(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
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Being Christian
By Stephen Arterburn & John Shore
Bethany House Publishers @ 2008
Reading & Study Recommended by george
Excellent book, very informative and written in conversational style. Some readers may find it hard to get into at first. To them I will say jump ahead. This is not a novel, you need not read in order from front to back. Sort through the index and find those questions that you want answered and then turn to the answers. After your initial questions are answered, then you may want to begin exploring where “You, God and Life are Connected.”
What does it mean to be a Christian and how do you do it ? The authors provide an introduction to Christian beliefs and practices. They give us easy to understand answers, explanations and guidance for many terms such as ; Sacraments, Baptism, Lent, Atonement, Five Solas, Advent, Epiphany, Pentecost, Lectionary, Nicene Creed, saved by grace, Born Again, Holy Spirit, etc. etc. We should really know what our faith is and how important it is to get right with God.
Whatever question about God that has been on your mind look for a answer in this book. Then discuss that information with your Pastor. If you are not presently attending a church, then this book may help guide you to a church.
Why does God allow evil to exist ?
How do I keep believing in God after tragedy ?
If God is real, why doesn’t He just prove it ?
Thought provoking questions do have answers.
Look for these and others such as; Is there any sin that is beyond forgiving ? How do I know that God loves me personally ? Yes, this would be a good book for a Bible Study Group. If you do not have one, why not start one yourself.
I acquired my copy of this book from;
Christian Book Distributors
(CBD Stock No: WW204260)
Bethany House Publishers @ 2008
Reading & Study Recommended by george
Excellent book, very informative and written in conversational style. Some readers may find it hard to get into at first. To them I will say jump ahead. This is not a novel, you need not read in order from front to back. Sort through the index and find those questions that you want answered and then turn to the answers. After your initial questions are answered, then you may want to begin exploring where “You, God and Life are Connected.”
What does it mean to be a Christian and how do you do it ? The authors provide an introduction to Christian beliefs and practices. They give us easy to understand answers, explanations and guidance for many terms such as ; Sacraments, Baptism, Lent, Atonement, Five Solas, Advent, Epiphany, Pentecost, Lectionary, Nicene Creed, saved by grace, Born Again, Holy Spirit, etc. etc. We should really know what our faith is and how important it is to get right with God.
Whatever question about God that has been on your mind look for a answer in this book. Then discuss that information with your Pastor. If you are not presently attending a church, then this book may help guide you to a church.
Why does God allow evil to exist ?
How do I keep believing in God after tragedy ?
If God is real, why doesn’t He just prove it ?
Thought provoking questions do have answers.
Look for these and others such as; Is there any sin that is beyond forgiving ? How do I know that God loves me personally ? Yes, this would be a good book for a Bible Study Group. If you do not have one, why not start one yourself.
I acquired my copy of this book from;
Christian Book Distributors
(CBD Stock No: WW204260)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Prodical Biker
There once was a Biker that owned a very large H.D.
dealership. He had two sons that ran things for him.
One day the younger son said to his dad that he was
tired of working six days a week and wanted to sell
his share of the business. After a few days he got on
his 1970 FLH, saddle bags packed, and with the bucks
from his share of the business he started across country.
As he traveled, he spent his money like it would never
run out. He made a lot of friends along the way, drugs,
booze and wild women was how he partied from day to
day. When his money finally ran out, so did his friends.
He sold his bike to buy more drugs and booze to feed
his new habit, but that didn't last as long as he would
have liked. In a short time he found himself living on
the streets, hustling change and eating from dumpsters.
About this time the recession got real bad and there
were no jobs to be found anywhere and no one would
hire him anyway.
At last he came to his senses and said, "all my father's
employees have more than they can eat and here I am
about to starve! He started hitchhiking back towards
what was once called home, but because of his heavy
guilt he figured he was not fit to be called his father's
son and he knew he could never be a partner in the
Bike Shop again. He thought when he sees his father
he would say to him, "Father, I have sinned against
God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called
your son; treat me as one of your employees.
As he was getting closer to the Bike Shop, his father
saw him walking still a long way off and his heart was
filled with pity. He ran to meet him and grabbed him
tight with a hug. "Father,' the son said, "I have sinned
against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be
called your son. But the father called out to one of his
workers and said, "get my son some clean clothes and
go to the butcher and get the best steaks he has, so we
can celebrate the return of my son. This son of mine
was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now has
been found !
And so the party began. In the mean time, the older
son was out getting a shipment of Harleys, and as he
was coming near the shop, he heard loud music and
people partying, so he asked one of the mechanics "
what's going on? " your brother has come back,' he said "
and your father is throwing a party with steaks and
everything because he got him back safe and sound.
The older brother was so angry that he would not go
into the shop, so his father came out and begged him
to come in. Copping an attitude, the son said, "Look,
all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and
I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you
given me? Not even hamburgers to party with my
friends! But this son of yours wasted all he was given
on booze, drugs and whores, but, when becomes back,
you throw him a party with steaks and everything! The
father said to his son, "listen, you are always here with
me, and everything I have is yours. But, we had to
celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead,
but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.
