“Life is not a matter of creating a special name for ourselves, but of uncovering the name we have always had.” – Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond

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Listen to my song “Make Your Way” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links following the scripture reflection. Thank you!

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Luke 9:23-25

Then Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

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As I once heard someone say, “Jesus didn’t ask for fans. He asked for followers.”

And following Jesus means dying to self.

He wasn’t talking about final physical death (although that is part of the deal here).

He was talking about each day, each moment, letting go of your ego’s motives in favor of God’s motives.

You have to deny all those ego enticements that form a false identity based on power, prestige and possessions.

Those things are fine as long as they are used for the greater good, but not when they become attachments that define your life.

When you let go of those attachments, you are free to discover your true self.

When you follow Jesus you will also be led to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison (Matthew 25:31-46).

When you go to bat for the “least of these,” make no mistake, you will be met with derision from those in power and those who are only interested in their own welfare.

This is the cross Jesus mentioned, the one you have to carry daily in order to follow him.

We are called to enter into the process of dying before dying.

The Christian form of meditation known as Centering Prayer is an actual practice of this dying to the ego’s desires.

The paradox is: The more you die to your false self, the more alive you become as your true self.

As Jesus also put it: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24).

Dying is the proverbial elephant in the room.

It’s the topic our culture refuses to deal with or pretends can be avoided.

In reality, death is the key to life.

So, best start making dying a part of your daily living.

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Your Way” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!