Discipleship Point
It's Discipleship point day. We draw from the Disciple’s Creed, part two:
As a disciple of Jesus, I seek to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that I have in Christ Jesus, praying that the Holy Spirit uses my words, my deeds, yes – my entire life – to bring others to the joyful truth and life in Jesus, to become baptized, and learn the life of following Jesus.
The world is always watching; not everybody, but somebody. All the experiences we go through, good and bad, are opportunities for others to see how we incorporate Jesus, how we hold on to hope, how we handle life. Especially when we experience situations that lead to seasons of mourning, it's good for us not to hide or fake being unmoved emotionally, but to be real emotionally and to let our faith do its job, which is leaning into God and trusting Him.
Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that You would use the seasons of mourning in my life to help me share the reason for the hope that I have in You. And I pray that Your Holy Spirit would use all things in my life – my words, my deeds, all my experiences – to help others encounter the joy and blessings of life in You, of following You as a disciple. Amen.
In Dependence Day
And, as Christians celebrating Independence Day, it is good to keep in mind our dependence on God.
John 15:5
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Mark 5:18-20
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:65-72 9th letter: Teth (ט)
- Do good to your servant
according to your word, Lord. - Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands. - Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word. - You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees. - Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart. - Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law. - It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees. - The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
The Promise
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Pondering Point
The Psalmist claims that God’s Word is of more value and more precious than thousands of gold and silver coins. How do make that statement fit in your life?