40 Days of Discipline

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40 Days of Discipline: Day 21 – Fellowship

3 I thank my God every time I remember you.  4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.  9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3 – 10)

 

Yesterday we reflected on the potential for Christian fellowship to positively impact a world in need.  Today as we conclude our focus on the Discipline of Fellowship, I am reminded that the genesis of this 40 Days of Discipline journey was the fellowship a group of men in Trinidad & Tobago experienced approximately 10 years ago.  The group, called New Trench Warriors, demonstrated the significant impact Christians can have on the world when fellowship works.

The passage above, written by Paul while in prison, captures how deeply the Apostle felt about Christian fellowship.  Please prayerfully read the passage and answer the question below.

 

Question

Have you experienced Christian fellowship similar to what the Apostle Paul Describes?  Please share your experience.

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 20 – Fellowship

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.  45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42 – 47)

 

Today we turn our attention to the Discipline of Fellowship as we continue to focus on our theme: A World in Need.  In the 80s and early 90s there was a popular sitcom on TV called Cheers.  The sitcom took place in a bar and had a very memorable opening song, which included the following lyrics:

“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name

And they’re always glad you came

You want to be where you can see the troubles are all the same

You want to be where everybody knows your name”

 

I believe there is a lot of truth in the song but unfortunately a lot of people believe this kind of camaraderie is easier to achieve in a bar than in a church.  Shouldn’t the quality of our fellowship be attractive to a world in need?  Our passage today paints a picture of how attractive fellowship can be.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the question below.

 

Question

How can our fellowship attract a world in need and point them to the Saviour?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 19 – Worship

17Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:17 – 19)

 

Today we conclude our reflections on the Discipline of Worship as we consider the theme A World in Need.

The world is in a never-ending search for happiness.  Some search for it in material things and some search for it by forsaking material things.  Some try to find it in pleasure, and some hope to find it by avoiding pleasure.  The methods people try are numerous and varied.  Our life experiences teach us that sustainable happiness can be very elusive – there is so much injustice and pain in the world – but the Bible teaches us that joy, peace and contentment are accessible to us through Jesus.  Today’s passage gives us some insight into how a life of worship produces joy.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the question below.

 

Question

What impact could we have on the world if we are able to rejoice in the Lord (attitude of worship) regardless of circumstances?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 18 – Worship

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  2 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 12:1 – 2)

 

For many years, worship for me was synonymous with the singing segment of a church service.  And, some of the church language I used helped to reinforce that view.  Terms such as “time for worship” (is there a time that is not for worship?), and “worship songs” (are some of the songs not worship songs?).  I know I am being a bit picky because the terms are probably fine in context.  However, you can see how we can develop a narrow view of worship if the broader Biblical view (lifestyle of submission to God) is not understood.  I am emphasizing this point because if worship is no more than an activity or experience, we will not materially impact a world in need.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the questions below.

 

Question

In what ways do we practically offer our bodies as living sacrifices to perform true and proper worship?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 17 – Worship

22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.  23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.  24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.  25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.  27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.  28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”  29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:22 – 30)

 

Today we begin our reflection on the Discipline of Worship as we consider the theme A World in Need.  Later this week we will consider the Discipline of Fellowship.

A. W. Tozer, a famous American pastor of the early 20th century is quoted as saying:

“The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God.  Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”

We might not automatically see a link between worship and a world in need but when we consider Biblical examples, the link becomes very evident.  The attitude we have towards worship directly impacts the way the world sees God through us.  The current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic provides an excellent example of a world in need.  In circumstances like this, how can the world see God through us?

Our passage today presents the dramatic story of Paul and Silas in prison.  I am struck by their attitude of worship in difficult circumstances and the impact on those around them.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the question below.

 

Question

In challenging times, how can a life of worship positively impact the world?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 16 – Review

1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.  3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:1 – 3)

 

Today is dedicated to reviewing what we have learned over the past five days.  In our reviews of the Disciplines of Prayer and Fasting we learned a lot about the posture we should take to A World in Need.  Think about what you have learned, and if you have missed any of the days, you can catch up.

