Discipleship Network Forum

This past weekend was the weekend of not-so-proud moments.

It started out with a plan, lots on the schedule but it was going to be manageable. A lot of things, but all good things. A piano recital, a baseball tourney, two basketball practices, decorating the tree and church.

But I blew it on more than one occasion.

I had my first experience of losing self-control in the stands as a parent. After the game, I had to ask forgiveness from the moms for my inappropriate behavior and had to repent to Coach-Husband for my attitude in the stands. This was after he sent an email to all the parents (including me) about maintaining a positive attitude.

The kids seemed to manage the packed in day of Saturday really well... until Sunday morning. Then we had the kind of morning where I actually thought about calling in and saying I couldn't come to church. My heart was not in the right place. I was the parent who didn't handle things well in the morning and felt hypocritical going to church and worshiping God and offering to minister to others.

Yet we went along and as I prayed for Jesus to help me, I remembered something very important I had just read.

I am loved unconditionally and welcomed fully by Him.

By His grace, it is in these moments when I am at my ugliest, I can return to Him for joy, fullness of hope and restoration. Because He forgives me, I can look my boys in the eye and tell them I'm sorry. Because I know I am deeply loved at my worst, I can go back and worship.

Approaching Christmas, I'm reminded at how amazing it is that Jesus came to save the lost. To reach out and raise up the wretched, most messed up people, just like me.

Thanks be to God.

Remember what the gospel says about us: we are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe but we are also more loved and welcomed than we ever dared hope. ~ Elyse Fitzpatrick, Counsel from the Cross

While putting out my decorations the other day, I paused to wonder, “Why am I draping gold beads over these glass ornaments and placing them on the back of my piano? I mean, really, is this necessary? Would life be simpler if I did not go to the trouble of decorating my home?” As I paused a moment and let that question settle, this answer came to mind. I celebrate the most amazing event that occurred thousands of years ago. My life is anchored around a glorious moment in history that forever changed this world. It changed life for everyone I know , those before me and for my descendants to come. A King, a Messiah came without fanfare into a quiet little town and brought hope and healing to the world then and now. I celebrate this month the fact that there is hope for the hopeless and peace for the desperate. There is forgiveness for the aching souls who long to know their past is forgotten. There is a blanket of mercy that wraps around the most callous heart and warms it until it beats again with hope for a new life. This Redeemer, this healer of my soul, this baby, is a King. There is royal blood running through His veins and though the world around Him didn’t know it at the time, I know it now. I know He is deserving of all the praise and adoration I can possibly find within me to express. So, I light up my corner of the world because I am grateful for who He is and what He has done in my life and the lives of those around me. I make my home sparkle with lights because His face is as radiant as the Sun. I drape gold and silver because He deserves every beautiful, rich color I can find to express my wonder at the glorious riches of His love. I lay boughs of evergreen around because His love is never ending. I can count on Him to always, always be with me. No matter the storm, no matter my pain, He is the constant peace that carries me. I light candles because His Word lights my way and warms up my frightened heart with it’s peacefilled promises and encouragement. I plan and prepare feasts of my very best best offerings, the richest and most flavorful foods,as I remember the vast amounts of His blessings to me. He offers bountiful, abundant blessings far beyond what I could ever ask or imagine and lays them out before me because He loves me. Not because I deserve it, but because He longs to lavish His love on me, His child. So, I offer these feasts , these lights , these trimmings of color and sparkle to those I love because I am celebrating this amazing baby, this King, this royal Prince of Peace. He entered our world humbly , but I must never forget the splendor and majesty of who He is. So now, every year, in the midst of the frantic preparations and lists and shopping and busyness, I will stop and remember, as I decorate, why I do what I do. And then, I will sparkle, so all those around me will know that the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, has come to save a lost and hurting world. Emmanuel…God with Us…Joy to the World, the Lord has come!

