What do people do after they spend time with Jesus?

Francis Chan: "The only way a church is going to change is if you personally commit to making disciples"
 
This fits. Jesus calls out 12 men and says they will be a fisher of men. They spend time with Jesus so that they will be sent out. What did they do when they were sent out? Did they just spread out and randomly go find people to talk to? They would go out and come back.

Likely they did the same things when they were sent out, as they did when they were with Jesus.

They watched what Jesus did. Maybe they would do things together. Jesus would ask them questions. Often after the crowd was gone.

After about 15 months Jesus sends out 72 disciples. 72 people were trained in less than 1.5 years.

They went out to do the same kind of things that Jesus was doing.

I want to meet with people who are thinking about this. Let me know if you would like to meet. Maybe a week from Wednesday. I think that is January 12. 

who He chose- Mark 3:14, Acts 4:13 day 18

There was a system in place.  A Jewish boy was to memorize the Torah by the age of 9.  If he worked hard in school he would continue on to memorize the rest of the Old Testament.  A Rabbi would choose the best of the students to train them to be like himself.


If I was planning on starting a movement to change the world, I think I would want smart,
successful, leaders.  Jesus chose ordinary unschooled men.  He trained them to make disciples that make disciples.


Too often ordinary people who have not been trained in religion think or feel like they cannot make disciples.  God takes regular people who will walk with Him to continue on a movement that changes lives.


Who wants to spend time with God?  Who has time to study the Bible and who will take time to pray?  Those are people who Jesus might have chosen to be his disciples.  As people trust in God, God does the work to change lives.


still thinking,


I am off to NC to see my brother.  I will still try to blog.


If you are keeping up on the 25 day devotions to look at what Jesus taught about making disciples, let me know.    I want us to meet to discuss what we are learning.

example- John 13- day 16

Jesus says: I have set you and example that you should do as I have done for you.  (vs 15)  


He was a new kind of leader that would serve people.  A leader that would build into the lives of those around him.  A leader that would meet needs of those who were near.  He would also take those he was training and together they would meet needs of those they would find.  


I want to make disciples in the ways of Jesus.  


still thinking about how I can do this even today.  

C323- Colossians 3:23 day 15

Whatever you do

I was thinking about these verses as we were at a Christmas party today.  How does a Christmas party with friends = whatever I do is with all my heart for the Lord and not for men.

I met Winston today.  Winston  and I talked about this verse and just the consideration that we are at the party available for whatever God would have us to do.

God was part of the Christmas party.

Many there are followers of Christ.  Not so much the good that I was bringing.  My sister and her friend are very  kind as they invited so many friends to share a Christmas dinner.

I am still thinking about how to do whatever I do for the Lord.

keep on asking Luke 18:1-5- day 14

     Jesus tells the story so that the disciples know to always pray and not give up.
    What do I learn about God in the story about  the widow who keeps on pestering for justice?  The judge who does not care eventually gives in to the request.
    There is something about this judge and this story that tells us something about God.  Or maybe we learn something about ourselves.
    keep on praying.  God says keep on asking.


Help!

the greatest- Matthew 22:36-40 day 13

What do I love?  Who do I love?


The way it feels to get in my old mustang on a sun shine day and feel how the 351c engine can accelerate.  The sunshine with the top down.  I can take a few hours to wash and wax it.  Then just drive.  Maybe across the bay to catch the sun set.  Hours of pleasure with a classic.


God is so much better.  I was talking to him this morning about some of the questions I am facing.  I know I can trust him.  I know he will lead.  I just can't see very far down the road.


Life can seem overwhelming, but God is not.  He says it all comes down to a few things.  Just love him.  Work together.  Take some time and be still before him.  Listen til you know what you are hearing is coming from him. Make sure the truth lines up with what he tells us in the Bible.  Just enjoy the ride.  Enjoy the time being together.


I want to see the picture of what God has planned.  Today I need to just enjoy the ride.


I know I pray more when things are not so clear.


still thinking and praying.

Haver = friendship- Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17 day 10

Meeting together and spurring each other to do what is right, what is good and what is helpful.  We are here to serve others.


Following Christ should happen together.  The relationships of building each other up happen as part of being in a healthy church.  Don't stop meeting together because we need relationships with others who will help us follow Christ.  As I go to church today, I can look for ways to talk to people.  Maybe I will learn from them.  Maybe I can encourage someone.


What happens if a church plans on this to be part of the meeting.  Sometimes it seems like the person standing in front of the group is supposed to encourage everyone.  In these verses it seems more like many people should encourage many people.


God,  help me to think about this today.  Help me to see how I can encourage someone today.


still thinking,