Listen brother, you may feel "what does this all have to
do with me anyway? A lot! you see we have all screwed
up (sinned) against God the Father and have fallen short
of his plans for us. It started back in the beginning with
Adam and Eve. They screwed up (the first sin) when they
did what the devil wanted and disobeyed what the Father
wanted them to do. To this very day we are still doing our
own thing.
In this story, we are like the younger son, who went out to
do his own thing, his own way and soon found out that life
is not one big party, like him we can't blame anyone but
ourselves, the father didn't stop his son because like him
we all have a free will to do whatever we want. Just like
the son in this story, we need a way out of our mess. The
only way out is to go back to the Father through His son
Jesus Christ. Only through His son Jesus, can we be put
right with the Father and have all our sins (screw ups)
forgiven.
FIRST: We must admit we are sinners (screwed up)
SECOND: That we are sorry for all we have done wrong.
THIRD: Ask Jesus to come into my life and be not only
Savior but Lord of it.
FOURTH: Stop doing whatever is screwing up your life as
Jesus gives you the strength to do so
FIFTH: Start reading God's word (the Bible) and hanging
around other brothers who have been REDEEMED by the
Blood of JESUS!
Just pray this prayer and really mean it and you will be
Redeemed. "Lord Jesus, I believed You died for my sins
and rose from the dead. Please forgive me and saved me
from my sins. Cleanse in your Blood and come into my
heart. Thank You Lord , Amen
If you have prayed this prayer please e-mail, write or
call so we can stay in contact with each other and ride for
the "Son" and ride forever free.
The LORD JESUS CHRIST says to the members of
REDEEMED M.M., "Tell the Bikers to come to Me” So
we are doing what the LORD says. To all Bikers every-
where, in the Name of JESUS, you are personally invited
to turn off the highways of darkness and turn onto the
road of light. To come into a personal relationship with
the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only One that can saved
you from "the wages of sin which leads to death"
"Prodigal Biker" Paraphrased From the Book of
LUKE 15:11-32 By Rev. "Big D" Dzwonek Copyright 1989
dealership. He had two sons that ran things for him.
One day the younger son said to his dad that he was
tired of working six days a week and wanted to sell
his share of the business. After a few days he got on
his 1970 FLH, saddle bags packed, and with the bucks
from his share of the business he started across country.
As he traveled, he spent his money like it would never
run out. He made a lot of friends along the way, drugs,
booze and wild women was how he partied from day to
day. When his money finally ran out, so did his friends.
He sold his bike to buy more drugs and booze to feed
his new habit, but that didn't last as long as he would
have liked. In a short time he found himself living on
the streets, hustling change and eating from dumpsters.
About this time the recession got real bad and there
were no jobs to be found anywhere and no one would
hire him anyway.
At last he came to his senses and said, "all my father's
employees have more than they can eat and here I am
about to starve! He started hitchhiking back towards
what was once called home, but because of his heavy
guilt he figured he was not fit to be called his father's
son and he knew he could never be a partner in the
Bike Shop again. He thought when he sees his father
he would say to him, "Father, I have sinned against
God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called
your son; treat me as one of your employees.
As he was getting closer to the Bike Shop, his father
saw him walking still a long way off and his heart was
filled with pity. He ran to meet him and grabbed him
tight with a hug. "Father,' the son said, "I have sinned
against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be
called your son. But the father called out to one of his
workers and said, "get my son some clean clothes and
go to the butcher and get the best steaks he has, so we
can celebrate the return of my son. This son of mine
was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now has
been found !
And so the party began. In the mean time, the older
son was out getting a shipment of Harleys, and as he
was coming near the shop, he heard loud music and
people partying, so he asked one of the mechanics "
what's going on? " your brother has come back,' he said "
and your father is throwing a party with steaks and
everything because he got him back safe and sound.
The older brother was so angry that he would not go
into the shop, so his father came out and begged him
to come in. Copping an attitude, the son said, "Look,
all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and
I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you
given me? Not even hamburgers to party with my
friends! But this son of yours wasted all he was given
on booze, drugs and whores, but, when becomes back,
you throw him a party with steaks and everything! The
father said to his son, "listen, you are always here with
me, and everything I have is yours. But, we had to
celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead,
but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.
Listen brother, you may feel "what does this all have to
do with me anyway? A lot! you see we have all screwed
up (sinned) against God the Father and have fallen short
of his plans for us. It started back in the beginning with
Adam and Eve. They screwed up (the first sin) when they
did what the devil wanted and disobeyed what the Father
wanted them to do. To this very day we are still doing our
own thing.
In this story, we are like the younger son, who went out to
do his own thing, his own way and soon found out that life
is not one big party, like him we can't blame anyone but
ourselves, the father didn't stop his son because like him
we all have a free will to do whatever we want. Just like
the son in this story, we need a way out of our mess. The
only way out is to go back to the Father through His son
Jesus Christ. Only through His son Jesus, can we be put
right with the Father and have all our sins (screw ups)
forgiven.
