Day 65 Seeking Hidden Treasure Dane Allphin, Church Discipleship Ministry, Ohio I received a large check from a friend,

and in the midst of a busy week, I left it in the foyer until I could take care of it. When I went back for it, it wasnt there. I looked all over the house, even in my car, but it was nowhere. I was stressed. Weve all lost things, and when its something valuable, we go to all sorts of effort to find it. Proverbs speaks of searching for something precious. If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:4,5, ESV). The it in this passage is wisdom. Where do we find it? Its in Gods Word. Were willing to search our whole house for missing treasure, yet why are we reluctant to search the Bible for spiritual treasures? Take a moment to gauge your desire to seek for the hidden treasures found in your Bible. Late in the evening I noticed the trash man had not taken one of our cans. After digging through the kitchen trash, I found that wonderful yellow check my friend had sent. I was overjoyed and thanked the Lord! He has wonderful, life-giving treasures just waiting for us. We just have to open Gods Word and start digging. Day 43 The Discipleship Formula Stephen Brucker, Church Discipleship Ministry, Oregon Discipleship is complicated. There, I said it. The cat is out of the bag. If it were easy, every Christian would attempt it; every Christian would want to participate in its unpredictable adventures. Ask 10 people for the definition of discipleship and I promise that you will receive 10 different answers. For we all assume we know the meaning of discipleship, pretending its not a foreign concept, all the while hoping that someone might illuminate our wandering gaze and guide our scattered feet. I like formulas. They make life simpler. I have looked high and low for a formula in the Bible on discipleshipa sort of three-step, money-back-guarantee process. To my avail, I have found no such formula. Why? Because discipleship is messy. Its messy because people are messy. Therein rests discipleships power to intimidate us, and its unrivaled ability to arrest our souls in paralysis. And yet when Jesus sent out His disciples, did they have all the answers? Could they refute every objection or teach perfectly? No, they were ragamuffins. So what did the disciples have? They only had Jesus and the faith to believe in Him. Perhaps that should be good enough for us, too. In the end, I stand corrected. There is a formula: His name is Jesus.

Day 44 Five Essentials LeRoy Eims, Served with Collegiate Ministry There are five essentials a new believer needs to develop a life of discipleship. At the top of my list is

love. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, we learn that Paul was willing to give his very life for people, not because of what they could do for him, but simply because he loved them. The second need of a new Christian is protection. The apostle Paul protected his flock in five ways: prayer (Colossians 1:9,10), visits (Acts 15:36), sending others (1 Corinthians 4:1517), writing (2 Corinthians 2:9), and assuring them of their victory in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:15). The third essential is food. We can open the Bible and feed new Christians ourselves (1 Peter 5:2). And we can teach them to feed themselves (Jude 20,21). We all need to spur our spiritual growth through obedience and personal application of Scripture. The fourth need is fellowship with other believers. Several years ago a hurricane flattened every tree in a forest outside London. Why? The trees were planted too far apart, so the roots of one tree could not intertwine with the roots of another, making them weak. The fifth essential is training. Dont just tell them what to do and leave them on their own. Show them, walk with them, and enjoy their progress. New Christians need someonenot somethingto help them. Thats you! Used with permission of Discipleship Journal.

Day 45 It Takes Courage Leslie Vernick, Discipleship Journal Contributor At times it takes great courage to enter intoor sustaina relationship. Fear has a way of capturing our imaginations and fueling our emotions. Relationships are risky business. It takes courage to initiate them, mend them, and deepen them. First, we need courage to be honest. We can spend years in silence and pretense, too afraid of disapproval and criticism to share our true selves. Ask God for the courage to be honest with people and the ability to speak the truth in love. Next is the courage to confront. When healthy discipleship is at stake, ask God for the courage to follow the apostle Pauls example. In Galatians 2, Paul relates his confrontation with Peter, who was separating himself from the Gentiles because he feared what the Jews would say (verses 11,12). Paul saw that Peters actions were undermining the truth of the Gospel and leading others astray. Finally, pray for courage to seek reconciliation. The Bible is clear that we are to initiate a conversation with someone who has hurt us (Matthew 18:15). We are also to approach others when we know we have offended them (Matthew 5:23,24). Both require courage to overcome our fear of rejection. The Lord is my light and my salvationwhom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)? Used with permission of Discipleship Journal.

