Tag Archives: discipleship

October 31
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“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV)

The antidote for fatigue and discouragement is the life of Jesus.  Because of His spirit within us, we each can be as Jesus was when facing opposition from others.

For example, when reviled (verbally abused) He did not revile in return; He prayed for His enemies; He sought reconciliation with His foes; He remembered that even though the devil and the agents of evil might win an occasional battle, God and His righteousness shall always, ultimately, prevail.

If you say that you cannot overcome opposition as Jesus did, you are correct — if your only resources are your own. To overcome as Jesus overcame, we must follow in His steps.  – Luther

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October 25
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“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, it it good to be reminded Whom it is that we are following, lest we acquire ideas about the person or the purpose of Jesus that are both unscriptural and unsupportable.

Ask an architect about a structure she has designed, and she will be able to speak to every detail of its form and its function.

The words of Jesus resonate as they do in human experience because it was through Him that the universe was created. In other words, He is its architect.

The longer and the closer one follows Jesus, the more one comes to appreciate the work of God.  – Luther

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October 8
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“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” (Philippians 3:17, NIV)

Every person is a “model.” Some people are examples of what to do; and others are examples of what not to do.

Paul encouraged the disciples in Philippi to follow his own example, and to follow others in the community who live similarly.

Righteous living needs to be encouraged because it often requires making choices that are contrary to the culture; such as, eschewing the love of money, loving our enemies, and being kind to the poor.

If you are discouraged because it seems that you’re alone on the narrow path of righteous living, look around! When you find a fellow-traveler, keep your eyes on him or her, even if from afar.  – Luther

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