The Sacred Call to Self-Denial
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Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | February 20 2026 | Luke 9:18-27
KEY VERSE: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, NKJV)
MESSAGE:
As we walk through Lent, we are drawn again to the call of surrender. Jesus teaches that discipleship is daily and deliberate. When He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily,” He is inviting us into a steady life of obedience. To deny oneself is to loosen the hold of anything that competes with Christ and to place Him first again.
Taking up the cross daily is the practical expression of that surrender. It means choosing obedience when it costs, forgiving when it is difficult, serving without seeking recognition, and saying yes to God even when the flesh resists. This season invites us to return to living faithfully and embracing daily practices that deepen our relationship with Christ.
Self-denial makes space for deeper joy. When we lay down what is temporary, we gain what endures. The cross is the path that leads us into life with Christ.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
True discipleship requires daily surrender, in which Christ becomes greater, and self becomes secondary. Decide to yield yourself to making Christ known today.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, teach me the grace of daily surrender. Reveal what competes for my heart and give me courage to lay it down. Help me take up my cross with obedience and follow You faithfully. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: DENY The Greek word translated “deny” is aparneomai. It means to renounce, to refuse association with, or to disown a claim. It was used in contexts where a person deliberately turned away from something that once held influence or authority over them.
When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, He is not asking us to reject our identity. He is calling us to renounce self-rule. Discipleship begins where self-sovereignty ends. It is a conscious decision to step aside so that Christ may lead.
Reflect on this:
What area of your life still insists on having the final say?
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