Have you taken to heart the great commandment: to love God with everything within you and to do the same with your neighbor and yourself?
37 Jesus said, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.'
38 This is the most important, the first on any list.
39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.'
40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." Matthew 22:37-40 (MSG)
Many of those who call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ have found a safe place in the rut of relationship--just going through the motions. Is that all you want in your relationship with the Lord? Perhaps this song and video will be an encouragement to you to pursue your relationship with the Lord with a renewed zeal.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Marks Of A Disciple Of Jesus Christ
Have you ever wondered if you were exhibiting the marks of a disciple of Jesus Christ? What does a disciple look like? John's Gospel gives us a three-fold perspective of those who followed Jesus Christ and what they were doing as they were following Him. May this study not just be about gaining more information, but a prayer for rich personal application.
The Marks Of A Disciple Of Jesus Christ: A Three-Fold Prayer Request
1: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Lives In The Word of God—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Lives In Your Word”
28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:28-32 (NASB95)
The Cause: Belief in Him (vs. 30)
The Effect:
1. Continuance in the Word (vs. 31)
2. The Affirmation and Confirmation of our relationship with Him (vs. 31)
3. The Knowledge of the truth and the freedom this entails (vs. 32)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
What does it mean for me to “continue” or “remain” in God’s Word? What do I need to do in my life in order to make God’s Word a greater priority?
What does it mean for me to be called a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Would I consider my life as one marked by freedom or is there something that binds me up? What “truth” can set me free if I embrace it today?
2: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Is Known By the Quality of Love He Expresses To Other Believers—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Loves Your People”
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NASB95)
The Cause:
1. Jesus loves us (vs. 34)
2. A new commandment has been given to us (vs. 34)
The Effect:
1. Obedience to this command is possible because Jesus has already modeled it and shown us how to love one another (vs. 34)
2. Our love for Him and allegiance to Him will be known to “all men,” including those outside the faith, IF we are loving other believers (vs. 35)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
Is my love for others based upon an obligation (what is in it for me) or upon a burden of truly caring (what is in it for them)?
In a court of law, would my witness of love be sufficient enough to convict me of being a disciple of Jesus?
In my inner circle of relationships, who do I need to focus upon and to express my love more? What kind of loving acts does this person (s) need from me?
3: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Is Fruitful: He Bears Fruit, Abundant Fruit, Lasting Fruit—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Makes A Difference and Bears Spiritual Fruit”
1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 "This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:1-17 (NASB95)
The Cause: Abiding in Jesus / Abiding in His Word (vs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)
The Effect:
1. Bearing Fruit (vs. 4, 5)
2. Answered Prayer (vs. 7)
3. Bringing Glory to the Father (vs. 8)
4. Bearing Abundant Fruit (vs. 8)
5. Proving the Validity of One’s Discipleship with Jesus (vs. 8)
6. Obedience to Jesus (vs. 10)
7. A Life Marked with Great Joy (vs. 11)
8. A Recipient and Giver of Sacrificial Love (vs. 12-13)
9. A Friendship, a Unique Relationship with Jesus (vs. 14-15)
10. A Divine Purpose (vs. 16)
11. A Lasting Fruit (vs. 16)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
What is it in my life that others who know me best would consider to be “fruitful?”
What can I do in my life that will make me become a better friend to Jesus?
What is my divine purpose? What has God put me on earth to do? Am I doing it?
The Marks Of A Disciple Of Jesus Christ: A Three-Fold Prayer Request
1: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Lives In The Word of God—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Lives In Your Word”
28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:28-32 (NASB95)
The Cause: Belief in Him (vs. 30)
The Effect:
1. Continuance in the Word (vs. 31)
2. The Affirmation and Confirmation of our relationship with Him (vs. 31)
3. The Knowledge of the truth and the freedom this entails (vs. 32)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
What does it mean for me to “continue” or “remain” in God’s Word? What do I need to do in my life in order to make God’s Word a greater priority?
What does it mean for me to be called a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Would I consider my life as one marked by freedom or is there something that binds me up? What “truth” can set me free if I embrace it today?
