January 13,2025
Daily Discipline
Scripture
Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Thought for Today
Are you willing to discipline yourself to follow Jesus?
People who accomplish great things in life often attribute their success to disciplines that they have practiced daily for many years. They describe their daily life by detailing disciplines such as: spending time in prayer, spending time
with family, setting personal goals, being organized, helping others, treating others with respect and kindness, being on time, spending time reading, preparing for assignments, and learning something new every day. These are all great and noble disciplines that we should aspire to gain and practice to become better people and accomplish more in life. However, I believe that our greatest goal each day is to follow Jesus more closely and really get to know Him. Why? Because He is the One for whom you live and owe your life to. Nothing that we achieve or accomplish in this life means anything if we do not know and serve Him. He is my Savior, my Lord and my Redeemer! Jesus challenges His disciples in Luke 9:23 by giving them three disciplines that are required to follow Him (as true students of the Master:
- Deny yourself! Deny your flesh and selfish desires. Give up your agenda and seek to follow the plan Jesus has for you. Seek first the kingdom…(Matthew 6:33)
- Take up your cross daily – think about that fact that Christ died for your salvation and be willing to lose your life for His sake. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:
- 24)
- Follow Him! Discipline yourself to follow Jesus no matter what it costs you! Do not follow other voices. Listen and follow only His voice. He will lead you to life more abundantly.
It’s Time to Pray
Lord Jesus, I have decided to discipline myself to deny myself, take up my cross daily and follow You. You are the center of my joy and all that is good and perfect comes from You. Please help me to seek and obey You every day, above all other things, as I live a more disciplined life for You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!
Thank you Jesus for giving me the gift of discipline as I seek more of You and less of the world!