October 7, 2024
The Call To Desire Jesus Above All
Luke 9:20-23: "Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”
Psalm 42:1-2: "As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God..."
Devotional Thought:
Desire is powerful. We often desire things like success, comfort, and possessions, but have we ever desired Jesus in that same way? To follow Him, as the sermon teaches, requires more than a superficial commitment—it calls for deep, earnest longing for Christ. A longing that surpasses all earthly desires, much like the psalmist in Psalm 42:1-2 who yearns for God.
Self-Reflection Question:
October 8, 2024
Denying Self To Follow Jesus
Luke 9:23: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Devotional Thought:
To follow Christ means to deny ourselves—our wants, our plans, our comforts—and embrace His. It’s not easy, but Jesus teaches that self-denial is at the heart of being His disciple. The old life is gone, and the new life is centered on Him. Taking up the cross daily means daily dying to our own desires and following Jesus into His will.
Self-Reflection Question:
What areas of my life do I struggle to deny myself and fully surrender to Jesus?
October 9, 2024
Taking Up The Cross Daily
Matthew 16:24-25: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’"
Philippians 3:10: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death."
Devotional Thought:
Jesus invites us to a deeper walk by taking up our cross daily. This isn’t a one-time decision but a daily act of faith. It means embracing the challenges, trials, and even suffering that come with following Jesus, but also experiencing the joy of His presence. As we walk with Him, we begin to share in both His sufferings and His resurrection power.
Self-Reflection Question:
How can I take up my cross daily? What specific steps can I take to embrace both the struggles and joys of following Christ?
October 10, 2024
The Power of Prayer in Our Walk
Luke 9:18: "One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."
Devotional Thought:
Prayer was central to Jesus’ life, even though He was the Son of God. His dependence on the Father through prayer shows us the importance of prayer in deepening our desire for God and aligning ourselves with His will. To go to the next level in our Christian walk, we must cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. It’s in these moments of quiet communion that our desire for Him grows.
Self-Reflection Question:
How often do I make time for intentional prayer, and how can I deepen my connection with God through more consistent prayer?
October 11, 2024
Living In Community & Reaching Out
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Devotional Thought:
Following Jesus doesn’t happen in isolation. Jesus spent time with His disciples and taught them in close fellowship. We are called to build each other up in faith and share the love of Jesus with a hurting world. As we desire to go deeper in our walk with Him, we must also desire to encourage others and bring His healing touch to those in need.
Self-Reflection Question:
Am I actively involved in the Christian community and reaching out to others, or am I living my faith in isolation?
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