(Starting Well-chapter eight)
By Lee Brase
The beginning of the new believers relationship with
God is learning to pray and learning to talk to God.
Lee writes this chapter showing us “How to use the
Scriptures to launch a young believer into prayer.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray by giving them a
prayer. (Luke 11:1-4)
Lee found, the most effective way was to take the new
believer to the prayers in the Bible. The new believer
listens to others pray and repeats what was heard in
their own words. As the new believer learns to talk to
the Father; they should be very specific about what
they are praying. I have found that by being very
specific in our requests, then our Father is very specific
in His answers and blessings. The more the new believer
prays the more their prayers will improve.
Lee offers us help with the prayers in the Bible. He points
out that the Old Testament blessings were directed at the
fruitfulness of their land or the destruction of their enemies.
The New Testament is about blessings on our fruitfulness
and praying for our enemies. When reading these Bible
prayers we should consider; what was the circumstances,
the major content, the prayer requests, and what was the
expected answer.
Lee states that the new believer needs to grow in their
understanding of God. The goal is to help the new believers
become more attentive to God, grow to communicate openly
and live in the dependence upon God.
Recommended Reading by brother george
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Quiet Time Basics
Starting Well - chapter seven
By Mike Hildebrand
Mike provides us with a practical guide showing how to have
a quiet time. Helping another person become more intimate
with God is an essential goal of discipleship.
He says first show the disciple, “why”. The showing is by using
the Scripture to establish the biblical basis for “Quiet Time“.
The purpose of spending time alone with God daily develops
intimacy with Him and teaches how He wants us to live.
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He
prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Jesus was never to busy to pray because He valued His time
alone with His Father and as you should also.
Mike recommends showing them how by using Psalms to help
a new believer begin to talk to God. You can read a psalm
together and then alternate reading verses. You offer a prayer
about something of importance to you. Then have the new
believer take a turn at praying and listen to what your disciple
prays about. You can include that concern into your next
prayer to show this disciple that you do listen and care.
Engaging the Scriptures made easy by Mike Hildebrand using
his simple acronym called “PEA”. The three step process of
understanding God’s Word. As you read Scripture try to
understand how each of those elements reveals a truth and
how these may apply to your life;
P = “Ask what Principle is revealed”,
E = “Ask what Example is revealed ”,
A = “Ask what Application is revealed.”
Now the hard part, follow up; When alone, how are the quiet
times going for the disciple ? Getting them started, you may
need to be a disciple sitter for awhile. Just have the quiet
times separately at the same place at the same time until the
routine is established.
Mike loves to pray the prayer of Jesus: “I have made known
to them, and will continue to make you known in order that
the love you have for me may be in them” (John 17:26)
Recommended Reading by brother george
By Mike Hildebrand
Mike provides us with a practical guide showing how to have
a quiet time. Helping another person become more intimate
with God is an essential goal of discipleship.
He says first show the disciple, “why”. The showing is by using
the Scripture to establish the biblical basis for “Quiet Time“.
The purpose of spending time alone with God daily develops
intimacy with Him and teaches how He wants us to live.
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He
prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Jesus was never to busy to pray because He valued His time
alone with His Father and as you should also.
Mike recommends showing them how by using Psalms to help
a new believer begin to talk to God. You can read a psalm
together and then alternate reading verses. You offer a prayer
about something of importance to you. Then have the new
believer take a turn at praying and listen to what your disciple
prays about. You can include that concern into your next
prayer to show this disciple that you do listen and care.
Engaging the Scriptures made easy by Mike Hildebrand using
his simple acronym called “PEA”. The three step process of
understanding God’s Word. As you read Scripture try to
understand how each of those elements reveals a truth and
how these may apply to your life;
P = “Ask what Principle is revealed”,
E = “Ask what Example is revealed ”,
A = “Ask what Application is revealed.”
Now the hard part, follow up; When alone, how are the quiet
times going for the disciple ? Getting them started, you may
need to be a disciple sitter for awhile. Just have the quiet
times separately at the same place at the same time until the
routine is established.
