Read – Matt.10:38-39
Observation: –
Often we hear about the cross. Perhaps we are too familiar with the term. But what is the cross after all? When we really understand the cross we shall see it means the breaking of the carnal man. The cross reduces the outward man to death; it splits open the human shell. The cross must destroy all that belongs to our outward man—our opinions, our ways, our cleverness, our self-love, all. The way is clear, in fact, crystal clear. As soon as our outward man dies, our spirit can easily come forth. Consider a brother as an example. All who know him acknowledge that he has a keen mind, a forceful will, and deep emotions. But instead of being impressed by these natural characteristics of his soul, they realize they know him after Christ. Whenever people are fellowshipping with him, they encounter a spirit, a clean spirit. Why? Because all that is of his soul has been submitted completely to His Lord.
Application
The bottom line is that Christianity is not simply a religion, but more importantly, it is a way of life. We must live it each day. In doing so, we exercise our spiritual senses, thereby learning to discern good from evil. This dynamic is fundamental to Christian growth. Those who fail to do this will not experience significant spiritual growth.
Prayer
Pray for growth. Pray earnestly for the life of Jesus to reflect through your members-hands, eyes, etc..
- Ask the Lord for continued creativity to expand what you have in hand; your work, your gifts and talents for the benefit of the kingdom and your own sustenance.
- Pray that you will recognize where the hand of the Lord is working in this season so that you can join Him in what He is doing in the midst of all the upheavals and intense activity.
- Pray that any area of life including your health, relationships with God and men, which have faced depletion or deterioration, will receive an injection of the virtues that symbolize this month.