Today's Verse: Luke 9:23

Monday, September 23, 2013

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
— Luke 9:23
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Offering ourselves to God isn't a one-time event. We learned that yesterday - we offer ourselves, we offer our bodies to God as a living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We are committing to die to our selfish wills and follow Jesus daily, obeying him as we live to honor him. As the Lord Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane with the Father, we must face our daily challenge to "take up [my] cross daily," putting our selfish wills on the cross, and crying out, "Not my will, but yours be done," Abba Father (Luke 22:42).

My Prayer...

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus as my Savior. Lord Jesus, I want to follow you completely. I don't want it to be half-hearted or hypocritical. I yearn for your life to be seen in me each day. So please, Lord, humble me gently, and show me the areas where I need to soften my heart and have the Spirit shape my character, so that I can more perfectly reflect your glory, grace, and character to those around me. In Jesus' name, I ask for the Father's help in taking up my cross and following the way of Jesus, each and every day. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

30 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Way of the Cross!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[After Jesus said he would be killed and resurrected,] he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way,..."
Deny Yourself
Illustration of Luke 9:23
Inspirational illustration of Luke 9:23 -- If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Take Up Your Cross
Illustration of Luke 9:23
Inspirational illustration of Luke 9:23 -- Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Luke 9:23-24
Devo: Today's Verse
"Jesus said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will...."
See All 30 Related Resources about Luke 9:23

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:23 — Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 23, 2013

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Reborn!' (Jn. 1:12-13)
"But to all who believed [Jesus, the Word] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Missing Ingredient!' (Ac. 1:4-5)
"On one occasion, while [Jesus] was eating with [the disciples], he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Mystery' (Acts 1:7-11)
"[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Jeremiah 31:33
"Christian! here is all thou canst require. To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? If thou canst..."

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