Mike loves to pray the prayer of Jesus: “I have made known
to them, and will continue to make you known in order that
the love you have for me may be in them” (John 17:26)
Recommended Reading by brother george
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Let Me Assure You-2
Starting Well - Chapter Six
(continuation, the third of five needs)
By Kathy Johnston
The new believer needs knowledge to stand up against
temptations and Scripture gives us assurance of victory.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is
common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow
you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with
the temptation will also make way of escape, that you
may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The new believers joyful experience when they confess
their sin, knowing God will cleanse them. Helping the new
believers gain assurance of their forgiveness and keeping
their communion with God through Scripture.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
The author tells her disciple; “You do not have to know all
that lies ahead, just keep trusting in God, talking to God and
He will lead you day by day; Lets pray about it right now.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Kathy has explained many ways that deepen the new
believers roots with God’s promises for salvation, answered
prayer, victory over sin, forgiveness, and guidance.. The
heart of follow-up is one on one and life on life.
Recommended Reading by brother george
(continuation, the third of five needs)
By Kathy Johnston
The new believer needs knowledge to stand up against
temptations and Scripture gives us assurance of victory.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is
common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow
you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with
the temptation will also make way of escape, that you
may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The new believers joyful experience when they confess
their sin, knowing God will cleanse them. Helping the new
believers gain assurance of their forgiveness and keeping
their communion with God through Scripture.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
The author tells her disciple; “You do not have to know all
that lies ahead, just keep trusting in God, talking to God and
He will lead you day by day; Lets pray about it right now.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Kathy has explained many ways that deepen the new
believers roots with God’s promises for salvation, answered
prayer, victory over sin, forgiveness, and guidance.. The
heart of follow-up is one on one and life on life.
Recommended Reading by brother george
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Let Me Assure You-1
Starting Well - Chapter Six
By Kathy Johnston
Security of salvation is always the first assurance to
make sure the new believer understands. We must
show the new believer where to find reassurance of
their salvation in the Scriptures.
“And this is the testimony: That God has given us
eternal life, and this life is His Son.” (1-John;5:11)
“He who has the Son has life: he does not have the
Son of God does not have life.” (1-John;5:12)
This Scripture tells us, That if you have asked the
Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart, forgive
your sins, and give you an eternal home, then you
have eternal life.
If you have not asked, you do not receive, Just Ask !
“In hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie,
promised before time began.” (Titus;1:2)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they
follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish: neither shall anyone snatch them out of
my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out
of my Fathers hand. I and My Father are one.”
(John;10:17-30)
Kathy tells us that once a new Christians is sure of
their salvation, then it is important they understand
prayer. The experiencing answered prayer first hand
assures new believers that God heard them. However,
the new believer may have doubts when their prayers
are not answered when expected. The Scriptures will
provide the new believer reassurance that God hears
and cares.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, what ever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have
asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
“Until now you have ask nothing in My name. Ask,
and you will receive, that your joy may be full !”
(John 16:24)
We have covered the first two of five needs for every
new believer from Kathy Johnston. To be continued:
By Kathy Johnston
Security of salvation is always the first assurance to
make sure the new believer understands. We must
show the new believer where to find reassurance of
their salvation in the Scriptures.
“And this is the testimony: That God has given us
eternal life, and this life is His Son.” (1-John;5:11)
“He who has the Son has life: he does not have the
Son of God does not have life.” (1-John;5:12)
This Scripture tells us, That if you have asked the
Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart, forgive
your sins, and give you an eternal home, then you
have eternal life.
If you have not asked, you do not receive, Just Ask !
“In hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie,
promised before time began.” (Titus;1:2)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they
follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish: neither shall anyone snatch them out of
my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out
of my Fathers hand. I and My Father are one.”
(John;10:17-30)
Kathy tells us that once a new Christians is sure of
their salvation, then it is important they understand
prayer. The experiencing answered prayer first hand
assures new believers that God heard them. However,
the new believer may have doubts when their prayers
are not answered when expected. The Scriptures will
provide the new believer reassurance that God hears
and cares.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, what ever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have
asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)
“Until now you have ask nothing in My name. Ask,
and you will receive, that your joy may be full !”
(John 16:24)
We have covered the first two of five needs for every
new believer from Kathy Johnston. To be continued:
By brother george
Friday, July 23, 2010
Finding the Right Person to Disciple
Starting Well - Chapter Five
By Becky Brodin
What is Discipleship ? The word disciple comes from
Latin word disco, which means learn or get to know.
The Rabbi would discipline their disciples through praise
and correction. A disciple was like an apprentice who was
learning from a master. A Discipler uses discipleship which
is the method or process to teach discipline to a Disciple.
Ok, now we can start finding the right person.
