Sunday, 3rd March 2024
Bible Reading: Matthew 28: 19 – 20
Memory Verse: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
Have you wondered why the Christians the Church produced in the 70s’ and 80s’ are generally more grounded in kingdom matters than the Christians in recent times? The answer is not far from discipleship. With due respect to all Pastors, we must take responsibility for the quality of the lives of our brethren. The values and the way of life of the average congregant in our Churches is a reflection of our most dominant messages. I beg of you, dear Pastor, please keep developing yourself and partner with your associates that can complement the grace of God upon your life. Now, what is discipleship?
Discipleship is the act of following Jesus, learning of His ways, and doing His will. This is perhaps the most important thing to be taught after salvation. Jesus becomes the Chief Shepherd of your life after you have given your life to Him at the point of salvation. Now that you are born again, you need to learn of the Chief shepherd. Don’t forget you are coming from the kingdom of darkness now to the kingdom of light, hence a lot need to change about you.
Man is a spirit having a soul living in a body. It was your spirit that got born again, your soul didn’t. Hence, your soul need to be continuously transformed daily (Romans 12:1). This is a lifetime task, beloved. However, the earlier you subject yourself to the yoke of discipleship, the faster your transformation.What is the essence of discipleship? Transformation into the image of the Chief Shepherd. Transformation into the image of Jesus (John 10: 14, 27).
Brethren, in the course of discipleship you will get to know that there is a pathway to achieving your dreams. You will also learn about the Cross. It is an old rugged cross and it will never be modern or updated. If Jesus carried His Cross to Calvary then you will have to carry yours too before the glory of God can be revealed upon you. Achieving your dreams shouldn’t be by hook or by crook; just carry your cross and it will lead you to your own Promised Land. Your cross is different from mine. Your cross is different from your sibling’s or your friend’s.
The Cross is a symbol of pain and shame. It represents the discipline, the life of sacrifice, the hardness you must endure, the price you must pay, the stipulated years of waiting on God patiently till He answers you, etc, that is attached to your making before the glory of God is revealed upon your life. Are you ready to follow the path of discipleship? Are you ready to carry your Cross? May the Lord help you and I. Amen.
Quote: A disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, intentionally learns from Him, and strives to live more like Him at any cost even till the point of death.
Prophetic Decree: May the power of God break all the stronghold of hell hindering your from becoming like Jesus, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank Father for giving us Jesus as our only model.
2. I receive grace to follow Jesus till I wear my crown of glory.
3. Foundational powers sponsoring bad habits in my life, lose your hold, in Jesus name.
4. My heart, receive divine enablement to pursue after God in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, raise disciples and Pastors for your kingdom who genuinely love your sheep, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 18-20