Day 1: Jesus Must Become Greater

Jesus must become greater.
I must become less.
John 3:30 NIV

Preparing the heart

As we begin our time of prayer & fasting, let us allow the words of Psalm 42:1-2 to speak to you:

42:1 - As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
42:2 - My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Take time to pause right now.
Do not hurry.
Breathe slowly.
Let the words speak to you.

—

Dear God, nais kong mamalas ka sa mga sandaling ito. I long for you. I need you. I desire to meet You! Tulungan mo ako na mag-focus sa Iyo lamang.

Mangusap ka sa akin o God. Maging personal ka sa akin o Lord. Bless me oh Lord with Your powerful and sweet presence.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time of reflection

Ang buhay natin parang mathematics. Sa ating buhay Kristiyano, kailangan may addition at subtraction. At bilang mga alagad at followers ni Jesus hindi optional na may maidagdag at maibawas sa ating buhay. They are in fact a must in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Sabi ni John the Baptist; “Jesus must increase [become greater], but I must decrease [become less].” [John 3:30]. This means more of Jesus and less of ourselves in our lives.

Where does Christ have to increase? The book “Lead Like Jesus” gives us the four key areas or domains where Jesus ought to be seen and continue on increasing: the head, the heart, the hands, the habits.

Jesus must increase in our heads. Head represents knowledge. We are to increase in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Patuloy dapat ang paglago natin sa kaalaman tungkol kay Jesus Christ.

The heart represents our inner being o ang ating kalooban; our inward thoughts, motives & desires, convictions, will and emotions.

The hands are representative of what we do. Sa bawat gawa ng ating mga kamay dapat ay makita si Hesus rito.

Habits are our practices and lifestyle, including spiritual disciplines. Sa ating pamumuhay at habits, Christ must be ever growing and increasing.

Pause & reflect

Jesus must increase. I must decrease. Jesus must become greater. I must become less. Reflect on the four domains or key areas of our life: the head, heart, hands and habits.

How would you evaluate yourself in each domain in relation to Jesus Christ? Is Jesus Christ increasing? What are your realizations?

Take time to reflect and to write your responses. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you in each of those areas. Be sensitive to what God wants to reveal.

What goals will you commit to the Lord in response to what you have learned?

Pray

As God leads you, pray for believers that you know; family, friends, church people. Pray that in their life, Christ would increase, and for the self to decrease.

Prayer of commitment

Dear Lord, tulungan mo ako na maisabuhay ang mga bagay na ni-reveal mo sa akin. Gawin mong katotohanan sa aking buhay ang mga bagay na aking natutunan. Empower me oh Lord, that Jesus in me may increase as I decrease.

Amen.