Heartbeat

The word “disciple” literally means learner. In the Bible it’s used 269 times, but only as a noun. The first followers of Jesus were called his disciples (a noun) and he commanded them to quote- “make disciples” of others.

Over the years, Christians started to use “disciple” as a verb. To help another believer grow in their faith means “to disciple” them. Therefore you can’t be an obedient disciple without also discipling–it would be like calling yourself a cook without ever actually cooking!

The first Christians took Jesus’ great commission literally by making discipling a top priority of the early Church. Today, if all of us who call ourselves disciples would take seriously the call to disciple, God only knows what he could accomplish in our world today.

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In photography, a focal point is important to communicate the desire of the artist. It’s the main point of interest in a composition. It may be the one object that remains in focus while everything else may not.

The photographer, Scott Wyden Kivowitz describes it as, “Something that people will remember before forgetting the rest”.

Throughout the New Testament, the authors focus the reader on Christ. The one who brings hope and peace to a world in desperate need of it. Keeping Christ as the focus in our lives puts everything else in perspective. The Apostle Paul writes,

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed”

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A well-balanced, healthy diet is one that consists of a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, and proteins. I’ve heard it said that your plate should look like a rainbow of colors. If you’re getting too much vitamin C you can develop kidney stones. Too much vitamin A can cause muscle aches and dizziness. And too much red meat can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. So, it’s crucial to a healthy body that we provide it with variety.

Much like the body of Christ we aren’t meant to look and act like every other member of the church.

In the Bible, 1st Peter chapter 4 says,

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

So, go be the unique, beautiful, wonderfully created human God intended you to be.

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Who was the last person you had a serious disagreement with? Was it a work colleague, teammate, family member or friend? How did you respond to the argument? Chances are, there are some things you may have said or done that you aren’t proud of. But in seasons of conflict like this, the best advice I have for you is to pray.

Pray for the person who upset you or even wronged you. It’s actually pretty hard to stay upset with someone you’re praying for. Pray for their family, their own peace, and financial security.

Jesus says in Matthew, chapter 5 to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Praying doesn’t erase the conflict, but it will certainly soften your heart.

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We might think of the CEO of a large company as being completely disconnected from their employees. Sitting in a fancy office in a high-rise. But I’ve heard stories like that of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. From time to time he would show up to a warehouse in overalls and a hat with the sole intention of driving a delivery truck.

CEO’s who aren’t above mopping the floor, or a boss who shows up in the morning with donuts for the team. These are leaders who show their appreciation to their employees rather than barking orders from the top floor.

In the Bible, the book of Titus says,

“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”

As you find yourself in leadership opportunities, think of bosses like these and use your position to live out your faith to those around you.

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I am notorious for not reading the instructions when it comes to something that requires assembly. I can’t tell you how many headaches I’ve caused myself trying to assemble a new piece of furniture without guidance. It usually ends up taking twice as long as halfway through the build I realize I missed a crucial step. Had I just read the manual I would’ve been finished a long time ago!

In the Bible, Paul’s letter to Titus is an instruction manual for pastoral leadership and Christian living. Paul is passing on all that he’s learned to give Titus a head start and help him avoid pitfalls Paul had certainly seen by then.

Paul gives Titus instructions on appointing elders, how to teach appropriate doctrine, how to manage disputes, and general advice on being a Christian man.

So, don’t throw out those manuals, and don’t miss out on the most important one we have, the Word of God.

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A few years ago my daughter told me she wanted to make her own raised garden bed for veggies. So, we spent a weekend and built one for her. We planted kale, peppers, and some herbs. But I made sure she knew keeping the garden healthy was her task. She needed to water it daily. Pull out weeds and leaves and make sure that critters weren’t stealing our food.

She was excited about it for the first two weeks until she decided it was too much work and then it became my job. LOL.

Gardens are a lot like our relationships. We can’t take them for granted- never reach out, and expect them to still be there and be healthy. Relationships take time and intentionality to flourish.

So, if there’s someone in your life you’ve been neglecting, take this as your reminder to reach out and give them the attention they deserve.

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Why am I here?

Why are any of us here?

Since the beginning of humankind, philosophers have debated this question and offered their own answers. One of the best answers I’ve heard is,

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose”.

What does a life of purpose look like? To contribute something positive in this world? Even something that makes a small difference can give meaning to life.

So, maybe you feel like your life on autopilot. Maybe it’s time for something different. Maybe it’s time to find opportunities to pour into others. Volunteer. Give back to your community. In the Bible, Ephesians 2, Paul says,

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”

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In the aftermath of multiple disasters in the US, Stacy Martin, the editor of Redbook Magazine said,

“Although the national mood is somber right now, I take it in stride as a reminder of the true nature of life: It’s a heady, scary, wonderful, sad, happy mix. Take each moment of each day and live it not as if it’s your last- but as if it’s your first, your best, and your only day.”

That is so beautiful. And great advice. In the Bible, Proverbs 27, verse 1 it says

“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

I hope this doesn’t sound dark- but tomorrow is never promised. So live your life and live it well. Make today count!

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It’s been said that sensitivity to the circumstances and feelings of others is the cornerstone of all human relationships.

Many companies today even hold seminars on Sensitivity Training. According to philosopher, Simone Weil, “The love of our neighbor in all its fullness simply means being able to say to them, 'What are you going through?”

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said of Timothy who is at the church in Philippi, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

What about you? Do you know what your neighbor is going through today? Be intentional with the relationships around you. We’re not in this alone. Maybe it’s time you reminded someone else.

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