Day 4 – JANUARY 9, 2019
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: Am I willing to discipline myself to follow Jesus? People who accomplish great things in life often attribute their success to daily disciplines that they have practiced daily for many years. They describe their daily life by detailing disciplines such as: spending time in prayer, setting daily 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 I live and I owe my life to Him. Nothing that I achieve or accomplish in this life means anything if I 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 three disciplines that are required to follow Him (as true students of the master).
- Deny self! – Deny flesh and selfish desires. Give up self-aligned agendas and seek to follow the plan Jesus has for His followers.. Seek first the kingdom…(Matthew 6:33)
- Take up my cross daily! – Think about the fact that Christ died for my salvation and I must be willing to lose my 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 myself to follow Jesus no matter what it costs me! Do not follow other voices. Listen and follow only His voice. He will lead me to life more abundantly.
It’s Time to Pray: Oh Lord, I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back…
I have decided to follow Jesus!!!
Amen.