Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ Who Liberates               

Mark 8:34
"Deny yourself and take up the cross and follow me.”
Devotion
As we reach the mid-way of this season, we need to pause and assess ‘Does the Lenten season make a difference in my life?’ Do I remain a ‘so-called’ Christian or a reformed Christian striving to give greater importance to God? 
Our Lord has given us clear instructions on how to follow the way of the cross (8:34). And Satan tries to sway us in different ways. Are our thoughts or social surroundings pressurizing us from following his way, or are we, with our faith in God, capable of surpassing such challenges? (8:35 - For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it). 
Are we ashamed to be identified as Christians in our daily lives by others? We are part of a more confusing and difficult world. Many times, we compromise our words, thoughts and actions in order to go along with the flow and be acceptable to the ‘world’. There is no gray area here. We should refrain from justifying wrongdoings and taking shortcuts. Do we want the Son of Man to be ashamed when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels (8:38)?
Let this Lenten season be a time where, in addition to the normal restrictions we follow, our words and actions become opportunities to spread God's word and grace to people around us.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, let my words and actions be pleasing to you. Help me to work through each opportunity to glorify your name. Amen.

Thought for the Day
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Philip Varghese
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

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