From Believers to Disciples
Thursday, February 8, 2007
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray that our lives will acknowledge Jesus in all that we are and do.
Heavenly Father, My prayer focus for today is that I will be faithful to You in my thoughts words and actions and that all that I am will acknowledge Jesus before others today. I know Jesus’ promise that as I acknowledge Him in my daily life that He will acknowledge me before You. My prayer is that right now and throughout the day, He will be doing precisely that! This I ask 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 …
A believer must always acknowledge Jesus before others, regardless of the cost. When was the last time you had the opportunity to stand up for Jesus? What do you do?
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 today to be sure that you stand up for Jesus in every situation? Remember that the promise of Jesus is as we acknowledge Jesus before others, He will acknowledge us before His Heavenly Father. List ways that you can stand up for Jesus and acknowledge Him in your life 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:
Stand Up for Jesus!
Jesus makes it clear that as His disciples, we are called to stand up for Him in any and every situation. It isn’t always easy to do that, but remember in Jesus’ day standing up for Jesus could literally cost a person’s life! Here in America, the biggest challenge we face is that someone may laugh at us, or possibly threaten to sue us for stating our beliefs. What an insignificant cost by comparison with those then and now who risk their lives by standing up for Jesus. As we go about today, let’s look for opportunities to stand up for Jesus. Our goal is NOT to be obnoxious, but to be certain that we take every opportunity to tell others the Good News that Jesus is Lord!