Clearing the haze around Discipleship

I’ve lost count of how many conversations I’ve had with people about what discipleship is. Some people actually seem scared of the word. It’s like they feel that if they start opening up to people about their journey with Jesus they will suddenly have to do and say things that they don’t want to. If you have had an experience where you have felt yourself being controlled while talking with another person, then I’m so sorry to hear that - that’s not the purpose of discipleship at all.

Discipleship is leading people to have their own relationship with Jesus where they can hear Him more and more clearly for themselves. Other people, who have journeyed with Jesus in areas before you, are involved in order to be a sounding board and a temperature gauge for those times when there are conflicting voices coming at you. I’ve learnt that having people around that I trust to propel me closer to Jesus has always turned out for the better!

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Flame in the Snow

I remember a period in my life when I literally survived only by reading the Bible. I was experiencing intense panic attacks and depression that left me incapacitated. When you’ve got small kids that need your attention and you keep finding yourself paralysed and unable to think straight, that’s a serious problem.

During that time I discovered what it really means when we say “Jesus is enough”. I discovered that when my thoughts started spinning out of control, my heart beat faster and my hands began shaking, reaching out to my Bible was my number 1 solution. I’d open it’s pages and read something...anything...and I would be reminded of my Creator, of His power and protection, of my Saviour and His love and understanding, and the Holy Spirit’s peace would flood over me like the warmth of a flame in the midst of a snowstorm.

I studied a Bachelor of psychology and I’ve kept up with the latest self-help trends but I can tell you beyond a doubt, there is no system of philosophy out there that can radically change your life like the Bible. Not even close.

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:103 NKJV

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 84:1-2 NIV

Crying out Daddy

In Australia, when parents adopt a child into their family, that child receives a new birth certificate. It’s called a Sixth Schedule Birth Certificate. It nullifies the child’s original document and becomes their legal form of identification. On the new birth certificate is their new name, and their new parents’ names and details.

I know this because I have one. And everytime I look at it, I remember that this is not the only time I have been adopted into a new family, and in fact, not even the most significant adoption I’ve been through. Only a couple of years after I was adopted by my Dad, I decided to become a Christian. It was then that the Holy Spirit gave me His seal and my relationship with my Creator became one where I could now call Him “Daddy”. In Romans 8:15, the Hebrew word used for this new relationship to God is an intimate one - “Abba” or “Daddy”.

As we think about identities that can be put onto us throughout our lives, we are drawn back to the one true identity that remains the same. We will always be God’s precious, cherished children and we will always be able to boldly climb up onto our heavenly Daddy’s lap and speak to Him about whatever is on our minds. No fear; no shame.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NKJV)

Facing the Sun

Recently while driving through a country town I came across this beautiful crop of sunflowers. They proudly stood to attention, all facing in exactly the same direction - towards the sunrise.

It reminded me of the concept of repentance. Often that word brings negative connotations - feelings of guilt, shame and heads hanging low. But repentance actually brings life. It's a turning towards what is good and full of sustenance. A budding sunflower tracks the sun to gain the nourishment it needs to grow, then finally, as it matures and strengthens, remains orientated towards the east.

Romans 2:4 says that God’s goodness leads us to repentance. More than reeling off a list of what’s “out of bounds” or what we “should not touch”, God’s heart is for us to turn towards Him and find those times of refreshing in abundance!

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19 NIV

I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me. Acts 26:17, 18 MSG