Happy March 2012: Discipleship and Resolution

So 2 months have gone by in 2012 and there is so much yet to be written.  Some of us have given up on our resolutions and yet still others are going strong.  Even still, this can be a time to set goals for the remainder of 2012.  Heck, let’s be bold.  Let’s set some goals that will impact the rest of our lives and the lives around us.

I had the great opportunity to go on a retreat this past weekend through Liquid Church in northern New Jersey.  I was surrounded by young adults in the age range of 19-30.  There was a diversity in background and faith experiences, but many of us still had the same questions and struggles.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150702645343523 (Video summary by Chuck Poole)

Our worship leader began the retreat by asking us to reflect on the one question we were going to asking God over the weekend.


Pastor Dave Adamson, Australian born, challenged us on the last day to be focused in our prayer and ask God for one thing in 2012.  Reflect on this while I tell you what the retreat was all about.

Disciple.  What is it?  What does it mean?  How do you know if you can label yourself as such?  These were questions we contemplated throughout the weekend as we learned how , according to the Gospels, Jesus called 12 young adults to change the world.  Can we call ourselves disciples?  Are we changing the world for God?

Disciples are people we:

• from whom we learn
• by which we are encouraged
• to whom are accountable

Disciples also demonstrate boldly through action!

• Actions do not stand alone.  They involve the word “we”.
• They maximize the power of relationships and community.
• They have a good eye, always looking for generosity
• They have a good tongue, keeping in mind the warnings of James 3.
• They work for the positive, never lying or speaking negative truths.

Finally, disciples are taught and are learners.  Disciples respect and revere their teachers, learning to be like them and learning to follow their ways.  We, as disciples of Jesus, love our teacher and will constantly seek to be like Him.  How do we do so?  By studying His Word, the Bible, and learning from others who do likewise.

Did you think of that one thing that you will ask God for in 2012?  For me, I have praises upon praises for His provisions at my current moment.  I ask God that He use my gifts to bring those around me into closer community with Him.  What is it for you?  Is it a relationship, a career focus, a family member that is struggling?

Photo thanks to treybailey.net