True-Discipleship (Photo credit: hearttoheartthoughts)
Soon, as our Pastor is leading us into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ command to all believers to be disciple-making disciples (Matthew 28), I hope to share from his wealth of knowledge so that others may invest in these life changing truths also.
With only one sitting behind us, I can already tell you that strange things are happening. By the way, that it seems strange is an indicator of how off base I have been living my life from Jesus’ expectation.
On the first night, we were asked to begin keeping a journal of our journey (if we’re not already doing so). The importance of a journal and its benefits were shared with us. Imagine my shock when the very next day at work a younger Christian friend asked me, “Do you know anything about journaling?” We had a neat conversation and I encouraged him invest in this very profitable discipline.
The story isn’t over though. He went to a book store and purchased a journal, but realized before using it, that he preferred a different version of journal available. He went back to the store and kindly asked if he could trade it for the other, to which she agreed was okay. Back at the counter, it was realized that the latter journal was five dollars less than the previous one he had chosen. Wanting to show his appreciation to the sales person, he told her she could keep the five dollars as a tip.
My friend tells me this lady displayed a very startled look by his offer. He thought her had offended her and began to apologize, but then she spoke, “There is a book on a shelf over there that I want really badly. I prayed this morning that God would provide a way for me to purchase it. The book costs exactly five dollars!”
Maybe I too often forget that God is always at work in His world. It is a very small thing for Him to manifest a chain reaction of meager efforts and meet His people’s needs. We need only be available vessels and intentionally engage ourselves in other’s lives as God opens opportunities, so that we see Him and experience His glory.
Our good friend Matt shared these words last night, “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf (2 Cor. 5:14-15).”
ccragamuffin
mtsweat
Great testimony of how God works, using the obedience of His children to bless all involved, and to bless those who hear of the events . . . a domino effect.
What an incredibly amazing God!
P.S. I must say I prefer the KJV of the text you quote . . . “For the love of Christ CONSTRAINS us” Yes, it does ‘control’ us, but I believe it does more – it constrains us. To my way of thinking, control is cold and domineering, but constrain involves the emotions and will of the person being affected.
I’m glad you brought that point out good friend. I was with only my NASB at the time of writing, but actually Matt read from the NKJV, using the word, “compelled.” There are often times when I love the KJV’s ability to drive home a heart-vibrant action of our response to grace. This is one. Thanks for sharing this! Blessings
I think one of the big differences is where the KJV uses “yield” and others use “present”.
“Yield” is so much more powerful, meaning a complete and utter surrender, no ‘ifs, buts or maybes’ whereas “present” is wishy-washy.
I wish there was such a thing as an MKJV – a modern language KJV which only changes the olde English shouldest, wouldest, doest, doth, hath etc.
I love watching God work even to the smallest detail! 🙂
God Bless You, Mike!
Cool! 🙂
Amazing how God does that and what a blessing that must have been to the sales women. For things happen when we are faithful to what God calls us do. Even if unknowingly at times, its still in His will.
Now that was a very cool story!