2: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Is Known By the Quality of Love He Expresses To Other Believers—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Loves Your People”
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NASB95)
The Cause:
1. Jesus loves us (vs. 34)
2. A new commandment has been given to us (vs. 34)
The Effect:
1. Obedience to this command is possible because Jesus has already modeled it and shown us how to love one another (vs. 34)
2. Our love for Him and allegiance to Him will be known to “all men,” including those outside the faith, IF we are loving other believers (vs. 35)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
Is my love for others based upon an obligation (what is in it for me) or upon a burden of truly caring (what is in it for them)?
In a court of law, would my witness of love be sufficient enough to convict me of being a disciple of Jesus?
In my inner circle of relationships, who do I need to focus upon and to express my love more? What kind of loving acts does this person (s) need from me?
3: A Disciple of Jesus Christ Is Fruitful: He Bears Fruit, Abundant Fruit, Lasting Fruit—“Lord Jesus, Help Me Be A Disciple Who Makes A Difference and Bears Spiritual Fruit”
1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 "This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:1-17 (NASB95)
The Cause: Abiding in Jesus / Abiding in His Word (vs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)
The Effect:
1. Bearing Fruit (vs. 4, 5)
2. Answered Prayer (vs. 7)
3. Bringing Glory to the Father (vs. 8)
4. Bearing Abundant Fruit (vs. 8)
5. Proving the Validity of One’s Discipleship with Jesus (vs. 8)
6. Obedience to Jesus (vs. 10)
7. A Life Marked with Great Joy (vs. 11)
8. A Recipient and Giver of Sacrificial Love (vs. 12-13)
9. A Friendship, a Unique Relationship with Jesus (vs. 14-15)
10. A Divine Purpose (vs. 16)
11. A Lasting Fruit (vs. 16)
Some things to ponder upon and then pray about…
What is it in my life that others who know me best would consider to be “fruitful?”
What can I do in my life that will make me become a better friend to Jesus?
What is my divine purpose? What has God put me on earth to do? Am I doing it?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring—A Time Of Restoration and Growth
We are all used to having to “Spring Forward” when time changes. When we feel good, it can be said of us that we have a “Spring in our Step.” Where I live (in Florence South Carolina) Spring is not just a day on the calendar, but a change of season that can be measured. It is not as cold, not as barren as the winter months. Looking around, life that was dormant for a season is beginning to appear again: Parents pushing baby strollers on the sidewalk, trees beginning to bud, and shirtsleeves going from long to short.
All of this change has reminded me of how the English word “spring” is used in the Bible. It often speaks of refreshment, restoration, the very essence of an abundant life found only for those who are disciples of Jesus Christ.
Are you weary? Are you ready to move from the winter season of your soul into a time of restoration and growth? Allow the Lord to use these passages of Scripture, these great promises for the disciple of Jesus Christ; to embrace you, to encourage you and to be the catalyst for your own time of restoration and growth—this Spring!
He changes a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; Psalms 107:35 (NASB95)
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NASB95)
2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." 3 Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted." Isaiah 12:2-4 (NASB95)
"Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (NASB95)
9 "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, 10 And if you give yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. 11 "And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 12 "Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. Isaiah 58:9-12 (NASB95)
"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth." Hosea 6:3 (NASB95)
for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17 (NASB95)
Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Revelation 21:6 (NASB95)
May this Spring be a time where you will experience a spiritual renewal, a greater love for Jesus Christ.
Making disciples with you,
Denny
All of this change has reminded me of how the English word “spring” is used in the Bible. It often speaks of refreshment, restoration, the very essence of an abundant life found only for those who are disciples of Jesus Christ.
Are you weary? Are you ready to move from the winter season of your soul into a time of restoration and growth? Allow the Lord to use these passages of Scripture, these great promises for the disciple of Jesus Christ; to embrace you, to encourage you and to be the catalyst for your own time of restoration and growth—this Spring!
He changes a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; Psalms 107:35 (NASB95)
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NASB95)
2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." 3 Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted." Isaiah 12:2-4 (NASB95)
"Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (NASB95)
9 "Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, 10 And if you give yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. 11 "And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 12 "Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. Isaiah 58:9-12 (NASB95)
"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth." Hosea 6:3 (NASB95)
for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17 (NASB95)
Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Revelation 21:6 (NASB95)
May this Spring be a time where you will experience a spiritual renewal, a greater love for Jesus Christ.
Making disciples with you,
Denny
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Loss Of Faith In The USA
The Loss Of Faith In The USA—This Is Why We Must Live The Discipled Life
There is a great cause for alarm for the Christian and his and her church if disciples are not being multiplied and becoming disciplemakers for Jesus. Over the course of time, many churches have, in America, settled for a disciple-lite kind of Christianity. Many have become satisfied with worn-out traditions and a spiritual status quo; where no one is changing to become more like Christ and no change is being made in the church that cultivates an environment where spiritual growth is not the norm.
Now, we are seeing its awful fruit where we are losing a culture to a generation who perceives God and Christianity “as a hobby or a fashion statement,” not a life-transforming way of life as a biblical disciple of Jesus Christ.
The latest news of the day comes from USA Today, the March 9, 2009 edition. May the Lord use this ominous study to compel us to a fresh and vibrant commitment to make disciples for Jesus Christ. God’s way makes disciples. Man’s way makes a mess.
Most religious groups in USA have lost ground, survey finds
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
When it comes to religion, the USA is now land of the freelancers.
The percentage. of people who call themselves in some way Christian has dropped more than 11% in a generation. The faithful have scattered out of their traditional bases: The Bible Belt is less Baptist. The Rust Belt is less Catholic. And everywhere, more people are exploring spiritual frontiers — or falling off the faith map completely.
These dramatic shifts in just 18 years are detailed in the new American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), to be released today. It finds that, despite growth and immigration that has added nearly 50 million adults to the U.S. population, almost all religious denominations have lost ground since the first ARIS survey in 1990.
"More than ever before, people are just making up their own stories of who they are. They say, 'I'm everything. I'm nothing. I believe in myself,' " says Barry Kosmin, survey co-author.
Among the key findings in the 2008 survey:
• So many Americans claim no religion at all (15%, up from 8% in 1990), that this category now outranks every other major U.S. religious group except Catholics and Baptists. In a nation that has long been mostly Christian, "the challenge to Christianity … does not come from other religions but from a rejection of all forms of organized religion," the report concludes.
• Catholic strongholds in New England and the Midwest have faded as immigrants, retirees and young job-seekers have moved to the Sun Belt. While bishops from the Midwest to Massachusetts close down or consolidate historic parishes, those in the South are scrambling to serve increasing numbers of worshipers.
• Baptists, 15.8% of those surveyed, are down from 19.3% in 1990. Mainline Protestant denominations, once socially dominant, have seen sharp declines: The percentage of Methodists, for example, dropped from 8% to 5%.
• The percentage of those who choose a generic label, calling themselves simply Christian, Protestant, non-denominational, evangelical or "born again," was 14.2%, about the same as in 1990.
Meanwhile, nearly 2.8 million people now identify with dozens of new religious movements, calling themselves Wiccan, pagan or "Spiritualist," which the survey does not define.
Wicca, a contemporary form of paganism that includes goddess worship and reverence for nature, has even made its way to Arlington National Cemetery, where the Pentagon now allows Wiccans' five-pointed-star symbol to be used on veterans' gravestones.
Religion as a hobby
Since the first ARIS study was released, other major national surveys have offered snapshots of the USA's faith.
The Baylor University Religion Surveys in 2006 and 2008, each based on 35,000 interviews, were distinguished by a look at how people described and understood God. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released its Religious Landscape Survey last year, also based on 35,000 interviews, mapping Americans' beliefs state by state. It found that 41% of people had switched their religion at some point in life.
The initial ARIS report in 1990 set the table for those surveys.
It was based on 113,000 interviews, updated with 50,000 more in 2001 and now 54,000 in 2008. Because the U.S. Census does not ask about religion, the ARIS survey was the first comprehensive study of how people identify their spiritual expression.
Kosmin concluded from the 1990 data that many saw God as a "personal hobby," and that the USA is "a greenhouse for spiritual sprouts."
