Did you know that in many places around the world, prayer is considered a one-way conversation? In fact, when we think about prayer, we often first think about speaking, asking, enquiring, petitioning, or complaining to God. But, do we think about listening prayer?

However, prayer involves both sharing and listening! In fact, its relational.

The Bible is full of expressions and experiences in which God spoke. A few of those examples include;

We consider the Bible as the written Word of God and Jesus to be the visible expression of God’s Word.

First is “logos” which is normally used to refer to the written Word of God or scripture. The second is “rhema” which is usually associated with a fresh Holy Spirit revealed in the moment. Consequently, sometimes God uses scripture (logos), nature, another person, or even His Spirit within us to communicate these “rhema” words.

In fact, both Jesus and Paul encouraged us to believe that God speaks to us in the present to give and sustain life!

Matthew 4:4 is the account of the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. He was tempted to turn stones into bread, He answered:
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every (rhema) word that comes from the mouth of God.“

And, Paul also communicates this truth to the Hebrew Christians, Hebrews 1:1-3:

In the past spoke to our ancestors through the prophets many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful (rhema) word.

In fact, the primary way to hear from God is by spending time in God’s written (logos) word. Consequently, the Holy Spirit encourages our heart with a fresh life-giving (rhema) word specific for that day and season of our life.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

If we want to hear God’s “Rhema” to us, it is important that we:

Did you know that God speaks in a variety of ways? Here are some of the ways people hear from God are:

Friend, don’t dismiss a thought or picture in unbelief. In fact, God uses many unusual ways of communicating. Just read some of ways He communicated in scripture! Many times the more unusual the word or picture, the more you know it wasn’t something you would have thought up!

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.” 
– Mark 4:3-7

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become ^[f]one flock with one Shepherd. 
– John 10:14-16

So, do you want to hear from God? Do you need his guidance in your life today? Do you believe that wants to speak to you today? Read God’s Word and allow his words to comfort you, guide you, and instruct your life.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The church is so many things to so many people. A house for people who have nowhere else to go. A sanctuary for those who need to escape the world around them. A foundation for people seeking to help others. And for some, it is a place where they can learn and share Jesus’ words around the world.

Indeed, any ordinary person can become an extraordinary influence in this world by being a beacon of Christ’s teachings. The Christian Church isn’t just for Christians; it’s a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of religious background, race, or sin.

Jesus didn’t just teach His followers in the temples; He taught them in the markets, towns, fields, and anywhere else He went. His disciples weren’t just the twelve men who followed Him around. In addition to the men and women who traveled with Jesus, He taught the ordinary people who wanted to learn.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” – Jesus in Luke 16:16-17

Jesus was a carpenter, not a priest. He didn’t have a doctorate in theology or ministry. He was a teacher, and He taught anyone who wanted to learn the word of the Lord. He taught children. He taught adults. He taught His disciples. And He taught people who weren’t His disciples, but who came along, curious to hear more. In fact, most of the Bible was not written by the twelve disciples. Many of the Bible’s greatest stories were told by people who didn’t meet Jesus face to face.

Even today, Jesus’ teachings can be spread by anyone. It only takes one ordinary person who wants to share God’s word with another to become a beacon of influence, like the disciples of old.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

For anyone who is interested in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, the church is a great place to start. Take what you know of the Bible and teach it to others. You can use your voice and share His message in song. Use your hands and volunteer to help the needy. Or, you can join one of the thousands of ministries worldwide and lead others in their faith.

We live in a busy, noisy, and dirty world. It’s a strange world where the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and everyone else pays the middleman just to get by. Making the world a better place starts with our beliefs, our friends, and in our families.

That is why we love the church so much. It’s a place where people come together to be changed, a place where anyone and everyone is accepted, and where you can learn about God, love for one another, and all of His ways to love and care for the world and us.

The world may have changed since the earlier days, yet the Christian Church hasn’t. It’s still a place where anyone is welcome and where anyone can learn how to share His love and message with others.

The church isn’t just a place where people go to hear the teachings of Jesus; it is a place where they can learn how to share those teachings with others. What once was, is no longer. What was, is now. And what will be, is yet to be. The world may experience many shifts, but God’s words are constant.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As Global Disciples, we want to see people around the world have the opportunity to choose and follow Jesus Christ. So we get excited when local churches in other countries catch the vision for reaching those still without the Gospel in their own region.

