Friday's Bit of Discipleship
…not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6.) Paul knew he was in the kingdom because of God. He knew he had succeeded in the kingdom because of God. He was a multi-talented man, but his confidence was not in his talent. He knew that only God could make his ministry flourish.
p. 48, The Prideful Soul’s Guide to Humility, Fontenot/Jones
Humility Prayer
Father God, thank You for making me a competent minister of the Gospel through Your Holy Spirit. May Your ministry – or said another way – may my ministry flourish in Jesus’ name.
Discipleship Point
About being in Christ:
As disciples who invest in God-centered micro-groups, you can expect to see positive behavioral change in yourself (Ecclesiastes 4:8-12; Hebrews 10:24; James 5:16). In a word, this creates accountability, a mutual agreement to spur one another on toward more godly lives. It depends on active listening, non-judgmental attitudes, and
care for each other. Knowing that such relationships take time to build between people, Hope Lutheran provides a booklet to facilitate a deepening rapport or connection over the first few sessions. Pray that in God’s timing, a relationship of accountability blossoms with mutual benefit.
Prayer
Father God, I pray that You build up micro-groups of 3-4 people centered around You. Bless me as an individual, Hope as a church, and all of us as disciples to benefit from such relationships. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
“Kingdom living requires changes in our character.”
p. 111, Wilder, Hendricks, The Other Half of Church