As you reflect on what you have learned, note in the passage above how Daniel turned to prayer and fasting in response to the political and spiritual situation in Jerusalem.  Please consider the suggestion and question below and ask God to help you to apply the lessons from His word to your life.

 

Suggestion/Question

Think about practical ways you can make praying for the world a consistent part of your routine.  Note the suggestion provided by David Jordan on Day 11 (March 9th).  Do you have any suggestions to share?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 15 – Fasting

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:16 – 18)

 

Today is dedicated to Fasting.  I encourage you to make a significant sacrifice (e.g. at least two meals or no social media).  As a reminder, if you are considering a food fast, please take your health into account.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider following the instructions below.

Instructions

  • Prepare a prayer list that includes world events, governments, people who are suffering, unsaved people in your sphere of influence, and missionaries you know.
  • Make your prayer requests as specific as possible.
  • Spend time at the start of the day asking God to prepare your heart and mind for the day of fasting.
  • Spend quality time worshipping God and praying throughout the day.
  • Finally, if you feel led, please share words of encouragement during your day of fasting.

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 14 – Fasting

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?  7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?  8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.  9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:6 – 10)

 

Today we commence our reflections on the Discipline of Fasting.  As mentioned earlier this week, tomorrow we will fast together.  Most of us will do a food fast but some may elect another kind of fast (e.g., social media).  As always, you should take your health into account if you are considering a food fast.

As we focus on fasting, it is important to remember that our motivation matters.  Fasting is not a magic wand that gets us what we want regardless of what we believe or do.  Interestingly, our passage today makes a strong link between our attitude towards the world and God’s view of our fast.

Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the question below.

 

Question

The passage above lists several actions that God points to as being consistent with the fast He has “chosen”.  What is God’s prescription for our attitude towards the world?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 13 – Prayer

1I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1 – 4)

7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.  Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44)

 

Today we conclude our reflections on the Discipline of Prayer. We have looked at the Biblical direction to pray for a world in need and the confidence we should have when praying.  Today, we will examine a few verses that point us to some ideas for our “world” prayer list.  Please prayerfully read the passages above.

Sometimes, the last people we want to spend our time praying for are people we don’t like.  Politicians might readily come to mind or people who have done us or people we know harm.  In fact, we might wish people we don’t like would suffer misfortune.  Do you remember Jonah’s attitude towards the people of Nineveh?

Please consider the question below.

 

Question

How do you avoid being guilty of the “let them suffer” syndrome, instead of praying for those you don’t like?

 

 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 12 – Prayer

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  (Hebrews 4:14 – 16)

 

The contributions to the blog were excellent again yesterday.  We will continue our reflections on the Discipline of Prayer as we consider the theme, A World in Need.

The following is an excerpt from an invitation for a National Day of Prayer breakfast in Washington D.C. almost 20 years ago:

“The United States is still trying to help the fledgling government of Iraq to take its first baby steps toward the task of governing their own affairs.  While this process continues, so does the violence with April being one of the bloodiest months on record for U.S. forces.  Iran continues its march toward obtaining nuclear weapons, thumbing its nose at a world community that seems to lack the resolve needed to stop them.  In the Sudan, genocide continues unabated as the Sudanese government seems unable or just plain unwilling to stop the slaughter.  North Korea hasn’t gone away and the United States is under serious attack from South America as more countries south of the border line up to join Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in his anti-American rants.  And we haven’t even mentioned the possibility that millions could die if all the doomsayers are right about bird flu.”    

With just a few adjustments, note how the statement from almost two decades ago sounds current:

“The United States is still trying to help the government of Iraq to govern their own affairs.  While this process continues, so does the violence.  Iran continues its march toward obtaining nuclear weapons, thumbing its nose at a world community that seems to lack the resolve needed to stop them.  North Korea hasn’t gone away and the United States is under serious attack from Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in his anti-American rants.  And we haven’t even mentioned the possibility that millions could die if all the doomsayers are right about COVID-19.”    

In world affairs, it does seem as if the more things change, the more they stay the same.  And, it could cause some to conclude that there is no point in praying, but what does the Bible say?

Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the question below.

 

Question

Why should we be persistent and remain confident in our prayers for the world?