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What on Earth Am I Here For?
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Tuesday, September 16, 2003
My Prayer Today
Dear Father … Thank you for creating today just for me! I receive Your gift in thankfulness and will strive to use today to learn more about Jesus and how I can become a fully devoted follower of Him. Amen.
Bible Verses
Psalm 103
1 A psalm of David. Praise the LORD, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! 6 The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 19 The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. 20 Praise the LORD, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me – I, too, will praise the LORD.
Reflecting on Discipleship
God's plan has always been to make us like Jesus – this is discipleship. When you hear someone call himself or herself a Christian what comes to your mind? What beliefs, convictions, or lifestyles become visible in your mind?
Exploring Discipleship
The Christian received the life of Jesus.
The Disciple gives a life for Jesus.
The Christian is one who professes faith.
The Disciple is one who practices faith.
The Christian talks about being saved.
The Disciple lives each day knowing they are saved.
Take a pencil or pen and circle the words in Psalm 103 that show a "Jesus-like" – disciple – attitude. (For example, in verse 2b – a disciple will never forget the good things God does for him or her).
Which of these "Jesus-like" attitudes do you possess as part of your daily walk with the Lord?
What "Jesus-like" attitudes do you need to develop?
Understanding Discipleship and my Purpose
The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard stated that "To become an 'admirer of Jesus' is much easier than to become a follower of Jesus."
What can you do each day to insure that you are a follower (disciple) of Jesus and not just an admirer?
What keeps us from becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus?
From what you read in Psalm 103, would you classify David as an admirer or follower of God? Why?
Applying Discipleship to My Daily Life
The story is told of Alexander the Great a conqueror who often sat in judgment on the battlefield. There he was judge and jury. His word was law. When he had spoken, it would be done. Many times his judgment could be extremely harsh, especially in those situations of desertion.
Before him one day was brought a young lad. He was a fair-haired youth and very young. Alexander asked what the boy’s name was. The officer presenting him said, "Alexander, sir." At once, the great general’s countenance softened. It was as if he was flattered that the boy had his name. His men breathed a sigh of relief.
Perhaps there would be some leniency for this young man, whatever his crime. Alexander inquired as to the nature of the charge against the young lad. His officer replied, "Cowardice, sir. He fled in the heat of battle."
The once soft countenance of the great general was suddenly transformed into an intense, tight-jawed grimace. Looking the boy squarely in the eye, he said to him deliberately, "Son, what did you say was your name?"
The lad replied, "Why, Alexander, sir." Speaking again to the boy, this time in a louder tone he said, "Young man, what did you say was your name?" The young man answered in a stutter, "Why, uh-uh Alexander, sir."
To that answer, the emperor bolted off his throne and grabbed the terrified young soldier and said to him, "Young man, change your behavior or change your name!"
Discipleship requires a life dedicated to becoming "like Jesus." We should not call ourselves disciples if we are not willing to pay the cost. Admirer or follower? Let's deepen our relationship with Jesus and daily move step-by-step from admirer to follower. God created us to walk that path – it's one of our life's purposes!
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