Tag: Christ’s disciple

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John Devotionals

That everything I do would be pleasing to you

Man and woman praying

There were many words that hit my heart this morning. Perhaps none more so than verse 29 when Jesus said, “I always do what pleases the Father.”

I wish I could say that.

But there were other words too.

If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)

Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. (34-36)

…my teaching makes no progress among you. (37, NET)

The one who is from God listens to God’s words. (47)

I honor my Father and you dishonor me. (49)

And so my prayer for the day.

Lord Jesus, I want to be like you. I wish I could say with you that all I do pleases the Father. But that is not so. There are many things I do that are displeasing to him.

Forgive me. Help me to never dishonor the Father or you by my words or my actions.

Instead, let there always be room in my heart for your Word. Let it progress in my heart. Help me to understand it better. Not only that, help me to obey it better.

Help me to be like Abraham, listening to the truth of your Word, believing and accepting the truth, and following the truth.

Jesus, thank you for your grace. Because of you, I am no longer a slave to sin. By your blood shed on the cross, you have set me free. Thank you for making me a child of God.

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Acts Devotionals

Our Lord and his disciple

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”

“Here I am, Lord,” he replied. (Acts 9:10)

One of the amazing things to me is that though Jesus has millions of disciples, he knows each one by name. We are not just nameless faces to him. He knows and calls us by name.

Ananias was far from a famous Christian. This is the only time we ever hear his name in the Bible, except for when Paul talks about him in his testimony in chapter 22.

But Jesus knew Ananias and called him by name.

But the other thing that strikes me is Ananias’ attitude toward his Lord.

Jesus called him, and he immediately answered, “Here I am.” He was always available to his Lord.

And though he didn’t always understand his Lord’s orders, he ultimately said, “Yes, Lord.”

That’s the kind of disciple I want to be, available to my Lord, and saying, “Yes, Lord” to whatever he asks of me.

How about you?

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Isaiah Devotionals

Following our Lord’s example

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens me each morning; he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back. (Isaiah 50:4-5)

In a lot of ways, Jesus fulfilled the words found in verses 4-7. (Mark 1:35-38; Luke 9:51; John 12:23-33; Matthew 26:67; John 19:1-3)

But it is his example in verses 4-5 that I especially want to follow this year and every year.

I want to have the tongue of a disciple of Christ, able to sustain the weary with a word.

But if I’m going to do that, I need to have the ears of a disciple of Christ, listening to my Lord, giving him my time each morning.

More importantly, I need the heart of a disciple of Christ, submitting to him as my Lord moment to moment, day to day,

Father, give me the ears of a disciple of Christ, listening to your voice. Give me the tongue of a disciple of Christ, giving the weary your words of life. Give me the heart of a disciple of Christ, submitting to Jesus as Lord, moment to moment, day to day.

Jesus, I want to be like you. Amen.