Learning 2B Disciples

6/19/2014

Dear Apprentices of Jesus,It does no good to have a Mount of Olives if you don't have a habit. I read this yesterday, "Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him." (Luke 22:39, NIV). The New American Standard tells us this was Jesus' "custom." Jesus made it His habit to go to the Mount of Olives to pray. And did you notice this?: "His disciples followed Him."

Good, holy habits come at the cost of bad or even neutral habits. This week I'm fasting from the internet. No news sites, no surfing for things that interest me, no Facebook, no reading about the latest technology. None of these are bad, but for me they have become a hindrance to the good habit, praying as usual. The reality is that those who follow Jesus seek to do as He did.

1. Pray (Ask God for what you need to be a faithful servant of Jesus today)
2. Study (Read some or all of a chapter in a Gospel and listen to what the Spirit is teaching you.)
3. Share (Submit to the accountability of a friend or small group. Share if you prayed, what you learned and how it went serving Jesus today)

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Tim Kirkes

6/20/2014 02:08:46 am

1. Prayed for strength to serve Jesus faithfully.
2. Read Luke 23, Everyone turned against Jesus, his own people shouted crucify him, he was mocked, insults were being hurled, yet Jesus' compassion was intact. In the midst of it all he heard the plea and gave hope to a repentant criminal. Jesus did not let the bitter attacks of many cause Him to be bitter in His heart.
3. This was day #3 of internet fasting (no news sites, tech sites, social sites or surfing). I'm enjoying the focus and am finding other ways to take mental breaks when needed, like reading a chapter in a book, or running an errand.

I press on toward the goal for the prize

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus