discipleship

What is discipleship in the world's perspective as compared to God's perspective? Is it a term that we ourselves may have used too loosely nowadays? As I reflected, I asked myself this question,

"Can I call myself a disciple or follower of Christ?"

I really wante to share with all of you gals this devotion of mine. I pray that may God bring clarity and understanding into your hearts as you read on.

Last weekend, when Sarah asked us if we ever had a distorted image of God, I never really pondered on the question not till I was doing my devotion yesterday. As I look back 3 years ago when I first gave my life to Christ, I reflected on what I have done with my salvation. The honest answer was NOTHING. I could justify that I was a new christian and my focus was to grow at that time. But really, I can say with all honesty, nothing. It was a sobering thought that all the 3 years, I thought I knew worship, purpose and everything else, my works...it was all nothing. It dawned on me that I never really captured the meaning of worship, everything that I've learnt, I really cannot say for sure that I truly understood or had a revelation of it. I am not douting my salvation but rathersomething was amiss in those 3 years. It was good fellowship, learning, being fed but there was not outworking in my life.

But I thank God that He has taught me so much this year. He has teared down and rebuilt my foundation from scratch. I vividly remember the LORD dropped into my heart this question last year.

"What if one day everything you once knew was different? Would you still trust in me?"

I did not fully comprehend the meaning not till recently. The past few months particularly in the recent few weeks, I am determined to be a true disciple of Christ.

"Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matt 7:21)

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8: 34)

4 main things I wanted to share are these.

1. Scripture
2. Sacrifice (Salvation)
3. Sanctification
4. Submission

God reminded me again and again, the power of His WORD. We all know that His word is sharper than any two double edge sword which divides the spirit and the soul. His word is eternal and will never fade away though heaven and earth may fade away. His word guides us and is like a lamp unto our feet and light for our path. This is His Scriptural truth. We were called to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The truth lies in us obeying all His commandments and not just mere declaration.

His Word was made flesh (Jesus). And this God reminded me the power of His BLOOD, that was shed on the cross for each one of us. His blood which justifies us to be His children, coheirs with Christ. His blood which washes us and cleanses us.

What can wash away my sin,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. (adapted from the song by Brooke Fraser)

Do you truly believe this gals? That His work was finished on that cross. His blood brings new life in us. =)

The power of the heart was something that struck me when I was reading gospel of Matthew after the beatitudes. The first thing that Jesus spoke was on heart conditions. I asked myself.."Of all things that He could start saying, He started by teaching on the heart issues, why?" And the LORD showed me that it was firstly, Jesus was the Son of God and He knew the Father's heart. He knew that since the fall of Adam and Eve, the heart issue has always been the thing that hinders true worship or intimacy with God . This deals with our fear of the LORD (John Bevere series) and our obedience to His word. For defilement, and the power to choose and obey His commandments comes from within our hearts. So God has always been teaching His people to deal with heart issues.

The word "sanctification" came to me one morning and when I did my devotion, there was a verse which challenged me. What were the words on my mouth and what was the meditation of my heart. Sanctification is not only in the Spirit. When Jesus died for us, He sanctified us in spirit with his blood. However, sactification is also necessary in our heart and words. Nothing is compartmentalized. It is something that I needed to learn too. Our attitude and approach towards things is also a heart condition. For example, does the words I speak reflect His character? But I thank God that by His grace and the Holy Spirit, he teaches us his way of life. In his word, God reminds us to think of things which are true, noble, just, pure, or lovely (Phillipians 4:8). And also to let words of edification come out from our mouths and to guard our tongue or words.

From the heart also comes the power of submission. This refers to our obedience to His spoken and written word. To take up our cross daily, to submit to His lordship. The final bit that I had a revelation on was this.

"Why were we saved?"

Without a doubt, because God loves us. But more than that, it was for a purpose. For His purpose.. for good works. That we may be used by Him as vessels of righteouesness. This is the outworking of our salvation. And really, all these that I've just said is part of our worship to Him. It is definitely more than a song.

Have a blessed day.
Jasmine