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Scriptures Referenced

MATTHEW 16:24  NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION CATHOLIC EDITION (NRSVCE)

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Matthew 16:24  Amplified Bible (AMP)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple],
he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and
take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and
follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and,
if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

2 Corinthians 12:7  Amplified Bible (AMP)
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!