December 11-Matthew 16:24-“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself”

Remember to read MY UTMOST for HIS HIGHEST for Today

GOD’S DESIGN

God designed our personalities our natural talents and our gifts.

But when we tried to manipulate control, fear and anger began to shift.

God designed human nature for Himself. He had plans with ideas in place.

But man chose to listen to Satan’s lies and began running at Satan’s pace.

God designed us with tender longings inside. There’s a vacuum He planned to fill.

Baubles, trinkets and toys have tried but nothing satisfies us still.

God designed us to deny ourselves, to become completely engrossed with Him.

When we allow God His rightful place, we will become a reflection of Him.

© Marlene D. Bergman

JOURNAL JOTTINGS: IF Man had not fallen into sin, what might you have done differently in your life? How might your talents and abilities have been used? Has sinned robbed you of what God intended you to do or be?

Journal the path your life might have taken without sin in the world. Could any of that still be accomplished?

What part does “denying oneself” play in that agenda? Journal your answer.

DEAR LORD: When You came into my life as my Savior and Lord, I changed. Help me to keep on denying myself until I am exactly where YOU want me to be, doing exactly what You had planned for my life. Keep me focused on eternal values in the daily decisions I make. Help me to experience more bravery in denying myself. Help me to keep the “denying of myself” a secret between only You and me. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.