The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#156: Rediscovering our Mission Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

I was reading this week about Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendell Homes, who served the court in the early 1900’s. One day he was on a train and when the conductor called for tickets, Justice Holmes couldn’t find his ticket and he seemed very upset. He searched his pockets and fumbled through his wallet without success. The conductor was sympathetic. “Don’t worry, Mr. Holmes,” he said. “The Pennsylvania Railroad will be happy to trust you. When you reach your destination you’ll probably find the tickets and you can mail it to us.” The conductor’s kindness did not put Holmes at ease. He said, “My dear man, my problem is not ‘Where is my ticket?’ but rather ‘Where am I going”’
Unfortunately we are too often just like that. The problem is often that we have no clear direction or picture of where we are going. We lack a defined destination. We lack vision.
We live in uncertain times. Think about it. All around us there is political uncertainty, financial uncertainty, relational uncertainty, and often times even, uncertainty in the church.
Uncertainty, anxiety, and fear could cause us as believers to withdraw, retreat, and simply hold steady until things become more stable.
I believe that we live in the time of the greatest opportunity for followers of Jesus. Here’s why. People are most likely to turn to God when:
1.They are under tension
2.They are in transition
3.They are in trouble.
And right now there is a ton of each going around. Everywhere you turn there is tension, transition, and trouble. Now is the best time to reach people for Christ. Now is the best time to be diligent about evangelism and discipleship.
For far too long the church has been distracted by other things. It’s time for us to rediscover our mission. It hasn’t changed with the changing time. 2,000 years ago Jesus gave us the great commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
As followers of Christ, we are not left without direction, Jesus gives you and me clear instructions. We have our marching orders. The only question is will we obey?
In order to rediscover this mission we have to understand several things:
•The church belongs to Jesus.
I will sometimes inadvertently say “my church” and you probably do the same thing as you talk about the church you attend. But it’s really not my church or your church. The church belongs to Jesus.
•Every member is a minister
God has given spiritual gifts to each believer to be used in this mission. Imagine the impact if every believer stepped out in faith and used what God has given them to further his kingdom purposes.
•The church receives its mission from Jesus
Christ is the head of the church and we are the body. A body can only do what the head suggests and what the head directs. My hands and feet do not operate independently of my mind and if they begin operating independently you know I’ve got some serious health problems.
It is the function of the body of Christ to operate at the direction of its head. We must say, “Lord, I want to understand where you want me and want your church to go.”
Today’s Challenge: The church is not a building, an organization, or a denomination. The church is the people of God. You are the church. Let’s recommit ourselves today to the mission of Jesus. Ask him where and how he wants to use you to fulfill the great commision.

#155: Devote Yourself to Prayer Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

Billy Graham once told the story about a young president of a company who instructed his secretary not to disturb him because he had an important appointment. The chairman of the board came in and said, “I want to see Mr. Jones.” The secretary answered, “I’m terribly sorry but, he cannot be disturbed; he has an important appointment.
The chairman of the board became very angry. He banged open the door and saw the young president of his corporation on his knees in prayer. The chairman softly closed the door and asked the secretary, “Is this usual?” And she said, “Yes, he does that every morning.” To which the chairman of the board responded, “No wonder I come to him for advice.”
In Colossians 4:2, the Apostle Paul said – “Devote yourself to prayer.”
Without a doubt, the New Testament church was serious about prayer. Devote yourself to prayer – this is what God is saying to us. We should pray with consistency. Prayer is not infrequent and it’s not something we do hit and miss. Being “devoted to “ prayer means that you and I are not haphazard about this. We take steps to see that it is part of your regular life, the same way eating and sleeping are.
I believe many of us hear the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts, calling for us to draw nearer to God. I believe God is speaking to us, wanting intimacy with us – wanting us to have a close relationship with Him. Prayer is the means by which we communicate with God and build a close relationship with him. This is not about salvation by works – we understand that we are saved by grace. This message is about you and I making new commitments to draw closer to God through making prayer a consistent part of our lives.
The truth is – you have no relationship without communication. The goal of any serious relationship is intimacy, closeness. Do you and I want to be close to God? Do we want to know him more? Do we want to experience his presence, his power, and his victory? Do we want to hear his voice? This all comes through prayer.
We must establish prayer as a priority in our lives. Have you noticed how difficult it is to set and maintain priorities in life? Everything can’t be a priority. We have to make some decisions. We can’t focus on everything or do everything. We have to choose.
Think about this…the God we serve has all power. There is nothing he cannot do. But God loves to be asked. He loves it when we come to him in prayer. It’s his desire and his will that you and I would do so.
Let these truths behind prayer strengthen your resolve to pray this year. This can be a year of tremendous growth in your relationship with God. We stand on the truth of God’s Word that says if we “draw near to God, he will draw near to us.”
Let me leave you with this quote from E.M. Bounds, “What the Church needs today is not more machinery, not new organizations, or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use, men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not anoint plans, but men of prayer.”
Today’s Challenge: Decide when and where you will pray. If you are new to prayer, just begin to share your heart with God. If you can talk, you can pray. Let’s bring our needs to God, but let’s also listen for his voice.