Cho is a church leader in Myanmar—or Burma—who shares our vision. His church is focused on reaching the Buddhist population in a developing city close to them.

“Our hearts were touched by the Holy Spirit,” Cho reported, “and our vision is to reach these people. Their spiritual eyes are blind and they live in a city that has a very dark spirit.”

With the help of Global Disciples, Cho has started a discipleship-mission training program. During the training, he saw the Holy Spirit work in the lives of those who participated. They found their spiritual lives transformed and renewed. Cho said, “They committed their whole lives to Jesus, to share the Good News in least-reached areas.”

For their outreach, Cho and these young disciple-makers went to the city they were concerned about. They shared the Gospel in the local market and the Buddhist temple. He reported, “We talked to families, spoke with women and children, and taught them songs and Bible stories.”

Some people objected, including the local chief. Cho said, “They called us into their office and warned us not to preach anymore. But we went out with our group and kept sharing the Gospel!”

As a result, two new churches were planted and 17 new believers were added. Cho was also rejoicing, saying “This has transformed our church people—they now value the spiritual lives of unreached people, and they are eager and committed to reaching them with the Good News of Jesus.”

Catching the vision, training and sending out workers for the spiritual harvest, and then multiplying new followers of Jesus Christ. That’s exactly what we want to see as Global Disciples!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Is it okay to complain to God about the injustices in society?

One of the most solemn prayers of triumph is made by Habakkuk when he complained about the injustices in society. After complaining about the worldly trials and tribulations, he ends his prayer with professed confidence in God. In fact, He acknowledges that there is no greater power than God.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. – 2 Corinthians 2:14

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossians 2:15

The Romans gave a military procession of triumph to a conqueror. One qualification was that the victory put a complete end to the war with no enemies remaining. In the procession the conqueror would ride in a chariot pulled with four horses. Consequently, all the temples was covered with flowers and incense was lit on all the altars. The city greeted the victor with a cloud of aroma.

In the same way, the victory of Jesus at the cross was complete. All enemies including Satan, sin, and death were defeated. We pray as Jesus taught us that His will would be done on earth just as in heaven. The victory is complete in heaven and now we walk and pray in that understanding. We are the trophies of His victory. Our lives and prayers continually go forth as a cloud of sweet-smelling aroma to Jesus and a stench to Satan.

This dream is a testimony to the mission of Global Disciples. In fact, we walk by faith to bring the gospel to God’s people and give them the good news that the battle for their salvation has already been won.

The Bible reveals to us the story of the victory of God. Throughout its pages, we read of the ongoing work to defeat the forces of evil. Nowhere in the Bible does evil have the final victory. Hebrews 11 reminds us that even those who have lost their lives because of faith in God do not, in the end, suffer defeat. They experience glorious victory in the life to come. 

Whenever you pray, remind yourself that you are praying to Jesus who has completely destroyed the work of the enemy. The victory ALREADY belongs to us!

Pray with confidence through faith and belief in our salvation and that no evil will prevail against us . “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God”  –   1 John 5:4-5     

Pray with confidence through worshiping and glorifying His name. By doing this we are sharing God’s victory and glory with all the nations– “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to SHARING God’s glory” – Romans 5:2

As a Christians, we cannot let worldly trials and tribulations make us feel defeated.

We need to walk with bold confidence and endure life’s challenges and ordeals in our stride. It pales in comparison to the victory we have in Christ.

Encourage family, friends, co-worker to remember that God is ultimately in control, we just need to walk in his Glory. God’s ways are not our ways, yet He can be trusted, even when things seem out of control. God loves us and only wants the best for us. It is NOT our job to understand what God is doing. It is our job to trust Him and have the confidence that the battle is won.

Let’s come together in agreement and stand on the powerful Word of God. As we pray let’s remember that we are the trophies of His victory. Our lives and prayers continually go forth as a cloud of sweet-smelling aroma to Jesus and a stench to Satan and his demons. 

