This week, we are detailing the core activities and processes of TJC.
Via TJC
“And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” ~Matthew 22:35-40
My personal experience with obedience to Christ may or may not be similar to yours. I learned the most valuable lessons about obedience from mentors/disciplers. One in particular was my pastor for many years. He was a very intelligent man. A former FBI agent, newspaperman, author, pastor… with a law degree. All of those things had nothing to do with what he taught me. This man unashamedly and recklessly loved Jesus more than anyone I’ve ever known, and therein was the source of his obedience.
A lot of confusion is associated with obedience to Christ. We’re hit from all sides with ideas and “new revelations” on what is the proper path to the Lord’s will. Volumes have been written about how to better serve Him. Newsflash: This is a crock. You’ve been bamboozled. If you think there is some complicated formula to obedience, you’re worshiping an idol. This entire thought process is a ploy of the enemy… an effective and brilliant one at that.
Many “Christians” love the idea that obedience is complicated because it makes it easier to shift the focus on to them. “Oh, it’s a great challenge, but I am up to the task.” Give me a break. It IS hard at times, but it’s not complicated and it’s definitely not about you. It’s about living out a love relationship with a holy and righteous God. The key to the whole thing is the simplicity of loving Jesus and putting Him first.
The Joshua Commission consists of men who are dedicated to developing a true and lasting relationship with God. In that process, surprising faithfulness becomes a natural byproduct. In order to become an effective discipler, you must first become a lover of our Lord and His word.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
DAILY BATTLE ORDER: Read the scripture at the beginning and the end of this DBO again. In your own words, write down what is being taught. Pray and meditate specifically on it. Take Jesus’ commandments seriously. First, heed His words about loving Him with all your being. Next, share Him (disciple) with others. Again, this is NOT rocket science. It’s much bigger, and it’s right there in front of you… in His word. Lastly, when you fail… give praise. When you succeed… give praise. You are being processed. Winnowed. Sanctified. You are loved!
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