Fellowship and Discipleship
Much of our lives is private, but the Christian life was never intended to be isolated. You cannot be a true disciple, and avoid fellowship with other Christians. It is essential that desciples of Christ support each other in their weaknesses. We do not need to pretend to each other that we have no problems, we all have problems, and can overcome them best with the support of fellow believers.
Don’t fall into the trap of being an isolationist. When you do you will begin to invent your own “spirituality” which you believe is superior to the understanding of others, while in truth you become blind to your own shortcomings and have no one to show you when you are wrong.
The Wrong Well
What is it that satisfies you? Would you be satisfied if you had more money in the bank? The right car? The right woman or man? Are you seeking satisfaction in some temporary fix, when God is offering lasting satisfaction?
Growth and Glory
How do you measure yourself?
We measure everything these days. Our weight, our goals, our performance, the list goes on. Do we measure our relationship with God? How would you do that? How has your discipleship gone? Is it better than last year? Are you making progress in your walk of faith? Make it your resolve this year to make progress in God.
Do You Love Me More Than These?
Peter had declared himself to be more dedicated to Jesus than anyone else, yet after Jesus’ execution and miraculous appearance to the disciples, Peter had decided decided to return to his old job as a fisherman. When Jesus showed up on the shore, Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to him. As Jesus, Peter, and the disciples ate a meal there on the shore in front of the boats, Jesus asked Peter, “Peter, do you love me more than these?”
It was a question Jesus had every right to ask. When the chips were down, did Peter really love Jesus more than the boats and his job? More than the other disciples? Did he just love Jesus when there were miracles and people thronging them saying how great they were, or did he love Jesus in the bad times when being associated with Jesus was a black mark?
What about you? Do your love Jesus more than these?
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Get Rid of the Garment
When Joshua led the people of Israel into Canaan, the town of Ai seemed insignificant. The spies told him “Just send a few men, they won’t put up much of a fight.” Everyone was shocked when the Israelite army was soundly defeated.
A single man had kept a garment as plunder from a city God had commanded be completely destroyed. He knew that he had sinned, but thought he could keep it hidden and no one would ever know. The secret sin of a single man stopped the army from winning an easy victory.
What is holding you back from accomplishing God’s work. No matter how insignificant or hidden you think it may be, it can turn an easy victory into a stunning defeat.
