A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, July 1
- ontrakk
- Jul 1, 2025
- 1 min read
Matthew 16:25
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.“
Jesus is reprimanding Peter for trying to change the course of what must be. Peter wants to protect Jesus from what is ahead. But the verses from 1Kings remind us that we must be willing to give up our lives as we know them, if that is what it takes to answer His calling. This is a difficult message for many of us, me included. Most of us have not had the experience of getting a very clear and obvious call from God. How clear and obvious does it need to be for us to see it? I once read that if God would approve of what you are doing, it is God’s will. That seems very simplistic, but I think it holds much of the truth. In the same way, we can look at things we might need to give up to more closely follow God. Are there things I regularly do, or take part in, which God would rather I give up? Maybe I can follow Him more genuinely if I give up that thing or things He really would rather I give up? Much to pray about, changes to be made.
Holy Lord, open my eyes to see your path for me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Nancy
Matthew 16:25
This is a tough reading… I often wonder if you’re truly called by God, is it like being hit by a big thunderbolt and actually hearing the voice of God? Well, I have never been in that situation, I do believe it can be very subtle, driven through the Holy Spirit where we are just led to do one thing or another in the name of Christ. Sacrifice can come in all forms. It can be as simple as giving up time on an online game and using that time to spend in the Word or it may be far more profound like those who have given their lives in the name of Christ. There are so many…
Matthew 16:25
Answering God’s call may be inconvenient or costly. I just read this morning that in Saudi Arabia, conversion to Christianity from Islam is punishable by death. This law does not often need to be applied because family members are very likely to kill the “infidel” before the government gets involved. The apostles left everything behind to follow Jesus and all paid for their loyalty to the Son of God with martyrdom. Surely I can cope with inconvenience in the face of people choosing death for the sake of their commitment to follow Jesus.
Prayer - Lord God, strengthen my resolve to carry out the Great Commission Jesus declared without concern over earthly consequences. In putting aside my fear…