2 things.

notes taken from tim's reading through the bible study

1. remembering why it's so important to read the Bible: it's always pointing us to God, His promises, and His faithfulness.
2. taking up our cross means we deny ourselves and follow jesus. this makes christianity different from any other religion. we aren't seeking self-fulfillment but self-denial. we are only truly transformed when we deny ourselves by putting ourselves last and Christ first.