#154: When A Friend Falls Into Sin Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

I once read of a study that took place in Alameda County, California. Researchers studied the lives of 7,000 people over a period of nine years. Their research showed that in that nine year span – people who were isolated were three times more likely to die than people with strong relational connections.
They also found that people who had bad health habits (smoking, drinking, poor diet, no exercise) but had strong relational ties, lived significantly longer than people with great health habits but were isolated.
I believe we were created by God for community. You can’t grow spiritually in a consistent way unless you are in community. You can’t serve your brothers and sisters unless you are in community. You can’t receive the love and assistance you need unless you are in community.
One of the areas in which we need one another the most is when we fall into sin. How do we get back up? How are we restored? How can we start again in Christ? We know God is merciful, loving, and forgiving, but it’s difficult to be restored all alone.
I remember the humorous story of a man that was walking down the road with a big sack of potatoes on his shoulder. It was a hot day, the load was heavy, and he was getting sweaty. After a while a man in a truck pulled up and offered him a ride. The man climbed in the truck, but kept the big sack of potatoes on his shoulder. The driver looked over and said, “man, put that sack on the floor and relax.” To which the man replied, “No sir, I won’t do it. It’s enough that you would give me a ride, I’m not going to ask you to carry these potatoes too.”
And this is what we often say to the Lord. “Lord, I can carry this, I got this.” I can do this all by myself, yet we continue to fall again, and again, and again. This is not the will of God. The path for restoration includes community.
Galatians 6 - “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Some translations say “fallen” into sin, others say “caught” in a sin. Either way, a follower of Christ is struggling with a sin or sins. Paul is saying that a believer that is struggling in sin should not face it alone. Those who are spiritual stand with the brother/sister and help them to be restored.
What do we do with someone who has fallen in sin? We restore them. This word “restore” means to make something right by bringing it back to its former condition.
In other words, restoration is a necessary part of the healing process. If someone we know and love, someone who is a part of our church community has fallen into sin, if they have become broken or torn apart by sin, they need someone who will come alongside them to lift them up.
There has been a question in my heart all week and it is this: “Who does God want to restore through me?” I’ll ask you the same question: “Who does God want to restore through you?
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
How do we restore them? With gentleness and humility.
This doesn’t mean that we do not confront them of the sin, nor does it mean that we don’t hold them accountable and regularly ask them the difficult questions, but we do it with love and gentleness.
Today’s Challenge: Let me ask you a question? Will you partner with Jesus to restore the fallen and the broken. It’s messy and sometimes painful, but there is great joy in seeing people forgiven, restored, and following Jesus.