Becky tells us to find someone to disciple requires three
things; involvement with people, knowing what to look for,
and a willingness to take the initiative.
Becky calls, what to look for: “ The Right Stuff “. She looks
for someone who is hungry to grow, committed to fellowship,
and takes initiative to develop relationships.
Becky does as Jesus did, pray about choice of disciples.
A discipling relationship is time consuming, personal,
demanding, life changing, and requires commitment.
She explains, that choosing a disciple is like looking for a
companion and follower. The word “ follower ” in Greek
describes someone who seeks to be like their teacher, a
companion who is “going in the same way.”
“Whom Should I disciple?” You should watch for people
who are hungry to grow, then you take the initiative to
relate to them and invite them into this adventure of
By Becky Brodin
What is Discipleship ? The word disciple comes from
Latin word disco, which means learn or get to know.
The Rabbi would discipline their disciples through praise
and correction. A disciple was like an apprentice who was
learning from a master. A Discipler uses discipleship which
is the method or process to teach discipline to a Disciple.
Ok, now we can start finding the right person.
Becky tells us to find someone to disciple requires three
things; involvement with people, knowing what to look for,
and a willingness to take the initiative.
Becky calls, what to look for: “ The Right Stuff “. She looks
for someone who is hungry to grow, committed to fellowship,
and takes initiative to develop relationships.
Becky does as Jesus did, pray about choice of disciples.
A discipling relationship is time consuming, personal,
demanding, life changing, and requires commitment.
She explains, that choosing a disciple is like looking for a
companion and follower. The word “ follower ” in Greek
describes someone who seeks to be like their teacher, a
companion who is “going in the same way.”
“Whom Should I disciple?” You should watch for people
who are hungry to grow, then you take the initiative to
relate to them and invite them into this adventure of
one-to-one discipleship.
recommended reading by brother george
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What My Discipler Did Right
Starting Well - Chapter Four
A Discipleship Journal Book
By Cathy Miller
What new believers need is some good Christian friends
to help them grow in their Christian faith.
Cathy Miller is sharing her real life experience of
Christian growth with her good Christian friend, when
she was a new believer .
Someone gently touched Cathy and asked,
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”
This new friend taught Cathy the basics of the
Christian faith and this discipler led Cathy into a
closer relationship with Jesus by just being herself .
Cathy was given the key to the Christian life with
“Christ in you, the hope of glory”
“ God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the
glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in
you, the hope of Glory.” ( Colossians 1:27 )
This author experienced a very effective discipleship
and she offers you those same key traits. Her Discipler;
noticed, cared, reached out, and pointed Cathy toward
the love of Christ as it is revealed in His Word and
through His Grace.
The Touch of Grace; Cathy has given us the pattern
to follow by telling us what her Discipler did right.
Cathy says now she has the opportunities to quietly
say to someone;
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”
Now you also have that opportunity !
Cathy Miller closes this testimony by her proclaiming
“Prayer ushered me into God’s presence, where I found
that He Himself was the answer to my requests.”
Recommended by brother george
A Discipleship Journal Book
By Cathy Miller
What new believers need is some good Christian friends
to help them grow in their Christian faith.
Cathy Miller is sharing her real life experience of
Christian growth with her good Christian friend, when
she was a new believer .
Someone gently touched Cathy and asked,
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”
This new friend taught Cathy the basics of the
Christian faith and this discipler led Cathy into a
closer relationship with Jesus by just being herself .
Cathy was given the key to the Christian life with
“Christ in you, the hope of glory”
“ God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the
glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in
you, the hope of Glory.” ( Colossians 1:27 )
This author experienced a very effective discipleship
and she offers you those same key traits. Her Discipler;
noticed, cared, reached out, and pointed Cathy toward
the love of Christ as it is revealed in His Word and
through His Grace.
The Touch of Grace; Cathy has given us the pattern
to follow by telling us what her Discipler did right.
Cathy says now she has the opportunities to quietly
say to someone;
“would you like to come to my house sometime to talk ?”
Now you also have that opportunity !
Cathy Miller closes this testimony by her proclaiming
“Prayer ushered me into God’s presence, where I found
that He Himself was the answer to my requests.”
Recommended by brother george
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
“Love Lessons”
(Chapter Three of Starting Well)
How to shepherd those we disciple as Jesus would
By Dirk Van Zuylen
“ Who has significantly influenced you ? “
Dirk Van Zuylen recalls those people having one thing incommon, ”love”. He also stated that the people who loved him most had demonstrated confidence in him.
