"What is the way God most often speaks to you?" a student from the Discipleship Training School recently asked me. Without hestitation, I immediately replied, "Through Scripture!"
God's Word is a constant light for my path. I'm amazed at how alive and sharp it is. Recently, with my favorite coffee mug in one hand and my iPad in another, my morning Bible reading became a dialogue with God.
- "And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied." (Numbers 11:25) ~ Apart from God I can do nothing! I needed this reminder today. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. Only then would they have the power to fulfill the great commission of making disciples! I'm so glad it's not about me and my ability, talent, or wisdom. "Come Holy Spirit, I need Thee"
- "Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses." (Numbers 12:1) ~ Ouch! This word hurt. Just last night, I had made a critical comment to my husband about someone else. I couldn't continue my reading without asking God to forgive me. "Create in me a clean heart, O God!"
- "Of all my house, he is the one I trust." (Numbers 12:7) ~ Wow! Can the Lord say that of me? This word made me stop and just be still before the Lord. We often talk about our need to trust the Lord, but this verse reminded me that God is looking for men and women HE can trust! "Lord, I want to be one of them."
- "Explore the land . . . see what the land is like." (Numbers 13:2 & 18) ~ What a risky move of God. He knew they'd see the good fruits and beautiful land of promise, but he also knew they'd notice the giants. We often refer to faith as walking without sight, yet in this instance the Israelites were encouraged to see the good and the bad of the land. Then they had to make a choice of what to do with what they saw. Move forward in faith or turn back in fear? What would I have chosen? Would I have deserted faith and caved into fear? Sometimes I'm like the ten spies, who didn't believe God's promise to care for them when facing the giants. However, I deeply desire to be like Joshua and Caleb, who believed God and took the promised land. "Lord, help me to trust and obey, no matter what I see!"
- "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?" (Mark 14:38) ~ I tried to stay up last night when the rest of my family retired to bed because my heart was heavy, and I felt drawn to pray. Within minutes though my body caved into sleep as well. This passage was very timely. "Oh Lord, help me to not give in to temptation! Make my spirit AND my flesh willing!!!"
- "But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love." (Psalm 52: 8) The choice of words here intrigued me. The psalmist says "thriving" not surviving, and the key to thriving is trusting! Sometimes I get stuck in survival mode, which is wearisome. I want to be one who thrives in the house of God! "Help me to never doubt Your love, Lord."
All this in one day's reading. God never ceases to amaze me. He's always wooing me to come unto Him and feed on truth.
Mind-Altering. Heart-convicting. Soul-transforming TRUTH!
In our training schools we emphasize having quiet times. It's during these moments with God, He speaks to us. Whether in our Urban DTS or in a Classic DTS at our Twin Oaks campus, spending time with God and in His Word is a central part of our discipleship. Learn more about our training schools.