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
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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
Article by Tim Archer
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

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Hiding these Things' (Mt. 11:25-26)
"At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Going Deeper than the Old Commands'
"Dear Precious One, Today's message is very important because many in your religious world turn grace into an excuse to do whatever they want rather....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Hammer William Webb-Peploe:
"Don't trust to hold God's hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'How Do You Know Me?' (Jn. 1:47-49)
"As [Philip and Nathanael] approached, Jesus said, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel — a man of complete integrity." "How do you know about me?"..."

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.

More Today's Verse