The last few weeks have been spent in the Bible Study, More Than Anything: Loving God Above Everything Else by The Daily Grace Co. It’s good to look at the idols which can easily begin to grow in our lives.
The topic of knowledge was addressed last week and you can read about that HERE. But then the subject kept coming up from other reading sources.
“There is no mistaking a life transformed by God! … Yet something happened to them [the disciples] as they were with Jesus. The Holy Spirit transformed them, giving them new boldness and wisdom.”
(from Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry T. Blackaby, page 142)
The disciples were an eclectic group. Most were not well educated nor admired. They were simple fisherman, or tradesmen, who labored hard each day. And yet Jesus hand-picked them, calling each one to leave all and follow Him.
At times their faith failed them. They questioned Him, and often made bold declarations which they did not follow through on. Jesus rebuked them, disciplined them, and called them out when their doubts overtook them.
They fell asleep during prayer time. One was swift with his words and swifter with his sword, cutting off the ear of a soldier in Jesus’ defense. Two lobbied for a seat of greatness at His table. Some wanted to call down fire on the unbelieving. One needed to touch Jesus’ scars to have his faith restored. If living today, they may have been fired on the spot.
They were far from perfect but when empowered by the Holy Spirit, they turned the world upside down as they declared the message of Jesus.
As I look at them, I see myself. Imperfect. Doubting. Failing. And maybe, just maybe, used by Him to leave an example for my family.
This walk of faith does not come easily. The challenges of life can be daunting at times. But as I look at these first believers, I find myself filled with hope.
Perhaps even in my imperfect and stumbling walk, they will see Jesus in me. Perhaps they will follow suit holding onto Jesus, stumbling through their own days but finding hope as their faith grows day by day.
I am coming to learn it does not matter that I am not a biblical scholar who has all the answers. I am not even sure biblical scholars have all the answer themselves.
The most important thing I can do each day is to spend time with Jesus, letting Him change me so that He will be seen in me.
“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”
(Acts 4:13,NASB)
With the Lord as my helper and my guide,
I can hold out His truth and trust Him
to work in the lives of my children and grandchildren.
It is always difficult for me to pick just one post as each one is unique and adds its own element to the week. This week I thought I would share two – one from the linkup and one which was not but I enjoyed.
Linda Stoll always shares wisdom in a most practical and gentle manner. When she shares about books, I pay attention as I usually find something valuable to read. Check out her post, My Desert Island Bookshelf HERE if you are looking for some summer reads.
I find great enjoyment in idioms and puns. I probably drive my family crazy as I share so many with them each day. There is a wisdom and wit in words carefully crafted in those forms that is a delight to read. Diana Derringer shares From Pillar to Post HERE this week. “Whether we go from pillar to post or stick like glue, let’s always follow the direction God gives.”
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Brian Mann on Unsplash
Time with Jesus!
I have a tendency to be so businesslike in my prayer life—as if we’re in a meeting and I have an agenda. It’s so wonderful that Jesus values our relationship and wants time with me.
Joanne, your post is both a comfort and encouragement to me today. Pondering anew the rag tag group of men Jesus chose helps me understand the heart of Jesus better. He is not after perfection or someone who has it all together, but those with simple faith. Those who know they need him more than He needs them!
Too often I strive to be worthy of following Him, to get it all right, and feel like I am probably more of a disappointment than a disciple.
But it’s never been about what I can do for Jesus. It’s been about the invitation to intimacy which covers me in His love and will always make a place for me by His side.
I agree, biblical scholars don’t have all the answers—and some of them spend a great deal of time arguing about their different takes on the answers. But time with Jesus can change and empower us and make us vessels He can use.
Time with Jesus is most important and essential for me. Any day where early medical appointments or demands short circuits that I feel poorer for it and more at sea. It’s our hearts He is after and knowledge isn’t going to get us there without a heart connection with Him. Thanks for this great reminder since the enemy will try any and all ways to keep us from it because even he knows how powerful it is.
thanks for the lovely surprise mention, friend!
ox
“The most important thing I can do each day is to spend time with Jesus, letting Him change me so that He will be seen in me.” Amen! And it is the thing I most struggle with because the enemy presents so many other ways to spend my time.
One thing is needful – sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I agree that it’s always good to look at what we are idolizing. Sometimes they become our blind spots, and we need to take time to intentionally seek them out to purify our hearts and minds.
May the same be said of us as was noticed about the disciples in Acts!
What stands out for me in Blackaby’s quote is “giving them new boldness and wisdom.” We are made new with Him and our transformation includes boldly living with the Spirit. How I can forget that when my daily challenges can bring on insecurity!
More time with Jesus–a definite need.
Happy Thursday, Joanne! I love stopping by regularly and always find “aha moments” in your words and reflections. I’ve also found myself thinking about Jesus’s disciples and their humanity during recent days. Our walk of faith while not easy is always worthwhile! Thank you!
It was fun to read your post and then link up my post about faith. I’m asking—“Am I looking to my faith or to Jesus, the object of my faith?” I agree–the most important thing is to keep spending time with Jesus and looking to Him!!
Joanne, this>> “But as I look at these first believers, I find myself filled with hope.” Is indeed so comforting. So beautifully spoken.