Matthew 16:21-28

S - Matthew 16:21-28

O - At this point, Jesus explained to his disciples how he would be going to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter objected to this and Jesus rebuked him, saying "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his sould? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

A - Recognize my stumbling blocks and put them behind me.

Jesus' plans are not the plans of men. Remember to have in mind the things of God, not the things of men, especially when circumstances look like they should not be. His plans are different, are for different purposes, true purposes, and not necessarily part of our own dreams and hopes. Trust in Him no matter what is dictated into my life.

- Deny myself, take up my cross, follow Him. Easier said than done. Die to self. Remember my baptism. New life. As Pastor Art says as he baptizes, "Out with the old, in with the new. You are raised to walk in newness of life."

P - God, help me to remember these principles Jesus taught. Help me to remember this day to die to self. You will come again with your angels and in all your glory to reward each person according to what they have done. Help me to kingdom think as I decide what I put my energy into this day. Amen.