Disciples Pray

Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

A disciple’s prayer life is an important element. We should not only pray often but we should surround all mission events and ministry activities in prayer.

It has been said that prayer is the daughter, the voice, of faith.

John the Baptist’s disciples learned to pray. A disciple of Jesus asked for a similar lesson. Then Jesus opened his mouth and gave him and us the “Our Father” – The Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer is the model prayer for the kingdom.  It shows us not only how to pray but also how to worship. Yes, prayer is an act of worship. When we pray we bring our petitions before God with our hearts and lips and offer up praise and thanksgiving to Him. Where there is praise and thanksgiving there is worship.

Prayer is needed for guidance, for the healing of the sick, and for intercession. Prayer is also associated with the act of commissioning for ministry and the laying on of hands. Prayers can be short or long. The one reality for all is that God hears our prayers.

A disciple should not forget to pray daily. If you have difficulty finding words to say, use prayer books or other devotional references. Remember, when you pray, you are speaking to an awesome God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Questions:

1. When you pray, what are some favorite expressions that you like to use?

2. Where do you go for help in times of trouble?

3. How can your faith in God be expressed through the prayers you pray?

4. What changes can you make in your personal prayer life today?

Applications:

1. We should pray with an attitude of deep respect for God.

Psalm 115:3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

2. We should pray with confidence in God’s grace.

John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Romans 8:1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

3. We should pray with humility and sincerity.

Psalm 37:25 I was young and now I am old,
 yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
 or their children begging bread.

Galatians 4:4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

4. We should pray for others.

3 John 1

1 The elder,

To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

5. Prayer must be more than an emergency measure in a time of trouble.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray continually,

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Shining Your Gospel Light

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

Vacation Bible Schools bring back fond memories that go back 50 years. 50 years ago, my siblings and I were participants in our first VBS at Resurrection Church in Richmond. We study the Word, made crafts and learn songs. The most popular song was This Little Gospel Light of Mine. The song was joyful and active. We made all the hand movements that the song and the class leader suggested. We also made the promise that our little Gospel lights would not be blown out.

Christians are the light of the world. We do not have to proclaim who we are to the world for the world sees our radiance. Yes, the world knows us by our light! Just as a city on a hill cannot be hid, an active believer cannot be hid. Our life as a Christian believer radiates joy, love, peace, hope, faith, long-suffering, and assurance. We are glass half full thinkers. We have a daily positive attitude. We glorify God through our speech and actions.

We are to be the light of the world to the world (all), to the city (neighborhood) and the home (family). You are the light of the world and cannot be hid. Live your lives as children of God by Word and by service to God and one another.

Questions:

1.     How are we like light? Mt. 5:14

2.     According to Jesus, how exactly are Christians to be like lamps? Mt. 5:16

3.     If believers live as they are supposed to live, how will others respond toward God? Mt. 5:16

4.     In light of your gifts, abilities, and interests, what specific problem in our world can you counteract as a representative of Christ?

Applications:

1.    All believers are to function as lights to world.

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

1 Thessalonians 5:5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2.    Light figuratively designates:

·      Holiness and Purity

Proverbs 623 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life,

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
 and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

·      Spiritual Illumination

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Ephesians 5:14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper,
 rise from the dead,
 and Christ will shine on you.”

·      The Heavenly State

Isaiah 60:19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
 nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
 and your days of sorrow will end.

Colossians 1:12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Revelation 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

How “Salty” Are You?

How  “Salty” Are You?

Matthew 5:13  “You are the salt of the earth.” (NIV)

Usually when you call someone “salty,” you are describing someone who is set in his or her ways or blunt. This is not what this text is suggesting. Jesus describes his disciples as “salt of the earth.” 

In this text, salt is an incarnational term. Salt can only be useful when in contact with an object. Disciples also must be in contact with people to be useful and impactful.

Salt vitalizes. Sports trainers urge their athletes to use salt while working out in the summer months. If the body is depleted of this mineral, the athletes begin to slow and bend over, lose their passion, and become fatigued. Taking a small tablet of salt or drinking a salty sport drink renews the body with energy to perform.

