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He Bore a Cross for My Good; May I Bear One for His Glory

Scripture: Proverbs 4-5, Mark 8.

Gospel summary: To "follow after" Jesus and be his disciple involves dying to ourselves and valuing him beyond all this world could offer us. Once we understand the great sacrifice Jesus made to save sinners like us, we can then joyfully sacrifice our earthly enjoyments to follow him.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus to this world to live in my place and die in my place. Christ, thank you for making the greatest sacrifice on my behalf and calling me to follow you. Spirit, thank you for drawing me to believe in Jesus and raising me from a spiritual grave to be his disciple unto death. God, help me die to myself each day and live valuing Jesus more than everything. I confess that I too often consider my selfish desires than I do the cross you bore and the one you call me to bear. When following Jesus means embracing persecution, help me to be faithful still. Show me what things I need to lay at your feet so that I may bear a cross for you, since you bore a cross for me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Key verse: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Mark 8:34b)

Hymn: "Take Up Thy Cross" by Charles Everest

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