Surrender it to Yah.
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
How can you deny yourself in a culture that celebrates self? In a culture that applauds the ‘hero’ and rewards self seeking? In a society dominated by narcissistic thinking?
Isn’t Yah the ultimate hero? Is She not the one that gives victory and strength to the victor?
How can you deny yourself if you celebrate your birthday? Hint: it’s not special, everyone has one. It’s merely self-idolatry disguised as innocent rejoicing over making it through one more year. Why not do this at the end of every year then?
OK, it’s just one day some might say. But if we want people to celebrate our birthday with us, in turn we have to celebrate theirs with them. And it goes on and on and the result is making people feel special just because they were born….into a world of sin.
In Heaven, (by those who were blessed with a chance to visit before death), it’s said that only the day we were Saved counts. The years before that, when we were walking with the world and living in sin are wiped from the records. If we are to celebrate our TRUE birthday, that would be it!
How can you deny yourself when you aim to be the winner, when you seek accolades and awards?
Hint: at the end of the day, no one really cares, people are too self-centered to really care about you. Real winners move in silence, in the quietness of the Soul. Lord Yashua (Jesus) never wanted to be known for who He was.
” But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.” (Mark 8″29-30)
” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.
“I am willing,” he said.
“Be clean!”
Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone.” (Matthew 8:3-4)
But but but society says…. you must aim to be the best, to reach the top. Newsflash, it’s a trick of the enemy. The ‘top’ isn’t here on earth.
No matter how great you can become in this earthly realm, there’s still no peace or joy that comes with it, only the nagging anxiety that someone will supersede you or that you will eventually fail or fall. With more of any thing comes the fear of losing it. There is only peace and comfort in Yashua.
Don’t get me wrong, one should generally always strive for the best. But with the inner understanding that ONLY Yashua is the TRUE best. He was the lamb slain before the foundation of the world…to save us from the penalty of sin. He is the morning star…that lights the way to salvation. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Great Shepherd leading his sheep out of this matrix of death and suffering. Only He has earned the right to be exalted!
[W]hoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
The ego is not your friend. All it does is cause trouble, problems and worries. It answers to its master the devil. And it helps him to kill, steal and destroy.
Surrender your ego to Yashua. He will throw it into the Holy Spirit fire and it will transform into gold. Be blessed!
