Today's Verse: Luke 9:25

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

"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 Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Pushing Past the Racial Barrier' (Acts 11:19-20)
"Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Following an Old Pattern' (Ga. 4:29)
"In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless connivance (Ishmael) harassed the child who came — empowered by the Spirit — from...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Baptism Must Open the Door to Genuine Fellowship'
"Dear Beloved, The early Christians were greatly encouraged by Luke's account of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. I joined those two disciples on...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Prayer and Confession Produces Wonderful Results'
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and..."

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