#153: Trusting God in the Storm Jan 10, 2021

Show notes

A few years back, a couple of my family members were fishing at a remote lake in Oklahoma. The lake is surrounded by forest with the exception of one campground and a boat ramp. They were fishing as the sun was going down. It was cloudy and they noticed lightning off in the distance. After dark, without warning, the wind began to blow hard across the lake, it began pouring rain, and then it began to hail. In these terrible conditions, the began to make their way across the lake to the boat ramp. It was dark, cold, windy, and wet, but there was one light they could see. It was the light by the boat ramp. Without the light, it would have been extremely difficult to find the boat ramp. The single light bulb was their light house that guided them to warmth and safety.
As I record this episode, we are in a storm in this country. Politically, we have never been more divided than we are today. The moral fabric of this country is gone. I think you would agree that our culture is post-christian. In addition to all of this Covid-19 still impacts us all. This week one of our church members passed away due to covid and a friend in another city passed away as well. Restrictions are keeping many from work, which has made a major financial impact. Emotionally, so many are struggling.
We are in a storm, but today, on this episode, I want to remind you that we have a light. Just like the light guided my family members in the darkness, we have light that is guiding our way through this storm.
I love the story in Mark 4:35-41. The Bible says, “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
We’ve lived long enough to know some things about storms. No doubt, you could list some of the storms you have gone through, what you learned, and how Jesus was faithful.
We know that there are situational storms, relational storms, physical storms, and emotional storms. Maybe you are facing a financial storm. Storms are inevitable, unpredictable, and impartial.
The fact is, God has not promised us a storm-free life. This is not heaven where everything is perfect and God's will is perfectly done. Things happen that we don’t understand.
In vs. 38 it tells us Jesus was asleep during the storm. I love that. He is a perfect peace.
v. 23 "Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him." They had nothing to fear. Jesus was in the boat. Do you think God was going to let the boat sink with Jesus in it? That in itself should have calmed them. Jesus Christ was there with them, experiencing the storm with them.
There will be nothing I will face the rest of my life that I face alone. God is with me. Jesus is in my boat. We tend to forget that in storms. We think we're all alone. We think that God is far away. God has promised every believer, "I am with you always." God has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Today’s Challenge: No matter how big the wave is, Jesus can rebuke it. And He wants to calm the storm in your life. He wants to say, "Peace! Be still!"

#152: Does God Still Heal Today? Jan 09, 2021

Show notes

Joni Eareckson Toda – dove into the Chesapeake Bay a strong, athletic young girl. A split second later she was paralyzed from the neck down, completely helpless, and still under water. Though rescued from drowning by her sister, the doctors could not rescue Joni from the paralysis that swept over her body.
Medically, Joni came to accept the fact that she couldn’t be healed. But what about God? Didn’t Christ heal all kinds of paralysis and sickness? The more she thought and prayed about these things, the more she became convinced God would heal her too. So, she brought together a group of friends and church leaders and set up a private healing service. The week before that service, she publicly confessed her faith by telling people, “Watch for me standing on your doorstep soon; I’m going to be healed.” On the scheduled day the group read Scripture, anointed her with oil and prayed in fervent faith. Today, many years later, she is still a quadriplegic. She did everything right and seemed to have met all the conditions, yet she was not healed.
But, through her experience, God has used Joni in ways she would probably have never been used if she had not had the accident. She continues to minister to people all over the world about the love of God and the sovereignty of God.
Does God still heal the sick today?
As a pastor, I have stood in the hospital room of many who were sick and dying. I have been with the families through these struggles. I have been there, as their loved ones passed from this life. In every situation, we prayed and asked God to do a miracle.
There are many questions that loom in our minds about this subject of God’s power to heal the sick. Does God heal today? Is it always the will of God to heal? If I am not healed, is it because of my lack of faith? If I am sick, is it because of sin or even demonic activity in my life? There is a lot of confusion today over these matters.
What does the Bible say about healing?
By God’s own declaration, he is ultimately responsible for health, sickness, life, or death.
Deuteronomy 32:39 – “There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.
Isaiah 53 – “By His stripes we are healed”
Exodus 15:26 – “I am the Lord who heals you”
James 5:14-15 – Is there any sick among you…..
We also know the God who healed in the Bible is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Why does God heal?
•To bring glory to God
•To further the kingdom
•To relieve grief
•To alleviate suffering
•To strengthen faith
•To build up the church
•To demonstrate love
•To fulfill his purposes
Why does God not heal?
•Out of his love, compassion, and mercy, he knows when not to heal someone.
•God uses the trial to build us up and to mature our faith – faith that is not tested is weak faith.
•To fulfill his purpose
•To use the sickness as a tool for ministry
•We may never know why some people are healed and some are not.
What the Bible teaches us is that healing occurs according to the will of God. There is no magic formula. God is concerned about our needs. We bring them to him. We pray. But God is the healer.
Sometimes it is the will of God to heal now. Other times it is his will to provide the ultimate healing in glory. Either way, God’s will is done. Since we don’t always know God’s will, we come to him in prayer and faith and we know this pleases God.
Today’s Challenge: Reaffirm your faith in a God who knows what is best for us. Believe that he is a good father. Trust that he is still able to heal the sick and let’s ask him to do it.

