 In our previous blog, we looked at the guidelines for discipleship relationships. As you walk through life with a discipleship partner (or two!), you can help each other grow in Christlikeness. Now that you know why it is important, where do you go from here? How do you find someone who is willing to meet with you regularly?
Pray! The first thing to do is pray. Ask God for wisdom in finding and choosing someone who will have the time, maturity, and passion to invest in discipling you. Make connections. Don’t just pray, and then wait for someone to come to you. Although it might happen that way, most likely you will have to take the initiative to find someone. As you engage in small groups at church or serve in various ministry roles, start making connections with people. Get recommendations. Ask small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, or leaders in your church who they might recommend as an accountability partner. Also ask them to pray with you for wisdom. Get together. If you have met someone that you think may be a good mentor, ask them if you can get together for coffee or lunch. Spend some time getting to know her better. Ask! Explain that you are interested in meeting regularly to intentionally learn from her. Share what you have noticed about her that make you think she would be a good accountability partner. You could even share Part 1 of this series with her to consider. Ask her if she would pray about it and give you an answer within a couple weeks. Don’t give up. There can be many reasons someone is not able to commit to a regular, intentional discipleship opportunity. Continue praying, making connections, and asking for recommendations. For more information on discipling, I recommend the 9Marks book “Discipling” by Mark Dever. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
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 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Hebrews 3:13 There are many spiritual disciplines that we can develop to help us grow in Christlikeness. Regular Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, small group involvement, and serving in ministries are a few examples. But one discipline that doesn’t get enough attention is individual discipleship. The growth and fellowship that flow out of an intentional relationship are tremendous. I have had the opportunity to be involved in several different discipleship relationships. When I was first married, I took the initiative to ask an older woman to meet with me regularly for accountability and encouragement. This was a more formal arrangement. We agreed to meet once a month and usually studied a book of the Bible or discussed a non-fiction Christian book. She also asked specific questions each time about areas I was struggling with or decisions I was facing. Over the years, I have developed friendships with a few other women that I talk with frequently. We have mutually agreed to keep each other accountable. These godly women use their time and wisdom to pour into my life as an example of the relationships that we read about in Titus 2. The following guidelines are suggestions for how to approach an intentional discipleship opportunity. While it is important to be flexible, time spent with an encouragement partner should be more than just “coffee and chatting”. These guidelines are not meant to be strict rules, but rather a biblical framework for conversation that will allow you both to encourage and exhort each other as you both grow more like Christ! Be deliberate. Intentionally choose to meet regularly. It can be once a week, twice a month, or once a month. Decide on a frequency, place, and time frame that works well for both of you. Video calls can be an option when meeting in person isn’t possible. (Romans 1:11-12) Do life together. Do more than just talk! Get groceries, go to the park with the kids, bake, do crafts, have breakfast or lunch at one of your houses. Find a ministry opportunity that you both enjoy and serve together. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Spend time in thanksgiving and praise. Remember to praise the Lord for something (i.e. an answer to prayer, victory over sin in a specific situation, etc.) It is easy to slip into talking about what is hard (and that is important to do), but it is important to remember all that God has done for you and the many blessings you have been given. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Focus on God’s Word. Share briefly something you have been learning from your time in God’s Word. You could pick a book of the Bible to read through, talk about a study that you are doing in a small group setting, or discuss insights from a recent sermon. (Psalm 19:7-11) Talk about prayer requests or personal struggles. Be careful not to let this develop into a gossip or grumbling session! This is easy to do, but remind each other to discuss these topics in a way that is gracious and God-honoring. (Ephesians 4:29) Ask each other accountability questions. By embarking on this deliberate discipleship journey, you are giving the other person permission to dig deep into your life. The purpose is to help each other recognize concerns as they develop. Then search Scripture together to find wisdom and discernment for the situation. (2 Timothy 3:16) Below is a list of potential questions you can ask each other. Remember, these aren’t opportunities to say “Gotcha, you are failing again!” As you talk about your struggles, you can both move toward God in repentance and find ways to grow more like Christ.
These questions aren’t meant to be read and answered as if completing a checklist. You may only ask a few of them, or you may ask all of them. It can be helpful to read and pray through them before you meet with your encouragement partner. If you notice an area in which you are growing and improving, share that with your friend. If you see something that you need help with, admit it and search Scripture together as you seek to honor God in that area. So now that you have a framework for how to approach an intentional discipleship relationship, how do you go about finding someone to meet with? Our next blog will give you some ideas!  Raging. Crashing. Pounding.