When we pray, we must pray with great confidence and expectation, with the confidence that Jesus has defeated the devil’s works and God’s power is supreme. Let us be bold to ask for change, for intervention, for healing, because we know there is absolute power in prayer. Nothing is impossible for our mighty God. He has won the battle. Amen.

When we give thanks, praise, and worship, let us do so with the knowledge of WHO we are giving our thanks, praise, and worship to – the Creator of Heaven and Earth, God Almighty, let us feel the power of our words in honoring His name.

Pray with people to encourage them, in their everyday lives, to walk with confidence as they claim victory of the battle against good and evil. God has already won the battle for us – we are victorious in His name. We must pray and walk by faith that God will use us to bring His people running toward Him, just like in the dream from 20 years ago.

Let us consider the prayer of triumph that Habakkuk sang before the Lord where he acknowledges the trials and tribulations of the world yet he continues to rejoice in his salvation – “Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:1).

I invite you all to take their trials and tribulations to the Lord in prayer and thank Him that the battle has been fought on our behalf and the victory belongs to us, His beloved children.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“There are many people who honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain because they teach human rules as doctrines.” – Matthew 15:8-9

When it comes to showing your faith in Jesus Christ, there’s often a pressure or fear that others will be quick to judge your words or faith. You may feel like you’re put under the spotlight, with no witty comeback, no solid argument, or a satisfying answer to questions.

Sharing the gospel isn’t about defending your faith to other people, but about giving your faith to the world. There’s not always a “right” answer when it comes to sharing your faith, but here are a few ways to help you with sharing the good news (or gospel) of Jesus Christ.

There’s rarely a time when you need to “defend” your faith to someone else because it’s not meant to be defended. Your faith is something you harbour within your heart, not by guarding it, but by giving it freely to the world.

When you feel like you’re being put under pressure, trying to “defend” your faith will only cause you to become protective and defensive, which might work against to those you’re trying to share the gospel with.

Don’t let the words of other people cause you to think you’re not a believer, but instead allow your own words to show your faith to the world.

Life is about communication, and how we share our faith with the world is no different. It’s can feel like you and the person you’re talking with are opposite sides of a magnet–each repelling the other.

When you initiate the conversation, and the other person might not be so welcoming, that’s okay. Don’t get hung up on trying to correct their ways, but remember the main goal of sharing your faith is to make a connection with a person and show them your faith, what it means for your life, and what faith in Jesus can be for them.

Sharing your faith isn’t about forcing your beliefs on someone, but showing them what Jesus offers among the variety of beliefs in our world. When you understand what topics interest people, you’ll also be able to see things or concepts that help you connect with a deeper faith-related conversation.

Don’t shut your doors on learning what someone has to share with you. If there’s a topic that interests you, be ready to ask questions. Don’t shy away from exploring another person’s interests, and they will in turn be more open to what you have to say about yours.

Sharing your faith is about building relationships with the world. Your faith isn’t about you, but about God and how you can share His love with the world. When you start to see it from that point of view, taking the time to share your faith and having the confidence to do so will be easier than what you expect.

How can we help you share your faith more effectively?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As we hear the Good News stories about how God is at work, we can never underestimate Gods choice to accomplish His mission.

Meet Kiran. Kiran works in Nepal. In fact, part of his job is to train and mentor the leaders who direct discipleship-mission training programs.

He went to visit a church that wanted to start a training. He was surprised to see who they had chosen as a director. Kiran said, “I saw a young man—only 22 years old—and I was disappointed. I expected someone mature, like the pastor!”

This young man comes from a group of 35 churches and they decided he was the man for the job!

Since the young man started their training program, he’s trained five groups of disciple-makers—that’s about 75 people! And they’ve planted 8 churches, with between 60 to 90 members.

During one training, some people in the village heard about it and brought a paralyzed woman to them for prayer. When their prayers were answered, the woman was healed. Consequently, her family accepted Christ and became hosts for one of the new churches!

Evidently, God was not worried about the age of this young leader, even if Kiran was!

Kiran also told of a woman who came for small business training to provide support as she helped to plant a church. However, she was shy and felt awkward talking to people in Nepali, which was her second language. But her tailoring business required her to talk to people!

