Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, February 13, 2025
Today's Text: Matthew 16:24-27
Key Verse: Matthew 16:25 (ESV): "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
The text before us this morning presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He calls His disciples to a life of srlf denial necessary for the kingdom to which they have been called. "Take up your cross, and follow me." He told them. Our call to discipleship involves a willingness to die to self and live for Christ, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom. As followers of Christ, we are called to embark on the martyr's journey, where we surrender our desires, ambitions, and very lives to Him. This journey involves a daily dying to self, where we crucify our flesh and its desires, and live for Christ and His purposes. The challenge before us today is to die to self, and live for Christ. This means relinquishing our own desires, priorities, and self-centeredness, and instead actively choosing to live a life fully dedicated to following Jesus Christ, prioritizing His will above our own in every aspect of our lives; essentially, surrendering our agenda to live according to God's purpose for us.
The apostle Paul understood this journey ery well. That is why he said, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). As we continue to reflect on the journey of 21 Coptic Christians to martyrdom and celebrate their 10th anniversary of being martyrs this Saturday, we are reminded that our lives are not our own, but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are called to live for Christ, to surrender our lives to Him, and to follow Him, no matter the cost. Are you ready to die to self and live for Christ?
Action Steps: Ask God to give you the strength and courage to die to self and live for Christ. Reflect on areas of your life where you need to surrender to Christ. Pray for believers around the world who are facing persecution and martyrdom for their faith. Share the Gospel with others, and be willing to take up your cross and follow Christ.
Quote for the Day: "Life's greatest gain is never in its length, but in its depth; never in duration, but in devotion. For the secret of finding our lives in Christ Jesus is losing it first for His sake." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for the strength and courage to die to self and live for Christ. Help me to surrender my life to You, and to follow You, no matter the cost. Give me opportunities to share the Gospel with others, and to take up my cross and follow Christ — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading, see: Philippians 3:7-14; Luke 9:23-25; and Galatians 2:20.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2916 Kraft Street, Suite 70, Arlington TX 76010 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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