Today's Verse: Luke 9:25 (KJV)

Saturday, September 25, 2004

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
— Luke 9:25 (KJV)
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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.

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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?
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"[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..."
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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.
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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:25 (KJV) — For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

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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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