Category: Discipleship - Jethro TOOLS

Greatness

11/9/2025

Mark 9:30-37
The other day I anonymously completed an act of service for the second time. If I told you what I did, it would cease to be service, because I would then be boasting. I could have been paid for the task, but if I had been paid, then it would become a job, and not service. Yes, it actually happened and it met a need, but it was never acknowledged or appreciated. The act was costly in terms of my time, energy and resources, yet I did it anyway. The action was something prompted by God that, by faith, I believe God will reward in the future. So for now it will remain an anonymous act of sacrificial service that I get no credit for accomplishing and gain no benefit from completing. In Mark 9 Jesus defines greatness in terms of service, not in terms of status or high position. He did this to answer a question and a brewing argument between His disciples. Jesus says that greatness is defined by voluntarily lowering yourself and serving, not just a select group, but all, without any thought of personal benefit (35). In other words, in God’s economy, sacrifice and service define greatness that will be rewarded by Him alone. Earlier in Mark 8:34 Jesus lays out the cost of following Him in terms of self denial and picking up a cross. In His day, under the rule of the Roman government, picking up a cross meant that you were walking to your certain death. Jesus wants His disciples to be ones that understand His assignment and take action to serve to promote Him, and not themselves. This can only be done with the attitude of a servant that places themselves last and others first. The greatest servant will never place themselves above any assignment or action with an attitude of superiority. Greatness is eternally defined as serving all, which was embodied by Jesus and should be imitated by us.

For More See MARK

The Disciple's Purpose

2/16/2025

1 Peter 2:1-10
It was January of 2020 and we watched in shock as the coronavirus in China exploded out of control. The problem grew so much that the government immediately began building a thousand room hospital to try and deal with the epidemic and needed beds. Soon people were in desperate need of doctors, specialized care, and medicine all over the world. Medical teams and essential workers functioned in a ballet-like dance, as each one did a specific task for the purpose of eliminating the virus from their country. Throughout the pandemic we saw medical staff repeatedly praised for their sacrificial service. As we open the book of 1 Peter, we read along with an audience of believers who was living in hard times. In chapter 2 Peter reminds these believers under pressure that they have been given a new spiritual life for the purpose of growing in Christ, building others for Christ and continuing on with their belief in Christ. The end result is praise for what Christ has done in each life, regardless of the trials that have been faced in the process. Peter is challenging his readers, and us as well, to remember what God has done and what He is doing. This spiritual birth (1-3), formation and connection (4-5) are not things we can accomplish on our own. This is accomplished through God’s initial work of grace on the cross that is built on the foundation of Jesus our Savior (6-8). God’s purpose is to change us, and grow us, so we can praise Him (9-10). Just as a doctor is praised for his work on desperately sick patients, likewise, we are called to believe and carry the message of salvation and healing through a great Savior. If we can tell others how great our doctor is, can we not also tell others how great our God is?

For More See 1 PETER or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Passion

2/9/2025

Matthew 22:34-40
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With that, our thoughts are drawn to what we love, who we love, and how we might show that love. Love is the root of a passionate expression. We can say that we love ice cream, sports, coffee or someone, but there is always an expression of that love. In its simplest form passion is doing what we love and loving what we do. Being a person of passion is expressing the strong excited response that is based on the deeper sense of love. If there is not a connection that attracts then there will not be the action based on the attraction. The Bible lays out God’s passionate connection for all humanity in John 3:16. God loved the world so much that He gave Jesus, His only Son, to be our savior from sin. Love is the motivation for the extreme action of God’s passion. The passion displayed in the action proves the reality of the love. In Matthew 22 Jesus was asked to identify the greatest command in the law (36). In response He says, love God and people (37-39). Jesus came and displayed God’s love to us so we can display His love to others. The good news of God’s love drove His passionate display of love. Our display of love for others is to be based on our understanding and acceptance of God’s love passionately displayed for all the world to see. That is life changing love, the kind of love that God wants His committed followers to display to others. On our own we do not have the capability to accurately display God’s love. Yet, as disciples of Jesus, we are graciously given the ability to love because we have experienced God’s love (1 John 4:19). Are we actively displaying our love for God and others as God has loved us?

