Deny Yourself

 

Dear beloved: pics; Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya; Preaching crusade in Mbeya, TZ.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, v25 for whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. v26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man exchange for his soul? v27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

Beloved, the teaching above by our Lord Jesus is without doubt one of the most difficult teachings for us as followers of Him.  This teaching goes against all human nature and especially our upbringing here in America, where we are planted in a nation that is overflowing with blessings and abundance.  It is our selfish nature that pushes us to have all the luxuries and comfort that life has to offer, that is why this command by Jesus to "deny yourself" jolts us to the core. And yet in so doing, Jesus says, "if you lose your life for My sake you will find it".  That sounds completely upside down and backwards, and yet if you put it into practice, you will find it to be the truth.  The life of a missionary, especially to a place like Africa or Asia, is a life of denial and sacrifice. Every picture tells a story.  In the pictures above, the Kibera slum crusade, was a joy to behold despite the stench of poverty and wretched surroundings. Nothing to cheer about. And yet some people saw fire come down from heaven and rest on the heads of people standing before the altar.  And the Mbeya Crusade, we found Mbeya after a 50 hour bus ride to the very southern tip of Tanzania. What we found there were people very hungry for the word of God and people to preach and teach them, and thousands responded to the altar call, gave their life to Jesus.  Apostle Paul said, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions... for Christ's sake." When you deny yourself, you never know where the Lord might take you!  Pray about your part in supporting Gather the Outcasts Ministry, for our gospel outreach as well as the Makunda School project.  May God bless you as you pray.

In Christ, Jim   Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654    501c3     Payal @ www.paypal.me/gathertheoutcasts     or   www.gathertheoutcasts.com      Email: pureprairie@hotmail.com           www.facebook.com/jimrowh     or    www.jimrowh.blogspot.com