Message Minute

Your Message Minute with Pastor Chris Byars

Join Pastor Chris Byars of St. John's Lutheran Church in Gillett, WI, for Your Message Minute, a daily devotion designed to inspire and uplift your spirit. Each episode invites you on a transformative journey through Scripture, providing practical insights and heartfelt reflections that guide your faith walk. Discover how God's word can illuminate your path today! Don’t miss out—watch the video and be renewed in His grace!
Crosses Over Comfort: Embracing Sacrifice for a Deeper Connection with God!

Crosses Over Comfort: Embracing Sacrifice for a Deeper Connection with God!

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Matthew 16:25

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“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Matthew 16:25, LSB

When you hear things like, “God wants you to live your best life now!” or some other catchy slogan, ask yourself, “What does that mean?” It is true that God desires to bring blessings and not curses and He wishes for us to know fullness and joy, but what our God is desiring for us and how we understand it are two different things. Jesus called us to take up our crosses. He called us to let go of things that are worldly and hold onto Him. This isn’t a message of prosperity in the material sense, but prosperity in the sense that places our focus solely on Him. The world can take away everything else and as long as Jesus remains, we are good! This is a hard message for many. It is a struggle for all who follow Jesus' face. If someone tries to tell you that a life of faith will be easy, it is clear they are not well-versed in Scripture. Living your best life now in Christ will not resemble what some false teachers are marketing. As we die to ourselves and live in Christ, we do find a great life that is more fulfilling and hopeful, not because of our worldly circumstances but because of the state of our hearts. The struggle is in letting go, letting God change your heart, and knowing His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.

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