Discipleship

Discipleship, by definition, involves following and obedience. In John 14:23 & 24a, Jesus clearly says, “If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” Our western way of thought quickly rebels against this word. We are not legalists. We do not live by rules to be obeyed. How dare Jesus equate obedience with whether or not we love him! Oh, I suppose Jesus can do that – HE IS THE TRUTH!

Actually, it is quite simple. If we love God, we trust God. We believe he desires the best for us and that he knows what is best for us. Therefore, if we love him, it would be foolish to disobey. We don’t have to understand everything; we do need to obey. After obedience, not before, we learn that God’s instructions are way cool, and they actually protect us from having a painful and messy life.

• “God, I don’t understand why you aren’t healing Lucille, but I will still pray for her healing.”
• “Lord, it is hard for me to love my enemy, but I will act good toward them.”
• “Jesus, I can’t afford to give tithes and offerings right now, but I will because you told me to.”
• “Father, I am so busy! Still, I will come and worship you and dedicate a portion of my time to ministry.”

Did you notice the promise that is given to those who obey? “My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” I want that!

RUB OFF – RUB ON
We are witnesses of God’s love and guidance only when we are obedient. Through obedience we reveal to others the truth and ways of God. The unbeliever sees you acting so unworldly, and you are either ridiculed or you create wonder and curiosity in those around you.

• “ What’s wrong with you? You never take things from the supply closet?”
• “How come you never join with us when we’re telling jokes? Don’t you think they’re funny?”
• “Why won’t you tell us what you think of her new boyfriend?”
• “Why don’t you just call in sick if you want to go to the party?”
• “Come on, take it, use it, do it! No one will ever know!”

I will know, and my Lord, who I love, will know. My life is good because I love and obey him, and I would be a fool to think I knew better than God!

IN THE MIRROR
For some odd reason, disobedience has become a common response in our lives, and is often considered not to be a big deal. Here is the truth:

• “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17
• “We know that we have come to know him (Jesus) if we obey his commands.” I John 2:3
• “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives for ever.” I John 2:17

Too often we, like John’s audience, over-spiritualize stuff. We do not connect our daily life with our relationship with God. We borrow money, but we refuse to pay it back, or are late with payment. Is this the good thing to do? We think our homework is boring, so we blow it off. Is this the good thing to do? We are supposed to work our shift, but we call in with excuse after excuse. Others have to double up or come in on their days off. Is this the good thing to do? Our parents tell us to do something. We don’t like it, and we do what we want to do instead. Is this the good thing to do? The movie we rented is foul. We spent $3.49 to rent it, so we have to watch it! Is this the good thing to do? No, no, no, no, and no! And those acts of disobedience are sin because they damage others, yourself, and your witness for God.

Parents, it is of great importance when your kids disobey. If you do not punish and discipline when they disobey they will learn that disobedience is no big deal. Obedience is a big deal! Teach them consistently the truth of God: “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” Proverbs 29:17

Live it out! Obedience is a matter of life and death for you and your children.

Too Busy to Pray

John Wesley said, “It seems God is limited by our prayer life—that He can do nothing for humanity unless someone asks Him.”

Jesus was a man of prayer. Most often He prayed alone, and the supernatural pervaded the natural. The heavens opened, and the will of God was revealed as the natural was changed into the supernatural, and the Father was glorified.

Obviously, the disciples recognized the importance of prayer. And they must have marveled at His ability to minister to the needs of people they knew and lived with. Their lives were transformed. They never dreamed they would leave their life-long occupations to follow a man from village to village.

They knew about miracles, and maybe they thought the day of miracles was over. Their heroes of faith—Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, and David—accomplished great feats.

They knew about supernatural provision, the dead being raised, and lepers healed. The Old Testament prophets performed the miracles Jesus was performing. They asked the Master to teach them to pray!

So often our prayer life is directed by circumstances, and we fail to see the core issues. The Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know how—if we will wait before the Lord in quiet meditation. He will show us things to come. If we ask and listen expectantly, He will give us the wisdom to handle situations correctly. When we’ve made mistakes, He will give us the tools for setting things right.

Do not allow the enemy to steal your prayer time. If you have been too busy to pray, don’t waste time berating yourself. Repent for your prayerlessness, receive your forgiveness, and worship the Father. If you simply don’t want to pray, tell Him how you feel, and ask Him to draw you to a place of prayer. Prayer is talking with the Father.

Unite with thousands who are praying for the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Change begins with us. Our families, our communities, and the nations will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord! Purpose to pray prayers that avail much!

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? —Psalm 42:1–2

But those who wait on the Lord.
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.—Isaiah 40:31