Tag Archives: our God

Spiritual disciplines

 

A Mighty Fortress is our God

 

This portion of 2 Peter hardly seems to need me to add anything necessary. These words speak truth to who I need to be as a disciple of Jesus.

Simeon[a] Peter, a servant[b] and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[e] and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers,[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:1-11 ESV

Maybe this begs a question, “Is my church producing people like this?” This probably leads to another question, “How?” I think this is where spiritual disciplines make an entrance.

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When the enemy has surrounded us

 

Michael W. Smith – Surrounded (Fight My Battles)

 

I heard this song for the first time this morning. I am fond of Michael W. Smith and his music and was surprised how I might have missed this one. Bethany Harris wrote a great post on Sixty-six Books in a Year and made this song come alive in meaning as she shared her thoughts. I wanted to share it too and speak into some of the thoughts Bethany shared.

Let’s face it, the enemey is always surrounding us. We live in a fallen world. There is evil on every side. It might be sickness, temptation, sorrow, tragedy, loss, personal relationships, economic difficulties, personal failure and the one that comes to us all – death. As Elisha’s servant asked, “What should we do?,” the answer is found in faith.

This is where I, a child of God, become aware of God’s presence in my life. God is glorified, and I the disciple am strengthened. I have assurance and peace even in the midst of evil. I have found myself dedicated to live godly knowing my Lord will give the victory. I know it is time to don my armour.

At the end of the armour description in Ephesians chapter 6 there is a final weapon that many fail to mention and I am not too sure why – it is prayer.

Jehoshaphat gives an excellent model of prayer in the context to battle.

O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.  Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?  O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:6-7,12  ESV

First thought: “Are you not God in heaven” – I have to first focus on WHO God is – His character and His ability.

Second thought: “Did you not, our God” – I am to focus on WHAT God has done, especially in my own life.

Third thought: “O our God, will you not…” – I need to focus on what God can and will do for me, presenting my request to Him. If needed, I best remind myself of the promises He has given me.

What do you think of the words in the prayer where Jehoshaphat stated, “Abraham your friend?” God’s friendship with Abraham was the basis for his assurance that God would come to their aid.

I come back to the question of what is a disciple of Jesus and I am called back again to the Great Commission. I also ask myself what is discipleship. It seems I rarely find a someone at the front of the church use the word disciple. They will use evangelise, teach, baptize etc. but that is not the command. The only command is to make disciples. Even the word “Go” is not a command.

Disciples have been adopted by God, disciples are being formed by God, and disciples are empowered by God for life and mission.

I am adopted by God, He is my friend and Father. I pray that I can walk remembering He surrounds me first and thereafter I have no concerns. When I call on Him, He will answer.

 

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