By Ruth Schick - Pastor's Wife, Mom & Worship Leader at www.ridge.tv

This Little Light of Mine

As a grandmother, you’d expect it from me, I know. To hear me tell you that my grandson was the best, the bravest, the inspiration to us all, does not surpriseanyone. Even our David would rollhis eyes at Gramma’s praise – for what did he really want, but to live, to be aboy, to grow to be a man and yes, to be a Shamash.

Neither David nor I are Jewish, but those of you who are know what a Shamash is - the servant candle of the Menorah – the one that isused to light the others.

I too had heard the story many times – of how the oil was lit to celebrate victory, and the pure oil sufficient to burn a single daylasted eight days. Yet we seldom think about the candle that lit the victoryoil. The Shamash was the one keptready - prepared to light the other candles. His brother Michael was quick to remind me what Davidsaid himself – he was just a man – one who did not want the pain he endured,but one who was willing to search for and find the worth in it – quietly,valiantly.

Whether small and reserved and ready at the right hand, or elevated at the center, the Shamash – the lighting candle on the menorah – reminds me of our David. It gives me courage in our strugglingeconomy and soothes the fears of what may lie ahead for our country, for theworld, for me personally, and for those I care about. It speaks to me of what God has already done, assures me ofthe unexplainable He is capable of doing, and gives me courage to guard my ownlittle flame from the winds of unbelief.

Some might think David’s faith (and ours) was in vain, for didn’t he suffer, and isn’t he no longer with us? Others know better andcontinually testify as to his flame in their lives and now in others thatcontinues to illuminate their paths and point the way to peace despite life’sturbulence. And isn’t this amiracle too, that one so young completed his calling while even his grandmotherstruggles with obedience and living love restrained only by unselfishmotivation. So what can Ido?

I can listen and then I can speak. Softly, to fan the flame of hope in others who bear similar pain. I can weep. In joy as well as sorrow, I can weepwith others for like-experience brings comfort and living-evidence bringsassurance. That “knowing” like thepurest oil, brings health and strength from within when the clear vision ofvictory and purpose is held aloft. I can accept. Understanding the darkness and unknowing, I can accept others fears anddoubts, relieved no one need depend on me to do what I cannot, yet rejoice thatDavid’s candle has lit my heart so that its flame can spill over onto theirpath. I can give. The knowledge we gained researching hisdisease was for him, and also for others yet to live. The bonding of our heartsis a gift impossible without the mutual journey through deep waters. Thereceptiveness to others’ needs I would not feel as deeply had I not known bothdesolation and the joy of receiving.

Times of hardship are here for some and coming for others. Things will get hoarded and spoil or shared and used up. We may run out of heating fuel or gasfor our cars, power for light or money to purchase those supplies, but theenemy only conquers when hope is gone.

I hoped to carry that flame to our offspring; instead David passed the torch of hope to me. He carried a flamethat ignited the source - creating greater light than by glowing on hisown. Sometimes for me the coldwind of fear accompanies sharing myself, wondering will my light go out? Will my light diminish? Will I have the strength tosurvive? Surprisingly, I continually discover that instead of depending on myown light to guide others, every small selfless act (giving-up and trusting inthe Source of miracles for the strength) begets a flame that is fed by thebreath of life, designed and destined to reignite warmth and hope fromgeneration to generation. Left toitself, my light flickers at every breeze and cringes at every weather report.But God’s eternal light does not fail. Giving in His strength does not fail to give hope to the receiver aswell as to the giver.

Fear of loss outlines our future, for none of us are exempt. Alreadyour pension has been lowered; our bank account is smaller. Greater losses than possessions - ofsomeone dear, of our own health, our freedoms, loom on the horizon. Remembering what God has done throughDavid helps me to know that whatever my experience will be, it can also be aShamash for those in my circle of influence. I can speak the words of eternalhope. I can weep with those whoweep and rejoice with those who rejoice. I can accept fear in others because I too ran to God in weakness andfound that He will be my strength. And whatever I lose in this uncertainfuture, I will still have whatever I gave away.