Today, he says, "religion has become more like a fashion statement, not a deep personal commitment for many." [end of USA Today article]
Ezra and the Discipled Life
So, what are we to do? We are to do just what Ezra did: He lived the discipled life, before the Lord and before others.
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (NASB95)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
9 Ezra had scheduled their departure from Babylon on the first day of the first month; they arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month under the generous guidance of his God. 10 Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways. Ezra 7:9-10 (MSG)
1. He set his heart to study God’s Word
2. He practiced it and applied God’s Word to his life by living the discipled life
3. He taught it to others, making disciples who would learn to live in God’s truths and ways
Like Ezra, we too must study; we must commit ourselves to spending time in and learning the truths of God’s Word.
Like Ezra, we too must practice what we know and apply God’s Word to our life; going beyond just knowing the facts from the Bible to obeying those facts with a willing heart.
Like Ezra, we too must teach God’s Word to others; we must not keep it to ourselves but reach out and intentionally make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Looking for a way to cut against the cultural grain where faith is losing ground? You do it by following Jesus’ clear instructions:
19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG)
Making disciples with you, by studying it, practicing it, and teaching it…Until He returns.
Denny
There is a great cause for alarm for the Christian and his and her church if disciples are not being multiplied and becoming disciplemakers for Jesus. Over the course of time, many churches have, in America, settled for a disciple-lite kind of Christianity. Many have become satisfied with worn-out traditions and a spiritual status quo; where no one is changing to become more like Christ and no change is being made in the church that cultivates an environment where spiritual growth is not the norm.
Now, we are seeing its awful fruit where we are losing a culture to a generation who perceives God and Christianity “as a hobby or a fashion statement,” not a life-transforming way of life as a biblical disciple of Jesus Christ.
The latest news of the day comes from USA Today, the March 9, 2009 edition. May the Lord use this ominous study to compel us to a fresh and vibrant commitment to make disciples for Jesus Christ. God’s way makes disciples. Man’s way makes a mess.
Most religious groups in USA have lost ground, survey finds
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
When it comes to religion, the USA is now land of the freelancers.
The percentage. of people who call themselves in some way Christian has dropped more than 11% in a generation. The faithful have scattered out of their traditional bases: The Bible Belt is less Baptist. The Rust Belt is less Catholic. And everywhere, more people are exploring spiritual frontiers — or falling off the faith map completely.
These dramatic shifts in just 18 years are detailed in the new American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), to be released today. It finds that, despite growth and immigration that has added nearly 50 million adults to the U.S. population, almost all religious denominations have lost ground since the first ARIS survey in 1990.
"More than ever before, people are just making up their own stories of who they are. They say, 'I'm everything. I'm nothing. I believe in myself,' " says Barry Kosmin, survey co-author.
Among the key findings in the 2008 survey:
• So many Americans claim no religion at all (15%, up from 8% in 1990), that this category now outranks every other major U.S. religious group except Catholics and Baptists. In a nation that has long been mostly Christian, "the challenge to Christianity … does not come from other religions but from a rejection of all forms of organized religion," the report concludes.
• Catholic strongholds in New England and the Midwest have faded as immigrants, retirees and young job-seekers have moved to the Sun Belt. While bishops from the Midwest to Massachusetts close down or consolidate historic parishes, those in the South are scrambling to serve increasing numbers of worshipers.
• Baptists, 15.8% of those surveyed, are down from 19.3% in 1990. Mainline Protestant denominations, once socially dominant, have seen sharp declines: The percentage of Methodists, for example, dropped from 8% to 5%.
• The percentage of those who choose a generic label, calling themselves simply Christian, Protestant, non-denominational, evangelical or "born again," was 14.2%, about the same as in 1990.
Meanwhile, nearly 2.8 million people now identify with dozens of new religious movements, calling themselves Wiccan, pagan or "Spiritualist," which the survey does not define.
Wicca, a contemporary form of paganism that includes goddess worship and reverence for nature, has even made its way to Arlington National Cemetery, where the Pentagon now allows Wiccans' five-pointed-star symbol to be used on veterans' gravestones.
Religion as a hobby
Since the first ARIS study was released, other major national surveys have offered snapshots of the USA's faith.
