Today's Verse: Luke 9:23

Friday, September 23, 1949

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 Friday, September 23, 1949

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Everything Is Your Gift' (1 Co. 4:6-7)
"Dear Father, Help me to live according to your Holy Scriptures. That is why I pray to you in their very words. I want to be conformed to your will,....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by John Bunyan:
"Nor can a man with grace his soul inspire, More than the candles set themselves on fire.|"
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Reflecting Heaven's Glory While Under Attack'
"So [the men debating unsuccessfully with Stephen] persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, "We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God." This...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'They Do Not Have the Spirit!' (Jude)
"[The apostles] told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who...."

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