Praying Through the Scripture
One of the most exciting ways that I have found to do my devotions is to pray through Scripture. My friend Austin Gardner, pastor of Vision Baptist Church, showed me how to do this several years ago and it has revolutionized my devotional life. I used to read my Bible and then pray through my list which became very ritualistic and dry. It was like reading a grocery list to God every morning. Then I began to just pray through the verses of Scripture that I was reading. It made my reading more personal and applicable and it made my prayer life fresh and new each day. Also, I know that I am praying according to God’s will because I am praying the very words of Scripture.
Here is an article that explains some about praying through Scripture that I think you will enjoy. Just try it and see the difference. If you have questions, let me know. You can also find out more at this Bible Reading Revolution blog started by my friend John Pearson.
Are We Producing Fruit?
I read this article today on a fruitful life and what should be the fruit that we produce. I hope you will read it and all this truth to transform your life and your purpose for living.
Let me ask three questions. First, what is the fruit of an orange tree? In groups, I have heard the answers of “an orange” and “seeds.” Some might also say that the tree produces leaves, shade, and a little windbreak–so these would be fruit of sorts. And each of those answers are at least partially correct. Let me ask the question another way that may reveal the answer. Why does an orange tree produce fruit? An orange tree does not produce fruit so you and I can enjoy eating an orange. An orange tree produces oranges so it can produce seeds that will grow into more orange trees. It produces oranges to continue the species. God made it that way. So the real fruit of an orange tree is an orange tree.
The Importance of Character
Everyone rises or falls to their own character level.
A person’s talent or abilities may take them so far, but they will eventually regress to the level of their character. A basketball player’s talents will get him a good salary, but if he doesn’t have the character to match his talent, he’ll lose it in the end. A football player may have a lot of ability, but it takes character for him to be a great football player. Talent alone will never make a man great. Only character can do that. A preacher’s charisma and oratory ability will gain him an audience, but if he doesn’t have character, it will come to naught, and he’ll fall. Sadly, it happens all too often.
Never mistake your talents or abilities for character. Character, integrity, and principles will take you farther and keep you there, more than talent or ability alone. Therefore, allow God to develop character in your life.
New Life in Christ Discipleship Course
One of the chief responsibilities of the church is to train and disciple people in Christian faith and life. At Northwest, we believe strongly in discipleship.
We believe that not only should everyone be a disciple (follower) of Christ but also they should eventually begin to disciple others. Discipleship is not just a course or a series of lessons; it is a life. We have, however, put together a discipleship course that will help to ground Christians in their faith and prepare them to live a victorious Christian life.
If you would like to be involved in the the discipleship program, let us know. You can find out more information about discipleship through our church by clicking here.
