Category Archives: Folders
December 16: “Fourth Mark: Knees for Prayer” (Philippians 4:6, Luke 22:42)
The fourth mark of a disciple is having the knees for prayer. In our spiritual childhood, we tend to pray self-centered prayers. In our young adulthood, our prayers become more God-centered. In our adulthood, our prayers become more like that of Christ: “Not my will, but yours.”
Continue readingDecember 9: “Third Mark: Arms of Love” (1 John 4:7-10)
A third mark of a disciple is having the arms of love. God’s love is unconditional, other-centered, and self-giving love. God’s “agape” love was demonstrated when God sent his Son Jesus to die in our place. We are to love others with such love. Who is the one to whom you can show God’s love?
Continue readingDecember 2: “Second Mark: A Mind Transformed by the Word” (John 8:31-32, Romans 12:2)
Satan attacks a Christian’s thought life. We’ve developed negative thought patterns over the years. We are to repent of sinful and unworthy thoughts and submit them to Christ. Then we have to plant new thoughts through the meditation of God’s word. Then we can bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Continue readingNovember 25: “First Mark: A Heart for Christ Alone” (Exodus 20:1-6, Luke 14:26)
We are to put God first. We are to love Him more than anything and anyone else. The first mark of a disciple is a heart for Christ alone. Perhaps you were passionate for God when you first believed. But now Christian life feels more like a duty. How can we cultivate a passionate love […]
Continue readingNovember 18: “A Samaritan’s Thanksgiving” (Luke 17:11-19)
Ten lepers were healed, but only the Samaritan came back to give thanks to Jesus. Why didn’t the other nine come back to give thanks? Are we too busy with our lives that we do not stop to give thanks? But the text is not only about thanksgiving. It is also about who Jesus is.
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