Thundering and churning Relentless power cascading To the Rock below Mist rising, Rainbows of vapor refreshing the soul Settling on the Rock Eddies. Swirling. Circling. Creating their own path. yet moving along the Rock. Slow sweet streams Sunlight sparkling Revealing the Rock behind Scattered puddles. Mud soaked, Slick and spongy Unsure paths along the Rock Dry, cracked shale Layer upon layer Marking the passage of time With the Rock Trees and wildflowers Growing from unexpected places splashes of color seeds anchored in the Rock The river is our life. Always changing. Always moving. Yet through every season, every current, every bend, the Rock is there For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? Psalm 18:31  Let’s meditate on Psalm 19 to see how the psalmist teaches us about God’s natural and special revelation. To start off, Psalm 19:1-6 describes how creation (general revelation) declares God’s glory and his work. The heavens declare the glory of God, Creation can’t help but reveal the power and majesty of its Maker. God speaks and the heavens are created, and the heavens reveal his divine nature (Romans 1:20). Time reveals God’s glory and wisdom as day and night pour out their praises. The earth speaks to every human being, showing them who their Creator is. The sun, as it generates heat and light, follows the path that our Creator has determined, and joyfully completes the task given. We cannot escape the influence of the sun’s rays, and we cannot hide from the sight of our Creator. Creation reveals God to us. When we see God’s glory, majesty, power, and wisdom, we must respond. We will respond with indifference, which is rebellion against the Creator? We can insist that the heavens, stars, and sun came to be through a random string of events. We can pretend that we aren’t accountable to the Creator. But that is denying the reason for our own existence. Just as the heavenly bodies were created to praise God, we were also created to declare his glory. Humans were tasked with multiplying and filling the earth with other human beings who would give him glory (Genesis 1:26-28). Together with creation, we must respond with joyful praise for our Creator. God has also given us his Word (his special revelation). Psalm 19:7-11 teaches us how God’s word reflects his character and conforms us more into his image (Romans 8:28). The law of the Lord is perfect, There are several words here to refer to God’s Word: law, testimony, precepts, commandment, rules. The psalmist describes them and explains how they change us. Immersing ourself in his Word isn’t just an intellectual exercise, it transforms us. It revives us, makes us wise, gives us joy, opens our eyes, and warns us. His Word is more valuable than the most precious metal and more satisfying than a sweet treat. Its effects never fade like the fleeting gratification of wealth or food; it endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). We see that God’s word is perfect, pure, and righteous, but we are not. We cannot keep his commandments perfectly. As he looks into the law, the psalmist understands that he needs help. So he cries out to God in verses 12-14. But praise isn’t the only response the psalmist teaches us. As the suns rays give light to the earth, the rays of God’s word shines light in the darkness of our heart. Then like the psalmist, we should turn to God in prayer and repentance. His word penetrates the deepest recesses of our hearts and renews us day by day (2 Corinthians 3:18). The changes in our life will become a testament to the world around us of God’s power. God’s Word is God’s speech to us. We don’t need to listen for an audible voice or follow a prescribed ritual to get special instructions from God. He has given us creation and his Word. Like the psalmist we can look at the heavens and read the Word to understand what God wants us to know. Who can discern his errors? The psalmist knows that his heart is deceitful and he can be blind to his own faults. He begs God to deliver him from the evil that is in his own heart. He doesn’t want to be a slave to sin and he understands that only God can restrain him. He has hope that he will be declared blameless and God can transform his thoughts, feelings, and words. He prays confidently, trusting in God’s strenth to change him.
One day the earth will be “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). Will you be joining that chorus of praise to our thrice holy God?  Over the years, I have come across various questions and strategies that are useful when studying a Bible passage. I have organized them into four areas of observing, understanding, growing, and sharing. This is a tool you can use when studying and meditating on God’s word. Typically, I start with the Observing box (top left). Then, I work on the Understanding (bottom left) second. Next, make Growing (top right). Then finish with Sharing (bottom right). Depending on how much time I am spending on the passage, I may spend 1-2 days/session on each category. I also like to read the full passage several time at the beginning of each study session. However, don’t get “boxed in” to following this as a rigid formula. Some questions or strategies will not apply to every Scripture passage. You do not have to do every suggestion in each box. Choose one or several as they fit with what you are studying. Frequently, you may find yourself “traveling” between boxes. For example, as you see an observation or interpretation, it will reveal a connection and an application. Write down these “aha” moments as they come to you! Keep a journal as you study and meditate. I enjoy using the ESV Scripture journals that are published by Crossway. They have the Scripture text on the left side page, with lined journaling pages on the right. Pray, pray, pray! Pray before you start, while you are reading, and when you are finished. God is the Author, our Teacher, our Counselor, and the Standard! When you have finished all four steps, it can be helpful and eye-opening to start over with a blank paper and do the steps again. God is amazing and will reveal insights that you didn’t see before.    Ephesians 5-6: Walk, stand, pray.
As beloved children, followers of God -- Walk in love Walk not in darkness of foolishness -- Sexual immorality, impurity covetousness, greed, idolatry These have no place Walk as children of light -- Thanksgiving, Psalms Hymns, Songs, Melodies These please Him Walk in reverence to one another -- Christ our example, Wives as the church, Husbands loving as Christ loves, Children obeying in the Lord, Servants serving as unto the Lord. Stand strong in the gospel armor victory already secured -- Held together by the truth Resting in his righteousness United by his peace Faith and salvation through his grace Anchored by the living, piercing Word Pray for one another Persevere together Proclaimers and ambassadors -- Walk. Stand. Pray. Together — Because of Him See also: Armor Defense  Ephesians 3-4: Together
The mystery hidden, now revealed -- Heirs together, one family, one body The promise through the gospel The gift of grace through his power The wisdom brought to light through the church The Name that we bear -- Together we bow before him The love that strengthens and establishes us The power that works within us The glory that the generations proclaim The calling to walk worthy -- In the bond of peace and love The One over all, in all, through all -- Humbled then exalted The gifts he gives to equip The ministries that grow us The truth that anchors us The head that joins us together The darkness and ignorance -- No longer our path The old self has been put off The new self -- Created in his likeness Speaking truth, reconciling Sharing, building up Showing kindness, forgiving Stewarding the grace -- On behalf of one another  Blessed so that we can pour out praise
Chosen before the ages began — set apart and purified Adopted by our Father for his purpose Redeemed by his blood -- delivered and freed Forgiven through his lavish grace United through his perfect plan Sealed with the Spirit -- a promise of more to come Enlightened by resurrection hope Joined under his infinite dominion Dead and enslaved to sin no longer Made alive because of his love Saved by his grace -- no room for us to boast Raised and seated with him Created anew — his masterpieces Strangers no longer — brought near by the blood United as one new body in peace Reconciled through the cross Built on the cornerstone to be holy together Inhabited by the Spirit We are faithful saints — in him  We often think of worship as the songs we sing, but listening to the preaching of God's Word is also an act of worship. Just as we prepare our hearts to praise Him with our voices, we should prepare our hearts to receive His Word with faith, humility, and obedience.
Here are eight ways to engage with a sermon so that listening becomes more than merely part of your Sunday routine. Listen Humbly Realize that you need God's Word. Don't listen with a grudge or a spirit of arrogance. Don't allow familiarity with the text to hinder your willingness to be taught. Every passage of Scripture has something to teach us because God always has something to teach us. Listen Intently Do whatever you must to stay engaged with the message. Sit near the front, take notes, or remove distractions. Listen attentively and expectantly. Fight the urge to let your mind wander. When you notice your attention drifting, pray and ask God to help you focus. Listen Biblically Use your mind to weigh what is being taught against what you know from Scripture, just as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). A faithful listener doesn't check their brain at the door; they gladly test every teaching by God's Word. Listen Personally Listen for yourself, not just for someone else who "needs to hear this". Ask God to show you how His Word applies to your own heart and life. Think about how you should respond to what you hear. Ask God to show you specific ways you can be conformed more and more to the image of Christ. Then, by His grace, act on what He shows you. Listen Gratefully Be thankful that God has given your pastor the desire, gifts, and perseverance to faithfully study, prepare, and proclaim His Word. Above all, be grateful that God has graciously spoken to His people through the Scriptures. And on the days when you still struggle to focus or cultivate a worshipful attitude? That's when you preach the gospel to yourself. Remind yourself that God's perfect Son stepped into history, taking on human flesh. He willingly bore our weaknesses, our failures, and our rebellion, cancelling the debt we could never repay. He died the death we deserved so that we could receive the life we never deserved. Because of Christ, even when we fail to listen well or come with distracted hearts, we are not met with condemnation but with grace. His mercy frees us to repent, to grow, and to try again. So thank Him for His grace. Ask Him to give you ears to hear. Then, in humble trust and joyful obedience, come ready to worship Him through the hearing of His Word.  By: Phyllis Acker
I enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I often listen to them while doing tasks around my home, cleaning, yard work, cooking and sewing. For me, they are a great way to learn new things and to stay informed about what is going on in the world around me. Here are some of my favorites:
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