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IEA Devo 2022 living successfully • Becoming a Disciple-Maker

Living Successfully – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

“…I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

 

Part One

Understanding God’s will and fulfilling His purpose produces lasting happiness. However, building our lives on the solid bedrock of His teaching requires our obedience! His best is always reserved for those who sincerely seek it. We must learn to trust Him in order to live successfully! The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Living with inner contentment requires the priority of choosing God’s plans rather than our own. That discipline can only be experienced by– faith. Then we can enjoy His heavenly provision! The Bible says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Jesus lovingly promised, “…My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27) This happens when we draw close to Him (see James 4:8). That means adopting His values and spiritual mission as our very own. The Lord Jesus explained this principle saying, “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

 

Part Two

In John 15:7, Jesus promised, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This lifestyle of faith was clearly seen in the Apostle Paul’s remarkable ministry. Jesus’ words abided in his heart, so he grew. Later, he revealed the secret behind his incredible prayer life when he wrote to the church in Galatia saying, “The just will live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11b)

To successfully serve the Master and fulfill your spiritual destiny, kingdom concerns must dominate your thinking. This is how the Holy Spirit’s guidance operates within us. The Bible explains, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) In reality, happiness and spiritual success are the natural by-products of kingdom centered thinking!

 

Part Three

Our thinking is the by-product of our personal faith which empowers a lifestyle of obedience. Lasting joy comes from being used by the Holy Spirit to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of those around us. This is why our service flows from a commitment to fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for our lives. When seeking to accomplish His will becomes our honest passion, then we will experience rewarding spiritual success. Embracing such a lifestyle of daily witness truly pleases God! This means that we are following our Savior’s example. Remember when He said, “… the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Each new day presents the privilege of bringing spiritual light into someone’s lonely, dark, and often purposeless existence. Our testimony about the abundant life available in Christ is the first exciting step toward bringing them – joy, security, and the assurance of a meaningful future. By faith, we must therefore prepare for each day’s new ministry by asking to be guided to those who are actively seeking the truth.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

 

By Billie Hanks Jr.

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