Day 17... Simon Says

Day 17... Simon Says

Bible verse:

This is my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8

How many apple tress, or berry bushes have you past in your lifetime that have been overgrown, or the apples are too small and bitter to even make a pie out of?  Now, how many vineyards have you past recently, yes even here in the North Country?  If you have taken notice, the vines are pruned, the soil around them is cleared, they have support strings to grow against, and they look healthy.  Right?

Jesus taught His disciples in John 15 about the spiritual pruning and growth they needed for them to develop as disciples.  According to Moore (2007) the verse for today instructs us that we must mentor young believers so they can grow and develop as disciples of Jesus Christ.  Much like the grape vines are carefully taken care of, so must the young Christians also be carefully taken care of. 

Who can be a mentor?  Moore says anyone with knowledge of the Bible and experience in the faith.  Age is not a factor in this equation.  We all have something to teach, and we all have something to learn.  The hope is that while teaching and learning we are surrounded by the love of Jesus.  The mentoring takes place within relationships that we build in our lives.  We can study a Christian book with a friend or family members, like in Grow Groups,  we can pray together.  Other areas where mentoring can take place is on mission trips, or other ministry work, anywhere really so long as it is done carefully and with encouragement.  As we mentor someone the Holy Spirit comes along side and the disciple and brings spiritual truths to life within their hearts so that they can be lived out daily.

Because mentoring can take place anywhere we need to be sure and surround ourselves with believers.  Those individuals who are walking in faith and love for Christ.

This day's lesson and the one before were very difficult for me.  Usually when that happens God is trying to tell me something.  What I am hearing is be more involved with other Christians, build on the blossoming relationships that have already started, I can't and am not meant to take this journey alone.  So, I will pray on that this week and I know God will answer my prayer.

I'm sorry it was late, or maybe it was just at the right time.  Only God knows.

Remember:  You can participate in the incredible responsibility and privilege of mentoring a disciple for Christ.

God Bless!