[Jesus said] If any[one] would come after me, let [them] deny self and take up [their] cross daily and follow me.

Our family was skiing in Colorado with some friends. I rode up a long chair lift with a stranger who turned to me saying, "The name’s Clyde; I’m a plumber from California. I'm out here to meet women and have fun. What’s your work?"

I answered, "Fire insurance," the response I frequently give when I want to have some fun with an unsuspecting stranger.

He questioned, "Fire insurance? Who do you work for?"

"The Lord," I responded.

"Who?"

"The Lord. I’m a preacher."

If we had not been fifty feet off the ground, Clyde would have jumped out of the chair. I reassured him, "Relax; enjoy the ride."

After a few moments of silence he asked, "Is there any hope for a guy like me?"…