From Believers to Disciples
Monday, February 5, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray that we will commit ourselves to becoming more like Jesus each day, and for the Holy Spirit to be poured out among us to empower us to fulfill that commitment!
Heavenly Father, being disciples of Jesus is so much more than just a position. I pray today that as I focus on becoming more like Jesus every day that You will pour out Your Holy Spirit on me, and every believer at New Life that we may become disciples in thought, word and action. I pray for boldness to live as Your disciple today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today: Matthew 10:24-32
[Jesus said,] 24“A student is not greater than the teacher. A servant is not greater than the master. 25The student shares the teacher’s fate. The servant shares the master’s fate. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, how much more will it happen to you, the members of the household! 26But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public. 27What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
28“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
32“If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. 33But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
As you read Matthew 10:24-25 what is evident about the life of disciples?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
After reading today’s Scripture, what do you see as one necessity for moving from believers to disciples?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
What actions are necessary to show that we are willing to accept the fate of Jesus in our daily living? List several below and then ask God to empower you to live them out today!
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
Have you considered serving on the Community Vacation Bible School Team this summer as a way of deepening your own discipleship in Jesus’ name? One of the realities of our lives as disciples of Jesus is that as we prepare to lead or teach others, we always up end becoming better leaders and teachers ourselves! Last year several dozen children made first time commitments to Jesus as a result of their participation in CVBS. Prayerfully, consider how you may be a part of it this year! Contact Children’s Nurture Facilitator Shelly Rinamin for more information!
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Being and Doing Like Jesus!
Jesus said that no servant is above his master, nor is a student above his teacher, but that is enough for the servant and student to be LIKE the master and teacher. While the grammar of the statement isn’t the best, the point is clear: when we commit ourselves to being disciples of Jesus, we are committing to becoming LIKE Jesus. That means we think, speak and act the way Jesus would in a given situation. There’s only one way that we can pull that off in our daily lives: we must give up control of our lives to the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit lives in us, we become more and more like Jesus. Today, before you DO anything, take some time to pray and ask God to fill You with the Holy Spirit that You may BE more like Jesus, then You will also be able to DO more of what Jesus did and does!