“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

“For the old self sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the the old self; these are at war with another, so that you struggle to do the things you ought.”  Galatians 2:17

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Dear Cross Bearer, 

Our cross is not to carry what only You could, but to live in the good Your cross won! You won our forgiveness, our new life, and our enlistment in the fight against our own tendencies towards sin! This is our cross; to fight our old independent ways. 

Lord, help us understand that the “enemy” within is as dangerous as the enemy without. Help us identify our own old habits and longings as contrary to being led by Your Spirit. Help us know we owe no allegiance to our old ways no matter how strong the feelings may be. We are bound with a stronger bond, more powerful than emotions that are fickle. Our bond is Your very Life in us! The cross we carry is Your “banner over me,” rallying us to face off against old desires. Because You won the war, we can win the battle against the old self. Let us be quick: to believe You, draw battle lines, and end the romance we are tempted to entertain with our former ways. It was our destruction and now our distraction! You’ve given us the proper weapons to win it! We have Your Sword of Truth and the Holy Spirit to wield it! Let us take up this cross and a will to put to death our old ways in a winnable war, thanks to You and Your cross!

In Jesus Name Forever