Nightly Devotion: Discipleship

 

Nightly Bible Verse

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. ~Philippians 3:17

Nightly Inspiration

Pau so lived before the Philippian believers and before ALL men as to be an example of godliness. But there were others all around and even most likely whom the Philippians knew of, who walked not so; Paul encourages them to follow his good example of following Jesus, and to avoid the influence of ALL bad examples.

Nightly Prayer

O God, Your Son Jesus Christ left us an example that we might follow "in His steps." That is the perfect example. But You have also given us lesser but still true examples of godliness in our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to follow the good wherever we find it. Amen.

God Knows What You Feel Inside!!!!!!!!

Discipleship

By Frances Taylor

Discipleship: It is so important to be the disciples that we have been called to be. ~2 Timothy 1:7-8

Just as Paul preached the Good News with power regardless of the consequences, he sent his disciple, Timothy, to preach with the same sense of conviction. He is also sending us to be witnesses for Christ. This passage seems to continue our theme from yesterday – that of discipleship. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus' final commission is to go forth and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. He did not just mean the apostles. According to this commission, the baptized are automatically disciples. It's only been a month since we celebrated Christmas. Are we still witnesses to the joy of Jesus' birth? Are we still as welcoming of others, or kind to those we meet? Or have we allowed ourselves to go back to "normal?" If we're not still joyful witnesses, then how can we expect others to want to share the joy of the Good News? Joy is catchy, and so is negativity. Even if we are surrounded by those who might make fun of us because we hold ourselves to a higher standard, as Paul was, we still need to be witnesses of Christ. As important as our words of faith are, our actions are more important. I once heard a talk where the presenter commented that we are God's "chosen" people, not God's "frozen" people. It is so important to be the disciples that we have been called to be. We need to be loving, accepting, forgiving, and just. Don't be afraid of what others think of you; only be concerned about how well we are being Christ in the world.

Prayer

Gracious God, You have called us to be Your disciples in the world. Give us the graces we need to witness our faith in our actions and never be ashamed of our testimony. Amen.

Get Closer to God Day By Day!!!!!!!

When You Are Losing Hope

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not to evil, to give you an expected end. ~Jeremiah 29:11