As Dave shared through his 5 years of trials and pain, his questions always ran the same pattern – What are youdoing, God? What can I learn fromthis? How can I help othersthrough this?

His answers were revealed through his daily life and faith as one kind person wrote that ‘many are watching andwonder’. That example continues toenable me, as a survivor, to continue walking the carefully blazed trail. Eachtime I think of my grandson, and my remaining life, I think here’s to you Dave,may my questions be as unselfish as yours, my life a light of willing service,and above all may others see in me your gift of unexpected hope.

Yesterday, December 8th, 2010, was the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death at the hands of an assassin. Last October 9, 2010, would have been his 70th birthday. I was a fan of the Beatles when they arrived on the pop scene back in the early 60s, but not so much with their later music. As their music evolved it was just not my style although it is easy to see why so many of their fans loved it. John Lennon was perhaps the most interesting Beatle and his popularity continues, possibly due to the nature of his death coupled with the mystique of his life. One feature of his life that continues to provoke discussion and speculation is his struggle with faith and spirituality. Much has been written about it. It seems to me that Lennon's real quest was for truth. He seems to never have come to a resolution regarding this vital issue. Unfortunate. I'm personally so thankful for the Christian resources which are available today to help us discover truth and the confidence and hope for the future which that truth promises in Jesus. Resources which I'm currently using to strengthen my grasp on truth are: The Truth Project,a video series featuring Dr. Del Tackett of the Focus on the Family Institute; Foundations of Apologetics (video course produced by the College of Christian Apologetics at Oxford University), and The Reason for God by Timothy Keller.

It would be interesting to know if John Lennon would have ended his life on a sounder footing had he had these materials available to him. Chapter 18 in the Gospel of John records Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate. Responding to a question from Pilate, Jesus answered: “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilate retorted: “What is truth?” There is no indication that Pilate made any effort to discover the answer to his question. Apparently John Lennon cared about the truth but for whatever reason was never satisfied with the answers he received. As Christmas approaches it is wonderful to know that the truth is available and that God, in His grace and mercy, "...wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I (Paul) was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher...." (1 Timothy 2:4-7) What a wonderful gift.

My life did not flash before my eyes. I was too concerned about how - or if - I was going to make it back tothe beach. Our family trip that day was not supposed to end with me drowning ina riptide.

It was our first day on the beach with our rented boogie boards, and I was the first one in the water.Wanting to catch the waves where they were breaking, I headed away from theshore. By the time I realized they were breaking too far out, the water was overmy head. On the board from the waist up, I started kicking to get back to thebeach. After a couple of minutes I had not made any progress. In fact, I wasfarther away from the beach and farther down the shoreline. The board wasstrapped to my wrist so I let it trail behind me and began to swim. I swamuntil I was exhausted and swallowing water, but I was even farther from shore.No matter what I did or how hard I worked, I could not save myself.

Seeing I was in trouble, my husband grabbed another board, left the safety of the beach and came to myrescue. My three children watched from shore. I could hear the youngest cryingfor me. When Waynereached me, he calmed me down and talked me through riding out the riptide sowe could get back to the beach. Moments later I was reunited with my family.

Just like me in the riptide, spiritually we are “lost” and can do nothing to save ourselves. Our sin has separated usfrom God. “Sin” is disobeying God, or choosing our own way over God’s way. Sinfirst entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, breaking theirintimate relationship with Him. Everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23). This sinbreaks our relationship with God bringing with it the consequence of spiritualdeath (Romans 6:23). This means we are “lost,” separated from God and unable tomend the relationship ourselves. There is a gulf between God and us we cannotcross.

But God loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. He does not want us to perish and spendeternity separated from Him. God responded to our predicament. Since we couldnot save ourselves, God came to our rescue. We celebrate the anniversary ofthis great rescue mission every twenty-fifth of December. Christmas reminds usthat God loves us and sent His Son to save us from our sins. Would you like tolearn more about God’s love for you and His plan for your life?

Find out how to have a relationship with Jesus now.

If you want to find out more about Christianity and how to know God then check out the 12-session Biblestudy “God’s Truth Revealed.” This study takes you on a journey through theBible to show you why you need God and how you can know Him.

This story was excerpted from "God's Truth Revealed" by Kathy Howard

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; and in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. Psalm 57: 1,2.

Often when mired in a deeply emotional trial (something happening with your spouse, children, famiily, or close friends), we find ourselves focused on the issue and the emotional upheaval caused by it. We ride the roller coaster, paying lipservice to Him with our shallow prayers. Fortunately, He intercedes for us in circumstances like these. However, I have found the psalms a great help in expressing the depth of our need to cling to God, worship and praise Him, and be "kept" by Him, under the shadow of His wings; emptying my mind of the issue and reactions, and pouring forth the cries to God Most High, who does accomplish all things for me. Destruction will pass by, and although we may be singed by it, afraid of it, and too focused on the negative possibilities, we will see and experience the grace of God as we run for our lives into His wings for refuge, He is, after all, God Most High.

The English language is interesting, isn't it? Try to say the words "presents" and "presence" so that they sound different. I can intone them differently but they don't really sound different. They are spelled differently but I can't make them sound differently.

So, what is the point? The culture in which we live is taken by "presents". I love to receive presents and I love to give presents. [Don't ask which gives me greater pleasure!] The media and advertisers helps, if not insists, that we focus on presents and the society measures our worth by the size or value of our presents.

I am trying to focus on the presents of Jesus - the presence of the Christ in my daily life. Presents are not bad but presence is better. Do I really tap into the presence of Christ on a regular basis? I want to be in the presence of the King of Kings who gives the greatest and best presents of all.

My wife is a cook of cooks. It’s safe to say that she doesn’t compare to my mother . . . she actually does it better . . . hands down. Now I don’t want my Mom to know this (Shhh!) but she is a strong number 2 . . . I suspect however that this would not make her feel good at all.

It hasn’t always been this way with Elaine. I remember in 1976, sometime after our June the 5th wedding, as a newly married pastoral couple, inhabiting the 51 Wilson Ave. parsonage in Presque Isle ME, we sat down for a Sunday feast. Roast beef! The smell was tantalizing and we sat down together. Prayer . . . the first slice in my mouth and we were off to the races.

As we talked and as I chewed, and chewed . . . and chewed, the piece of meat just seemed to get bigger. I think, as I look back, that we were both trying to ignore what we were experiencing, but finally the roast overtook our ability to talk . . . and then we had to spit it out and start over.

It was a rump roast. The taste was fine but the more that you chewed on it the less likely you were to be able to swallow it. It just got bigger and bigger. My mouth was full and my stomach was empty.

I have found theology to be much the same as rump roast. There are certain things that seem to grow bigger the more that you chew on them. At times in my life, my head has been full and my heart has been empty.

It's not meant to be difficult or complicated or relegated to experts.

I could have starved to death chewing on rump. I could starve to death chewing on theology as well.

Last week I celebrated by 37th birthday and it was nothing monumental. But out of curiosity, I researched some of the great accomplishments people have achieved before their 37th birthday. Michelangelo finished painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Robert Jarvik invented a pneumatically powered heart .Frederic William Herschel invented the contact lens. Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner.” Amelia Earhart flew in an airplane across the Atlantic by herself. Last year, I successfully replaced a broken taillight on my car all by myself (applause please).