For More See MATTHEW or 1 JOHN or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Service

2/2/2025

Mark 10:42-45
Service with a smile. That phrase describes a business that is interested in making sure their customers are happy. They do the work to provide the customer with what they want and they do it with a pleasant attitude. Service is a great motto for company employees. If done well, it will draw in many more customers. The attitude along with the action makes all the difference. In Hebrews 12:1-2 the author uses the illustration of running a race to describe our life. There is a course of faith that we are called to run without distraction. That is done as we focus on the finish line and Jesus. He sacrificed and served all humanity through His death on the cross. His death brought us life, and He did it with joy. Christ served us, giving us what we needed most with joy. In Mark 10:45 Jesus states that he did not come to have others serve Him but to serve even to the point of giving his life to buy the release of many from the power of sin. His action of service was intentional, without wavering, and we are challenged to have the same humble attitude and serve (Philippians 2:5-8). Service is the action of doing, but also the proper attitude in doing. Yet we as people struggle with serving. We are very willing to rate a restaurant on the quality of their service, but don’t like it when we are asked to serve. We want others to serve us while we scream about our rights and need for respect. If anyone deserved to be served it was Jesus. Service for the disciple of Jesus takes on the hard task that brings the greatest benefit to others. We willingly humble ourselves in order for God’s message of salvation and the joy of knowing Him to flow through us. That is service with a smile. How is God calling you to serve and build His kingdom?

For More See MARK or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Vision

1/26/2025

Luke 19:1-10
Have you lost something? We have all lost something at some point in time like keys, glasses, or that important paper. But what about the times when we realize that what we have is something we don’t really desire like an old shirt, a broken chair, or out of style shoes. Our focus shifts from the invaluable things of the present, to a desire for some other thing. All too often we assign too much value to power, positions, and possessions, that we miss what is truly valuable. That is the story of Zacchaeus. Luke 19 tells us that he had power, position, and wealth (2), yet above those things he was motivated to see Jesus (3), and nothing was going to stop him (4). He had everything that a man could possibly get in this world, and yet he was an outcast searching for answers to the deep longings of his heart. He desired to be known and accepted. Zacchaeus had come to the point where he knew his life was not right. Yet, regardless of his sin, Jesus sought him out. He knew exactly where Zaccheus was in the tree and noted the change that faith had brought to his life (9). Jesus came to seek and save the lost (10). His focused vision for coming into this world was to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Today, God works in us and through us to seek out the lost around us. We must believe and accept the salvation offered only through Jesus. It is His sacrifice on the cross that makes us right with God. As disciples of Jesus, we are to adopt His vision for the lost. Zacchaeus desired a new way to live with new values and a new vision for life. That drove him to search for answers and seek out Jesus. May we believe in Jesus as Savior, adopt His way of living, and help others do the same. Has Jesus found you and radically changed you?

For More See LUKE or 1 TIMOTHY or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Mission

1/19/2025

Matthew 4:18-22
As a boy, I had always enjoyed dogs, but never had a chance to have one. Perhaps we never had a dog because Mom and Dad had moved frequently. Eventually, when I was about ten, we settled into a home that I would consider home. Arriving home from school one fall day, I noticed a dog tied up in front of the house. It turns out that some friends needed to find a new home for their dog and my parents approved. Well, that began the process of getting to know the dog and trying to train the dog. There is an old saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” That was definitely true of this character. He should have been a good candidate to pull a sled. He was broad and muscular, but he lacked the motivation. He would pull for a bit and only when he wanted to. When he realized I was on the sled the ride was over. I was on a mission to develop him into a sled pulling dog and he wanted nothing to do with my trick. My plans and dreams for him could never compare to his desire for his enjoyment fulfilled his way. You could say it was a training disaster. However, when it comes to reshaping our lives and retraining us God has a plan, but it takes our submission. In Matthew 4 Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him (18) and promises to make them into something different (19). Change is not easy because we become comfortable with our way. Like these disciples we are called to follow Jesus and allow Him to change us, reshape us and use us for His purposes and honor. Like my old dog; Are we willing to submit to our savior and His new direction for our life? When we do we will find that our life has an exciting new meaning and purpose.

