Hello there,

Welcome to November! May it be a month of new beginnings for you in your walk with God, in Jesus name.

Our meditation text today is Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Yes, Jesus was speaking to His disciples, but notice He said “If anyone.” That includes you and me. The “if” shows it’s a choice, not something forced on us. And honestly, nothing compares to life in Christ.

Let’s break it down in the Greek:

  1. Desires (thelei): More than casual interest, it’s a deliberate decision.
  2. Come after (akolouthein): Not just walking behind Him, but living as His disciple.
  3. Deny (aparneisásthō): To completely renounce the old self, ego, and agenda.
  4. Cross (stauron): In that time the cross meant shame, suffering, even death. It was a symbol of total surrender.
  5. Follow (akoloutheítō): Not a one-time act, it’s a daily, ongoing lifestyle.

If I am to put together the interpretations in English, Jesus is saying:

If anyone truly decides in their heart to be My disciple, let them fully disown their old self, embrace the cost (even if it means death), and keep on walking with Me daily.

I want to leave you with something to reflect on: Are you truly walking with Christ daily, the way He instructs us in Matthew 16:24, or are you choosing to do life your own way?

A daily walk with Christ begins with accepting Him as your Lord and personal Saviour. Please say this prayer if you would like to receive Jesus into your heart:

Dear Jesus, I accept you today as my Lord and personal Saviour. I confess that I have sinned; please forgive me. I believe that you died and rose again for me. By your blood, cleanse me from every unrighteousness. Thank you for the new life you have given me, help me to serve you all the days of my life. Ultimately, please help me make it to eternity with you, in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Congratulations, heaven rejoices over you!

If you said this prayer and would like additional information/guidance, please send an email to 1nebodyblog@gmail.com. 

I pray that this month and beyond, a daily walk with Jesus becomes your way of life, in Jesus name.

God bless you,

Adenike