From Believers to Disciples
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for wisdom for the elders as they meet this Wednesday evening for visioning and planning for the mission and ministry of New Life!
Heavenly Father, my prayer focus for today and tomorrow is that You will fill our elders with the Holy Spirit, not only as they meet tomorrow night for visioning and planning for the mission and ministry of New Life, but also that day by day that You will fill them with the Holy Spirit that their lives may be effective witnesses to us and the community of who You are and who You are calling us to be and become. I pray that You will encourage them in their work, and bless their families that You may be glorified and that Your Heavenly Kingdom will grow! 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 …
In Matthew 10:26-27 Jesus tells us that believers tell others His truth. What truth of Jesus do you need to share with a friend or relative today?
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 will you take with regarding to telling others the truth of Jesus today? It may not take the form of quoting Scripture (or it might!), but what specific things will You do to share the truth of Jesus with others? List possibilities below, and then ask God to Guide You in carrying them out!
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:
Telling Others About Jesus!
Sooner or later, disciples of Jesus get around to telling others about Him! It’s that simple. Jesus has given us the words of truth and life. As we share those words in love, we have the promise of God’s word that His word will not return to Him empty—in other words, as we tell others the truth of Jesus, eventually some folks are going to respond and become His disciples as well! When that happens, there is nothing better in life. While we cannot “convert” people—only the Holy Spirit can do that—God can and does use people to express the Good News, so that others will be challenged to respond to it. Before you start the day, stop and ask God to lead You to one (or more!) specific person with whom You can offer the Good News of Jesus’ salvation. Then as the person (or people) come to mind, be sure to tell them!