Foe More See MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Connection

1/12/2025

John 15:1-8
The garden this past summer produced a bumper crop of sunflowers. In fact one was over sixteen feet tall. However, large objects like that do not handle the force of wind very well. Examining the garden after a bit of strong wind revealed sunflower damage. Several plants were down. Upon further inspection we saw that two of the sunflowers had broken stalks and were wilting because they lost their connection to the roots and the life giving nutrients supplied to them. The plants with the broken stalks were beyond repair. They wilted, died and had to be removed. Just as the connection to the roots is essential for a sunflower to grow so also the disciple must remain connected to Christ to grow. In John 15 Jesus tells His disciples that he is the true life giving vine (1). Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are only found though our connection to Christ as our savior. That connection is formed as we trust in Christ’s sacrificial payment of our sin. However, Jesus does not end the conversation with saving faith. He challenges the disciples to a growing faith that is spiritually productive (4). The production of faith and true spiritual life is never found through individual effort. Jesus says that apart from Him there is no life and no fruit (5). The challenge that Jesus leaves His disciples, and us, is to allow His power to flow through us to produce His results and His praise (8). God desires that we have fruitful spiritual lives known for righteousness, giving, serving, and witnessing. That can only be accomplished through a relationship with Christ as we are connected to Him as savior. That connection is maintained through time in the word, prayer, fellowship and worship. Are we connected to Christ? Remember, just like a sunflower, it is not how tall you grow, but that you remain connected.

For More See JOHN or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Commitment

1/5/2025

Luke 9:23-26
This summer I watched the population of rabbits grow in our neighborhood. At first we only saw a few adult rabbits and then, little by little, there were a bunch of little bunnies that began to emerge from their nesting area. It was comical watching as the little ones come out of their nest and scurry about on their tiny legs. What we saw in our neighborhood is a natural process from conception to birth, to immaturity and finally maturity. This is the life process that you and I go through. We are born to grow and be productive members in our family and society. We grow as people through learning, nurturing and guidance of those who are older. The same is true on a on a spiritual level. The Bible describes this process as being a disciple which simply means learner. However, this is more than just learning head knowledge, this involves knowledge and practice of what is learned. In Luke 9:23 Jesus lays down the challenge to be committed to following Him by stating, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Today the symbol of the cross has been popularized in the form of a necklace of an artistic graphic design on a shirt. In reality the cross is a sign of commitment even to the point of death. Jesus and His audience understood that clearly. That kind of total commitment is the sign of a mature believer in Jesus who lives, as Jesus says, without regard for one self, but is instead dedicated to the advancement of His kingdom. As in the natural life process the mature are used to nurture and grow the young. Are you willing to grow in your knowledge of Christ and be used by God to grow His family just like the rabbits in my back yard?

For More See LUKE or DISCIPLESHIP

Closing Comments

11/17/2024

1 Timothy 6:17-21
How would you end a letter? What would be your closing comments to a dear friend? Today, we have lost the art of writing letters. So, let’s review the basic parts of a letter. First, there is the greeting and opening comments that draw the reader into what will be said. In our study through 1 Timothy we have seen this in the first two verses. Following the opening is the main body of the letter. This is the main content of the letter where the author addresses the important matters to the reader. Then there is the closing. This often gives the writer a chance to summarize what has been said and perhaps provide some encouraging and hope filled comments. That is exactly what Paul does as he ends this first letter to Timothy. In closing this letter he says, “Grace be with you.” (1 Tim. 6:21). Paul reflects on how he had trained Timothy (see 2 Tim. 1:13), and how Timothy had been taught the truth of God and His word since he was young (see 2 Tim. 1:5). Now Timothy needed to be encouraged to persevere in a difficult ministry in Ephesus. Grace is the undeserved favor of God that is poured out at the point of salvation through Jesus and His payment for sin. Timothy knows that but, he needs to rely on God’s unmerited favor in the present difficulties. God is working graciously in the present problems which gives hope for the future. Like Timothy, our hope as believers is based in Christ’s work of grace on the cross, plus His continued grace through all of life which extends to eternity which is all because of grace. We need God’s abundant enabling grace each day. Timothy was reminded of God’s grace; past, present and future. Grace be with you, is a really good closing comment for us to ponder today.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

What is a Disciple?

