With My Own Eyes

Thought this was fantastic!

Colossians 4:6

[6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV)

Highlight – 2 Corinthians 1:8–9

[8] For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. [9] Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. (ESV)

Explain – Paul was human.  The burdens of life and ministry felt overwhelming at times.  But, God works all things for good–even the burdens that cause us to despair of life itself.  Those burdens cause us to cry out to God and rely on Him.  Through suffering we experience a unique and personal fellowship with Jesus.  

Apply – I’ve seen this happen in my own life.  I have such a love/hate feeling toward those seasons when I was so broken and it made me desperate for God.  They have been some of the most painful, yet fulfilling seasons.  There is in those times a special closeness with God.  I would also say there was a special closeness with my wife as we faced those seasons together.  

Explain – “Father, I thank you even for the hard times that seem to break us.  In the breaking we turn to you and experience you in fresh ways.  We desperately need this.  I surrender myself to your perfect will and pray that I will be diligent in relying on you in everything.”

Highlight – 1 Corinthians 11:1

[1] Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (ESV)

Explain – This is disciple-making in action, down to its very essence.  It goes beyond the transfer of information to life transformation.  This happens through relationship, as it did with Jesus and the 12.  Paul led a life worthy of imitation because he himself was a disciple/follower of Christ.  He then could confidently invite others to follow him.  He would not lead them astray.  

Apply – This is such a heavy responsibility.  But the heaviness in no way means that we are exempt.  It means that through the power of the Holy Spirit we do what we have been commanded to do in the Great Commission.  We have a Great Commission, a Great Savior, a Great Power–everything we need.  All that is required is a Great Submission on our part.  We must first truly be disciples before we can be disciple-makers.  

What are 3 ways I need to grow as a disciple?

1. Prayer – I am making some strides here, but still have a ways to go.  I want prayer to be as natural as breathing.  It is currently pretty mechanical.    

2. Faith – Unfortunately, I feel that the older I get the more cynical I get.  Cynicism is certainly not a fruit of the Spirit and is incompatible with faith.  I want to view every circumstance, every trial through a lens of faith–seeing it with the potential of God at work.  

3. Evangelism – Still looking for a niche in the community where I naturally fit and can be a blessing.  

I love/hate the question, “If the level of _________________________ in my church didn’t rise about my level of practice, what would be the consequence?” It is a good question for all spiritual leaders.  

Respond – “Father, I want to be one who can say like Paul, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”  But, I know that I have some needed growing to do.  I pray specifically for your help in the areas of prayer, faith, and evangelism.  May today be a day of growth in these areas.”

Reading – 1 Corinthians 10

Highlight – 1 Corinthians 10:31

[31] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (ESV)

Explain – Every aspect of life is meant to be lived as worship.  This is all encompassing and even involves that which we might view as trivial (ex. eating and drinking–even cleaning toilets).  To live such a life requires a high level of intentionality.  It also requires a much slower pace. 

Apply – I am afraid that I tend to compartmentalize my life unintentionally into that sacred/secular dichotomy.  I know better.  But in the press of tasks I live this way functionally.  I meet with God in the morning and too often leave Him behind as I go about the rest of my day.  I do a lot of “eating and drinking” mindlessly and without giving God glory.  Worship is the reason that I exist.  Tasks without worship are ultimately meaningless.  

Respond – “Father, I confess my failure to worship you in all that I do.  I ask that you would slow me down and make me a conscious worshipper today, moment by moment.  May every detail of this day be lived for your glory.”