Today's Verse: Luke 9:23

Monday, September 23, 1957

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, 1957

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Source of All Comfort' (2 Co. 1:3-4)
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Henri Nouwen:
"Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are not an "accident," but a divine choice."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Metamorphosis' (2 Co. 3:16-18)
"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away [a veil like the metaphorical veil that kept the Jews from understanding the old covenant]. For....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Stand Strong in Faith to Defeat Satan'
"Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. Refuse to give in to him, by..."

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