#151: A Biblical Perspective of Money Jan 08, 2021

Show notes

I remember reading about a family in Charleston, NC who were the winners of what was at that time, the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. Sometime after they had won the $314.9 million ticket that thrust their family into the public spot light, the wife told reporters, “We’ve had so much trouble because of this lottery. I wish all of this never would have happened. I wish I would have torn the ticket up.”
There is nothing wrong with having money, but we must make sure that money doesn’t have us. We need a biblical perspective.
The Bible has a lot to say about materialism, possessions, and money. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
It’s estimated that roughly 15% of everything Jesus said in the Gospels relates to the topic of money and possessions. That is more than his teaching on Heaven and Hell combined. Why? Because there is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.
Let me say it again – “There is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.”
Listen to James 1:9-11 – “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”
We learn here that net worth does not equal personal worth. James calls for the poor to recognize that though he is poor in earthly wealth, he is valued by God. He reminds the rich to live with humility because they should realize it is all temporary and insignificant from the perspective of eternity.
There is a temptation to look upon those with money, and measure their personal worth accordingly. This is not how we as christians determine a person’s value.
We also learn in these verses that money does not equal security. James said just like the flower fades a rich man can fade away too. We cannot put our hope and trust in money. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 - “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” No amount of money can bring us to a right standing with God.
So what is a biblical perspective concerning money? There is much we could talk about, but let me give you three things quickly.
•Trust God to supply your needs
Philippians 4:19 – “my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
•Be content in all circumstances
Philippians 4:12-13 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
•Show compassion and generosity
1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”
Today’s Challenge: If you are like me, it’s easy to think you are not impacted in a negative way by money or possessions, but today let’s ask God to search our hearts. Let’s listen for his voice. Let God speak to you about money. He may want to speak to you about your emotions, the trust you put in money, how money is controlling you, your lack of generosity, or any number of things. Today let’s seek to develop a biblical perspective of money.

#150: The Priority of Making Disciples Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

A couple of years ago, I attended a major church leadership conference. During the afternoons, a menu of workshops and breakout sessions were offered to the pastors and attendees. On the schedule I saw a workshop on creating a discipleship culture in the local church. Discipleship was something our church was struggling with, so I decided to attend. On my way through the hallways of the convention center I walked past a large room and noticed the sign that indicated the topic was breaking the 200 barrier. The room was packed to capacity. As I made my way to the discipleship workshop, I was surprised to see only a few pastors in attendance.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the difference in attendance at the two breakout sessions. Without criticism, I wondered about our fascination with the size of church attendance and our lack of interest in the commission given to us by Jesus.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
I believe scripture teaches us that discipleship must be our priority. While there are many good things we do as believers, we must never get away from the call of Jesus to make disciples.
Paul say, “the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)
For the past several months I have personally wrestled with why discipleship has not been more of a priority for the church today.
I have come to believe that a major reason discipleship is not a priority is because we are impatient. In our American culture we love success. For us, success usually means numbers.
Real discipleship is slow. Jesus spent three years with 12 guys. Most of us have not spent three years discipling anyone. Our churches have discipleship classes and then we leave people to learn and grow on their own.
As a pastor, I believe sermons are helpful. Podcasts are great. I have called this podcast a “discipleship podcast.” Books are very useful too. But certain dimensions of discipleship can only happen in the context of relationships. Disciples are formed by disciple makers—intentionally, personally, one soul at a time.
Everyone listening to this podcast is called to be a disciple-maker. It simply requires finding another believer who is not as far along on their journey, and deciding you will invest in their life. It could happen by meeting regularly for a cup of coffee and sharing together what you are learning. It could happy by phone or zoom.
Imagine with me what would happen if every believer was actively and intentionally discipling another believer. And then that believer discipled another believer. The results would be exponential.
This is not just a good idea or plan. It’s what Jesus has called us too.
Several years ago Christianity Today magazine asked Pastor John Stott to assess the growth of the evangelical church. This was his reply: “The answer is “growth without depth.”
What if you and I decide to make 2021 a year of going deep with God. And what if we decided we would not go alone, but that we would take someone with us. It will require commitment, prayer, and accountability, but the results would be transformational. Not only would we grow in Christ-likeness, but we would have made a disciple, who could then make other disciples.
Today’s Challenge: Begin to pray that God would lead you to someone, with whom you could begin a discipleship relationship. Together, you could share scripture, prayer, and take steps of faith and obedience.

