Welcome to Rhythms—your daily connect with God inspired by our weekend teaching.
INTRODUCTION
Following Jesus is a journey filled with joy and purpose, but it also comes with its challenges. The call to discipleship is not a promise of an easy life; rather, it often requires sacrifice and self-denial. In this week's sermon, we saw how Coach Yoast faced a difficult decision that could cost him his career. Similarly, Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. Today, we'll explore what it means to embrace the cost of discipleship and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Following Jesus is a journey filled with joy and purpose, but it also comes with its challenges. The call to discipleship is not a promise of an easy life; rather, it often requires sacrifice and self-denial. In this week's sermon, we saw how Coach Yoast faced a difficult decision that could cost him his career. Similarly, Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. Today, we'll explore what it means to embrace the cost of discipleship and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
SILENCE AND SOLITUDE
Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Take a few moments to quiet your mind and heart, inviting God's presence into this time of reflection.
CENTERING PRAYER
"Lord, help me to understand the true cost of following You. Give me the strength to deny myself and take up my cross each day. Amen."
SCRIPTURE
Take some time now to prayerfully read and re-read the following Scripture. When you are finished, reflect on the significance of the passage below.
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" — Luke 9:23 (NIV)
REFLECT
Jesus' words in Luke 9:23 are a sobering reminder that discipleship involves sacrifice. To take up one's cross is to embrace a life of self-denial and commitment to God's will, even when it leads to hardship. This is not a call to seek suffering, but to be willing to endure it for the sake of Christ. The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is higher. As we follow Jesus, we learn that true life is found not in clinging to our own desires, but in surrendering them to Him.
- What is one area of your life where you feel called to deny yourself and follow Jesus more closely?
ACTION STEP
Identify a specific area where you can practice self-denial this week. It could be giving up a comfort, serving someone in need, or spending extra time in prayer and Scripture. Commit to this action as a step toward deeper discipleship.
Identify a specific area where you can practice self-denial this week. It could be giving up a comfort, serving someone in need, or spending extra time in prayer and Scripture. Commit to this action as a step toward deeper discipleship.
CLOSING PRAYER
"Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us what it means to live a life of sacrifice and love. Help me to follow His example and to embrace the cost of discipleship with joy and faithfulness. Amen."