1/21/2024

Luke 14:25-35
Summer camp was fun. It was the anticipated annual event that I remember attending as a kid. There were many activities and things to learn and do, but my favorite was the skill class, and for that I always chose archery. I was, and still am, intrigued by the skill needed to shoot an arrow and get it to hit the center of the target. It is actually harder than it looks. In the skill class the teacher helped us learn the technical side of archery and the form needed to shoot correctly. However, there was much more. We were required to memorize safety rules and implement them at all times in the class. I quickly learned that listening to the teacher and doing what he taught really helped my efficiency in using the bow and the accuracy of shooting the arrow. As I progressed in skill and knowledge the teacher gave me the task of helping others learn the technicalities of archery and do it safely. The same is true for a disciple of Jesus Christ. We begin our spiritual life when we not only believe, but accept that Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is from that point forward that we are given the challenge to “hear the word of God and obey it!”(Luke 11:28). A true disciple of Jesus is literally a committed follower who accepts His teaching as valuable for all of life and puts it into practice. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives several key characteristics of a disciple. It all begins with a relationship with Him (26) and a commitment to Him (27). Like in archery, when we depend on Jesus and listen to Him as our teacher we will have something of spiritual value, that can be passed on to others, that will guide them in their daily walk with Him.

For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or DISCIPLESHIP

Reproducing Growth

1/10/2024

2 Timothy 2:1-2
Have you ever replanted trees? A number of years ago I dug up several trees from the woods and planted them along the road in front of the house for shade and privacy. Even though the trees were no taller than myself, the dirt on the roots made them almost too heavy to lift. With a bit of fertilizer and a lot of water the trees took root in their new location and started to thrive. There was noticeable growth each year, and now it is hard to imagine that I moved those trees. They are twenty to thirty feet tall and they look fantastic. Everywhere we look in life there is change because of growth. When there is no growth that shows that there is a problem. If you examine a tree that does not grow you will discover an infestation of disease, rot or predators. The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we are not growing we are plateaued or worse stagnate and in decline. Paul challenges Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 to take what he has learned and pass it on to others. Basically, he is saying, duplicate yourself in the lives of others and help others grow. This is the result of a personal and powerful relationship that Paul had with Timothy as a mentor. Timothy gleaned much from Paul. Now as a result of the changes and growth in his own life he was responsible to intentionally go and reproduce what he has learned and seen in the lives of others who would be able to do the same. This is not something that Timothy does in his own strength. It is a natural process of being connected to Jesus, growing spiritually and producing fruit (John 15:5). We can have a very bad habit of believing that our faith is only our own. However, just like a tree we are planted to grow and reproduce. If we do not grow into maturity and reproduce we have become stagnant and stunted or dead spiritually. Christ’s purpose in saving us is to grow us, mature us, and use us to grow others.

For more see 2 TIMOTHY or DISCIPLESHIP

Invitation to Discipleship

6/11/2023

John 1:35-51
There is an old joke that talks about two brothers, Pete and RePete. One day they were walking across a bridge and Pete fell off the bridge and into the water. Who was left? Well, the obvious answer is RePete. So the story is told again and again until the hearer finally understands that it is never ending. Repetition is the fastest way to learn, but for some of us it may take a little more than others. Scientific research on repetition backs up what we know to be true from life experience. The more we repeat something accurately the easier it is to remember how do it correctly. A simple test of this is meeting someone for the first time. The more you repeat their name in that initial conversation the easier it will be to remember it. This idea of repetition is not lost on Jesus and His first disciples. In John chapter 1 we see repetition practiced by Andrew and Philip. First of all, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as God’s promised savior and Andrew then turned to follow Jesus. From his time with Jesus, Andrew then went and found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (40-42). Secondly, we see on a separate occasion that Jesus told Philip to follow Him. Philip responded by finding Nathanael and telling him to come and see Jesus (44-46). These men displayed an excitement of personally discovering Jesus, God’s promised savior from sin. They repeated what they knew about Jesus and responded appropriately by bringing others to Jesus. They did not do anything special. You see, a disciple simply repeats what the master has taught and modeled by simply inviting others to follow. For us today, our response should be no different. Yet, often we incorrectly believe that we are not qualified, and thus not capable of telling others of Jesus. However, all it takes is a simple invitation … Come and See.

For more see JOHN or INVITATION SERIES

Temptation

4/16/2023

Matthew 4:1-11
Temptation, how can we overcome it and how can we prepare for it? It was a very hot day and I was thirsty. In the middle of that day I faced a huge temptation to take a case of juice that was in a shopping cart in the middle of a store parking lot. Someone forgot to put it in their vehicle. No one was around so I picked it up… and then returned it to the customer service desk. I really could have used it, but I chose not to take it because taking it would not have pleased God. In Matthew 4:1-11 Satan tempts Jesus to do his bidding and submit to him, but Jesus rejected each temptation. After each temptation He quotes Scripture to combat the specific temptation placed before him. There are four ways that we can address the temptations that come into our lives. First, we need to be aware of Satan’s temptations by being watchful for our own pride and human weaknesses. Second, we need to prepare for temptations by spending time with God and His Word. Third, we will declare that God alone is worthy of our worship. In contrast, Satan’s desire is for us to submit and follow him rather than God. Finally, we need to care for others who are tempted, and point them to Jesus, our savior, who will help them and give them hope. Finally, our view of God will affect our attitude toward others who are struggling with temptations. When we are under the pressures of temptation we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and follow His solutions for life. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God will give the strength to stand up under the temptations that we face. Do we believe that God is greater than Satan and our temptations? What we believe will affect the way we live.

