I have really got something on my mind. When someone asked Jesus about how many will enter heaven....and he said make every effort to enter through thr narrow door, because many, I tell you will try to enter and will not be able too.
And...he said in Luke 9:23, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
So denying yourself....is this on a grand scale or is it with everyday simple stuff? I'm confused and trying to learn WHAT we are denying. Is it our wants? Our desires? Riches? College educations? Making the best of OUR life on our terms?
I don't want riches, I just want my debt paid off, I don't need a fancy house and new car, I don't have alot of nice and expensive clothes, I don't want to chase some big dream....although I did open a Etsy shop and sell my handmade crafts to help me stay afloat.
I do enjoy my video games..swimming pool..and other "pleasure" things...I feel I live a simple life.
I'm just not sure what I need to give up? I stay home...I don’t go out much (fibromyalgia, but im doing better) I'm kinda lost..not sure if pleasures are wrong now. I have a 9,000 piece puzzle waiting in a box to be put together...thats enjoyable and pleasurable..and something I want to do..see...I dont know where the fine line is.
This to me, is one of the hardest things to do..self denial. We are always about ourselves...our feelings, etc.(not everyone, but human nature is selfish) He even said..some will try to get in..but can't. Ahh...so if someone asks for forgiveness but continues want things in his life...higher education..bigger house, new cars, etc..is he not giving up his life?
Sorry so long...
And then I always think about the sinner who was beside Jesus and believed who he was...im assuming at that moment. Jesus said he would be with him in paradise. Did this man give up his life for Jesus before this point? If he was on a cross to be put to death I wouldn't think so.
And...he said in Luke 9:23, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
So denying yourself....is this on a grand scale or is it with everyday simple stuff? I'm confused and trying to learn WHAT we are denying. Is it our wants? Our desires? Riches? College educations? Making the best of OUR life on our terms?
I don't want riches, I just want my debt paid off, I don't need a fancy house and new car, I don't have alot of nice and expensive clothes, I don't want to chase some big dream....although I did open a Etsy shop and sell my handmade crafts to help me stay afloat.
I do enjoy my video games..swimming pool..and other "pleasure" things...I feel I live a simple life.
I'm just not sure what I need to give up? I stay home...I don’t go out much (fibromyalgia, but im doing better) I'm kinda lost..not sure if pleasures are wrong now. I have a 9,000 piece puzzle waiting in a box to be put together...thats enjoyable and pleasurable..and something I want to do..see...I dont know where the fine line is.
This to me, is one of the hardest things to do..self denial. We are always about ourselves...our feelings, etc.(not everyone, but human nature is selfish) He even said..some will try to get in..but can't. Ahh...so if someone asks for forgiveness but continues want things in his life...higher education..bigger house, new cars, etc..is he not giving up his life?
Sorry so long...
And then I always think about the sinner who was beside Jesus and believed who he was...im assuming at that moment. Jesus said he would be with him in paradise. Did this man give up his life for Jesus before this point? If he was on a cross to be put to death I wouldn't think so.