FIRST: We must admit we are sinners (screwed up)
SECOND: That we are sorry for all we have done wrong.
THIRD: Ask Jesus to come into my life and be not only
Savior but Lord of it.
FOURTH: Stop doing whatever is screwing up your life as
Jesus gives you the strength to do so
FIFTH: Start reading God's word (the Bible) and hanging
around other brothers who have been REDEEMED by the
Blood of JESUS!
Just pray this prayer and really mean it and you will be
Redeemed. "Lord Jesus, I believed You died for my sins
and rose from the dead. Please forgive me and saved me
from my sins. Cleanse in your Blood and come into my
heart. Thank You Lord , Amen
If you have prayed this prayer please e-mail, write or
call so we can stay in contact with each other and ride for
the "Son" and ride forever free.
The LORD JESUS CHRIST says to the members of
REDEEMED M.M., "Tell the Bikers to come to Me” So
we are doing what the LORD says. To all Bikers every-
where, in the Name of JESUS, you are personally invited
to turn off the highways of darkness and turn onto the
road of light. To come into a personal relationship with
the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only One that can saved
you from "the wages of sin which leads to death"
"Prodigal Biker" Paraphrased From the Book of
LUKE 15:11-32 By Rev. "Big D" Dzwonek Copyright 1989
Why it's hard to love Jesus
Author Joseph M. Stowell
Moody Publisher @ 2003
Worthy of Study & Recommended by george
Stowell’s writing is very easy reading. He uses
parables and short stories you can relate too and
remember. Stowell does not use scripture out of
context. This author shows his human side as he
is also traveling with us on this earthly journey.
My heart was grabbed very early in this book.(pg 52)
Stowell’s dad would tell him to spend some time on
Saturdays weeding in the garden. Stowell tells us
if he could go back, he would gladly serve him in
the garden and with a heart of devotion. Now the
weeding would be a great way to tell him;
“ Thanks for all you have done. I love you ! “
and his dad would know that he loved him more than
words could offer.
The same is true in our relationship with Jesus.
Those thoughts brought thoughts of my love for my
own father and my heavenly Father . I get choked
up and watery eyes, when ever I think of all the
love that they have shared with me. I am among
those “forgiven-much” and I have a lot more weeding
to do. How about you ?
Towards the end of this book (chapter eleven)
Stowell relates the great closing movie scene of
“Schindler’s List”. Schindler is now bidding
farewell to a group of Jews that he has saved from
the Holocaust. He looks at his beautiful car and
says “ I could have done more, I should have sold
this car. It would have been ten more if I sold this
car. This scene is closing with him weeping, because
he could have rescued more.
When we have a choice between our comfort and loving
Jesus, and as our scene is closing, how do we want to
stand before Jesus ? Will we be weeping and saying
that we could have rescued more, we could have done more ?
Our love for Jesus is revealed in how we live. Every
choice is about staying in love with Him. And the reason
“Why it’s hard to love Jesus” is that we must actually
practice the love for our Christ.
My awareness that I have been “forgiven-much” is my
motivation to love Him much. How about you ?
Moody Publisher @ 2003
Worthy of Study & Recommended by george
Stowell’s writing is very easy reading. He uses
parables and short stories you can relate too and
remember. Stowell does not use scripture out of
context. This author shows his human side as he
is also traveling with us on this earthly journey.
My heart was grabbed very early in this book.(pg 52)
Stowell’s dad would tell him to spend some time on
Saturdays weeding in the garden. Stowell tells us
if he could go back, he would gladly serve him in
the garden and with a heart of devotion. Now the
weeding would be a great way to tell him;
“ Thanks for all you have done. I love you ! “
and his dad would know that he loved him more than
words could offer.
The same is true in our relationship with Jesus.
Those thoughts brought thoughts of my love for my
own father and my heavenly Father . I get choked
up and watery eyes, when ever I think of all the
love that they have shared with me. I am among
those “forgiven-much” and I have a lot more weeding
to do. How about you ?
Towards the end of this book (chapter eleven)
Stowell relates the great closing movie scene of
“Schindler’s List”. Schindler is now bidding
farewell to a group of Jews that he has saved from
the Holocaust. He looks at his beautiful car and
says “ I could have done more, I should have sold
this car. It would have been ten more if I sold this
car. This scene is closing with him weeping, because
he could have rescued more.
When we have a choice between our comfort and loving
Jesus, and as our scene is closing, how do we want to
stand before Jesus ? Will we be weeping and saying
that we could have rescued more, we could have done more ?
Our love for Jesus is revealed in how we live. Every
choice is about staying in love with Him. And the reason
“Why it’s hard to love Jesus” is that we must actually
practice the love for our Christ.
My awareness that I have been “forgiven-much” is my
motivation to love Him much. How about you ?
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