Day 46 A Disciple Seeks Forgiveness Sandy Weyeneth, Collegiate Ministry, Colorado A veteran missionary commented that he was amazed that Brad sought out Michelle after a meeting to apologize to her because so few Christian leaders do that today. But why would Brads apology be amazing since Brad had indeed sinned against Michelle? Instead of simply apologizing, Brad should have also asked for Michelles forgiveness. That is one mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ (James 5:16), and it helps reconcile us to one another. A disciple who seeks forgiveness is:

Convicted of sin. As tempting as it is to rationalize, blame, or not own up to our sinwhether its being rude, unkind, jealous, arrogant, or impatientthe first step is to admit our sin. Controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Responsive to confrontation. When someone you trust confronts you, do you listen? Feeding on the Word. The Word of God cleanses, renews, reveals, convicts, directs, teaches, transforms, leads, and restores! Ephesians 6:17 describes Gods Word as our sword of the Spirit. Our loving and righteous God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5,6). Is there someone you may need to humbly ask, Will you forgive me? Is there anyone you may need to help or encoura ge in this area?

belaDay 72 The Flip Side of Failure Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Discipleship Journal Contributor We all make mistakes, but our failures dont have to destroy us. Peter failed miserably when he denied Jesus. But later we see a resilient, bold Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stand up and preach one of the greatest evangelistic sermons ever delivered (Acts 2:1441). And how did Jesus respond to Peters betrayal? The resurrected Christ never referred to it again. How does God respond to our failures? Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down (Psalm 37:24, KJV). The Hebrew word for fall can be interpreted fail. God will not cast us away. And though we may fail, we do not have to be failures. Can you hear Jesus words to you? Hes saying, I know youre going to fall. To you, it may seem like the end. But Im here, not to whip you into shape, not to laugh at your weaknesses, not to excuse your sin, but to hold you up. What you see as failure, I see as an opportunity to show you My power. What you see as imperfection, I see as an opportunity to experience My grace. Ive made it possible for your failure to lead to success. The decision is up to you. Used with permission of Discipleship Journal. Day 73 Walk Closely Matt Dorn, Church Discipleship Ministry, Massachusetts I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11) Hiking in the hills above Glen Eyrie yesterday I saw firsthand how the Waldo Canyon fire had recently marched upon these special grounds of The Navigators ministry. While many acres of surrounding forest

were sadly lost, the main facilities and grounds of Glen Eyrie were spared. As I sat there and prayed, I could hear Gods gentle voice saying to me, I love you. I hope you hear it, too. Are the fires of life surrounding you today? Climb up to the heights of Gods perspective and listen to Him say, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you (John 15:7). Jesus goes on to invite us to remain in His love and to soak in His joy. He calls us His friends and invites us to walk with Him as His followers. When we walk closely with Him, His joy overflows into us, somehow becoming our joy, and even overflowing to others. Whether your life today is marked by the raging fires of turmoil or the cool breezes of Gods blessing, walk closely with Him and invite someone else to join you in your journey. Day 74 Are You Still Growing? Don Whitney, Discipleship Journal Contributor We are commanded in 2 Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How can we know we are making real progress in growing in grace? Trying to determine the progress of a soul is like looking at the growth of an oakyou cant actually see it growing at the moment, but you can compare it to where it once was. The following 10 questions can help you discern whether you are maturing spiritually. Use them to evaluate the past 6 to 12 months. 1. Are you more thirsty for God than ever before? 2. Are you more and more loving, sacrificing your own preferences, plans, or rights for those of others? 3. Are you more sensitive to and aware of God? 4. Are you governed more and more by Gods Word? 5. Are you concerned more with the physical and spiritual needs of others? 6. Are you more concerned with the Church and the Kingdom of God? 7. Are the spiritual disciplines more important to you? 8. Are you more aware of your sin? 9. Are you quicker to forgive others? 10. Are you thinking more of heaven and being with the Lord Jesus? Used with permission of Discipleship Journal. Day 75 When the Brook Dries Up Leura Jones, Former Communications Staff Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there. So he did what the Lord had told him. . . . Some time later the brook dried up (1 Kings 17:27a). Sometimes God dries up one brook so He can move us to another.

