Crucified with Him.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6 KJV). Victory is found at the cross of Calvary. When we deny ourselves, God is able to bring us into His care even greater than before. He is able to do this because when we deny ourselves and bear the cross, we say no more to our own strengths, our own thoughts, and our own ways. When we pick up our cross, we truly become sons and daughters in the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is there at the cross to lead us and bring us to the knowledge of our Father in Heaven. He's there to show us the mind of Christ and how to continually be that living sacrifice. The Holy Spirit will teach us, lead us, and continue to minister to us as we bear the cross. The Cross continually condemns sin to death, and all that remains for us to do is to acknowledge and receive this self-denial. We will face our soul life, and the Holy Spirit will bring us to the understanding that we will have to forfeit it or we cannot go any further with Christ. People search for understanding. They read scripture after scripture. They pray night and day without answers. Let me tell you, we have to be willing to deny ourselves and follow after Christ wholeheartedly.  When we do this, we will be able to watch the answers to the prayers come to pass. Jesus didn't say it would be easy, but it is worth it. Count the cost and watch you life flourish in the Lord Almighty. Give God praise. God bless you. Amen.