For more see MATTHEW or TEMPTATION

God's Will & Our Guidance

4/2/2023

Isaiah 46:8-13
Palm Sunday begins the Biblical record of Jesus entering Jerusalem, with people praising Him and welcoming Him. However, by the end of the week the same people were mocking Him and seeking His death. This is known as the Passion Week. The people are passionate about a new king that is coming to save them, but they only see a political savior. The religious leaders are passionate about killing Jesus, because they only see a spiritual rival. However, Jesus is passionate about people that are lost in sin. He comes as the perfect sacrifice, because He is the only one able to save from sin. From our perspective we might wonder how God could work out His perfect plan of salvation in the midst of misconceptions and misconstrued justice. The trial that Jesus faced was unfair and unjust, yet Jesus offered His life to take our sin and its judgment on Himself. One might wonder if God really knew what was going on. God did, because in eternity past the Godhead knew that sin would corrupt the world and its people. Therefore, it was decided that Jesus would enter the world to provide the payment for sin once and for all. Only God was pure enough to pay for sin, but God is eternal and cannot die. This required that God become man, in order that through the perfect life and death of Jesus we might have new life in Him. That is God’s will ruling the events of time to make His ultimate plan for salvation a reality. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” To know God’s sovereign will for our life we must submit to Jesus and His rule in our life. Have you done that? Are you doing that?

For more see ISAIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

Satisfaction

3/19/2023

Jeremiah 2:1-19
Have you heard the word “Hangry?” No, that is not a typo. Hangry is a made up word that is a combination of hungry and angry. Basically the word describes how we can become irritable and often angry when we are hungry. Because our stomach is not satisfied it affects us physically and emotionally and we can become easily angered. The problem is when we feel the hunger pangs coming we have a tendency to eat something, or anything, to ease the hunger. We seek the fast, and often unhealthy solution to being hangry, rather than food that is healthy and nutritious. The same is true spiritually. We have a tendency to not be satisfied with God’s solution and wander away seeking our own satisfaction. The nation of Israel had the same problem. They wanted their solution immediately, and thus wandered from God, and what He provided, which was best. Jeremiah 2:13 states that the people have forsaken God and sought their own solutions. In this verse, Jeremiah describes sources of water. The water that God provides is an unlimited pure spring that gives what is best. The people have become dissatisfied with the best, as Jeremiah illustrates, and have sought to store water their own way. The problem is that the supply is limited, the water is not pure, and the self made cistern is failing. What a picture of dissatisfaction with God and pride that leads to a failed self made solution. Even today, God desires that we follow Him and not seek our solutions for life. We find that we are satisfied with God as we seek His wisdom, follow His ways, and listen to His word. That will keep us from wandering from His presence, and encourage our declaration that He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. With God satisfaction is guaranteed. We can always trust Him to satisfy us with His goodness.

For more see JEREMIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Evangelize?

3/12/2023

2 Corinthians 5:14-21
One day a man who had not been feeling well went to see the doctor. After an examination and tests the doctor sent the man home, promising to call him with the results. The next day the doctor called and said, “Well I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” The man thought for a moment and asked for the good news. The doctor replied, “Good news is that you have 24 hours to live.” Confused, the patient asked, “If that was the good news what is the bad news?” “Well,” the doctor said, “the bad news is that I should have called you yesterday.” In a similar manner we, as believers in Jesus, often have a problem when it comes to telling others about Him. Often we turn the truth of scripture into a hammer and try to beat people into belief in Jesus. Then, on the other extreme, we take grace too far and it turns into friendship with no message proclaiming Christ. John 1:14 & 17 record that Jesus was full of grace and truth. He did not back away from the truth and He did not neglect to use grace. Jesus came full of grace and truth, and we should be the same. We need to speak the truth with words of grace so others will see Jesus in our message of evangelism. We need to live the truth with actions of grace so others will see Jesus in our method of evangelism. In Acts 4:12, Peter is speaks of Jesus saying, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Christ’s love for us on the cross compels us to act on our belief of Him as savior, and serve as His messenger of good news (2 Corinthians 5:14-21) to those living with the bad news of sin.