A year later, Kiran said, “I was amazed to hear she had started two new fellowships with about 16 to 18 people attending. And 13 are getting ready for baptism!”

You know, it doesn’t matter if you think you’re too young, too old, too shy, or afraid…never underestimate what God can do with you! Who knows what He may empower you to accomplish? And who you may surprise along the way.

What excuses have you been making about your inability to be used by God?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING we can do as leaders is to provide clarity for the people we lead. We must be absolutely clear about why we are doing what we do, what is important to our organization, and how we will go about accomplishing our mission. Learn about the Global Disciples Approach to equip leaders and empower communities through discipleship and leadership.

This clarity will allow us to see even greater results from our ministry activities. And it will lead to a healthier organization. God has accomplished phenomenal things through Global Disciples in the last 27-plus years.

We are often reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah. “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us” (Isaiah 26:12).

It’s remarkable to see what God has done through the clusters of churches we equip to train and send out their workers to least-reached areas. Since 2008 we have seen more than 27,000 new churches planted and over 600,100 new believers come to faith in Jesus Christ, disciples, and involved in new fellowships—most of which are located in Gospel-deprived areas.

By God’s grace, the truth of His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit, more has been accomplished than we imagined possible. In all this we want God to receive all the glory and credit He deserves!

As Global Disciples moves forward, we have developed the Global Disciples Arena which outlines the four areas where total clarity is essential:

       1. Our Mission: Why we do what we do and what we are accomplishing by God’s grace.

       2. Our Core Values: Who we are and our pattern of relating. This is the ethos or DNA we need to accomplish our mission.

       3. Our Guiding Principles: How we are committed to operating and carrying out our mission.

       4. Our Central Focus: What we need to be doing day in and day out to accomplish our mission.

When we have clarity in these areas, our Global Disciples team is empowered to make decisions aligned with our core convictions. In the process, it also provides a high level of accountability for everyone on our team. As leaders, we want clarity so that healthy and productive people know how to make their best contribution within this organization.

The Global Disciples arena is a simple tool we are introducing here. It will allow for better alignment around our ministry philosophy and approach. We believe that by clearly defining our arena of ministry, it will:

Empower our personnel to make good decisions,

Provide accountability among our team members,

Allow us to better assess alignment and effectiveness,

Make it easier for people to understand Global Disciples,

Help recruit and equip people who share our convictions.

 We also want to define our training model or strategy. Let’s call this our Global Disciples Approach.

We seek to provide a clear picture of the three phases of training—discipleship-mission, small business development, and leadership—working cohesively together to accomplish our mission.

May we be faithful in the mission to which we have been called until “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Discover how prayer is a struggle with God, leading to transformation and a deeper understanding of God’s power.

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you. That you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Herapolis.” Colossians 4:12

I grew up wrestling with my dad.  He wrestled in high school and taught us the basic holds and throws on our living room floor.  Eventually, my brother and I were matched up against each other. But he was in a different weight and muscle category than me.  He had a lean, six-foot-four-inch frame with 230 lbs of raw, farm-boy power.  I was a wirey, 220 lbs spread over a 6’7”.   There were times when I could hold my own with him as long as the match was controlled. I really didn’t know how much he was holding back until one day when discovered his true strength.

It was an after-school arrival at an empty house and we were both getting on each other’s nerves. Pushing and shoving led to me throwing wild punches.  In the chaos of the moment, one of my flailing fists connected with the back of his head.  In a rage, he grabbed me and tossed me into the air. I felt my whole body elevate and then take flight toward the kitchen window. Just before my head connected with the glass, I grabbed hold of the kitchen counter and brought myself to a halt.   

The brief encounter gave me a new respect for my brother’s strength. It changed my understanding of our relationship. 

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul tells the believers that Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you”. The metaphor of wrestling beautifully captures an important aspect of discipleship of every believer. 

Prayer is a struggle with God on behalf of others and often a struggle with Him about our circumstances that leads to our transformation. The benefit of spiritual wrestling, like my physical wrestling match with my brother, is that we discover God’s power in a deeper way than we ever knew before.  Through the struggle of prayer, information that we have in our heads about God travels down to our hearts and souls.

