Quiet Moments With God -- Dare To Be A Disciple

Easter weekend has come and gone, but so many images of Jesus life and death remain with me. I watched the Passion of the Christ, as I always do this time of year, as well as the mini series on the history channel, The Bible. There were many thoughtful posts on Facebook. And images from Easter Sunday church are still with me.

It is Monday, but I haven't left Easter behind. And my mind is captivated by Jesus' disciples.  

Last night after watching the final episode of The Bible I was glad to see that they didn't exclude what followed the resurrection of Christ. The disciples who were closest to Christ suffered greatly. Many were killed for their faith.

When speaking to the disciples in John chapter fifteen, verses18-21 this is what Jesus said. If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? A slave is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And me, for they have rejected the One who sent me.

The disciples didn't fully understand what was in their future or their Lord's future, but they followed. When the Holy Spirit came to them after Jesus' death, they knew what they were meant to do and they did it, understanding that they would be persecuted and that some of them would die.

I don't know what is ahead for Christians here in the United States. It seems persecution toward Christians is on the rise. In places around the globe Christians are dying because of their faith. Even so, we are called to share God's truth with the world, with our neighbors, and even with those we know only via the internet. In that case, what a beautiful gift technology is.

Sadly, too many believers have decided that their own salvation is enough. They are wrong--it is not. Oh, heaven is waiting for all believers, but God has asked us to be His disciples.

It's scary to step out. We ask -- What can I do? Who am I, to tell others? I'm no one special. I'm not a great speaker. I'm not a theologian or a teacher.

And so I ask, who did Jesus choose? A tax collector, fishermen, everyday fellows, not learned scholars. As a brand new believer I was filled with the joy of my new life and I was compelled to tell everyone about Jesus and what He had done for me. I didn't know much, except that my heart was filled with joy and hope instead of despair. And I knew God loved me. And so armed with very little knowledge but much zeal I told anyone who would listen, about Jesus. Not everyone appreciated my fervor.  :-)

I never imagined that one day I would teach Bible studies, speak to women's groups or write books. All that mattered then was that I wanted others to know Jesus and how beautiful it felt to belong to Him. And that they could know joy and be assured that one day they would live with God in heaven. All they had to do was believe.

Discipleship is a risk. But if we begin first with our love of God and if we believe and then step out, God will do the rest. He will open the doors, and then we must step through them. Like newborn colts, we may stand on wobbly legs but the Lord will help us walk and the Holy Spirit will guide and teach.

I do not know what the future holds. Life is uncertain and the world is a scary place. But this world is not our home. We are only passing through. How wonderful would it be if while we are here we help others know the One True God so they may also spend eternity in His Heavenly Kingdom.

I will be forever grateful for the first band of disciples. Without their faith and courage I would never have known my Savior. And I am grateful for the men and women who have come alongside me to help me along on my journey. Thank you, Kathy, Alice, Lois, Ed and . . . well there is too long a list, but I am not the same because of those who were willing to step out of their comfort zones and reach out to me.

Do you have someone you'd like to thank or tell us about? I'd love to hear!

Go, therefore, and tell the world!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Discipleship

I love church. I love gathering with other believers. I love corporate worship. And I love being uplifted and challenged by God's Word.

While  listening to yesterday's Sunday sermon, the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit. Quickly I scribbled down notes so I wouldn't forget.

I was strongly convicted about discipleship, specifically what my role should be as a disciple. What am I supposed to be doing for the Lord? Am I already doing it? Should I do more?

I don't have all the answers, but I do know that I am to be a disciple. Christ made it clear in Matthew 28:18-20 that being a disciples is NOT optional.

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in 

heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. and be sure of this
I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28: 18-20

These were Jesus final words to his followers before he ascended into heaven. If I were leaving my loved ones for a very long time I would speak of what was most crucial. My final words would be of great import.

And so . . . I ponder. When Christ gave the Great Commission that we are to make disciples, what did He mean for me to do? I wrestle with this. Am I living in a way that makes a difference for Christ? Am I leading others to Him and helping them grow in knowledge and wisdom? I do a lot through my writing, but is that all I'm called to do?

During the election season I felt convicted to do more as a conservative--speak out politically. But when I look back, though it may be just what I was supposed to do, it's not really discipleship. A good cause is good, but if it doesn't help others grow in the Lord, then it is simply a good deed and hopefully helpful.

How can true change that is long-lasting be brought about by arguing issues? Transformation begins in the heart, brought about by the spirit of truth. I'm not against practicality. I believe God is practical. But, I'm also convinced that unless we get to the root of a problem there can be no true change, no restoration. 