Van Zuylen offers the following “Love Lessons“ demonstrated by;
Jesus, showed confidence in His disciples,
Jesus, expressed His love for the disciples,
Jesus, demonstrated interest in the whole person,
Jesus, accepted people as they were,
Jesus, protected His disciples and
Jesus, sacrificed for the disciples.
Love Lessons teaches us to;
-Voice our confidence to our disciples and listen to what is on their hearts.
-Accept them with kindness and grace in the ways they differ from us.
-Spend time with them, pray for their needs, and help them understand God’s word in their struggles.
The Author closes this chapter proposing that we may be used in a lasting way to disciple others for the love of Jesus.
Recommended Reading by brother george
How to shepherd those we disciple as Jesus would
By Dirk Van Zuylen
“ Who has significantly influenced you ? “
Dirk Van Zuylen recalls those people having one thing incommon, ”love”. He also stated that the people who loved him most had demonstrated confidence in him.
Van Zuylen offers the following “Love Lessons“ demonstrated by;
Jesus, showed confidence in His disciples,
Jesus, expressed His love for the disciples,
Jesus, demonstrated interest in the whole person,
Jesus, accepted people as they were,
Jesus, protected His disciples and
Jesus, sacrificed for the disciples.
Love Lessons teaches us to;
-Voice our confidence to our disciples and listen to what is on their hearts.
-Accept them with kindness and grace in the ways they differ from us.
-Spend time with them, pray for their needs, and help them understand God’s word in their struggles.
The Author closes this chapter proposing that we may be used in a lasting way to disciple others for the love of Jesus.
Recommended Reading by brother george
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
“ Am I Your Project “
(Chapter Two of “Starting Well“)
Six ways to demonstrate genuine care
By Doug Wendel
Ask the Question;
“ How to build into someone’s life without making them feel like a project ? ”
Doug Wendel describes five practical ways to communicate genuine love for those we are helping to grow in Christ.
(1) Ask and Listen; First thing we must do is ask that person about their life. We must be listening without judging, exhorting or counseling.
(2) Be Flexible; We must consider the needs of their life and not be insistent to meeting our plan.
(3) Be Transparent; We must be honest about our struggles so they also will be honest about their struggles.
(4) Practice Mutuality; A discipline relationship says, “ We are in this together and God wants us to learn from one another. “
(5) Give Grace; We have all had failings and forgiveness, so we should reflect grace upon those we disciple.
Doug Wendel closes this chapter with “The Sum is Love” and by God’s grace those we are helping will not feel like they are “Your Project”. Treating the person we disciple with God’s tender love is a key element to life changing discipleship.
Recommended reading by brother george
Six ways to demonstrate genuine care
By Doug Wendel
Ask the Question;
“ How to build into someone’s life without making them feel like a project ? ”
Doug Wendel describes five practical ways to communicate genuine love for those we are helping to grow in Christ.
(1) Ask and Listen; First thing we must do is ask that person about their life. We must be listening without judging, exhorting or counseling.
(2) Be Flexible; We must consider the needs of their life and not be insistent to meeting our plan.
(3) Be Transparent; We must be honest about our struggles so they also will be honest about their struggles.
(4) Practice Mutuality; A discipline relationship says, “ We are in this together and God wants us to learn from one another. “
(5) Give Grace; We have all had failings and forgiveness, so we should reflect grace upon those we disciple.
Doug Wendel closes this chapter with “The Sum is Love” and by God’s grace those we are helping will not feel like they are “Your Project”. Treating the person we disciple with God’s tender love is a key element to life changing discipleship.
Recommended reading by brother george
Monday, July 19, 2010
“The Essential Ingredient”
“ Starting Well ”
(Part One “The Heart of a Discipler”)
Chapter One “The Essential Ingredient”
“Your heart to help someone grow”
By Scott Morton
Chapter One is telling us God can use us to help a new believer grow if we have heart. I recall an old saying; “ It is not what you know, it is who you know ”. The author explains “what really matters is who resides in your heart”. Scott refers us to Paul “having God’s power residing in your heart.(1 Cor.2:1-5)” This chapter Essential Ingredient describes the desired attributes for your heart.
A “Interceding Heart” so we may pray for the new believer.
A “Initiating Heart” so we may take the initiative and be courageous in our new relationship.