Jacob’s story in Genesis illustrates what it means to wrestle with God and be transformed by Him.  While Jacob’s wrestle with God is one of the most famous stories in the book of Genesis, it is also one of the most mysterious.  The narrative is set in the midst of a long conflict with his brother Esau.  Jacob has decided to return to his homeland after living with his uncle for many years.  Messengers have just returned to Jacob with a message that his brother Esau is coming toward him with 400 men. Sure that his brother has come to attack him, Jacob fears for the safety of his family. 

These emotions are understandable given Jacob’s past life.  Before these twin boys were born, God spoke to their mother, Rebekah, and told her that, “Two nations are in your womb…one will be stronger than the other and the older will serve the younger.” Jacob, being the younger twin, who was prophesied to be stronger and rule his brother does not pursue these promises in faith.  Instead, he attempts to ensure they are fulfilled by resorting to manipulation and deception. First, he swindles his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:27-34) for a meal.  Then he tricks his father into blessing him by dressing up as his brother (Genesis 27).  The effects of this con-artistry are predictable, Esau’s anger boils over and Jacob needs to run for his life to his uncle Laban’s house.

Fear, then, is the natural response to meeting his brother for the first time since stealing his blessing.  Eager to avert the anger of his brother, Jacob devises a plan to appease his brother by sending gifts ahead to him.  However, as he camps that night by the Jabbok river, he comes to the realization that no amount of coercion or manipulation will not get him out of this mess.

The tension of this moment is perfectly captured by his prayer just before he wrestles with God,  “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me and also the mothers with their children.  But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted’” (Genesis 32:11-12).  God’s promise is set in tension to Jacob’s dire circumstances. Jacob puzzles at how God’s promise will be fulfilled in the face of impending doom. 

That night as Jacob attempts to sleep, “a man” who is later called “God” (Genesis 32:28) wrestles with him late into the night.  Jacob wrestles so hard that the man cannot seem to overpower him at first.  As they entered the last round of their match, the man suddenly dislocated Jacob’s hip by touching it.  Shocked by this sudden display of power, Jacob hangs on desperately insisting that the Man bless him.  God then gives him a new name, “Israel” meaning “God fights” or “Fights with God” and does bless him. This new name is the marker of a new identity and a transformed life.  From this point forward, Israel walks with a limp.  Rather than relying on his own strength and manipulation skills, Jacob must now rely on God’s power to fulfill His purpose. 

What God did for Jacob he wants to do for us today.  He wants to transform us into his likeness. In order for us to follow Him, we need to give up control of our lives. We need to deeply believe that it is the cross of Christ that has purchased a blessing for us and not our own work. God’s wrath has been turned away by His mercy and He has promised to bless us eternally in Christ.  This surrender is not an easy one and it may require several rounds with the Almighty in order to fully submit to His purposes but as we learn to trust and follow Jesus we will experience his blessing on our lives and the lives of others. 

Finally, wrestling is not only about personal transformation, it is about seeing others fully transformed into devoted followers of Jesus. Ephaphas wrestles on behalf of the Colossians so that they stand firm in the will of God and become mature and fully assured. 

Is there a person in your life today that you need to wrestle with God for?

So often when we think of discipleship, we think of teaching or doing something to help others.  However, we see in this passage that discipling others also involves working for them in the unseen realm. As we do the work of wrestling in prayer, God waits to bless us and those in our community.  

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Have you ever thought about discipleship and what it means? What it means for you, defines how you live. 

Discipleship can improve every aspect of your life when you practice it well, allowing you to walk in your true identity as sons and daughters of God.

The Greek word for discipleship is mathēteuō (pronounced math-ayt-yoo’-o) and literally means to make disciples. The word is used in the context of being a disciple of one, following His precepts and instruction, making disciples, teaching, to instructing.

In our Previous Blog, “What is Discipleship? (Part 1)” we started unpacking what Christian discipleship looks like.

Discipleship is a process; it is a journey.

In Matthew 4-18-20, Jesus’ call to those first disciples was to come and “follow Me”. A simple call with incredible obligations. To follow Jesus meant to be His disciple, to accept Him as their Master, to accept Him as their Teacher, and to walk the same path of life that He would.

