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 daily disciplines that they have practiced daily for many years. They describe their daily life by describing 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 know Him. Why? Because He is the one who gave His life and shed His blood to save me from my sins. Therefore, 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 challenged His disciples in Luke 9:23 by giving them (and us) 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.
- Take up your cross daily – think about the fact that Christ died on that cruel cross for your salvation, therefore, be willing to take up your cross every day for His sake.
- 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, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power so that daily discipline becomes a part of my character. I have decided to follow Jesus…no turning back, no turning back…
