“And Jesus saith to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose his soul?” Luke 9:23-25
Today’s Christian daily devotional
It was a placid and rainy Saturday night. But on the third floor of the tiny apartment on 26th and Seventh, Blake and Taylor found themselves comfortably nestled in a sea of comforters. The only reminder of the dreary weather was the hypnotic raindrops tapping the loose windowpanes.
Both of them were quite occupied. They were playfully clicking back and forth between a UFC fight Blake had taped and Taylor’s favorite comedy.
Taylor was no match for Blake’s wrestling skills. It took less than two seconds to pin his tiny girlfriend. But, the gentleman in Blake couldn’t help but surrender the remote—for a kiss—of course.
Taylor happily complied, raking her fingers slowly through Blake’s stippley beard. It was a moment she wished would last forever.
Everything about this man felt perfect for her. Traits that Taylor would normally find unnerving in anyone else were oddly endearing when Blake did them.
The sweet kiss ended too soon.
“Want some water?” Blake stood up to crack open the steamy window.
“Sure.” Taylor smiled as she clicked the channel back to her show; basking in the triumph of finally having everything she ever wanted.
Taylor Michaels was happy. It had been so long since she felt like this. She was beginning to wonder if life for her would ever be enjoyable again.
Only one thing was missing; but it was a pretty major thing. Taylor was afraid to introduce her new boyfriend to the love of her life.
So, who was this mystery man? When Taylor was going through the most painful moments of her life “J” was always there for her. When every other person had left, “J” was the only friend who stood by and comforted her. Without the encouragement and love of “J”, Taylor wasn’t really sure where she would be today.
In case you haven’t figured it by now, Taylor’s best friend was Jesus.
This fear Taylor had of talking about her relationship with Jesus was grounded in reality. She had lost most of her friends because of her passionate commitment to living for God.
On this romantic spring night, it seemed as if God had answered all of Taylor’s prayers. Ironically, she was fearful of jeopardizing it all because of God.
How deep did Taylor’s loyalty lie? To whom was her loyalty the strongest? Would she stand by the One who was with her through life’s darkest trials? Or, would she forget Him now that life seemed pretty good?
Taylor, like so many of us, was at a major crossroad in her life. The power and influence of friends can make a serious impact on how successful we are in life.
Friends who have our best intentions will encourage the good opportunities that come our way. People who aren’t interested in our best interest shouldn’t really be put in the category of ‘friends’ in the first place.
Many people who have made major commitments to Christ have renounced them in the name of self-preservation. Friendships that are tangible in the natural sense seem to take precedence over supernatural intimacy with God Himself.
As Luke 9:23-25 soberly reminds us, serving God was never promised to be an easy commitment. But, in the end, it is definitely the most fulfilling. And, you really can’t beat investing in a relationship that will last for eternity.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I see how easily I can turn my passion for you into a passion for something or someone else. A long time ago, I committed to not only following you but also to being the kind of person who would be loyal to you forever.
How shallow are my promises. Lord, forgive me for forgetting you and replacing you. You should be first, always.
In the name of Jesus I repent of putting other idols before you. I turn from them, and I commit to serving and worshiping only you, Lord.
I will not serve the lust of my flesh or bow down to the influence of those who don’t love you.
Lord, help me to gently let go of the relationships that are holding me back from my intimacy with you.
Bring people into my life that will nurture a deeper love for you. Help me to be a good friend to others by encouraging their walk with God and not making them feel good about being far from you. A true friend wants the best for the people they claim to love. And the best thing a person can have is YOU in their life.
In Jesus’ precious name, I need a supernatural anointing to follow through with this commitment. I have let you down in the past, Lord. I need you to help me see this promise through, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Luke 9:23-25
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan