Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:1-8
Wisdom of the Day: Job 33:1-16
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:23-27
These words of our Lord Jesus Christ contain three great lessons for all Christians. They apply to all ranks and classes, without exception. They are intended for every age and time, and for every branch of the visible church.
We learn the absolute necessity of daily self-denial. Every day we ought to crucify the flesh, to overcome the world, and to resist the devil. We ought to keep our bodies under control, and bring them into subjection. We ought to be on our guard, like soldiers in an enemy's country. We ought to fight a daily battle and war a daily warfare. The command of our Master is clear and plain, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Now what do we know of all this? Surely this is a question which ought to be asked. A little formal church-going, and a decent attendance at a place of worship can never be the Christianity of which Christ speaks in this place.
Where is our self-denial?
Where is our daily carrying of the cross?
Where is our following of Christ?
A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people. No self-denial, no real grace! No cross, no crown! "Those who are Christ's," says Paul, "have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24).
"Whoever will save his life," says the Lord Jesus, "shall lose it; but whoever will lose his life for My sake, shall save it."
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to crucify my flesh daily and follow you.
Action Plan: What does Christ want from you when crucifying the flesh? What are your biggest struggles? Make a list of Bible verses that will help you defeat the things your struggle with the most.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
