The Word: Luke 9: 23 (KJV)
[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Dig Deeper:
Revelation 3: 20 (KJV)
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Think about it
IF ANY MAN….
We ‘ve been studying the 7 characteristics of living things: Respiration, Nutrition, Excretion, Sensitivity, Movement, Growth, Reproduction. We already briefly discussed: Respiration and Nutrition. Let’s take a little break today and just look at a general scriptural phrase that is relevant to us this year: ‘If any man…’
God’s intention for us this year is very good. It is meant to be a year of pleasant surprises and grace. It is meant to bring back double restoration. It is meant to be 10 times better than last year. However we have a part to play to ensure that this all come to pass. Jesus frequently used the phrase: ‘If any man…’ Meaning that it is open blank invitation and the responsibility is with us. Let’s look at 4 scriptural instances where we have these blank open invitation:
1. Your can enter into deeper fellowship this year:
Revelation 3: 20
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
2. You can chase after God and be better disciplined this year
Luke 9: 23
[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3. You can be thirstier for the person, power and gifts of the Holy Spirit this year
John 7: 37
[37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. [38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
4. You can enter deeper level of sanctification and purpose this year:
2 Timothy 2: 20 – 22
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. [21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Grace is available this year…. You can have as much as you desire….
Our memory verse for February
2 Peter 3: 18
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Let’s take a few moment to learn our memory verse for this month by heart. It can be memorised in 3 lines:
Line 1: But Grow in grace,
Line 2: And in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Line 3: To him be glory both now and for forever.
Once you say it a few times it will stick.
Prayer focus: Father help me to tap into these available grace O God IJN.
On Grace: God’s lavish Grace – Terry Virgo
Masterlife Workbook: The Church is embarking on weeks of discipleship workbook study starting with the Masterlife: Disciple’s cross.