#149: Finding God's Direction Jan 06, 2021

Show notes

A few years ago I was in Haiti on a missions trip. There is much about the trip that stays with me, but one experience made an impact. It was a traffic intersection. We happened to be driving through a busy part of town during rush how. There was an intersection where six roads came together. Cars, trucks, and buses had converged from every direction. Each driver was inching his way forward. Horns were blaring. Passions were flaring. No stoplights or traffic cops were there to bring order to this chaos of cars. Everyone was making their own way. There were no traffic lanes or lights to give direction. As a result everyone was stuck in the confusion of traffic.
Without clear guidelines and direction in life we find ourselves confused. This is where so many find themselves today. Each person is going their own way, making their own decisions, and finding their own path. The result is confusion.
Why it is that we so often refuse God’s direction? Why is it that we disregard the wisdom and guidance God provides.
I want us to contrast two verses from the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
These verse paint two pictures. One is a path without God. It leads to death. The other is a path guided by God. It leads to straight paths.
These two verses are very simple. They are not hard to understand. But we have learned that the simple things are sometimes the hardest to apply.
Let’s walk through proverbs 3:5-6 together. King Solomon is teaching us to trust the character of God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”
Relationships are built on trust. If you are in a relationship and you don’t trust them, or they don’t trust you, you don’t have much of a relationship.
When I entered a marriage relationship with my wife, Linda it was because we trusted each other. That trust led us to make a commitment. Trusting God is like that as well. I know people who want God to be committed to them, but they are not committed to God. It’s hard for the relationship to move forward.
As we make this commitment to God, our choices, decisions, motives, and intentions must be directed to what God wants and what God can do in our lives.
Second, Solomon is teaching us that we shouldn’t try to figure out everything on your own. He says to “lean not on your own understanding.”
Third, Solomon teaches us to submit our entire lives to God. You could translate verse 5 – “In all your ways know God intimately.” In all your ways know God deeply. In all your ways know God personally. In every area of your life know God closely. This is where submission and surrender to God come from. Those who struggle submitting to God and his will struggle, because they do not know him intimately.
The key here is to trust in the Lord. Fully depend on him. Go all in with God. Don’t lean for support on your own human understanding. In all your ways know God intimately. He will take the path of your life which seems to go up and down and around and he will make your way straight. That’s the promise of God to you.
Today’s Challenge: Is there a critical decision you need to make? Does the future seem confusing and unclear? It’s time to trust God with all of your heart. Don’t leave God out of your decision making. Submit your life to him and watch him guide your steps.

#148: Having a Servant's Heart Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

