Discipleship Point
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Knowing that God the Father hungers for all people to experience righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus gave His life to bring about that righteousness. He purchased our lives on the cross – defined as taking on our unrighteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). As a follower of Jesus, my life having been bought by Jesus, I too look to help God fulfill His hunger to expand His kingdom of believers.
From the Disciples’ Creed, part 3:
I believe that my life is not my own, but has been bought at the price of Jesus’ life, and that I am called to invest my life into others, both to be an encourager and to receive encouragement, to be discipled as well as to disciple others.
This I will do with the Holy Spirit’s help as I seek to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love my neighbor as myself. Having counted the cost of discipleship, I want to follow Jesus and join Him in His mission by being a disciple who is making disciples.
Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I ponder Your teaching about hungering and thirsting for righteousness, I am grateful to be right with God through You. I pray that You would give me a hunger for all people to be right with You, and that You would use me as a discipler to that end. Amen.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:81-88 11th letter: Kaph (כ)
- My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word. - My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?” - Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees. - How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors? - The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law. - All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. - They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts. - In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
Read the verses 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
Isaiah 43:1
- But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
The Promise
Isaiah 43:2
- When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Pondering Point
When things get tough, where do you tend to turn, family? friends? God? Those who know God?