From Believers to Disciples
Thursday, February 15, 2007
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A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for all the children and young people who will be leading the worship service today, and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for their willingness to use their gifts and talents in Jesus’ service!
Offer a prayer of encouragement for children and teens in your neighborhood. Ask God to embolden you in your witness to them.
God’s Word Today
Since Sunday was a children and youth Sunday at New Life, we will be taking a break from a specific teaching Scripture. We are going to look at our hearts (Valentine’s Day is on February 14th in the U.S.A.) this week.
Luke 5:1-11
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish." 5 "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again." 6 And this time their nets were so full they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, "Oh, Lord, please leave me – I'm too much of a sinner to be around you." 9 For he was awestruck by the size of their catch, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!" 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
Have you ever thought about the “job requirements” of the original followers of Jesus? What was Jesus looking for – what qualities and attributes were important to Him?
What quality/attribute of a follower of Jesus is mentioned in verse 1?
These people had an open heart – they wanted to hear and listen to the Word of God.
In verses 4-5, what is another quality/attribute that we find for those who wish to follow Jesus?
Simon was willing to obey the Lord – even if it didn’t make sense! He had a teachable heart.
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
In verse 8, what do we find Simon doing?
Simon is empting himself to serve Jesus wholeheartedly. He had a humble heart.
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
We read in verse 11, that the fishermen immediately left everything and followed Jesus. The disciples had a trusting heart.
From the readings, list four heart conditions that Jesus is looking for in His disciples:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Examine your heart. From the list above, circle the heart conditions you are blessed with. Place a check mark beside any you need to ask God to help you develop.
Thank God for sending Jesus to love us and show us the way to have a heart ready to serve Him.
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
Helping hands and hearts full of love are needed to assist in rebuilding the Gulf area. Here is one mission to consider:
Hurricane Rita Recovery Teams – Mercy Ships
Hurricane Rita blew through southeast Texas a year ago September. The hurricane caused major damage to many homes. There is still a great deal of work to be done and teams of 2-30 are needed to work on the many projects. Mercy Ships (one of New Life’s partner missions) is serving with Rita Recovery, the on-site organization managing the reconstruction efforts in the Beaumont, Texas area. There are more than 800 uninsured/underinsured homes needing immediate attention. The work consists of repairing roofs and walls. Ken and Janet Winebark (New Life missionaries) invite anyone from New Life who would like to serve on a team, to contact them at 903-939-7111 or Janet at mercyteams@mercyships.org.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
Have you let Jesus get in your “boat?” Is He your steady companion? Have you left your nets and followed Him?
When our hearts are open, teachable, humble and trusting, the fruit is caring service to our Lord and Master each day. It’s not easy to be a disciple – but it is so rewarding!