I did not really believe God existed until I was 20 years old. I grew up seeing mostly hypocrisy in the church. I remember hearing the gossip about a leading women in the church who everyone knew was committing adultery and the kids in the youth group weren't very friendly. I'd had enough of religion by the time I was a teenager.
The goal of discipleship is a love relationship. A disciple knows that God loves them, his commands are to guide him or her to what is best for them and that God will give them everything they need when they ask. When you know God perfectly loves you, obedience to God's commands is our response that shows that we love and trust God. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15.
Jesus teaches four ways the Spirit works in John 13-17. The Spirit teaches as we read the Bible (John 14:26), empowers us to love as we obey Jesus' teaching and produces spiritual fruit in our lives (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. John 15:8, Galatians 5:22-23), gives us spiritual gifts so we can put love into action and meet the needs of others (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12), and convicts lost people about sin, righteousness and judgment as we share the good news (John 16:8).
This 10 week reading plan covers passages that explain what the Holy Spirit does in the life of a Christian and spiritual disciplines; Bible reading, praying, obeying and discipleship.
Week 1
King Asa always stirs my heart when I read about him and makes me want to do the same. Here is my Monday morning devotional insight to inspire us to seek the Lord earnestly this week.
God puts a desire in our hearts to know Him. When we respond to that desire and start looking for Him, He reveals Himself to us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares God, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares God. Jeremiah 29:11-14