your word says about me. You've known me before I was formed in the womb. Help me to worship you in Spirit and in truth. Help my life to be an act of worship.

I know there are days when I might stumble at times. Help me rest in the knowledge that your word says I'm still the apple of your eye and no one can remove me from your saving grace.

Help me Jesus. Help me keep my eyes on the prize at the finish line of life. You are that loving prize for my heart. When I focus on you, my purpose is clear, my direction is sure. When I focus on you, I can pick up my cross.

It lightens my way and I no longer feel weary. Thank you for teaching me how to rest. Help me remember that your perspective is through eternity's lens. Help me to choose obedience because of love. In Jesus' name, Amen."


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