Dying to Live

Guest Devotion.

Written by a brother in Christ, Allen Blankenship. Allen is a friend that I met through church. We share the same passion for a relationship with Jesus, prayer and conversations about salvation. 

Dying to Live

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Being self employed for over 25 years made me feel very capable of running my life.  

However, my capability wasn't fully realized till HIS ability to guide my life was recognized as the better plan. 

God can and will use anyone for His purpose when we make ourselves available. Truly being available for God's purpose can't just happen a few times a week in a church building. Anything other than diligently seeking His perfect Will daily is treating God like a genie. Many say that they want a better life and know that Jesus is the answer not only for eternal life but also a better present, yet they are haphazard in their pursuit.

When we focus on a relationship with Jesus instead of religion, everything changes. By putting our eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example of how we should live our lives, we have no choice but to stop being self centered and to become more Christ centered. 

From an early age we want what we want, when we want it and will do most anything to get our way. Self-will doesn't diminish with age, in fact, more times than not, it gets stronger the longer we live. 

Dying to self is a difficult yet necessary step in the Christian life. Actually, dying to our own self-will is impossible without Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

I didn't write this  because I have all the answers, I struggle with not wanting everything my way everyday, but the more I pursue a Christ centered life, the more answers I find.

Then Jesus said unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.  

Matthew 16:24

Not everyone that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21