A “Motherly Heart” so we may have the gentleness to listen and comfort as needed.
A “Fatherly Heart” so we may decide what is needed to prepare that new believer to make it without us.
A “Open Heart” so we may show how the gospel works in our everyday life. It lets them see your struggles and your victories.
A “Blameless Heart” so we may be doing as we are recommending our new believer to do.
“Walking Worthily” gives us the goal to be following up so that the new believer will; “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.“ (1Thess 2:12 NASB)
Time is our most valuable thing we have to give anyone and that makes new believers feel they are important to us and God.
The Author asks the readers if “Paul’s Discipler Heart” has stirred their heart ? Scott Morton closes this chapter asking; Are you wondering where to start ? Can you think of a new believer that may need a mentor, a loving friend to help with Christian growth ?
A new believer needs someone to take a genuine interest in them.
So allow God to stretch you !
Recommended reading by brother george
(Part One “The Heart of a Discipler”)
Chapter One “The Essential Ingredient”
“Your heart to help someone grow”
By Scott Morton
Chapter One is telling us God can use us to help a new believer grow if we have heart. I recall an old saying; “ It is not what you know, it is who you know ”. The author explains “what really matters is who resides in your heart”. Scott refers us to Paul “having God’s power residing in your heart.(1 Cor.2:1-5)” This chapter Essential Ingredient describes the desired attributes for your heart.
A “Interceding Heart” so we may pray for the new believer.
A “Initiating Heart” so we may take the initiative and be courageous in our new relationship.
A “Motherly Heart” so we may have the gentleness to listen and comfort as needed.
A “Fatherly Heart” so we may decide what is needed to prepare that new believer to make it without us.
A “Open Heart” so we may show how the gospel works in our everyday life. It lets them see your struggles and your victories.
A “Blameless Heart” so we may be doing as we are recommending our new believer to do.
“Walking Worthily” gives us the goal to be following up so that the new believer will; “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.“ (1Thess 2:12 NASB)
Time is our most valuable thing we have to give anyone and that makes new believers feel they are important to us and God.
The Author asks the readers if “Paul’s Discipler Heart” has stirred their heart ? Scott Morton closes this chapter asking; Are you wondering where to start ? Can you think of a new believer that may need a mentor, a loving friend to help with Christian growth ?
A new believer needs someone to take a genuine interest in them.
So allow God to stretch you !
Recommended reading by brother george
Thursday, July 15, 2010
* Starting Well *
Compiled by Adam Rholz
“A guide to helping others grow in Christ”
My objective (brother george) is to help myself and others grow in Christ.
Starting Well is comprised of more than a dozen authors and topics all about Discipleship. This book “Starting Well” draws from some of the best material published in the “Discipleship Journal”. (www.navpress.com)
Introduction “A Life Well Lived” by Sue Kline tells us “it is all about never loosing the vision for helping others grow in the faith for Jesus sake. Discipling a person one on one and life on life, this requires time, heart, vision, and the Holy Spirit.”
Part One, (first four chapters) of “Starting Well” is to help the reader (Discipler) to see people with God’s eyes and love them with the heart of Jesus.
Part Two, (next eight chapters) of “Starting Well” will address the essentials needed in order to grow in a relationship with Christ. These authors tell you, Here is what new believers need to learn and here is how you can teach it to them. That is as practical as it gets !
We will begin with “Starting Well” chapter One “The Heart of a Discipler” ??
Recommended by brother george
“A guide to helping others grow in Christ”
My objective (brother george) is to help myself and others grow in Christ.
Starting Well is comprised of more than a dozen authors and topics all about Discipleship. This book “Starting Well” draws from some of the best material published in the “Discipleship Journal”. (www.navpress.com)
Introduction “A Life Well Lived” by Sue Kline tells us “it is all about never loosing the vision for helping others grow in the faith for Jesus sake. Discipling a person one on one and life on life, this requires time, heart, vision, and the Holy Spirit.”
Part One, (first four chapters) of “Starting Well” is to help the reader (Discipler) to see people with God’s eyes and love them with the heart of Jesus.
Part Two, (next eight chapters) of “Starting Well” will address the essentials needed in order to grow in a relationship with Christ. These authors tell you, Here is what new believers need to learn and here is how you can teach it to them. That is as practical as it gets !
We will begin with “Starting Well” chapter One “The Heart of a Discipler” ??
Recommended by brother george
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