Discipleship Point
Matthew 18:20
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Pondering Point
In church circles, some people limit their definition of fellowship to those with whom they agree in belief and practice, known as church fellowship. There is room for this understanding, but the idea of fellowship goes beyond that – even in the bible. Peter, James, and John are prime examples. You may know them as Jesus’ closest disciples, His best friends, His devoted allies. What you may not know is that they already had a fellowship before Jesus came along. When Jesus walks into their lives, they already had a connection: Fishing. The NIV refers to them as partners but it is the same Greek derivative (koinonia) for the word “fellowship”.
Fishing isn’t what made the fellowship, but it did provide an avenue for their fellowship. Interests like work, bowling, theatre, exercise, children, or music provide similar avenues in our lives. As with the first disciples, Jesus can use our current fellowships to break into people’s lives and give them new direction. With Peter, James, and John, He even used the analogy of fishing to make His point, leading to the familiar phrase, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
Discipleship Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for fellowship that we share in You as brothers and sisters in Christ. Use our naturally occurring fellowships in life to build other Spirit-led partnerships. Help us to recognize that You desire to become part of our existing fellowships such as work, family, and friends – and let You lead the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:145-152
- I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees. - I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes. - I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word. - My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises. - Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws. - Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law. - Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true. - Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Mark 1:14-15
Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
The Promise
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Pondering Point
Over the years, we tend to change our views toward life, God, and His Word. Some get more rigid, other soften. But God and His Word – they stay the same.