Weekly Devotional - Steve Grigg
Devotional – Rhythms of Apprenticeship
VERSE:
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; do not try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he is the one who will keep you on track. Do not assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” (Proverbs 3:5-7) The Message
THOUGHTS:
Are you the type of person who wants to know the outcome of your efforts before you make them? Then being a Christian can be frustrating at times. We know that eternity is the final outcome, but what about everything in between now and forever. Joining a group of believers can help us live as the opening verses call us to live.
Pastor Aaron called us to be part of a “Community”. He references Matt. 18:20, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Pastor Aaron talked about finding those willing to come along beside you and grapple with the Scriptures. A community to help you grow. A community who can help you understand what you believe. In return, you will help them grow. Thrive Church offers numerous opportunities to become a part of a Community through small groups.
As a young believer in my late twenties, I would speak up in Sunday School (my community) to say what I understood about our readings. I was looking to see if I was correct, or needed more information. This required a surrender of ego and a trust in my fellow believers. Now as a long-time believer I try to remember that mindset for two reasons. One, to help others grow, and two, to continue to grow myself.
Pastor Aaron discussed how our culture is hungry, STARVING, for Community. He stated that we need more than just church on Sunday. I am reading a book called “Practicing the Way” by John M. Comer. There is a section about Community; what it is to each of us, and how to develop and nurture one (or several). I understand that Community can encompass many areas of my life, including non-church related interactions. I understand that we cannot stay within the safety of our church community. God wants us to share his word. I see that we grow by stepping out into other communities, sharing the word, and allowing ourselves to be tested in our faith and knowledge. These outreaches help us to see what we know and where we need to dig deeper into God’s word. In other words, it helps us to wrestle with our understanding of God’s word. Jesus sent the disciples out on their own to spread the good news. They returned with exclamations of what they saw and miracles performed.
Think about this; Jesus’ last commandment to his disciples was to go out into the world community. “Jesus came and told his disciples; I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20) NLT (I know these verses as the “Great Commission.”)
CONCLUSSION:
The Great Commission sounds so overwhelming. You might be asking, “How can I go out and save the world?” Truthfully, Jesus already did it. He is just asking you to join in, showing others what the kingdom of heaven is like. This can start by finding your group, learning to grow in the spirit, how to share that understanding, and how to trust the leading of God’s voice.
Pray with me Psalm 86:11;
“Teach me your ways oh Lord, that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you.” Amen
Your brother, Steve
VERSE:
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; do not try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he is the one who will keep you on track. Do not assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” (Proverbs 3:5-7) The Message
THOUGHTS:
Are you the type of person who wants to know the outcome of your efforts before you make them? Then being a Christian can be frustrating at times. We know that eternity is the final outcome, but what about everything in between now and forever. Joining a group of believers can help us live as the opening verses call us to live.
Pastor Aaron called us to be part of a “Community”. He references Matt. 18:20, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Pastor Aaron talked about finding those willing to come along beside you and grapple with the Scriptures. A community to help you grow. A community who can help you understand what you believe. In return, you will help them grow. Thrive Church offers numerous opportunities to become a part of a Community through small groups.
As a young believer in my late twenties, I would speak up in Sunday School (my community) to say what I understood about our readings. I was looking to see if I was correct, or needed more information. This required a surrender of ego and a trust in my fellow believers. Now as a long-time believer I try to remember that mindset for two reasons. One, to help others grow, and two, to continue to grow myself.
Pastor Aaron discussed how our culture is hungry, STARVING, for Community. He stated that we need more than just church on Sunday. I am reading a book called “Practicing the Way” by John M. Comer. There is a section about Community; what it is to each of us, and how to develop and nurture one (or several). I understand that Community can encompass many areas of my life, including non-church related interactions. I understand that we cannot stay within the safety of our church community. God wants us to share his word. I see that we grow by stepping out into other communities, sharing the word, and allowing ourselves to be tested in our faith and knowledge. These outreaches help us to see what we know and where we need to dig deeper into God’s word. In other words, it helps us to wrestle with our understanding of God’s word. Jesus sent the disciples out on their own to spread the good news. They returned with exclamations of what they saw and miracles performed.
Think about this; Jesus’ last commandment to his disciples was to go out into the world community. “Jesus came and told his disciples; I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20) NLT (I know these verses as the “Great Commission.”)
CONCLUSSION:
The Great Commission sounds so overwhelming. You might be asking, “How can I go out and save the world?” Truthfully, Jesus already did it. He is just asking you to join in, showing others what the kingdom of heaven is like. This can start by finding your group, learning to grow in the spirit, how to share that understanding, and how to trust the leading of God’s voice.
Pray with me Psalm 86:11;
“Teach me your ways oh Lord, that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you.” Amen
Your brother, Steve
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