Salt preserves. Food is salted down and can be kept for months.

Salt flavors. Food without salt is bland and has no taste. You add salt to taste for the best result. Yet, you cannot eat salt by itself. It must be mixed in properly to the proportion with other food.

So what happens if salt loses its’ saltiness? It loses it value and must be thrown out. 

Why did Jesus want us to view ourselves as the “salt of the earth?” Christians live in a world that is morally dying, and decaying daily in vice, crime, selfishness, covetousness, hatred, and lust. Believers are called to be as salt, sanctified by the Word and the Holy Spirit. By our words and actions, we are to convince the world that it deeds is wicked in the sight of God and in need of salvation.

Where Christians stop acting as salt, there the nation or the community sinks into a rotten and smelly decay that leads to God’s wrath and destruction. Are we divinely salty or have we lost our saltiness?

Our challenge is to daily be aware of our salt value and its strength. If we conform to these world standards by not living up to our calling, we have lost our saltiness. We must demonstrate daily that we are impactful throughout our living throughout our communities.

Questions:

1.     How has your faith revealed your saltiness?

2.     Have you thought about the decaying conditions in some communities where there are churches nearly on every corner? If so, why do you think this condition is occurring?

3.     What are some of the actions you can be doing to help this world from decaying?

Applications:

1.     If we are too much like the world, we are worthless.

Revelations 3:14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation:

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth! (NLT)

Romans 12:11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. (NLT)

2.     Christians should not blend in with everyone else.

Luke 22:60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And as soon as he said these words, the rooster crowed. 61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times. 62 And Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 6:1 When you have something against another Christian, why do you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter, instead of taking it to other Christians to decide who is right? (NLT)

3.     We should affect others positively just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. (NLT)

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (NLT)

1Peter 3:15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. (NLT)

A Disciple's Be-Atitudes - #8 The Persecuted

#8 The Persecuted

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)

There is report out of the Vatican that states that more than 100 thousand Christians are persecuted throughout 50 countries in the present day world. Are you listed among the 100+ thousands of martyrs?

The eighth and final beatitude is “blessed are those who are persecuted.” I am careful when dealing with this text. I have had various saints discuss their pains and sufferings. Some wear their pains and sufferings like badges. They will voice, “No pain, No glory!” This is not what Jesus had in mind. The persecuted in the text are those who have suffered for righteousness sake.

Biblical history accounts the following saints that suffered because of righteousness. Abel was the first martyr for righteousness. Saul pursued David. Jesus was betrayed, judged, and crucified. The Apostles were persecuted by the religious system. St. Paul accounted it a blessing for all his sufferings for the faith. The early Christians were persecuted.  In today’s world, Christians are called judgmental, out of touch, mean, and dogmatic.

Are we suppose to be happy when we are persecuted or suffering for the faith? No. You should feel disappointed and sadness that there are people willing to reject the witness of the Gospel and respond by hate and/or violence. Yet, we should rejoice and be glad that we are counted among those worthy to be attacked because of the Message we proclaim. St. Peter instructs us: “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:19-20)

For those who have suffered and had been persecuted, Jesus proclaims, “great is your reward in heaven.” Wow! You faced danger and you suffered and were mistreated and you will receive a heavenly reward. That sounds so futuristic but it isn’t. Your heavenly reward starts right now by faith and then in eternity when you see our God face to face. Earthly rewards cannot match God’s. He is a Kind and Awesome God!

Questions:

1. What type of persecution are you facing as a witness for the Lord?

2. Why do you think Jesus gave his disciples this warning?

3. Can you describe what you do only for His sake?

Applications:

1.    Our sufferings for righteousness sake lead to great rewards now and in eternity.

Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Psalm 18:20 The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

Proverbs 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.

Ezekiel 14:14even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 1:17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

2.    Our trust in God will lead us to do the right things in our lives.

Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Proverbs 28:25 The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Revelation 7: 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.

16 

‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’nor any scorching heat.

17 

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

3.    Practice to live without wanting credit for every little thing that you do.

Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Matthew 25: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’