From Believers to Disciples
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
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A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray that each of us will have a deeper commitment to Jesus and to the disciplines necessary to become more like Him day-by-day in 2007!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example You set for us in how to live as disciples through the life of Jesus! I pray that as we move into 2007, that each of us who are associated with New Life will make a deeper commitment to Jesus, and to the disciplines of prayer, bible study, fasting, and fellowship that we may become more like Him. Pour out your Spirit among us that we may have the power source for fulfilling this desire. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God’s Word Today: Luke 9:57-62
57As they were walking along someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you no matter where you go.”
58But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head.”
59He said to another person, “Come, be my disciple.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
60Jesus replied, “Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead. Your duty is to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God.”
61Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
What does Jesus say a believer’s attitude ought to be regarding the death of loved ones?
How does this differ from what typically happens even among believers?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
The second would-be disciple wanted to “bury his father.” The possibility exists that the man’s father hadn’t even died yet. He was going to wait to fulfill every worldly obligation before following Jesus. What worldly obligations are keeping you from fully following Jesus right now?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
Believers accept that Jesus is the Son of God, and the Savior of sinners. As disciples that acceptance moves to action. What action steps do you need to take right now to move from being a believer to being a disciple in the realm of worldly obligations?
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
One of Jesus’ major emphases was that we need to serve others. A great place for serving others is in local nursing homes, such as Outlook Pointe. Why not take some time this week to visit a home or care center near you, and have a conversation with one or more of the residents. By asking at the front desk you can find out if anyone in particular needs visiting!
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
Jesus once again offers a hard truth to a person offering to be his disciple. The man said he would follow Jesus after he buried his father. Jesus’ response seems callous, “Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead.” In the original Greek the modifier “spiritually” isn’t present. What was Jesus saying? He was showing us that after a person is dead there is no hope of transformation. While we have personal attachments to our parents, as is right, Jesus wants us to be clear that the priority of living our lives in Him and letting others know about Him through our words and actions are more important than burying those who have died to this life and have no further opportunity for transformation. This also points out the necessity we have to tell those close to us about Jesus while they may respond. Sometimes that’s hard to do, but disciples are committed to Jesus and seeing His kingdom advance. Offering His life-giving salvation to those closest to us, is the best way to show them our love and respect!