What do you do to make yourself a disciple of Jesus?
How do you act on being a disciple of Jesus?
Who do we look to be a disciple of Jesus?
Do you place yourself around good people to become a disciple of Jesus?
So I was wondering what do you think makes you a good disciple of Jesus. Do you read the bible daily and prayer? Do you attend corpus and morning and afternoon prayers? One thing is we do not need to just all these things to make ourselves good disciples we can do so much more to become a good disciple of Christ.
God call us to be Christ like. In Ephesians 4:15 it says ‘Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.’
How do you act on being a disciple of Jesus do you set a good example around non Christians. Do you say grace before a meal and say prayer before you go to sleep at night. Remember in Matthew 6:6 it says ‘But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.’
In Luke 14:33 ‘So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. We have to give up a lot sometimes to become a disciple but we need to be patient as our reward will come when we go to heaven.
Who do you look to on how to be a good disciple do you look to friends, colleagues or a minister? The first person we should look to be a good disciple is Jesus. He is the perfect model. Remember there is only one person who is the perfect and that is Jesus.
So do you place yourself around good people to become that good disciple of Jesus? There is a lot to be said if we hang around the wrong people we can be easily influenced by what they do, say or act. We need to place ourselves around better people for us to grow spiritually and fruitfully. I used to hang around people who I went to college with when I had only been a Christian a while and they smoked and swore and before I knew I was saying swear words under my breath.
So in Matthew 28:19-20 it says 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.”
May you believe in God but may come to see that God believes in you. May you have faith in Jesus but may you come to see that Jesus has faith that you can be like him. A person of love, compassionate and truth, a person of forgiveness, peace, grace, hope and joy.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Easter thought
So it is leading up to Easter Sunday, that time of year where re make our connection with what Jesus done for us on the cross. What makes your spine tingle knowing that he took all our sins on the cross for both you and me. It's amazing to think that one man can take so many sins so freely. At the moment we are putting the final rehearsals in place for the Good Friday performance. Should we really be calling it performance or saying it reflection on what really happened some what 2,000 yrs ago.
Each time this year comes round it is so easy to think that Easter is all about eating Easter eggs but it is not. When I was little I thought it was about how many Easter eggs I had and my mum doing an Easter egg hunt. What about when you take communion do you just take it because it is apart of going church or do you drink the wine and eat the bread because your hungry or thirsty.
Do you remember the real reason behind in Matthew 26:25-28 it says " While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
So next time you have communion have think about what both the bread and wine symbolize. Also think about whether your heart is in the right place to receive it. Sometimes if we are not in the place we can take it with a wrong heart this can be seen as dishonoring God.
So when it comes to Good Friday and Easter Sunday think about the real reason why Jesus was on the cross and why you are taking communion.
Each time this year comes round it is so easy to think that Easter is all about eating Easter eggs but it is not. When I was little I thought it was about how many Easter eggs I had and my mum doing an Easter egg hunt. What about when you take communion do you just take it because it is apart of going church or do you drink the wine and eat the bread because your hungry or thirsty.
Do you remember the real reason behind in Matthew 26:25-28 it says " While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
So next time you have communion have think about what both the bread and wine symbolize. Also think about whether your heart is in the right place to receive it. Sometimes if we are not in the place we can take it with a wrong heart this can be seen as dishonoring God.
So when it comes to Good Friday and Easter Sunday think about the real reason why Jesus was on the cross and why you are taking communion.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
A Month into Working for God's Kingdom
So I have been here for officially a month now. Can not believe it has gone that quick who would of though it. I feel I have had highs and low points during this last month. Highs being different evenings at Lee Abbey and being out and about. Low points where I have reached the dreaded wall which is hard to overcome. Also another low point has been at the moment with me having a possible chest infection. Which is hopefully getting checked tomorrow at the doctor's.
So been working hard for a month which means 40 hours a week but I pretty sure it feels a lot longer than that. It's is tough going but I always feel with God's strength I can get through my day. As it says in Philippians 4:13 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'
I feel I have struggled in some ways where I have been and still feel a little bit exhausted and that I am missing friends and family.
Your prayers would be valued for
* My CRB to come back soon
* For be to be more open and honest
* My family who may come stay over Easter Weekend and that they see the Easter show and see something in it.
* Feeling a bit home sick
Pray also for my family and friends to keep up what they were doing before I left and not to change anything because I am not there.
So been working hard for a month which means 40 hours a week but I pretty sure it feels a lot longer than that. It's is tough going but I always feel with God's strength I can get through my day. As it says in Philippians 4:13 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'
I feel I have struggled in some ways where I have been and still feel a little bit exhausted and that I am missing friends and family.
Your prayers would be valued for
* My CRB to come back soon
* For be to be more open and honest
* My family who may come stay over Easter Weekend and that they see the Easter show and see something in it.
* Feeling a bit home sick
Pray also for my family and friends to keep up what they were doing before I left and not to change anything because I am not there.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
My Daddy who Art in Heaven
I was listening to the song called the way you father me and it made me think that we can have no better dad than God. He is the ‘perfect dad’ he listens to us he prays for us and much more. But how often do our own earthly dads do that for us. We need that special someone to talk to about our problems that we face day in day out.
Some people don’t have dads so they rely on upon God to be their daddy.
When was the last time you listened to what God had to tell you and you were obedient to what he has told you. Are we obedient to his word or do you brush it to one side.
My personal experience when they say words or pictures up the front of church I think those words can’t be for me there must be someone else who that God wants to talk to. This is one mistake which I now regret taking advantage of. So next time I am at church I am going to try and be more obedient to if anything I need prayer for.
We also have God who will pray for us if we are sick and make us feel better by healing us. We also have different names for God like for example Jehovah-Rohi means The Lord is my Shepherd. What do you call your dad I call mine Papa Gino for strange reason.
Our God also can love us unconditionally no matter what we have done wrong. It just indescribable how much love one man can pour out to all of his children at once?
How amazing is it that he knows everything about us even the things before they even happen. He has it all planned we just have to be patient to find out what God has in store.
What do you think God has got in store for you? He even knows the minuscule details like the amount of hairs on our head how many people do you know that? In Matthew 10:30 - 31 it says ‘And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. [31] so don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.’
How amazing to think that God thinks your more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows. I am going to challenge myself and you to be more obedient to him and listen to what he has to say.
Maybe you could be more loving, caring a good listener to someone that you cherish the most like God does for us. Remember that you are never far away from the love of God.
May God bless you as you read this.
Some people don’t have dads so they rely on upon God to be their daddy.
When was the last time you listened to what God had to tell you and you were obedient to what he has told you. Are we obedient to his word or do you brush it to one side.
My personal experience when they say words or pictures up the front of church I think those words can’t be for me there must be someone else who that God wants to talk to. This is one mistake which I now regret taking advantage of. So next time I am at church I am going to try and be more obedient to if anything I need prayer for.
We also have God who will pray for us if we are sick and make us feel better by healing us. We also have different names for God like for example Jehovah-Rohi means The Lord is my Shepherd. What do you call your dad I call mine Papa Gino for strange reason.
Our God also can love us unconditionally no matter what we have done wrong. It just indescribable how much love one man can pour out to all of his children at once?
How amazing is it that he knows everything about us even the things before they even happen. He has it all planned we just have to be patient to find out what God has in store.
What do you think God has got in store for you? He even knows the minuscule details like the amount of hairs on our head how many people do you know that? In Matthew 10:30 - 31 it says ‘And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. [31] so don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.’
How amazing to think that God thinks your more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows. I am going to challenge myself and you to be more obedient to him and listen to what he has to say.
Maybe you could be more loving, caring a good listener to someone that you cherish the most like God does for us. Remember that you are never far away from the love of God.
May God bless you as you read this.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Working for God's Kingdom whilst rembering to rest
Today I started to work at 6:45am which was a real challenge to be up in time but as there was not much excuse like that there was traffic along the way which is lame excuse. Whilst working I was feeling really tired from the previous day but I was trying to keep my spirits up knowing that I am serving for God's kingdom.
How do we keep the momentum going without feeling as though we are wearing slowly into burn out mode. The importance of rest is so important now a days where we can keep going and not take a break. If I did not take a break for 15 mins just to be I would of over cooked myself.
So why do we need to rest in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
So I have now finished work for the day an hour a go and now enjoying my rest period before fulfilling my role as working for God's Kingdom by helping to serve dinner. Then enjoying my day off tomorrow with hopefully having a long lie in.
How do we keep the momentum going without feeling as though we are wearing slowly into burn out mode. The importance of rest is so important now a days where we can keep going and not take a break. If I did not take a break for 15 mins just to be I would of over cooked myself.
So why do we need to rest in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
So I have now finished work for the day an hour a go and now enjoying my rest period before fulfilling my role as working for God's Kingdom by helping to serve dinner. Then enjoying my day off tomorrow with hopefully having a long lie in.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Just
So many people like me label ourselves as “just” children’s workers or youth workers. God wants us to be more than just that single label that we are known to be doing.
We can so easily be labelled as the person who always puts the chairs away after church or the person who always provides good meals for Alpha or for other public events. Where we are one of the few people who do it we are always associated with that specific title or label
We have gifts that God wants us to explore we just need to test them to see if they are what god wants us to have. Until we try them we don’t know if God can use them for his glory.
Once certain people always do it no one else seems to realise that the more of us who do it the less pressure on others to constantly do it. This can sometimes affect people’s self esteem knowing that they are “Just” that person. When looking “just” up in the dictionary it comes up with only, simply and barely. This means that we can be sometimes the only person who does it.
If all people were not labelled as “just” it would make some things simpler and other do not feel pressured to be relied upon more often and others could help out to make the job seem that little bit smaller.
When we rely on those certain people more often they will soon start to wear out and over time they will become exhausted. This will then mean you will lose those valuable people who help every time. More often than ever some people who help on a regular basis and say thank you for your help know how to appreciate what they have done to help out. But sometimes we forget about how small saying thank you is to someone.
So I would like to thank anyone who has helped me in my job, carer on anywhere else. What would I do without your help I do not know I would be merely struggling along. So I challenge you to say thank you to anyone who helped you in your life and not thought to say thank you after. It does not take much as we so easily forget as I said above those two simple words can make someone feel so much more valued in what they are doing and not feel they are not noticed.
God bless you as you read this.
We can so easily be labelled as the person who always puts the chairs away after church or the person who always provides good meals for Alpha or for other public events. Where we are one of the few people who do it we are always associated with that specific title or label
We have gifts that God wants us to explore we just need to test them to see if they are what god wants us to have. Until we try them we don’t know if God can use them for his glory.
Once certain people always do it no one else seems to realise that the more of us who do it the less pressure on others to constantly do it. This can sometimes affect people’s self esteem knowing that they are “Just” that person. When looking “just” up in the dictionary it comes up with only, simply and barely. This means that we can be sometimes the only person who does it.
If all people were not labelled as “just” it would make some things simpler and other do not feel pressured to be relied upon more often and others could help out to make the job seem that little bit smaller.
When we rely on those certain people more often they will soon start to wear out and over time they will become exhausted. This will then mean you will lose those valuable people who help every time. More often than ever some people who help on a regular basis and say thank you for your help know how to appreciate what they have done to help out. But sometimes we forget about how small saying thank you is to someone.
So I would like to thank anyone who has helped me in my job, carer on anywhere else. What would I do without your help I do not know I would be merely struggling along. So I challenge you to say thank you to anyone who helped you in your life and not thought to say thank you after. It does not take much as we so easily forget as I said above those two simple words can make someone feel so much more valued in what they are doing and not feel they are not noticed.
God bless you as you read this.
Freely You Gave
Each day Jesus gives us our lives so we can live out to his praise and glory. Whenever we do something in his name do we pray beforehand and give thanks for how well something has gone. Jesus gave up his life upon a cross so he can take our sins away.
I personally cannot believe that one slip of the tongue I can sin and Jesus will take that all on the cross for me and what about you. So freely he gave it all up just for us. What gets me through the day knowing that I am giving something back to Jesus for serenading his life and that I owe him one in some way. This is why I sometimes do so much serving at church or elsewhere because I want to give something in return.
As the song ‘This is Our God’ by Hillsong goes ‘freely you gave it all for us surrended your life upon that cross. Great is the love poured out for all this is Our God.’ We sometimes take for granted for what he has done for us do you?
I am going to challenge some of you to say thanks to Jesus each time he does something in your favour and he has helped you with something. I personally do not give enough praise to him for what he has done. Maybe he has answered prayer or given you a gift that he wants you to be able to explore more.
I felt God telling me that I am calling you to be a Children’s worker. I know that’s my calling so as you know I am working towards that calling. What is God calling you to be evangelist, youth worker, actor and many more? Following your calling you may encounter some troubles but they will build you up to be a stronger person inside and out.
May God bless you as read this.
I personally cannot believe that one slip of the tongue I can sin and Jesus will take that all on the cross for me and what about you. So freely he gave it all up just for us. What gets me through the day knowing that I am giving something back to Jesus for serenading his life and that I owe him one in some way. This is why I sometimes do so much serving at church or elsewhere because I want to give something in return.
As the song ‘This is Our God’ by Hillsong goes ‘freely you gave it all for us surrended your life upon that cross. Great is the love poured out for all this is Our God.’ We sometimes take for granted for what he has done for us do you?
I am going to challenge some of you to say thanks to Jesus each time he does something in your favour and he has helped you with something. I personally do not give enough praise to him for what he has done. Maybe he has answered prayer or given you a gift that he wants you to be able to explore more.
I felt God telling me that I am calling you to be a Children’s worker. I know that’s my calling so as you know I am working towards that calling. What is God calling you to be evangelist, youth worker, actor and many more? Following your calling you may encounter some troubles but they will build you up to be a stronger person inside and out.
May God bless you as read this.
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