Saving life by spending it

Saving life by spending it - (27/02/05)
Mark 8:34-38

Jesus did not come to make us comfortable but to make us strong.

Honesty of Jesus & Bible
Matt 10:28,
The very thing God requires from your life is what u require for your life.
Isa 55:10,11

1. Spend your life vs.35
Some things in life are lost by being kept + saved by being used (talents, minds, smiles)
AD404, Telemachus
Our life is meant to be spent + not to be kept.
Jn10:10, 2 Cor 12:15, Phil 2:17: Abundant life is gained when by risking life + health for Jesus.
It is better to be 'spent out' or 'burnt out' than 'rust out'.

2. Deny yourself
Say NO to yourself, your ease, self-will & 'forbidden fruits' that draws u away from Jesus.
Say 'yes' to things that pleases God.

Sow your liberty
Jesus never forces anyone to follow Him.
'...take up His cross' -
Be as God's servants : 1 Peter 2:16.
Matt 22:28-30: 2 types of rest
a) Rest from burdens vs28 - physical
b) Re-creative rest for your spirit vs.30
This only come about when we take up the cross (the burden of Jesus)
2 Chron 16:8

3. Simply follow your leader
Jesus is our shepherd & not a (cowboy)
lead from front (back)
voice (whip)
rear for wool (meat)

We have all risked + given much more (health, wealth, time + relationships) to the lesser leaders of this world, then why not Jesus? vs. 36
- Not a question of ability. Jesus questions our priority.

Heb 4:15 & 4:16
God's mercy for those who obey - God's mercy emboldens us.

A Simple Secret
Some things cannot be understood but practiced.
Lk 9:23: Taking up the cross DAILY. Jesus only expects us to follow Him today, one day at a time.

John 12:24
No question of a seed's potential, but it must fall to the ground & die first.

Conclusion:
It is not new truths but just walking the truths we already know.