For more see 2 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

3/5/2023

Deuteronomy 31:1-8
One of the greatest paintings of all time is the work of Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. This enormous piece of art literally pictures much of the Old Testament from Genesis to the kings and even several prophets. The central part of the ceiling illustrates scenes from creation to the flood, with the central pieces showing God creating Adam and Eve, followed by their fall into sin. The main character is God, and Michelangelo depicts the human response to God. This is best illustrated by God reaching out to create Adam. This enormous project was commissioned in 1508 and finished in 1512. The contract, in today’s money, paid him approximately $600,000 in gold coins. Today when we think of a commission, we think of a sales person who earns a commission from selling a car; or an artist, like Michelangelo, who is commissioned to paint a picture. However, a commission is more than that. When used in the Bible the giving of a commission involves authority, communication, action, and completion. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses challenges the people (1-6), and commissions Joshua (7-8). Moses wants the people to experience God’s promised land, and Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the land under God’s authority. A commission is where someone is given the authority by someone greater to complete a task. Joshua is reminded by Moses, that God will go before him and be with him (8). That is God on a mission with His servant. God’s commission for our lives begins with His authority over our lives. We must listen to His Word and respond obediently by seeking to complete His desires. Are we on our own mission? Are we under God’s commission? Are we living a life of omission, refusing to follow? A disciple responds to God’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

For more see DEUTERONOMY or DISCIPLESHIP

Three Legged Service

3/2/2023

1 Corinthians 12:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9
We were on our normal walk, on a normal day, until we spotted them. As the dog and I rounded the corner in the road there they were, a doe and her year old baby, feeding in the neighbor’s yard. The dog and I stood silent and still, as we watched those two deer watch us. Finally, after the deer realized that we were not a threat, they relaxed a bit and started to nibble at the grass again. But, as the baby pranced and played, I noticed something was seriously wrong with the mother. As she went to take a step she limped real bad. It was at that moment, I realized that the doe was missing the lower portion of her front left leg. I have no idea what happened to her, but she was severely disabled, and her walking proved it. The injury had healed over nicely, and she seemed to have learned how to manage this setback in life quite well. She had survived the injury and successfully raised a young one. The dog and I watched in amazement for a few more moments, and then turned toward home. As we retraced our steps I reflected on the disability of the deer and the spiritual correlation to our own brokenness. God equips us and enables us to be His servants. The problem is that many times we allow our past and its problems to haunt us. Satan deceitfully tells us that we are unfit, unqualified, and unable to serve. We wrongly believe Satan’s lie, that our past brokenness makes us unusable to God. This thinking is much like looking at the three legged deer and believing that she could never raise a family. However, God is a God of redemption. He alone is the one who enables and equips us to do what He wants. We believe that God saved us from sin, but we incorrectly believe that God cannot overcome the results of sin and chaos in our past. This is where we need to correct and change our beliefs. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul describes himself as an earthen vessel, a piece of pottery, that has no special ability or power apart what it holds. The value or treasure of the vessel is held in the contents of the vessel. Our ability to serve comes from God who calls us, fills us, and enables us to serve Him. We are like a piece of pottery that is easily broken, but our value and usefulness is not found in our condition but in God who saves us. As we serve, we display the extraordinary power of God working through us, as weak and broken people. It is indeed a treasure to minister and serve our Savior, Jesus Christ. God is all powerful in saving us at salvation, and He is all powerful in equipping us for service. Do we allow the all powerful God to work through us, and enable us to serve, even in our brokenness? God used a three legged deer to remind me of His power displayed in my weakness.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Serve?

