Today's Verse: Luke 9:25

Thursday, September 25, 2008

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"
— Luke 9:25
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' question is a piercing challenge for us to evaluate our goals and look at what we pursue. It reminds me of a picture I once had in my office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, "Who says you can't take it with you?" While it was humorous, the caption was also wrong: DEAD wrong. And that was the point of the picture! Jesus wants us to ask ourselves what we have really gained if we lose our souls in pursuing things we can't take with us after we die. Is more stuff, fame, wealth, and power worth losing the only part of us that matters eternally? No, it is not!

My Prayer...

Loving Father, please help me focus on what is truly valuable and eternally enduring. Awaken my heart to use my blessings and influence to bring you glory and lead others closer to Jesus. I want to carry these things into the next life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Lose It!
Illustration of Luke 9:25
Inspirational illustration of Luke 9:25 -- What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
What's It Worth?
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[After saying his followers must take up their cross daily, Jesus said,] "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up..."
Even if It Means a Cross
Article by Phil Ware
Do we really want the Cross to define us? We want a Christianity without the Cross, a Savior without a Lord, and a Tinkerbelle Jesus, reprinted.
Giving What Can't Be Kept
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If you can't keep something, why not give it up? There is nothing foolish about turning our back on the things of this life in order to gain a life that has no end.
See All 10 Related Resources about Luke 9:25

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:25 — "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 25, 2008

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Authority of the Cross' (1 Co. 1:22-25)
"Dear Father, confounder of worldly wisdom, What you have caused us to preach is "Christ crucified," a stumbling block to tradition-followers, like..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Confusing Christ?' (Jn. 4:27)
"Just then [Jesus'] disciples came back [from the village]. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask,..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Jeremy Taylor:
"It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 39:1
"Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, "I will go hither and thither, and I shall not sin;" for you are never so out of danger of sinning as to boast...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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