Discipleship is “a long obedience in the same direction” (Eugene Peterson).
I went hiking in Yosemite National Park last summer with my Dad (right) and brother (third from right) and his two sons (the other two). Most of our pictures have Dad in front like Gandalf the Gray and the others marching along behind him like the dwarves in The Hobbit. Even at age 79 “the old man” continues to set the pace for our family and lead the way. He embodies faithfulness, in his faith, integrity and lifestyle.
As we begin a new year it’s a perfect time to reflect on your own faithfulness. Just as you (no doubt) are considering your physical health, diet and exercise plans, it is a good practice to also think through your spiritual disciplines. If your life was a garden how would it look regarding health, weeds and fruitfulness?
The spiritual life worksheet (updated Jan. 2025) is a tool we have developed to help individuals prayerfully evaluate and intentionally improve their personal habits of Bible reading, prayer and service. As the worksheet indicates, this process is greatly enhanced by meeting with one or two other believers to encourage and support one another. We know that is the case for any new program of diet and exercise. Why would it be any different with spiritual growth?
“Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8
As we begin a new series (Jan. 12, 2025) in the book of Revelation, we will again distribute the SL Worksheet and invite everyone to make the public “we will” commitments to go along with your personal “I will” commitments.
| We will… – trust Jesus completely – worship Jesus wholeheartedly – walk with Jesus faithfully – work with Jesus diligently | I will… – trust Jesus completely through enduring, biblically grounded faith – worship Jesus wholeheartedly through joyful disciplines that prioritize quality time with Him – walk with Jesus faithfully through Spirit-empowered, relationship-enhanced formation – work with Jesus diligently through gift-developing, world-changing kingdom service |
Notice the blessings that frame the book of Revelation.
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7
Let’s pursue these blessings that come from faithful obedience as we walk with Jesus in this new year!