The Baylor University Religion Surveys in 2006 and 2008, each based on 35,000 interviews, were distinguished by a look at how people described and understood God. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released its Religious Landscape Survey last year, also based on 35,000 interviews, mapping Americans' beliefs state by state. It found that 41% of people had switched their religion at some point in life.
The initial ARIS report in 1990 set the table for those surveys.
It was based on 113,000 interviews, updated with 50,000 more in 2001 and now 54,000 in 2008. Because the U.S. Census does not ask about religion, the ARIS survey was the first comprehensive study of how people identify their spiritual expression.
Kosmin concluded from the 1990 data that many saw God as a "personal hobby," and that the USA is "a greenhouse for spiritual sprouts."
Today, he says, "religion has become more like a fashion statement, not a deep personal commitment for many." [end of USA Today article]
Ezra and the Discipled Life
So, what are we to do? We are to do just what Ezra did: He lived the discipled life, before the Lord and before others.
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (NASB95)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
9 Ezra had scheduled their departure from Babylon on the first day of the first month; they arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month under the generous guidance of his God. 10 Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways. Ezra 7:9-10 (MSG)
1. He set his heart to study God’s Word
2. He practiced it and applied God’s Word to his life by living the discipled life
3. He taught it to others, making disciples who would learn to live in God’s truths and ways
Like Ezra, we too must study; we must commit ourselves to spending time in and learning the truths of God’s Word.
Like Ezra, we too must practice what we know and apply God’s Word to our life; going beyond just knowing the facts from the Bible to obeying those facts with a willing heart.
Like Ezra, we too must teach God’s Word to others; we must not keep it to ourselves but reach out and intentionally make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Looking for a way to cut against the cultural grain where faith is losing ground? You do it by following Jesus’ clear instructions:
19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG)
Making disciples with you, by studying it, practicing it, and teaching it…Until He returns.
Denny
Monday, March 2, 2009
Trusting In The Character Of God
Have you ever given much thought to the kind of God to whom you are offering your prayers? Is your image of God as One who is impatient with you; unkind to you; uncaring for you; unloving to you?
When we pray, it is important to remind ourselves of the character of God. The God of the Bible tells us that He is longsuffering and patient with us. He lavishes His loving kindness upon us. He cares for us like no one else and He loves us with an everlasting love.
When we pray it is important for us to remember that God is good—all of the time—even when life is challenging, and at times, seems utterly hopeless. King David went through a period in his own life where he found himself in a pit of destruction, trapped in miry clay. And according to Psalm 40:1, David “waited patiently for the Lord” to work a miracle in his life.
How about you? Are you able and willing to wait patiently for the Lord to move in your life? As you wait, do you trust in the character of God? If you would like to go a little bit deeper into this subject of prayer, you will find some new entries concerning four more principles of Psalms of Discipleship.
Praying as I trust in the character of our Great God,
Denny
When we pray, it is important to remind ourselves of the character of God. The God of the Bible tells us that He is longsuffering and patient with us. He lavishes His loving kindness upon us. He cares for us like no one else and He loves us with an everlasting love.
When we pray it is important for us to remember that God is good—all of the time—even when life is challenging, and at times, seems utterly hopeless. King David went through a period in his own life where he found himself in a pit of destruction, trapped in miry clay. And according to Psalm 40:1, David “waited patiently for the Lord” to work a miracle in his life.
How about you? Are you able and willing to wait patiently for the Lord to move in your life? As you wait, do you trust in the character of God? If you would like to go a little bit deeper into this subject of prayer, you will find some new entries concerning four more principles of Psalms of Discipleship.
Praying as I trust in the character of our Great God,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #8--Core Value: Prayer
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Principle #8: The disciple of Jesus Christ has a dynamic life of prayer, marked by spiritual discipline and a firm expectation that God is at work.
Psalm 5:1-3 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning. 2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Core Value: Prayer
Application: The quality disciple has a dynamic life of prayer, marked by spiritual discipline and a firm expectation that God is at work.
• There is a life of prayer that goes beyond the superficial. Instead, the disciple offers to the Lord a prayer that uses words (both spoken and unspoken), passionate groaning, as he or she cries for help.