Jesus’ call to discipleship hasn’t changed and still requires a surrendering of our agenda to His, an acceptance to follow His ways rather than ours, complete obedience to the word of God, daily pursuit of Christ, and attentiveness to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship is a return to the basics of what it means to be a Christian and follower of Christ. Learning how to be a disciple ourselves is the foundation of our understanding of discipleship. To model being a disciple in our own lives lays the foundation for us to be able to help others in their discipleship journey.

Discipleship is a crucial and necessary part of our growth as Christians. It works best when we commit to the Lordship of Christ giving Jesus full ownership of what is rightfully his.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.
– Romans 10:8-10

Romans 10:9 is often used as the foundational scripture of what it means to commit to Jesus. But what does it means to confess that Jesus is Lord?

The following examples are just a few ways we can walk out our discipleship journey well

Discipleship is an active process. It cannot be forced, but it is something that one has to pursue. At the same time, discipleship is a natural process. If a person is truly and fully converted, then, like a child, they will grow into their belief and become more committed to their faith and desire to share that faith.

Yet, many people in the Christian Faith are not considered disciples. They are not actively involved or engaged in doing something for the Lord. Christ is not the center of their daily lives, nor is he their focus. Those who desire to be disciples must learn to be committed to God and His purpose. They must understand that it is their job to spread the word of God and to help others to understand what it means to be a Christian.

There are many ways in which a person can be a disciple. Some have chosen to pursue the ministry and are spreading the word to others; others are working as leaders in the church, recruiting and training new members to help strengthen the church and create a strong foundation for the future. Many have the desire to teach but do not have the opportunity to do so, so they search for other areas where they can make a difference. Some devote themselves to helping others, in whatever capacity they are allowed to do so, and they serve that role faithfully and diligently.

To be a disciple is to be truly devoted to Christ and his word. It is a life-long process that is necessary for all Christians. And it is a commitment. A disciple is constantly striving to be better, serve Christ more and in whatever capacity they are called, and they can do so. 

The Christian Faith is a journey of discovery. Each believer must be willing to search for the truth of the Word and learn and grow from that truth. It is about finding out who Christ is and how he and his word can shape their lives. About learning how to serve God so that one can truly and fully devote themselves to spreading the word of God and helping others to find the joy and peace that comes from the source. It is about learning how to share the word so that others can understand.

Discipleship is a key part of being a Christian. It is a necessary element of serving God and reaching out to others. It is a process of learning, growing, and living. Indeed, each follower must commit to being a follower of Christ, not just in word but in action.

It is about becoming something more, something better, something more dedicated and devoted.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Explore what Christian meditation is, and how hearing Gods voice is crucial for disciples of Jesus to practice.

Christian meditation is reflecting on God, on His character, and on His Word. It is the prayerful reading of the Bible with our ears open wide, and pondering on it. (Isaiah 30:21; John 8:47; John 10:27). That is why meditation requires a quiet place and time. In Psalm 1 we read that the one blessed of God is he who delights in the law of God and meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2).

Meditation involves detaching ourselves from the controlling and hindering influences of the world and attaching to the living God through Christ to experience the sufficiency of the Savior and reach out to a hurting world in need of the living Christ. Meditating on the Word of God and responding in obedience, will give us success and make us prosperous (Joshua 1:8). Psalm 143:5 says: I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.

How often do we take quality time to meditate on God, his goodness, faithfulness, and His Word?  

Time and patience are important elements of effective meditation. Effective meditation requires a quiet place and time. Meditating on the Word, internalizing and personalizing it, is a crucial part of Disciples of Christ. It becomes part of the means by which we can bring every thought captive to Christ. In Psalm 119, we read that the Psalmist meditating on the Word of God beyond circumstances:  

V. 15: I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways 

V. 23: Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees 

V. 27: Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 

V. 48: I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.  

V. 78: … but I will meditate on your precepts.  

V. 97: Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 

V. 99: I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 

V. 148: My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.  

In the same way we need to meditate on the Scripture day and night and respond in the way it glorifies God.  

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Again Psalm 104:34 says: Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; as for me, I shall be glad in the Lord. From these two verses, it is clear that there are times when our meditation can be unacceptable and displeasing to the Lord. So we need to understand the word we are meditating on well and respond to it according to what the Holy Spirit revealed to us. In such a way our meditation will become acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.  