One of the most striking pictures in the New Testament is found in John chapter 13. The setting is an upper room. Jesus has gathered with his disciples to eat the Passover meal. We know this particular event as the last supper.
In verse four Jesus does something truly amazing. The Bible says,
“he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Living in a dry, arid culture with your main means of transportation as walking, you feet would get quite dirty. It was customary when you when you came into the house that the host would provide you with water and a towel so you could wash your feet. If the home owner was a person of means and had household help, the servants would wash your feet for you.
Jesus shatters their expectations, when he gets up from the table and with water and a towel begins to wash his disciples feet. Their immediate reaction was “no…Jesus can’t wash our feet. He is our rabbi and our master.” Why would he stoop so low as to wash our feet. That’s a servant’s job.
As one of Jesus’ final acts before being betrayed and crucified, he gave his disciples an object lesson. This is what the kingdom of God is all about. It’s about serving others with the love of Christ.
Ministry is not about titles, positions, and business cards. The ministry God is calling all of us to is about a towel and a water basin. It’s about humbling ourselves to serve one another.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Did you know that the word “servant” in one form or another is used over 1,000 times in the Bible? That means it’s a very big deal to God and should be to us as well. In Numbers 12:7, God refers to Moses with these words: “My servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.” Abraham, David and Job are called “my servant” by God. When Paul, James, Peter and Jude introduced themselves in their letters, the first thing they did was to identify themselves as servants.
A servant is a person who meets the needs of others. A servant is an individual who puts themselves under submission to another. A servant is different from a slave in that a servant’s loyalty to one’s master is voluntary, but a slave’s is not. Every slave is a servant, but not every servant is a slave.
In Christianity, we are called first to submit to God, then to one another.
In the beginning of our day we should not only seek to set our minds on the Lord with scripture reading and prayer, we should also present ourselves to the Lord for His service. A simple prayer would be, “Lord, show me how I can serve You today.”
So, what are the characteristics of a servant’s heart. Here are a few things that come to mind:
sensitivity to the holy Spirit…you hear his voice and you see a need
Eager to help
You don’t need recognition
Willing to go the extra mile
Serving gives you joy
You do it for the glory and honor of Jesus
Today’s Challenge: Choose to be a servant by surrendering to Jesus. The first place to start is by making sure that you have surrendered to the Savior by being saved. After you surrender, you will want to serve Him, not because you have to, but because you get to.

#147: Understanding Spiritual Gifts Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

Today as I record this podcast episode, it’s about a week and half after Christmas day. Like most families, we gathered on Christmas in our living room to exchange gifts with one another. It’s always a blessing to show our love for one another by selecting an gift that we think will be of value for our families. But imagine with me, the sadness my family would have experienced if I refused to open their gifts. Imagine their disappointment at my lack of interest in something that they believed would be useful to me.
1 Peter 4:10 tells us that God has given us spiritual gifts to be used to bless others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Imagine the sadness in the heart of God when you and I fail to recognize and use the gifts he has given us.
How amazing is it that God wants to use our lives for his glory? And he has given us spiritual gifts to enable that to happen. I believe God has designed us with intentionality, with forethought, and with purpose.
We learn more in Romans 12:5-8 - “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
What is are spiritual gifts? A Spiritual gift is a God-given capacity to serve the Lord
We could use the word ability – a God-given ability, but I believe capacity is better because it means you have the potential ability. God has given you certain spiritual gifts. There is a work for you to do. We think, “Well, someone will do it.” No, there is a work for you to do. This is God-given and God-ordained. You have spiritual power to do a spiritual task.
A spiritual gift is not a natural talent. Spiritual gifts is God enabling us to do something that we could not do without his power in our lives.
No Christian has all the gifts, but every Christian has some spiritual gifts.
God distributes spiritual gifts as he determines. Spiritual gifts are not given on the basis of merit, but because God chooses to give them.
1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.”
How do we recognize the gifts of the Spirit that are given to us?

What is God saying to you? What is stirring in your heart? What is troubling you? What burden has he put on your heart?
Step out in faith – vs. 3 – “in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
Faith looks away from my own resources/or my lack of resources and embraces the power of Christ in my life.
You gain greater awareness of your spiritual gifts as you make yourself available.

I believe the evidence of a surrendered life is an availability to serve the Lord
Making ourselves available to serve God is our response to his grace and mercy. What else could we give God after all He has given to us? Nothing. We must give ourselves to Him. We willingly give ourselves. We willingly make ourselves available. We want to help. We want to be used by God. We want to serve.
Today’s Challenge: Serve where you are. Use what God has given you. Walk through the doors he opens. Take steps of faith. It’s not about your ability. You can grow in ability. It’s more about his ability.

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