Tag Archives: growth

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A Few Thoughts On Discipleship!

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DSC_0026Discipleship is one of those words that we toss around our churches like a familiar football!  We know that the word discipleship has something to do with being close to God, and we convince ourselves that this is enough.  We need to start thinking about discipleship and what it really means.  I think that true discipleship is one of the lost gifts that God has given to the church!  I am trying to get my head and heart around it, and must admit that I have a ways to go.  I thought that it might be helpful for me to share with you some of the things that God has been teaching and showing me!

How do you know when discipleship is happening?  Discipleship is the work of God in a person”s heart and life.  When a person experiences transformation through a relationship with God, their life shines Jesus to all of those around.  When you experience God’s love, you can’t help but to share that love with any and all around you.

I am afraid that many times in our churches we end up preaching a gospel that turns people into consumers of religion, rather than into disciples of relationship.  The problem is this:  Faith that does not grow into action is not really faith at all!  Bonhoeffer said:  “Only those who are obedient believe and only those who believe are obedient.  Faith is the only real obedience.”

A true disciple is a person who abides in Christ, produces fruit, practices obedience, lives with joy and gives love!  (John 15)  If you want to be a growing disciple, then you must submit to spiritual leadership and teaching, so that you can learn to live by the words of Jesus and follow His example of ministry, which seeks to find and grow other disciples.

Are you a disciple?  Would the life that you are living today prove it?  I have to go – because I’ve got some work to do!  I want my life to prove it!

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Do You Really Trust God?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

We all know this verse and we all quote this verse and we all forget to apply this verse!  Our first temptation is to always lean on our on understanding.  We only get around to trusting God, when we have exhausted all of the other options!  We try to manipulate our paths and make them straight and when we can’t do that we will take any available short cut that might seem like an out.

When life is not working the way that you want it to work, then what you need to do is stop right where you are and start trusting God.  Don’t take another step until you have determined in your heart that you are going to trust God!  Now, once you have decided to trust Him, make sure that you are really trusting Him by trusting Him with all of your heart.

You know that you are trusting God with all of your heart, when you have gotten rid and thrown to the side your understanding!  Now your goal is to acknowledge God and let Him work on the paths that you are traveling on!

I hope this little reminder is good for all of us:  Trust the Lord!  Throw your understanding away!  Target God and His will!  Transition to letting Him do it for you!

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God’s Perspective!

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It Ain't That Bad!

It Ain't That Bad!

 

We see life from beginning to end.  We think about our future starting where we are and thinking about where we want to end up.  This is the natural human way, because there are no guarantees, only hopes and dreams.  This is not a bad thing – it’s just the way it is.

God sees the end from the beginning!  God sees it all and knows it all at one glance.  This is one of the reasons that a relationship with Him is so important.  God sees things and knows things that you and I cannot see and cannot know.  This is why I make the choice to have a personal relationship with God that includes daily contact and communication.  He knows “stuff” that I need to know!

God wants to bless us!  His primary way of blessing is by keeping us on the right track.  If God can help us to stay on the right track – His track, then we will grow and be blessed.  If you are facing heartache and struggle, please understand that this is not God’s desire for your life.  If you look close enough, most heartache and struggle can be traced back to something that we have done or failed to do.  When we get off of God’s plan and out of God’s will – life can very quickly spin out of control.

Realize that God sees and knows all.  Realize that God loves you and has an incredible plan for your life.  Realize that His plan is not that far away from you.  In fact it is as close as a little conversation with Him.  Take some time today to talk with and listen to Him.  You will be surprised at the difference it will make in your life and your day!