2/26/2023

1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Have you looked at your garage or kitchen recently? You can have a garage full of tools, but not be a mechanic. You can also have a kitchen full of spoons and special pans, but not be a cook. Yet what do we see today? People will often go and purchase things for the house or the garage so they will look like a cook or a mechanic. However, in reality, they only look at the various pieces, and rarely or never put them to use. The more we use what we have, the more proficient we will be. The more that physical skills are practiced the better we become at that skill. The same is true spiritually. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to serve and use the gifts and abilities that God has given us. These gifts enable us to serve God in specific ways. In 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, Paul describes each believer as part of a larger body. Like a physical body, the spiritual body is made up of many parts, and each part has a different function. In order for the body to perform, each part must serve the greater body by doing what God designed it to do. The problem is that, when it comes to church, we want to do what we want, and when it comes to service, we want others to serve us. 1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us that God has arranged the parts in the body just as He wants them. That means that God enables each of us to serve with what He has given us for the benefit and growth of the larger body. We can’t say that we are servants of God, unless we actually pick up the tools that He has given us, and serve by helping others become more like Jesus. We serve because Christ first served us.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Characteristic: Obsession

2/19/2023

1 Corinthians 6:9-12
Why do car manufacturers place the steering wheel in front of the driver? Why not in the back seat or the trunk? Why not let the passengers in the back seat have all the controls for the lights, the radio, the heat and the turn signal? The purpose is so the driver can focus and on the most important thing, driving. All the controls are centered within reach of the drivers seat so the driver can control every aspect of the car as it is directed down the road. Our lives are much like that of a car. We have been made for the purpose of being directed and moving. All of our emotional switches and character knobs exist to fine tune our operation and function as we move. The problem is that we think that we, as the car, do not need a driver. We need Christ in our lives as Savior and need to give Him operational control. We need Christ inside, not as a passenger, but as the driver. We need to allow Him to have the driver’s seat to take us where He wants us to go. Disciple’s of Christ will allow Christ to have full control of their lives. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-12, Paul writes to the Corinthian church, who had allowed the world and culture to influence their spiritual lives and relationship with God. This church struggled with allowing Christ to control every area of their lives even to the point of justifying and making excuses for sin (12). Paul says that the spiritual excuses are not beneficial for their spiritual lives. He closes the verse by stating, “I will not be controlled by anything.” Paul is stating that, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, his only desire is for Christ to control his life and be the source of his confidence and perspective. We must be obsessed with knowing Christ and allowing Him alone to drive our lives.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Meet Together?

2/12/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
Much preparation has taken place, and now we gather with friends and family to share the joys and sorrows of a win or a loss. We honor and cheer the hero’s of the play by calling them the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). It does not matter if it is Football and the Super Bowl, Baseball and the World Series, Hockey and the Stanley Cup, Soccer and the World Cup, or Tennis and a Grand Slam, we participate with passion, and praise the people with the greatest of plays. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sports as a participant or a passionate observer. But, let’s stop and think for a moment about how this same drive relates to the spiritual life. What if that same preparation, passion and practice were true of our spiritual lives? Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of His family and His body the church (Colossians 1:18). However, unlike sports, the purpose of our gathering is not to praise the ones who are seen, but the One who is unseen. The believer displays the authenticity of their relationship with God through their fellowship with other believers and their worship of God. Much like a sports game, but in a spiritual arena, fellowship is a shared partnership, purpose, and participation. In fellowship the believer connects with other believers in Jesus to strengthen their faith, participate in service for God, and grow in passion for God who saved them. Our purpose of gathering in church and fellowship with other believers is to display the greatness of our Savior through our lives and our words. Everything about us is to scream and shout that God alone is worthy of our total devotion. On earth there may be people that we celebrate, but as believers in Christ we must always worship and celebrate Jesus as the greatest of all time.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Characteristic: Persuasion

2/5/2023

Acts 17:1-15
Physical therapy is not something that is pleasant, but often it is necessary. Physical therapy is the process of getting your body to move the way it is was designed. The problem is that, because of injury or illness, our body has stopped moving in certain ways. In order to overcome this, we must stretch and restrengthen certain muscles to regain motion, mobility, and balance. However, physical therapy can be painful and tiring. It is much like someone twisting your arm behind your back to get you to change your mind or action. Physical therapy has a way of convincing your mind and your body that you can do this. When we think of persuasion, it is not just on a physical level. There is also a mental persuasion that takes place on a spiritual level. All of us become persuaded by certain beliefs and we live our lives convinced of these truths. In Acts 17 Paul presents new information that confronts the beliefs of the people in Thessalonica. Some were persuaded (4) to believe and follow Jesus, while others were not. So, what did Paul do? He simply reasoned with them from the scriptures (2-3). How did God use Paul to convince this audience of the truth of Jesus and to place their faith in Jesus? He dealt with their questions by explaining who Jesus was. He dealt with their doubts by giving evidence of the resurrection. All of his teaching dealt with the Savior. To be a committed disciple of Jesus, we must be persuaded of who He is, so we can present Him to others. A disciple believes Jesus, follows His leading like Paul (Acts 16:6-10), and tells others that He is the Savior. Knowing about Jesus is one thing. Being persuaded to live out our faith is something completely different. Are we disciples who live like we are persuaded?