The greatest accomplishment in the world came nearly 2000 years ago when Jesus paid the penalty for sin as He died on a cross around the age of thirty-three. Just a few days before this event, the Lord would tell His disciples something truly amazing and intriguing. “You will do greater things than I have done.”
We need to rewind for a moment. The Son of God came to this earth through a miraculous birth and lived a perfect life. He performed countless miracles and emerged as the greatest teacher to ever live. He shouldered the weight of our sin and, in perfect humility and obedience, made the greatest sacrifice of love by offering Himself for us. What could someone do that is greater than the sum of these?
As Jesus sits with His disciples in the upper room for the last time, He proclaims this incredible promise. Judas has been dismissed and the disciples are trembling with fear. Their hearts are trouble at the prophetic instructions from the Lord about the events of the next few days. He speaks to them words of hope. He tells them, “You will do greater things than I have done.”
The current world record for running the mile is three minutes and forty three second, which is held by Hicham El Guerrouj. What if I told you that I possess a single pill that would enable you to break this record no matter your age or medical condition? Would say I was insane or question my truthfulness? The promise of Jesus was even more preposterous. That is until we clearly understand what these “greater works” are.
Jesus is talking about the results of the message that occur after His death and resurrection. This was all part of God’s plan. Jesus was preparing the disciples for a worldwide movement. What the body of Christ can do together in unity is incomprehensible.
When we see a verse like this, it is our unfortunate tendency to soften it. Jesus must have meant that the first disciples would do greater things, right? For example, after Peter’s first sermon, 3,000 people got saved. That result was a greater work. The Apostle Paul would take the Gospel throughout the entire Roman Empire. That progress was a greater work. We can think of many people throughout church history who have achieved great things for the cause of Christ. There is only one problem with thinking that Jesus is only talking about people with some kind of elite spiritual status: verse 12. “Whoever believes in Me…” Jesus simply states that every believer has this potential.
How are we to do greater works? Jesus gives us the two ingredients in the next few verses. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” Pastor Ray Stedman once stated, “It is significant to note that, though Jesus never taught his disciples how to preach, he did teach them how to pray.” We cannot do anything great for the Kingdom of God unless we are connected to our Lord and His Will. We are not working for ourselves, but in His Power. Prayer is the essential first step of any great endeavor for the believer and for the Body.
The second ingredient for “greater things” is the power of the Holy Spirit. We do not have the strength to walk with Christ by ourselves. Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play major league baseball, but this pioneering came at a price. Jackie was criticized heavily for every single mistake. Once when he was playing on the team’s home field, he committed an error and the fans ridiculed him ruthlessly. That is until Pee Wee Reece, the shortstop, came over, put his arm around Robinson, and turned to the crowd. The crowd became instantly silent and Robinson believed that this moment saved his career.
Jesus stated that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. The root of the greek word comes from fortis, meaning to fortify or strengthen. The Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is like the steel beams that hold up a skyscraper. He is like the spine in a person’s back that keeps the Body standing. The Holy Spirit is not an accessory to the Christian life. He is absolutely essential. We could do nothing spiritually without His leading and teaching.
What “greater thing” does God have for you? What is the potential for your life and mine if we would simply yield to the work of the Holy Spirit? Only God knows the answer, but we do have the promise. ”I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these...”

Have you noticed how many things have gone retro… clothes, cars, furniture, appliances. Vinyl records are making a comeback. I wish I had kept my leisure suits because I am sure they will return soon! Maybe even my bell bottom pants I wore in college. Some are nostalgic and want to return to the good ole days when church attendance was up and life seemed much simpler. This retro thinking reminds me of how we sometimes view discipleship.

We go to all the new conferences, seminars and read the latest books to get a grip on how to more effectively grow our churches and make disciples. Nothing wrong with that, but everyone seems to be looking for the discipleship silver bullet; that one easy step that will propel our church forward and solve all our problems. Maybe, something from the past was lost. We debate Sunday School versus small groups, traditional music versus contemporary, deacons versus elders, using hymn books versus projectors, and on and on.

