#discipleships

[princessofyeshua]

[walkthroughtheword]

Dear Lord, help me to not be afraid. Make me strong against worry and fear and bring peace. Lord, I don't want to be a worrier, I want to be a warrior for you. Thank you for fighting for me when I struggle to do it myself. I pray this all in Jesus' powerful name. Amen!

[thegardenofbae]

Visual representation of how I spent the first Sunday in my new home 🤩🏡🥂

[byfaithmedia]

Faith believes the impossible ✝️

[karisumawrites]

List down all the answered prayers God has granted you each day. Offer a prayer of thanks, even those you have yet to receive.

[loveerran]

I was recently reading through The Melchezidek Priesthood, a book given to me as a gift by Elder and Sister Renlund via my friend @nerdygaymormon.

On pages 1-2 I found a quote about learning and progression in the form of a metaphor. The book imagines someone being given a piano that is “restricted to only some keys, such as the middle register” and learning to play when “initially, the music is simplistic and occasionally cacophonic”. This idea struck me as I thought about how my life and discipleship can be likened to that analogy, and I wanted to share the imagery that came to my mind as I read:

Iteration 1:

I first imagined myself, like a small child in front of Heavenly Parents, banging away with a mallet on a classic Fischer Price xylophone (quite simplistically and cacophonically), as they smiled benevolently and told me I was doing “Such a good job!”

Iteration 2:

Imagining myself as a young adult at a piano recital, but with a limited set of keys. As I plunked away with novice earnestness (much improved from my child-self, though my timing was off beat and some of my notes incorrect), I could picture a divine presence, visible in glimpses, playing in such a way that my discordance was enfolded neatly into their performance and became part of an unexpectedly beautiful piece greater than the song I thought I was playing.

Iteration 3:

Imagining myself now before a grand organ, like the one in the conference center, my previously limited keys still laid out before me but interspersed now with half-seen keys, and with rows of keys and stops above, below and to either side that I could not use and did not know the meaning of. I was now playing a recognizable piece of music, playing well though still imperfectly. And sitting with me in the bench seemed to be that same divine presence, as though we occupied the same space, such that as I played my simple song, they wove in above, below and around me on all the keys, a beautiful concerto that anticipated, embraced, magnified and made pure and beautiful what would otherwise have been my halting individual performance.

I think this is what life is like to some degree? Each of us is working with our own individual set of skills, strengths and weaknesses. One of my favorite themes in Christianity is growth, moving from one level to another as we develop our discipleship and capacity to serve others. Today I am sending love and encouragement to all of us as we try to do good, become better and help each other along the way.

Love, Erran

[theinwardlight]

Mary offers a model of Quaker discipleship – faithful, prayerful and open to the leadings of God. She captures the best of the Quaker tradition: She demonstrates the non-coercive workings of the Divine; in a patriarchal world she is a strong, prophetic women, a champion of the poor and downtrodden whilst herself a refugee. Like [early Quaker] James Nayler, she knows that a life with God is not a life without grief, that bearing God leads to pain as well as glory. [...] I believe the God that is Love invites us to be God-bearers, to enflesh the Word in the world. Can we say with Mary: ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word’?

From Mark Russ, "Be a God-Bearer"

Icon of Mary as God-Bearer, by Marza

[confessionsofcalling]

We are the disruptive disciples. We are the ones who make noise, who ask questions. We are doubting Thomas and denying then devoted Peter and the mess in between.

We are the followers who are not content with sitting still. We are rebels and runaway ready to live our faith not just play-act it. We have a fire burning within us for revival and we are willing to put the work in to realise that.

We are the children who gurgle and babble in church, we are the autistic believers swimming without shame during the sermon. We are the brokenhearted who are still showing up.

There is something so profoundly special about the idea that the church is most authentic when it viewed through our lense. We are the disruptive disciples because we are challenging the status quo, the insitualaised church and making congregational life more like Jesus.

I can't imagine Jesus speaking in market square was quiet and subdued. I don't imagine he shyed away from people who use corse language or aren't quite sure when not to interrupt. He didn't find Zacheus up in the tree and say - you're causing trouble - but invited him to eat. Weird and wacky and wonderful would have described the crowds gathered round the Son of God. Where did we lose our way and start pushing away anyone who disrupts the picture perfect middle class church?

When did we decide that we didn't belong in the body of Christmas that our sharp corners and messy lines weren't welcomed with open arms, that our concerns didn't deserve a place at the foot of the cross?

We are the disruptive disciples. The ones who know that detours in the liturgy and moment of laughter belong in church just as much as silence and contemplation. We are the disciples that force the accepted narratives to be addressed.

Jesus came that we may have life and have life abundantly. If you ask me, abundant life has no place for suppression and perfection, but rather is an invitation to authenticity as disciples.

Jesus did not say, come all you who are perfect and knowledgeable what to say - he said come all who are weary, and I will give you rest.

Disruptive disciples - keep being yourselves, keep making suggestions and communicating in your own way. Keep getting the church the think about getting back to the heart of God. Never let anyone change you - let you change the world.

Breathe in the Lord and dance in your unique footsteps. You are what the church needs, you are what the world needs.

I have no doubt that your faith will move mountains ♥️

- M xx

[lifepath25]

He does, what he wants, when he wants, how he wants and the atheist won't accept it, that even in there factual existence He was always aware. God, does, what he wants, when he wants, how he wants Period

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 9/14

What am I feeling today?

