Discipleship Point
Matthew 5:11
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Discipleship Point taken from the Disciple’s Covenant with Jesus
Personal goals as I follow Jesus, part two:
In a desire to be someone "always ready to share the reason for the hope that I have in Christ Jesus" (1 Peter 3:15), I am willing to set goals to be intentional about my life of following Jesus, including being intentional about connecting with others so that I can be used by God to reach out to them in love.
These people can be Christians or not. To this end, I am also willing to yield to the Spirit’s desires consistently as I learn them from God’s Word.
Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, even through persecution, the Gospel message continues to move into hundreds of tribes and nations. Rather than pray off persecution and suffering, I pray for Your people to stand up under it. Not just me, but especially my brothers and sisters in the world. Embolden us all to testify of the love and life You bring to this world. Let our hearts reflect Your heart. Let our lives reflect Your life. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:121-128 16th letter: Ayin (ע)
- I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors. - Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me. - My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise. - Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees. - I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes. - It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken. - Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold, - and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.
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
Revelation 3:17-18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
The Promise
Psalm 91:14
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
Pondering Point
What – or who – do you consider worth its weight in gold (approximately $40,800/pound in August 2025)? Do you, like the psalmist, see God’s commands as more valuable than gold?