Disciple Together

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” ~ James 1:22

Sticky notes… everywhere! Scraps of paper. Precious insights written into the margins of my bible or other texts. Others lost forever to some corner of my mind that just doesn’t seem to want to be accessible.

The insights God has given me haven’t always been conveniently-timed for documenting and for meditating. 

And even when I have managed to document them, they become lost to the ether (or at least to the pages of my journal that aren’t marked with the current date!) 

But I know those insights are powerful, and that God’s word is meant to transform me. So I strive to find a way, or many ways, to keep these insights top of mind. 

One of the ways I’ve been exploring this is through a tool I created that I like to call the DIY Disciple Devotional. It’s a PDF (or if you prefer a bound copy, there’s one available on Amazon) where you can document, research, explore and pray over the insight, and I borrow the same review mechanism from my scripture memory box for revisiting those insights either daily, alternating days, or weekly.

The journal is divided into 8 sections: 

1. KEY: the main idea or theme. Use it to orient yourself when you review. For instance, I am focusing on 1 John 2:15-17 and could use the key “Spirit vs Flesh” or “Right desires” The KEY can be completed either at the beginning or at the end
   
2. Begin with prayer: Ask God to guide your reading and provide faithful insight.This doesn’t have to be a long prayer, but faithfully turning our hearts to God first will open us to our Father’s good gifts for us.
   
   “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” ~James 4:8
   
3. Scripture / reference: In order to gain insight, you’ll need to read your bible. Some approaches include:
   1. Bible in a year plan 
   2. Read through one book of the Bible 
   3. Find a book or reading plan to address a certain challenge or season in life 
   4. Open and read (with prayer and Holy Spirit guidance)
      
      It is important to note that we cannot simply read the text and make our own meaning from it. Mishandling scripture not only distorts truth, misleads others but also dishonors God. Be sure to approach it with humility, study and reverence to uphold its intended meaning.
      
      “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”  ~2 Timothy 3:16
      
      Alternatively, you may also glean insight from a commentary or other reference book, which is why I’ve labeled this section ‘scripture / reference’
      
      As insight and application is revealed to you, assess how often you would like to review that insight: daily, every second day, or weekly (See 8 for more details). 
      
      
4. Meaning: You may wish to research words, context or other details and jot those notes here for reference and to ensure proper understanding and application
   
5. Insights: This is the reason you selected this passage. What did God reveal to you, and how does this help you follow Him?
   
6. Action: What is the one next step required to let that insight transform your life? It may be to call a friend, write a letter, search up a phone number, strategize through a particular pain point in a relationship.  Make sure your action is specific and actionable (ie there aren’t any other steps required before this one) Commit and perform one action each time you review this entry.
   
7. Prayer: Write a prayer to ask God to help you with this insight and action.
   
8. Review tabs: These allow you to keep ‘tabs’ on each entry for quick reference. Choose how often and on which day you’d like to review your entry. Take into account your routine; for instance, a work-related entry should be reviewed on a work day.   

Then, on the reverse of each page, I have a large section for praise. This section shouldn’t be forgotten! It’s critical to document the growth and change we experience because it is often incremental. If we’re not in the habit of noting the change we are experiencing, we can fall prey to the grumbling and dissatisfaction we often see in the Bible, leading to rebellion and turning away from God. 

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” ~‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ~2 Corinthians 10:5

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” ~Joshua 1:8

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” ~Isaiah 26:3

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” ~Ephesians 4:22-24

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” ~‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why this matters

Daily, we are immersed in a culture that is hostile to God and His ways. We hear messages and think thoughts that are contrary to the thoughts and messages of the Kingdom. Many of our regular habits naturally expose us to such ‘worldly’ thinking. 

The solution is to be just as immersed in habits that combat this worldly thinking. When we are faithful and persistent, God promises: 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” ~Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I’ve been discouraged at times with the weeks, months and even years of praying and pursuing God. But I have found that when I don’t give up, when I’ve pursued long after I’ve believed, and when I’ve kept my faith kindled, God is faithful!

Aside from documenting your insights, here are some other ways to keep growing your faith:

1. Read / listen to stories of God’s faithfulness in others’ lives
2. Read about God’s faithfulness in the Bible
3. Read other articles about maintaining hope (like this one!)