Making Disciples

Intimacy With God

Roci Butler
Leader of Highlands Moms

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Have you ever been close enough to someone to hear them breathe?  This sort of closeness is reserved for those whom we are most intimate with.  You hear their breath in a close embrace, in a whisper or as they are just present beside you in silence.  This is the intimacy we enjoy with Jesus through God’s written word.   No other book ever written provides such an opportunity to draw close to the Creator of all things and the Author of salvation.  

As we read and study God’s word, his Holy Spirit is able to produce life-giving transformation in the heart of the reader.  Paul’s charge to Timothy in his second letter is to stay in the word to such a degree that we are equipped for every good work and can then confidently share the Gospel.  As we spend time with God and his Word, reflect on how we can draw closer to God in these ways.

• Am I spending time in the Word to get to know God better?  What do I know about God from reading his word?  Focus on the character traits and attributes that are revealed.
  
  
• How does knowing God’s Word and God himself help me to understand who I am?  When I fully understand the depth of my sinful nature what is my response?  How does Jesus meet me where I am to bring hope to my sinful condition?
  
  
• What are some of my personal and specific character traits that God’s Word has revealed to be in need of correction?  What steps will produce these changes and improve my relationship with Jesus?
  
  
• What areas of my life can I train to improve upon my weaknesses? In what ways can this training be accomplished?  How can my practice in training in other areas of my life be applied to training my heart for righteousness and my hands for every good work?

Prayer: God, you alone are holy and you’ve revealed your many character traits through your Word.  I confess that I am in need of a deep, personal relationship with you through faith in Jesus Christ.  Thank you for making this possible through the gift of your Word and through your grace, mercy and love.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit who leads me to faith and spiritual maturity.  Help me, Lord, to see clearly who you are and how you want to change my heart through the truths that you reveal in your Word.  Help me to be a faithful disciple so that you can train me to make disciples.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

A Book Like No Other

Monty Woods
Highlands Elder

“The Bible that we now read has been transmitted throughout the ages. Men and women have died to get it produced into languages that can be read by all. It is a book like no other. Understanding how we got our bibles historically should give us a deeper appreciation of the incredible value of being able to read God’s revelation to mankind." (Knowing the Book - Getting grounded in the Bible. Book 2, page 32)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It is the best selling book of all time and in the world. It contains writings of history, poetry, prophecy, biography, and letters. Its authors are all men who were illuminated by God’s revelation and inspired by the Holy Spirit. How can we not take this book seriously when it teaches us how to live in a world full of chaos, lies, turmoil and destruction?

We are beings who are selfish in every aspect of our lives. We are proud, arrogant people who think our ways are better than others and better than God’s. It is not until He gets a hold of us and we begin to earnestly read the Bible that we discover who God is that we can even remotely begin to understand how to be righteous, gracious, merciful, forgiving and loving people. It is only through reading and studying God’s word that we become humble and patient servants like Jesus Christ.

Observations:

• Scripture is profitable for teaching. (information and instruction)
• Scripture is profitable for reproof. (rebuke)
• Scripture is profitable for correction. (improvement, reforming)
• Scripture is profitable for training. (discipline, nurture, education)
• Scripture is profitable for righteousness. (the act of doing what is in agreement with God’s standards)

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Do I  believe the Bible can sufficiently provide answers for every aspect of my life?
2. Is it easy to change a long-time family or cultural tradition that you know is not allowed in God’s word?
3. Can I become an equipped man or woman of God without reading the Bible?
4. What are the good works God has prepared for me to accomplish?
5. God’s requirement of me is perfection; can we ever become complete men and women of God as disciples of Jesus?

Prayer: Father, I’m ashamed to say I do not open your holy book enough to give you adequate glory. It is such a blessing to read your Word knowing that you never lie and always give me the truth.  Lord, illuminate my eyes, heart and mind so I can do your will. Help me to see clearly how to live as I read your Word.  Help me receive your Word with all eagerness and to examine Scripture daily without complaining or hesitation. Oh Lord, this is a book like no other indeed.

Let me not allow this book to sit on a shelf or in a drawer where it can gather dust. Allow me to open my bible and hear the pages turn as your words fill my heart and mind with wisdom, discernment and knowledge. Help me to worship you alone and filter out the worldly things made by men.  Strengthen my mind, body and soul as I seek to deliver the Gospel to every person you put in my path. May I walk worthy of your Word when I’m observed by others wherever I may be. Lord, may I treasure your Scripture and the words that have been breathed out by you to comfort me and to give me peace as I take it with me wherever I go. Amen