Five years ago, I was thriving at my brook. Through my job, I got to be involved in discipling people all over the worldmilitary people, international students. I was using my strengths while never leaving the safety of my cubicle! Then the brook dried up. God moved me out of the cubicle and into the world. The discipling I do now is much more personal. Ive had to become more transparent and more comfortable with the potential for rejection. Ive learned patience and perseverance with people that I could not have learned behind a desk. Ive grown not only as a discipler, but as a disciple. When Elijahs brook dried up, God sent him to a widow who provided for his needs. When our brook dries up, we may stumble and grieve, but we can trust in Gods faithfulness. His new provision will be exactly what we need. Day 76 Be a H.I.P. Disciple Randy Weyeneth, Collegiate Ministry, Colorado A 5-tool baseball player has extraordinary maturity and skill. He has great speed, hits for average and power, excellent throwing, and excellent defense. Only a select few, like the great Willie Mays, exhibit all five skills. Not everyone can mature as a baseball player, but God desires for all Christians to mature in their walk with Him (Colossians 1:28,29), not just a select few. Tragically, far too many never get beyond first base. Lack of spiritual growth minimizes service to God and smolders commitment to help fulfill the Great Commission. Pride, greed, and impurity cause strikeouts. Our spirit is reborn at conversion. Continue to run the bases and transform your soul (mind, will, emotions) by renewing your mind through Scripture (Romans 12:2). How? The continued memorization and meditation of Scripture will rebuild your thought structures, refocus your emotions, and redirect your will. Thats biblical transformation, and its not optional! Transformation means growth and maturity. Maturity is marked by three qualities: Humility, Integrity, and Purity (H.I.P.). Very few people become 5-tool baseball players. However, God is looking for all Christians to become H.I.P. disciples. Will you choose today to be a person of humility, integrity, and purity through transforming your mind, will, and emotions? Day 77 If I Could Live My Life Over Bob Boardman, Launched Navigator Ministry in Japan The Bible tells not only of successes but also of failures by individuals and nationsfailures that teach us lessons. We are to learn from the past. If I can tell you in a positive, constructive way about my own failures and mistakes, and thereby challenge you not to repeat them, it is a valid venture. If I can help just one other person avoid one of my pitfalls, then I rejoice. If I could live my life again, I would seek to make the following changes: 1. I would stand more boldly upon my God-given calling and not be so fearful. 2. While my children were young, I would spend more time with them in worship, in spiritual disciplines, and in just enjoying life. 3. I would ask God for greater blessings and victories, claiming His mighty promises. 4. By Gods grace, I would turn more quickly from temptation and sin.

5. I would welcome trials and failures as menders of my character. 6. I would ask more of people under my leadership and not be so cautious with them. 7. I would be more single-minded in following a lifetime program of personal Bible study and Scripture memory. 8. I would develop a hobby earlier in life. Used with permission of Discipleship Journal. Day 78 Got Stillness? Dave Mead, Military Ministry, Colorado Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). One way to practice stillness is through solitude and silence. We see God use a place of emptiness and quiet, the desert, in lives of many of His Kingdom leaders. Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Paul were propelled forward in their design and destiny after times of stillness. In Luke 4:1, Jesus enters the desert full of the Holy Spirit. In verse 14, He leaves the desert in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stillness allows the Holy Spirit to recalibrate, refresh, release, and empower us into His purposes. Got stillness? Solitude and silence is a way of opening ourselves up to the presence of God thats beyond human effort. When Im still, I find myself releasing concerns and anxious thoughts and receiving His affirmation, comfort, and guidancefully congruent with my circumstances and design. As I finished two days of solitude and silence in June 2012, the Lord clearly said, Get rest today in order to be prepared for the opportunities tomorrow. Unknown to me, the flame, which in three quick days would consume 346 houses in Colorado Springsincluding ourshad already ignited. God had given me rest and insight. Stillness provided my body, mind, and soul the needed restoration and recalibration for the challenging road ahead. Got stillness?

Day 80 Last Words David Colston, Church Discipleship Ministry, Georgia Lets fast forward to the end of your life. Youre aware that this is your last day on earth and are fortunate enough to have those you love by your side. No one needs to remind you that you have limited time with them. So what would you say? Now lets rewind to some of Jesus last words. Jesus said, Go make disciples (Matthew 28:19). He said these words to His disciples just before He ascended into heaven. Their model was clear, for He had just spent the past three-and-a-half years discipling them. He was telling them to go pour into others hearts what He had poured into theirs, doing it the way He did it with themlife on life, shoulder to shoulder, nose to nose. How important should these last words be to us, His followers today? We should hold these words in our hearts as Jesus held them in His. How significant are the words, Go make disciples, to you? Enough that they are demonstrated through your life? Do you make key decisions in light of these words? Or do you need to adjust the way you live in response to these words? Take a moment and imagine what your life might look like if you did exactly as Jesus said and made disciples the way Jesus did.