For more see ACTS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Pray?

1/29/2023

Luke 18:1-8
You hear the screaming child before you see them. You know, the one in the store in the next isle over that throws a temper tantrum because a wise parent just told them, “No.” There was the certain type of food or specific treat that was just refused and the result is a vocal show complete with flailing arms. The child has gone completely out of control screaming for what they desperately think they need. We groan when we see that play out, but do we not do the same thing with God at times? We think we know what is best and exactly what we need, so we proceed to tell God what He must do for us. Our request turns to a loud demand and then to a scream and God refuses to answer. James 4:3 states that we do not receive from God because we ask with wrong motives. Instead, our prayer should be like the woman in Luke 18:1-8 who persistently asked the judge to do what is right. Her persistence is faith in action. But, what keeps us from prayer and seeking God’s righteousness in our life and our world? The main issue is a lack of faith that displays itself through our response to pain, problems, and pride. When we are in pain we incorrectly think that God is distant and does not hear. When we face problems we attempt our solutions rather than His, because in pride we say that we do not need God. At times we simply do not pray because we do not believe that God hears or is powerful enough to work. Prayer is our communication of faith to our loving heavenly Father who is able to work. God sees, knows, has the solution, and is able to work. Will we let Him? Will we pray?

For more see LUKE or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Confession

1/22/2023

Mark 8:27-38
The courtroom was packed, and everyone waited for the outcome. The audience absorbed the information of the crimes committed as the prosecutor presented his case. The accused man looked unconcerned and even seemed to fidget about as he sat next to his lawyer. The prosecutor finished the volume of charges against the defendant and sat down. At that point the accused man jumped up and blurted out, “I did it completely different, in fact let me tell you what happened.” We normally think of a confession in a criminal sense where the guilty party confesses committing certain crimes. However, a confession admits wrong or a confession admits beliefs. Either way a confession is based on truth. In Mark 8:29-30 Peter responds to the question Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response is one of certainty, confidence, and clarity that Jesus is the Savior. But, the greatest moment for Peter understanding and declaring who Jesus is followed by the downfall of not wanting Jesus to go through with the divine plan of salvation (31-32). Peter wanted a Savior without the cross. Jesus corrects Peter and then presents a challenge to His audience (34) that involves personal loss and commitment. Jesus levels the challenge that anyone who wants to be known as His follower must not only believe, but also submit and serve His desires and plans as King. In hearing these words it is easy to miss what Jesus taught. We think we have to give up something to follow Jesus when He has already given us everything if we believe in Him as Savior. Our problem is that we just do not comprehend all that we have in Christ. If a trial was held today would there be enough evidence to convict you of your belief in Jesus Christ and your commitment to Him? Would you admit to it?

For more see MARK or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Clarity

1/15/2023

Matthew 10:24-33
What makes a good job great? Many would answer by saying, higher wages, more time off, and improved benefits. However, the greatest single factor that will help an organization is leadership. Research consistently shows that good leadership will benefit an organization and help retain employees. We like a consistently organized boss that cares about us, and organizes our work by producing everything we need to do the job. We also like to have an orderly work place. None of us will tolerate continual chaos. We live with a desire to be in charge or follow good leaders. This all is the result of being created in God’s image. You see, we were created with an internal sense and desire for order by an orderly God. Our desire for order and clearly defined authority in work is a small redemptive glimpse of our deep desire for God to control our world and our life. The problem is, we may want God’s order and authority, but often do not submit to it. As we examine Matthew 10 we note that Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out on a ministry assignment. He describes to the twelve that they must clearly understand authority as they go (24-33). Why? Jesus makes it clear that when confronted with persecution the disciple must know the truth and imitate Christ (24-25). Secondly, when faced with fears the disciple will be confident in the authority and power of Christ (26-31). Third, the disciple who believes the authority of Christ will speak of Christ (32-33). It is interesting to note that Jesus began this training session by giving the disciples authority as mentioned in verse one. Do we clearly understand Christ’s authority? Do we live by His power and authority, confidently proclaiming His name and greatness? Has Christ truly transformed us?

For more see MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP