May 1 -- "Radical Discipleship Starts Here"

Today’s Reading: Luke 9:18-43

Jesus didn’t sugarcoat discipleship. In Luke 9, He presents a bold and radical invitation—one that calls us beyond the ordinary and into a life of deep surrender and transformation. When He says, "take up your cross daily," He is not referring to a literal cross, but rather to the willingness to embrace the challenges, sacrifices, and responsibilities that come with following Him. By using this imagery, He was teaching that discipleship requires self-denial and a willingness to put God's will above personal desires.

Picture a life where each moment—whether routine or remarkable—is infused with divine purpose. When we choose to follow Jesus and take up our cross, we step into this reality. The burdens of the past no longer define us, and the weight of the future is carried by the promise of eternal life in Christ. It is an invitation to release our fears and doubts, exchanging them for the boundless hope found in Him.

We live in a culture that tells us to “follow your heart” and “put yourself first,” but Jesus calls us to do the opposite. Denying self isn’t about hating ourselves—it’s about choosing Jesus over our flesh. Taking up our cross is about choosing obedience over convenience, pleasure, and selfishness—even when it costs us. Following Him daily means we keep showing up, keep trusting, and keep walking even when the road is narrow and steep.

This journey is not without its challenges, but it leads to a life overflowing with purpose, meaning, and joy. It connects us to the Creator of the Universe, gives us the certainty of eternity in His presence, and allows us to take part in the incredible story of redemption. It is an opportunity to worship, to serve, and to experience the depth of God's love in ways beyond our imagination.

When Jesus says, "Follow Me," He isn’t asking us to walk alongside Him casually—He’s inviting us into a life that reflects His own. He calls us to align our hearts with His, to imitate His actions, and to embrace His mission as our own. It requires daily surrender, an intentional commitment to live for God’s glory, and a willingness to serve others with all that we are.

Today, may the Lord grant you a heart that delights in surrender, a will that yields quickly to His voice, and a strength that comes from walking closely with Jesus each day. As you deny yourself and take up your cross, may you discover the abundant life only He can give. Keep following—He’s worth it.