Intimate friends always listen to one another to understand each other. The same is true in our relationship with God.

Learning to hear God is essential to knowing Him (1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; John 10:10-11, John 10:27; 1 Kings 19:11-12). We must develop the habit of stillness in order to have an intimate relationship with a living God (Psalm 46:10). We can’t hear what God is speaking when there is a loud noise inside of us. Jesus said, “Enter into your room and shut the door” (Matthew 6:6). When we shut that door, we get direction about how to proceed in the midst of what’s going on. We must practice being present to God. We are to wait on Him, worship Him, and recognize that we want Him, not His blessings; we want Him, not the experience of Him speaking (Psalm 63:1-5).    

Hearing God’s voice is not optional. It is one of the marks of the disciples of Jesus (John 10:4-27; Luke 10:38-42; Luke 11:28; Proverbs 4:20-22; Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 48:17-18). If we are longing for a close relationship with God more than anything else, we will better be able to hear His voice and obey Him (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:7-10; Revelation 2:1-4). If we are not living in complete fellowship with God, we will never hear Him (1 Kings 19:11-12). Knowing God’s voice comes from having an intimate relationship with Him. Wherever we are & whatever we are doing—working, reading God’s word, driving, cooking, praying, doing any routine thing—we should have the attitude of, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). There were people of God who had intimate relationships with Him & heard His voice even in the darkest times of history (Luke 2:25-26).  

To hear God clearly, we must live in a habit of meditation upon His Word. We must immerse ourselves in the Word of God, filling ourselves with it and letting the Living Water wash our minds and cleanse us of the world’s distractions. As we grow in hearing His voice, we deepen our relationship with our heavenly Father.   

Does God really speak to us in our generation? Absolutely, He speaks to us in many ways (Job 33:14-18). He speaks through creation (Psalm 19:1-2); dreams (Genesis 20:3); visions (Acts 11:4-9); Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17); angels (Luke 1:5-38); an audible voice (Exodus 3:4; Matthew 17:5); and ultimately through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3). God speaks through people (Acts 9:10-18); sometimes He speaks through people who may not be believers. He sometimes speaks through animals (Numbers 22:21-35), circumstances, and open and closed doors of opportunity. But we need to confirm what we think He is speaking by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Since God never contradicts Himself, the Scriptures help us to confirm what God is speaking to us in many different ways.  

We are called to walk by faith that comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). God’s love, joy, and peace in our hearts are some indicators that we are hearing and obeying His voice (Isaiah 55:12). We recognize His voice only if we know Him (John 10:14). The better we get to know Him, the more clearly we recognize His voice. In our prayer life, it is crucial to hear His voice and to be led by the Holy Spirit in what to pray and how to pray (John 17:3; Romans 8:26-27).  

As His children, God wants to speak to us directly, even if He speaks to and through His people. If we have an intimate relationship with Him, hearing His voice is as natural as hearing our best friend talk to us. Sometimes He speaks to us in a still small voice, and sometimes He speaks dramatically through wind or earthquake or fire (1 Kings 19:11-13). If we want to hear His voice, we must walk in complete fellowship with Him and be attentive to His voice. As Oswald Chambers says, “The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze—so gentle that unless you are living in Complete Fellowship and Oneness with God, you will never hear it.”     

Do we remember the story of the little boy Samuel? There was no word from God in the land at the time when Samuel was a child. The priest Eli was a tired old man who had let his children get out of control. During that dark time, Samuel’s mother gave him to the tabernacle to serve the LORD. One night when he was falling asleep, he heard someone calling his name. He jumped up and ran to the high priest and asked, “Did you call me”? That tired old man remembered something about how God speaks. He told Samuel, “Go back, and when you hear that voice again, say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant hears’” (1 Samuel 3:4-14).

That is how Samuel began an incredible career of listening to the voice of God and being a navigator for the nation of Israel through those terrible days. As Samuel matured, God whispered and Samuel heard Him (1 Samuel 9:15-17).  

What are your experiences of hearing God?

What changes do you need to make to hear God’s voice more clearly? 

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!