Laying Down My Life
Scripture – John 13:36-38: Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s a question I can treat as an intellectual exercise or as an opportunity for spiritual transformation. “Will you really lay down your life for me?” I constantly thank God I live in a society where my faith does not put me physically at risk. So I have the luxury of wondering how faithful I would be if my life were on the line, while knowing it’s unlikely I’ll ever face that. Of course, that’s a question I can’t answer. By the grace of God I don’t face such a fear. What I do face are opportunities every day to lay down my personal agenda – to let Christ lead me into some areas of service I really would rather avoid. Following Christ means I don’t live for myself. My focus in life doesn’t begin and end with my comfort and pleasure. Jesus provides plenty of that for me along the way. Laying down my life for Him in this day and setting means being ready to respond as He calls.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let His plans take precedence over mine. In fact, as best I can, as I make my own plans, I will let Him be the coordinator. That way, what I do for myself will be part of His guidance for my life.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the freedom with which I live in this country. Forgive me for holding myself back from you – for giving you just a part of who I am. Help me trust you today with all my heart and life.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s a question I can treat as an intellectual exercise or as an opportunity for spiritual transformation. “Will you really lay down your life for me?” I constantly thank God I live in a society where my faith does not put me physically at risk. So I have the luxury of wondering how faithful I would be if my life were on the line, while knowing it’s unlikely I’ll ever face that. Of course, that’s a question I can’t answer. By the grace of God I don’t face such a fear. What I do face are opportunities every day to lay down my personal agenda – to let Christ lead me into some areas of service I really would rather avoid. Following Christ means I don’t live for myself. My focus in life doesn’t begin and end with my comfort and pleasure. Jesus provides plenty of that for me along the way. Laying down my life for Him in this day and setting means being ready to respond as He calls.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let His plans take precedence over mine. In fact, as best I can, as I make my own plans, I will let Him be the coordinator. That way, what I do for myself will be part of His guidance for my life.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the freedom with which I live in this country. Forgive me for holding myself back from you – for giving you just a part of who I am. Help me trust you today with all my heart and life.
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