#discipleships

[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 ✝️

[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

[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.

[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

[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!

[theinwardlight]

We would like a church that again asserts that God, not nations, rules the world, that the boundaries of God's kingdom transcend those of Caesar, and that the main political task of the church is the formation of people who see clearly the cost of discipleship and are willing to pay the price.

Stanley Hauerwas & William H. Willimon, Resident Aliens

[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.

[thebirdandhersong]

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

[sundaynightservice]

Closer to the wind

I seek to hear the Spirit,

to partake of grace,

to lay my sin in the dust

and walk in the steps of Christ.

.

D W Eldred

[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.

[dramoor]

"In the Incarnation the whole human race recovers the dignity of the image of God.  Thereafter, any attack, even on the least of men, is an attack on Christ, who took on the form of man, and in his own Person restored the image of God in all.  Through our relationship with the Incarnation, we recover our true humanity, and at the same time are delivered from that perverse individualism which is the consequence of sin, and recover our solidarity with all mankind."

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 9/10

What am I feeling today?

Pretty tired😅 I start nursing clinical again this morning and I didn’t get to sleep as early as I wanted to last night. But! That’s because my family wanted to celebrate my birthday🥹 they bought a tiny cake and made my favorite food and sang happy birthday to me. I felt a little bad bc I was practically gone all day with school and errands and only got to spend an hour with them and today I’ll be gone for a while too ☹️ but I love and appreciate them and honestly kinda felt a bit overwhelmed from all the birthday love yesterday😅

JOB 31 NIV

‭‭Job‬ ‭31‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For what is our lot from God above, our heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step?”

Basically what Job is saying here is that God sees everything that we do and we cannot hide anything from Him. Therefore if we act in wicked ways (any way that goes against His desire for us) then the lot as a result is ruin and disaster.

Keep in mind this is Old Testament, but it still applies to us if we do not repent.

Practical: confess to sin to other people in your life to hold you accountable and repent of it!

‭‭Job‬ ‭31‬:‭5‬-‭40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““If I have walked with falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit— let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless— if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. “If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, then may my wife grind another man’s grain, and may other men sleep with her. For that would have been wicked, a sin to be judged. It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest. “If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me, what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless— but from my youth I reared them as a father would, and from my birth I guided the widow— if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or the needy without garments, and their hearts did not bless me for warming them with the fleece from my sheep, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things. “If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. “If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him— I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against their life— if those of my household have never said, ‘Who has not been filled with Job’s meat?’— but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler— if I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt in my heart because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside— (“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. I would give him an account of my every step; I would present it to him as to a ruler.)— “if my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, then let briers come up instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended.”

Here Job is going on to list all these things and that if he ever committed a certain sin or didn’t act accordingly in a righteous way, then yes he deserves the judgment and punishment for those sins.

A list of what he spoke of that still applies to us:

Walk in falsehood and deceit

Stepping away from the “path”

Letting our hearts be led by our eyes

Hands being defiled

Heart being enticed by another woman

Denying justice to his servants

Deny the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary

Keeping bread to himself and not sharing it with orphans

Not warming the needy by withholding clothes/garments

Putting his trust in money

Worship the sun or the moon (astrology)

Rejoiced or gloated in an enemy’s misfortune

Cursing against someone

Concealing his sin

Using something without payment

Practical: to be mindful of all these things and to be sure that we don’t fall victim to these acts! We must act accordingly by God’s standard even though it can be incredibly difficult or desire to do the opposite 🙏🏼

[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