Somewhere along the way I heard a statement that went something like this: “Before you talk with someone about their sin, talk to God first.” With my words, I have seen God do miraculous works and I have also seen the negative effects of angry, self-righteous words. Above all parts of the body, none shouldContinue reading “Talk to God First (“Cannot But Speak” Part 2)”
Category Archives: Discipleship
“Cannot But Speak” Introduction
I do not agree with an old saying, “Children should be seen and not heard.” When it comes to Christians (God’s children), our society attempts to adopt such an archaic philosophy. Most non-Christians care less about what we do on Sunday morning and where we give our money. However when we open our mouths andContinue reading ““Cannot But Speak” Introduction”
Joy. That’s What It’s All About (Four Levels of Followship)
The “Hokey Pokey” got it wrong. In fact, just the terms “hokey” and “pokey” make me quite uneasy. Fortunately, joy is what “it” is all about. That is what Jesus said in John 15:11. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (ESV) That’sContinue reading “Joy. That’s What It’s All About (Four Levels of Followship)”
The Ultimate Relationship (Four Levels of Followship)
Jesus offers His disciples an intimacy that is deeper and more fulfilling than any other relationship can provide. Intimacy is a word we struggle to use in the church realm. We think too much in human terms, where the romantic honeymoon becomes the less than perfect adventure in mediocrity. The “knight in shining armor” becomesContinue reading “The Ultimate Relationship (Four Levels of Followship)”
Got Faith? Prove It! (Four Levels of Followship)
Disciples of Jesus cannot be “undercover” agents. I have met people before who claimed to know Christ but also explained that their religion was a private matter. Strangely, Jesus never instructed His followers to live a private faith. In Acts, the first disciples of Jesus lived their faith in Him so publicly that all enduredContinue reading “Got Faith? Prove It! (Four Levels of Followship)”
He Said “Come” and They Came (Four Levels of Followship)
No checklist can bring you closer to God. Checklists are good for grocery shopping and staying on task with a project. Growing closer in our relationship with Christ is more than picking up dinner items or accomplishing a goal. When Jesus instructed his disciples to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart andContinue reading “He Said “Come” and They Came (Four Levels of Followship)”
Why do you follow Jesus? (Four Levels of Followship)
Everyone follows someone. Who you follow will determine the most important aspects of your life. The decisions you make, the view of the world you hold, and even your eternal destination is shaped and influenced by the people you choose to follow. Therefore, as your parents likely advised you: “Pick your friends carefully.” So, areContinue reading “Why do you follow Jesus? (Four Levels of Followship)”
How to Walk…in Christ
When I used to run (competitively), I purchased special shoes from a “running store.” I have weird feet that match the rest of me. Therefore, when I was trying on a shoe, the sales specialist wanted to see me walk. With an eye close to the floor, the specialist would analyze my stride and selectContinue reading “How to Walk…in Christ”
How to Walk…Pleasing to God
Do you walk with a purpose? I am one of “those people.” I prefer to walk up the escalator at the mall. On occasion (just for fun), I have even run up the escalator, surely catching the attention of the “mall cops.” Part of the reason is impatience and the other part is the sensationContinue reading “How to Walk…Pleasing to God”
How to Walk…
Watching a toddler learning to walk can be great fun. From sitting to pulling up, there is a great anticipation and build of parental excitement to see a child bravely take his or her first step. We even carry a video camera in our pocket for months, hoping to capture the first moment. Walking isContinue reading “How to Walk…”
Shepherding Well 