Christianity

The Power of Discipleship

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My life has taken different turns with unique challenges along the way. God has reached me in my experiences because I have allowed Him to draw closer as I have drawn close to Him. His invitation arrived through His Word carried by shepherds and mentors along my way.

“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 2 Peter 1:4 (GW)

My motives for deliverance initially were for personal gain, restoration and recovery; however, the path of tornado does not affect just me but often the debris of my place of hurt scattered far and wide.

“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question, ‘Teacher, what I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. “’Do this and you will live!’ The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Luke 10:25-29 (GW)

When the debris of my place of hurt collides with the hurt of others there becomes a need for mercy not only toward myself but toward those around me – who are known and unknown. Life together in the body of Christ gives discipleship its power. Love and mercy its power.

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

Describe my place of hurt.
How does my place of hurt affect others?
How has God’s mercy been shown to me?
How can I show that same mercy to others?
Do I love myself? Why or why not?
What does it mean to “Love your neighbor as yourself”?

(c) 2016-2023 All Rights are Reserved

Exiting the Roundabout

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Roundabouts are replacing congested and busy intersections in Michigan to keep traffic moving smoothly and reduce traffic accidents. These traffic roundabouts are often conundrums for drivers who experience them for the first time. Drivers are to yield to oncoming traffic within the roundabout as they merge into the roundabout themselves. Then drivers are to move within the roundabout taking the appropriate exit to their planned destination.

Too often drivers miss their exit or are unsure of their exit to only to keep circling in the roundabout in frustration waiting for an opportunity to merge onto any exit. Other drivers witnessing the inexperienced roundabout driver can be seen at times offering hand gestures which are either kind or rude which can be accompanied by honking their vehicle horn.

Traffic roundabouts can be stressful when I am unsure of my exit or where I am going. Life is like a traffic roundabout. Decisions to merge or exit can be daunting. At times it takes courage to trust where I am going and that I will arrive at my destination on time. Witnessing others in their uncertainty can also cause me to become stressed. Trusting my motives takes courage to decide whether my intercession is helpful or enabling their distress.

Wisdom’s Blessings Come from the LORD

“The plans of the heart belong to humans,
but an answer on the tongue comes from the LORD.
A person thinks all his ways are pure,
but the LORD weighs motives.
Entrust your efforts to the LORD,
and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (GW)

“Trust the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (GW)

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

What has me going in circles?
How can I trust my decisions are correct?
Are my motives pure?
What does it mean to me, “Trust the Lord… and not rely on my own understanding”?

(c) 2016-2023 All Rights are Reserved