Overwhelmed. There’s so much for me to do this weekend and even just today and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to accomplish it all. I’ve been praying for strength and I hope to be diligent in all I have to do.

Bible Plan: Wisdom in Dating

(I’ve fallen pretty hard for a guy in my church and I’m trying so hard not to get delusional, obsessed, or jealous and I have definitely made improvements from my last interest but it’s still a struggle every day that I have to pray over so to avoid him becoming an idol for me. In the meantime, I’m trying to gather as much wisdom and advice as I can!)

How Do We Deal With Different?

Anyone you date is going to be different from you. They’ll likely have some interests you don’t share and some opinions you might not see eye to eye on. And that’s good news! Why? Because differences can help us discover so much about ourselves and the kind of person we want to spend our life with. But how different is too different?

Dealbreakers

What are your dealbreakers? You know, the things that would instantly shut down your dating relationship? Maybe it’s a differing worldview or some other strongly held belief you can’t get on board with. Or maybe they have a bunch of pet tarantulas, and you’re not willing to be a spider-stepparent.

Dealbreakers are healthy, and we should all have a few. They’re healthy boundaries to help us avoid potential disasters. But they can hold us back. Why? Because it’s possible to have a few too many dealbreakers.

How Selective Should We Be?

We want to have high standards, but how do we know when our standards are too high? The answer is different for everyone. But there are risks at both extremes:

If our standards are too low, we might risk missing red flags, resulting in an unhealthy relationship.

If we set the bar too high, we might sabotage what could otherwise have been a healthy and fruitful relationship.

So what’s the answer? Well, Scripture doesn’t give us an exhaustive list of how to find just the right person. Instead, it offers us wisdom to help us see what matters most.

Can I Date Someone Who Doesn’t Follow Jesus?

God has called us to live differently from the people around us by embracing forgiveness, grace, generosity, and sacrifice. It’s a beautiful and life-giving journey–and it’s even better when you get to share it with someone else who’s pursuing the same high calling. You get to spur each other on in faith, helping each other get closer to God rather than drifting away. So doesn’t it make sense to choose someone to date who shares your desire to be more like Jesus?

What Are Some Other Dealbreakers?

Your values, goals, and personality all play a role in choosing who to date. That means everyone’s list of dealbreakers will look different. So consider what kind of person you want to date, and what factors might get in the way of a healthy long-term relationship. But avoid making the list too long. After all, differences aren’t always bad. In fact, they can be healthy.

God created you with a unique calling, personality, and passion. So what qualities and values in a future partner might complement and amplify those gifts from God?

Challenge: Consider some of your dealbreakers. They should reflect your deeply held values. But remember, keep the list short. This can help you focus on the most important things.

fully committed to Christ (this is in a sense a no brainer! but I want a man who consistently has his quiet times, prays frequently, leads bible studies, serves in the church, shares his faith, and is just an all around good example of a disciple and good leader)

dating to marry (he doesn’t just want to be married and have a wife, but he desires to be a biblical husband.)

wants a family/children (in that same vein, he should be good with children, kind, compassionate, have that fatherly instinct)

higher education (I’m on the last year of my degree and plan to continue on my education in grad school. I want us to be equals in the intellectual sphere so he should have at least a bachelor’s)

Prefer for us to have the same political views (I need someone who shares the same morals and values I do and a lot of that is revealed in politics - even though I really dislike following politics. I just want him well informed but also wise in his choices)

This may be silly but he has to like dogs and cats (I have two cats and a dog and there is absolutely no way I’m ever giving them up. They’re like children to me and I need a partner who equally shares my love for them.)

Colossians 3:1-10 NIV

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

It can be difficult, especially when you’re physically attracted to someone, to put to death lust and desire. I know that I’ve been struggling a bit more with it lately thinking about him but I have to consistently correct myself over it!

God does not at all want us to be in sin, especially if I’m lusting over another disciple. Also, it negates love on my side, I’m not doing that brother or myself any favors by having this desire for him!

Anyways, this is such a solid reminder that we must rid ourselves of all of this since we have been made new in Christ!!

2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

THAT PART! I truly don’t understand how you can identify with being Christian and yet be with someone who doesn’t share those same fundamental beliefs that you revolve your entire life around. It doesn’t make sense to me, you should want to desire to be with someone who is godly and righteous and pursues God more than they pursue you!

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

This is not just a good reasons for dating a Christian but also for fellowshipping with other believers! We hold each other accountable and we help each other improve in our walks with God. You should want a partner who is going to sharpen you and encourage you in your relationship and desire to have God be at the center of it all!

[princessofyeshua]

[gregoriaofnyssa]

انا مسحية الأرتودوكسية وَلن أخون الأيماني

I am an Orthodox Christian and I will not betray my Faith

[walkthroughtheword]

Prayer for November 23rd

Heavenly Father, I don't want to give into sin. I hate the sin I have in my life and I want it gone. I repent from the sins I do and the sins I don't know that I do. Help me to hide your word deep in my heart that I could use it as a weapon against temptation. I pray this in Jesus' strong name. Amen.

[thegardenofbae]

You won’t find me anywhere God hasn’t led me to.

[karisumawrites]

In moments of waiting for our answered prayers, always remember that God remains good and loving. Let's rise from what brings us down and continue obeying and pleasing Him. In the end, you'll see that everything was worth it. - Kring T.

[thebirdandhersong]

Also: I would LOVE to know what songs you associate with longing for heaven hours!