A Review of Last Month: The Power of Our Words
Last month, we explored the profound impact of our speech, guided by the wisdom of Proverbs 18:21, which teaches that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." This concept was vividly illustrated in the story of Adrian, a client who experienced a transformation by aligning his words with God's promises. His journey from doubt to declaration is a testament to the transformative power of speaking life.
Post-Easter Reflection: The Journey Continues
As Easter fades into the past, it's crucial not to let its significance dwindle into mere memory, akin to a "pastel-filled, Hallmark Easter bunny movie." The journey from the cross, through the tomb, to the resurrection of Jesus Christ calls us to a higher, ongoing commitment. This season challenges us to reflect on how the Passion of Christ contrasts starkly with the commercialized "Pastel Peeps" portrayal of Easter.
Real-Life Stories of Faith in Crisis
Consider the harrowing ordeal of an airplane unexpectedly catching fire. Amidst the panic, one passenger, previously distant from faith, found himself confronting the immediacy of mortality and the necessity of spiritual resolve. This emergency landing was not just a brush with death but a pivot towards a deeper faith life.
The Daily Demand of the Cross
Jesus's call in Luke 9:23 to "deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" is not just for the apostles or the first-century Christians; it is a daily, active invitation to us. It requires a constant, conscious decision to forsake our plans and embrace God's, illustrated further in Matthew 10:38 and Luke 14:27, where the commitment to carry one's cross is synonymous with true discipleship.
Theological Insights on the Power of Testimony
Revelation 12:11 reveals, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." This scripture not only highlights the victory found in Christ's sacrifice but also underscores the strength of our testimony, which causes even the devil to tremble. Derek Prince articulately describes committed Christians as those who have not only acknowledged but embraced the cross—the place of execution and surrender.
Understanding the Cross in Our Lives
What exactly does taking up one's cross mean? It means moving beyond the comfort zones of self-love and self-preservation, as emphasized by Derek Prince. He asserts that to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves—shut down the clamor of our needs and desires—and listen solely to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This radical self-denial and adherence to God's will set the foundation for true discipleship.
Embracing Spiritual Risks
In a world that prizes safety and certainty, taking spiritual risks can seem daunting. Yet, as believers, we are called to not only accept but seek out these challenges. Being spiritually reckless in pursuit of God, as AW Tozer suggests, isn't about irresponsibility; it's about fearless faith that trusts God's leading above all else.
Conclusion: Your Cross Awaits
As leaders and entrepreneurs, your journey isn’t just about leading in business or innovation; it’s about embodying the path that Christ laid out, a path marked by sacrifice, service, and surrender. Are you ready to take up your cross every day? Are you prepared to transform your leadership by integrating these eternal principles?
Explore More and Connect
To dive deeper into how these spiritual principles can inform and transform your leadership, explore the following resources:
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