follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:18–19) When Americans encounter problems, we tend to seek strategies that address pertinent similar way, Jesus pursued people. He gathered a few men, and He taught them by His words and by His example. Then He instructed them to go and do what they had seen Him model. His whole plan for growing His kingdom was anchored in relationship. Jesus told us the most important commandment of Scripture was to love God, and the second was to love people. Our relationship with God ignites the passion that propels true ministry. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah complained that he was being insulted and persecuted for calling those around him to repentance. But if he tried to stop sharing God’s messages, he said, “his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9). Information won’t produce that level of passion. That kind of fire only comes from a life-changing relationship with God. MIMBS 1 20 Wednesday—July 12•Valuing Relationships As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, issues. Other cultures pursue relationships with people who can solve the problem. In a Think of someone you know who is passionate about what he believes God has asked him to do. Ask that person what produces that level of passion in him. How can you apply that to your own life? Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 12:19–14:17, Romans 1:1–17, Psalm 9:13–20, Proverbs 19:4–5 Thursday—July 13•A Disciple Pursues a Biblical Worldview But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14–17) We all have philosophies, values and beliefs. But true discipleship calls us to make sure our worldviews align with Scripture. There are certain doctrines that are non-negotiable, like the virgin birth, the resurrection of Jesus, salvation through grace rather than personal effort, the reality that our inner choices will affect our outward behavior. The Bible clearly teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us and trains us in right thinking. On the issues that are clearly spelled out, we cannot negotiate. However, many of us look at God’s Word through specific lenses, so that issues that aren’t spelled out precisely may become non-negotiables in our own minds. Theologians have disagreed on many issues and still remained within the context of orthodoxy. It’s not wrong to form an opinion on those issues, but when you’re discipling another man, please make sure you’re helping him develop a worldview that’s truly biblical, rather than one that’s based on some sort of cultural expectation or your own tradition. Concentrate on the issues that are clearly addressed in Scripture. MIMBS 1 Today’s Scripture reminds us that Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. How have you found that to be true in your own life? Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 15:1–16:36, Romans 1:18–32, Psalm 10:1–15, Proverbs 19:6–7
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