The truth is the Lord can bless any church He chooses to bless regardless of their music or methods. 1 Cor 3:6 says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” NASU “makes things grow” NIV “God gave the increase” KJV “God gave the growth” HCSB

The single factor I’ve observed in churches that are growing is the fact that they are committed to “make disciples.” They constantly celebrate baptisms and spiritual victories in the lives of their members and other lives that their members touch. They are not doing church but being church. The members have been equipped, trained and released to do ministry. All feel called to make disciples and all are using their spiritual gifts to make a difference in their churches and communities. This is not rocket science.

My observation is that discipleship happens best in small groups with someone who loves the Lord and loves people and is willing to spend some time and energy helping these people grow in Christ. Jesus modeled this with His disciples. We cannot improve on His Message or His Model for doing discipleship.

We need to retro back to the first century.

I believe it was Will Rogers who said, “Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” I do wish I could wear my bell bottoms again.

Keep the Son in your Eyes,

Mike James (blog- 28nineteen.org)

The Pharisees asked YESHUA when the Kingdom of GOD would come. “The Kingdom of GOD,” He answered, “does not come with visible signs; nor will people be able to say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘Over there!’ Because, you see, the Kingdom of GOD is among you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

He will rebuild the Temple on the mount in all its glory and lead Israel’s army to conquer its enemies.
The Messiah will restore the temple sacrifices and the Aaronic priesthood and would strictly enforce the Torah.

But is that what the Scriptures teach? The rabbinical teachings was first popularized by Rambam Maimonides and widely accepted by Orthodox Jews. However, it runs counter to the teachings of the prophets and YESHUA himself.

The prophets teach that the Messiah will be born of a virgin and is sinless and must first suffer and be rejected by His own people and die for sinners; then the Messiah will conquer death. The Messiah will
bring people out of bondage and free the prisoners and the oppressed. The prophecies depict the Messiah as GOD on earth, performing wonders and expressing GOD’s wisdom. They also prophesied that the Messiah will come again in glory with His holy angels to rule the world with an iron scepter. He will cover Jerusalem with shalom like a river. The Scriptures also prophesy that the Messiah will judge all unbelievers and throw them into the Lake of Fire; but for the faithful, He will give them their just reward. There will be new heavens and a new earth and ADONAI will rule in the new Jerusalem forever and ever!(see Mic 4:14, 5:1; Ps 2:7-8, 16:10, 22:16-17; Ps 72:10,11; Ps 118:22; Prov 30:4; Is 7:14; Is 9:5-6;
Is 11:2, 61:1,2; 35:4-6; 42:18; Is 53; Is 50:6, 66:15-22; Jer 23:5-6; Dan 9:24-26; Zech 9:9, 11:12-13, 12:10, 13:7; Mal 3:1; Jude 14,15(quoting Enoch)).

Daniel prophesied that there will be a Kingdom, not of this world; a Kingdom, whose origin is ADONAI and it will conquer all the kingdoms of the world and would last forever (Dan 2:44-45). ‘The time is coming when I will gather together all nations and languages. They will come
and see My glory, and I will give them a sign. I will send some of their survivors to the nations of Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tuval, Greece and more distant coasts, where they have neither heard of My
fame nor seen My glory. They will proclaim My glory in these nations, and they will bring all your kinsmen out of all the nations as an offering to ADONAI…to My holy mountain, Jerusalem,” says
ADONAI (Is 66:18-20).

The Kingdom of GOD starts from within as man believes and confesses with his mouth that YESHUA is both LORD and Savior. At that point, the FATHER seals the man with the HOLY SPIRIT as a guarantee of his eternal destiny. The Kingdom begins a radical change from the inside out until the person thinks, sees, speaks and acts like YESHUA. He can’t help but affect all the people around him. This is how the Kingdom grows, one person at a time. The believer’s extreme experience with the LORD changes him and his world. To him, there is no middle ground. A fire burns eternally within him to speak and to act for YESHUA.

Are you this person? Have you been radically changed?

There are no lukewarm people in the Kingdom. To walk with YESHUA is an extreme experience!

מלאך