Today's Scripture:

Luke 9:23-27 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
These verses have actually been something that I have used to remind myself to stay on track with what God has intended for me and to not allow myself to stray away from him, even when what he wants for me doesn't follow the path that I want for myself.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
As I read this scripture, I remember when I started high school. Being surrounded by so much temptation, I found myself questioning my faith and my willingness to give myself to God wholeheartedly. I continued to struggle with this until the beginning of this year, my junior year, when I became an officer for my school's Christian club, Spartans for Christ. In this club, we meet once a week to discuss different topics that are in the Bible and in Christian culture. We relate the topics to our everyday lives and find fellowship in our close peers. This time of reflection and application of God's Word has helped me to stay focused on God and remember that his plan for me is better than anything that the world could possibly give me.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
This specific scripture has called me to stay focused on my faith and on my trust in God. Whether by reading the Bible more often or simply spending more time with God through prayer, these verses remind me of God's love for me and push me to grow closer to him with every choice, word, and action I display.

About Ally Mathers:
My name is Ally Mathers, and I am an eleventh grade student at Seven Lakes High School.
I have been at Grace since I was in elementary. My grandparents Jody and John Duffey have been long-time members of Grace. I have grown up at Grace and plan to be confirmed next year.