I am not saying that we shouldn't be practical, and involved wherever we feel called--after all, what good is Godly words to a man starving for bread. Feed him, but do it with God's love and grace. And don't move on to the next project too quickly. Tarry a while, long enough to lay down foundations that will help uphold a new-found faith and launch a disciple on his journey with the Lord.

The world is filled with all sorts of opportunities for discipleship. What can you do that will make a difference in this world?

I would love to hear what you're doing for God.. Hearing your stories may well give me new ideas and they will certainly uplift my spirits.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- One Of Those Days

I woke up this morning with my back screaming at me. "Why? This is not fair! What did I do?" No answer. I'm frustrated and angry. I did my exercises anyway . . . barely. It's not easy to do them when my back is yapping. When I finished, my attitude still stunk. I needed God. Before settling into work mode I sat down with one of my favorite devotionals, "My Utmost for His Highest." Oswald Chambers came through again.

I will begin with the scripture, Luke 14:26. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." This sounds harsh. Christ can't really mean that, can he? He does, but maybe not in the way we think. He doesn't want us to hate. But the people we love, including ourselves, cannot compete with our relationship with Him. Christ must come first if we truly want to be His disciples. We must hand our lives over to Him--be fully His.

Christ is not speaking about our salvation in this verse. He's talking about discipleship. To be all in, so to speak. To be His and not mine. For me that means I have to hand myself over completely, including my back. If that's part of who He wants me to be, then so be it. I will serve Him because I love Him not because He's handed me everything I want in life.

I'm all in. How about you?

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God--Total Surrender

What must we give up to follow Christ? Everything. When the rich man came to Jesus he was told to give everything he had. He walked away.

Luke 9:57-62 talks about surrender. Jesus says “Come follow me.” Each man who had professed to be a follower had something else they needed to do before they could join Christ in His ministry. Christ says in verse 62 "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

At first glance this seems harsh. Aren’t people and projects important? How about my family? My finances. Time with loved ones, my career, my ministry, my . . . There are too many my’s to list. However, none of “my” needs or desires are as important as seeking after Christ, following Him, and then telling others about Jesus.

I don’t believe Christ is saying we’re supposed to throw away our families and our jobs, but we need to look closely at where our priorities lie. What do we put most of our time into? Is there time for God and His Word? Do we make time to serve?

There are no excuses. We either surrender to Him or we don’t. Wholeness comes in absolute surrender. The world pulls at us and we often go where it leads rather than where Christ leads. How can we be useful to the Lord if the world’s voice is louder than His?

I long to be all His all of the time, but I fail. However, I haven’t given up on myself or Him. And on occasion I close my eyes, block out the world and look at Him only and listen to His voice, and then He speaks with clear, gentle authority. Angst and sorrow fall away. For a time thoughts of self flee. And when I listen with my whole heart and sift out the trivial things in this world then I am truly in His presence. I am His disciple and the joy I feel is long remembered.

And I continue to pray, “Your will Lord, not mine.”

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God--A Final Word

Imagine this is your last day on earth and the ones you love most have gathered to spend a few moments with you. What do you think you’d say?


If it were me, I’d share whatever was pressing intensely on my heart. I’d tell them whatever mattered most, what they needed to hear more than anything else.

In Mathew 28:19, before Jesus ascended to His Father he said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

These were Jesus’ last words to His disciples. Like us, don’t you think He’d share what was of utmost importance? He did. His words are well known and are often referred to as “The Great Commission”.

He gave three instructions; go make disciples, baptize, and teach. This is not a suggestion but a command. All Christians need to be doing these three things.

Does this mean we must travel across the globe to a village somewhere in Africa? No. But as we go we are to share the love of Christ with others.

Baptism is an outward statement of our faith. It tells others that we believe in Jesus as Savior. And encouraging them to make their own public statement is obeying Christ.

We are to teach, but that doesn’t mean we’re required to stand in front of a classroom or a congregation and present a speech. We need only share the truth of God’s Word with others and build up one another, in love, with honesty and integrity.

The last line of the Great Commission is powerful and reassuring. “I am with you always, even unto the very end of the age.”

We’re never alone. Never. I know that the idea of witnessing to others can make some of us quake, but God would not ask us to do something we can’t. And we can count on Him to stand with us, offering His guidance and strength.

Many times I’ve failed at fulfilling this mission. But that’s not an excuse. I can’t disregard Christ’s command. I may not do things beautifully or take advantage of every opportunity, but I can do my best, do better, because He lives in me.

He is our source of strength and wisdom. Nothing is impossible with Christ.

Grace & peace to you from God,


Bonnie