• There is a life of prayer that is God-centered and not me-centered. The disciple directs his or her prayer to the Lord, to “my King and my God. For to You I pray.”
• There is a life of prayer that is driven by spiritual discipline: “In the morning I will order my prayer to You.” The disciple is willing to make a sacrifice of time.
• There is a life of prayer that is given the privilege of having a front row seat as we “eagerly watch” how God is going to work through our prayers to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, what is my expectation of the Lord? Is the foundation of my prayer life God-centered or me-centered?
What one thing can I do this week that will enhance my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You offer great comfort to those who pray to You—knowing that You not only hear the deepest concerns of my heart but You also are working for Your glory and for my good. May my prayer life to You become mature as I learn to trust You more.
Principle #8: The disciple of Jesus Christ has a dynamic life of prayer, marked by spiritual discipline and a firm expectation that God is at work.
Psalm 5:1-3 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning. 2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.
Core Value: Prayer
Application: The quality disciple has a dynamic life of prayer, marked by spiritual discipline and a firm expectation that God is at work.
• There is a life of prayer that goes beyond the superficial. Instead, the disciple offers to the Lord a prayer that uses words (both spoken and unspoken), passionate groaning, as he or she cries for help.
• There is a life of prayer that is God-centered and not me-centered. The disciple directs his or her prayer to the Lord, to “my King and my God. For to You I pray.”
• There is a life of prayer that is driven by spiritual discipline: “In the morning I will order my prayer to You.” The disciple is willing to make a sacrifice of time.
• There is a life of prayer that is given the privilege of having a front row seat as we “eagerly watch” how God is going to work through our prayers to Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
When I pray, what is my expectation of the Lord? Is the foundation of my prayer life God-centered or me-centered?
What one thing can I do this week that will enhance my prayer life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You offer great comfort to those who pray to You—knowing that You not only hear the deepest concerns of my heart but You also are working for Your glory and for my good. May my prayer life to You become mature as I learn to trust You more.
Psalms of Discipleship--Principle #7--Core Value: Grace and Prayer
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Principle #7: Because of grace, we (the disciple of Jesus) can pray to the Lord who hears us.
Psalm 4:3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him.
Core Value: Grace & Prayer
Application: Because of grace, we can pray to the Lord who hears us: The disciple of Jesus Christ can become a disciple because of what God has done through the finished work of Christ. Through grace, we have been placed “in Christ.” Through grace, we can communicate with the Lord through prayer.
• Because of His Word to us, His sure promise to us, we can know that the Lord has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself. Disciples of Jesus Christ belong to Him!
• Because the disciple of Jesus Christ belongs to Him, we have been given access to Him through prayer.
• “The Lord hears.” What an amazing promise: to think that the sovereign God and Lord of the universe, the King of Glory, would not only hear the cry of our heart, but who truly loves and cares for us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of lifestyle is the Lord calling me to live since He has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself?
When is the last time that I have cried out to the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You. Thank You for loving me, for setting me apart, for choosing me to be one of Your children. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, teach me to pray; help me develop a more intimate, more authentic relationship with You.
Principle #7: Because of grace, we (the disciple of Jesus) can pray to the Lord who hears us.
Psalm 4:3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him.
Core Value: Grace & Prayer
Application: Because of grace, we can pray to the Lord who hears us: The disciple of Jesus Christ can become a disciple because of what God has done through the finished work of Christ. Through grace, we have been placed “in Christ.” Through grace, we can communicate with the Lord through prayer.
• Because of His Word to us, His sure promise to us, we can know that the Lord has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself. Disciples of Jesus Christ belong to Him!
• Because the disciple of Jesus Christ belongs to Him, we have been given access to Him through prayer.
• “The Lord hears.” What an amazing promise: to think that the sovereign God and Lord of the universe, the King of Glory, would not only hear the cry of our heart, but who truly loves and cares for us.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What kind of lifestyle is the Lord calling me to live since He has set apart the godly man (and woman) for Himself?
When is the last time that I have cried out to the Lord?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You. Thank You for loving me, for setting me apart, for choosing me to be one of Your children. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, teach me to pray; help me develop a more intimate, more authentic relationship with You.
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