40 Days of Discipline

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2021 Posts


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 21 – 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)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Because of the pandemic, some of us are relying more heavily on small groups and technology for fellowship.  As we close out our discussion on the Discipline of Fellowship, I want to make a plug for small groups.  Small groups increase the potential for deeper relationships. Whether there is a pandemic or not, God wants us to stay connected, and His love provides a much stronger signal than any wifi network!    

To illustrate some of the benefits of fellowship in small groups, I’ll share a personal story.  I am currently considering post-retirement options and I want to be sure that my decisions are aligned with God’s mission.  Over the last few weeks, I have had two important decisions to make that required advice.  On both occasions I knew exactly who in my Men’s small group I could consult with and get sound advice.  Knowing who to consult with was easy because our small group is an ideal place to get to know others and be known by others. 

The Biblical precedent for fellowshipping in small groups is captured for me in our passage today.    

Please read the passage above and answer the questions below. 

Questions:

Why did the fellowship of the early believers contribute to such an effective witness? 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 20 – Fellowship

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  (Hebrews 10:24 – 25)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

To all our commentators, I can’t thank you enough for your contribution to our review of the Worship over the last three days. You really made a tremendous difference.

Today we turn our attention to the Discipline of Fellowship.  Social distancing due to Covid-19 has caused many to think more deeply about the importance of relationships.  Thankfully, technology has allowed us to stay in contact with friends and associates.  However, most of us have had to be much more selective with our fellowship list, and it is possible that Christian fellowship has suffered. 

Often when Christian fellowship is discussed, the focus is on feelings (e.g., what is the level of affection in the community).  Feelings and emotions don’t tell the whole story where Christian fellowship is concerned though.  As you can see in our passage today, fellowship is also very much about doing (i.e., how the community executes God’s mission).  If we are going to be successful in carrying out God’s mission, we need effective fellowship to spur us “on toward love and good deeds”.

Hopefully we are making Christian fellowship a high priority even during the pandemic.  The need for us to execute God’s mission isn’t lessened by the pandemic.  In fact, in many circumstances the need is greater. 

Please read the passage above and answer the questions below. 

Questions:

  • How have you prioritized Christian fellowship during the pandemic?
  • What challenges to Christian fellowship have you encountered and how have you addressed them? 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 19 – Worship

1Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.  6 “And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tabernacle of meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle— 8 the table and its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base— 10 the garments of ministry, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place. According to all that I have commanded you they shall do.” (Exodus 31:1 – 11)

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  (Colossians 3:23 – 24)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

In our discussion of worship over the last two days, we have focused on a broad definition of worship that includes our adoration of God through our work or service.  Your comments on the topic have been very helpful and inspiring.  In fact, I thought I might have to modify this post significantly because a few of the commentators yesterday anticipated the topic I want use to close our discussion on Worship.  The topic is excellence in worship. 

There are many Biblical passages that address the topic of excellence in worship.  Now, I will be one of the first to confess that sometimes when I read some of the Old Testament stories about the tabernacle and temple, I get bogged down in the detail.  However, I have found one perspective to be extremely helpful.  When I view the details as a window into the excellence of God, the passages and worship take on new meaning.  God’s standards are immeasurably high and it’s no wonder that the Biblical depictions of worship reflect exacting standards of excellence. 

To be clear, I am not suggesting that to worship God appropriately we must be perfect.  Instead, I am suggesting that the more we understand God’s holiness, the more we are drawn to pursue excellence in worship.

Please read the passages above and answer the questions below. 

Questions:

  • What do you think about excellence in worship? 
  • How do you actively pursue excellence?


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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)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Since we have a bona fide Old Testament scholar in our group (Dr. Anthony Oliver), I feel emboldened to make a point about the Hebrew words for worship in the Old Testament.  If I get something wrong, Dr. Oliver can correct me 😊.  I hope you have been benefiting from his insightful comments along with the insightful comments of others.

The Hebrew word that’s often translated as worship in the Old Testament is shachah (pronounced shah-KHAH), which literally means to bow down before. However, there is another word for worship in the Old Testament, avodah (pronounced ah-vo-DAH).  Interestingly, avodah also means work and service.

In the view of some Biblical scholars, the multiple meanings of “avodah” emphasize the fact that we can worship God through our work/service.  Years ago, I developed a reminder to help me maintain perspective at work – “let your work be your worship but do not worship your work”.  It was a reminder to me that ultimately God is my boss and also a caution not to become a workaholic.  I believe this concept is consistent with the popular passage above from Romans 12 where we are urged by the Apostle Paul to worship God with all we have. 

Questions:

  • How do you assess success in worshiping God through your work/service?
  • While God’s opinion is ultimately what matters, are there any helpful cues that you get from those you interact with (Christians or non-Christians) that your work/service reflects worship of God?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 17 – Worship

1 Nadab and Abihu were two of Aaron’s sons, but they disobeyed the Lord by burning incense to him on a fire pan, when they were not supposed to.  2 Suddenly the Lord sent fiery flames and burned them to death.  3 Then Moses told Aaron that this was exactly what the Lord had meant when he said: “I demand respect from my priests, and I will be praised by everyone!”  Aaron was speechless.  (Leviticus 10:1 – 3)

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”  (John 4:23 – 24)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today, we begin a 3-day review of the Discipline of Worship.  First some brief context to set the scene for our deliberations and conversations.  In the Bible, we see examples of worship as personal and corporate acts of adoration (e.g., worship in the temple) as well as a broader lifestyle of adoration (e.g., the Romans 12:1 reference to offering our bodies as a living sacrifice as an act of proper worship).  Over the next 3 days, we will be using the broad definition. 

Do we focus enough on the adequacy of our worship of God?  This question is important because a clear understanding of God’s expectation for worship has important implications for how we carry out His marching orders.

There are many passages in the Bible that speak to the adequacy of worship, or lack thereof.  Just recall stories such as Cain and Abel, The Children of Israel and the golden calf, Michal’s mockery of her husband King David, and Ananias and Sapphira.  Clearly, thinking about the adequacy of our worship is a necessary pursuit.  So, in our passages for today we will look at an Old Testament example of the consequences of inappropriate worship and a New Testament declaration from Jesus of what constitutes appropriate worship. 

Please prayerfully read the passages and answer the following question.

Question

How do you practically translate worshipping in the Spirit and in truth into your daily life?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 16 – Review

1 In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.  3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”  4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:1 – 4)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today is dedicated to reviewing what we have learned over the past five days.  This is a good time to catch up on the commentaries if you haven’t had a chance to read them all. 

What can you apply to your life from the discussions related to Prayer and Fasting?

Suggestion

  • Please share any thoughts from your review that you believe others could benefit from. 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 15 – Fasting

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1 – 3)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today is dedicated to Fasting.  I encourage you to sacrifice at least one meal and spend extra dedicated time focusing on God.  If you are considering a food fast, please take your health into account.

In today’s passage, the Holy Spirit provided very clear directions to the prophets and teachers while they were worshipping and fasting.  As we consider our roles in advancing God’s kingdom, we too need clarity. 

Fasting, of course, is not a bargaining chip to get what we want from God.  Instead, God has elected to use this Discipline as a means of changing our circumstances, and more importantly as a means of changing us. 

Please prayerfully read the passage above. During your time of fasting, ask God for increased clarity with regards to the ways He wants you to participate in the advancement of His kingdom.     

Requests:

  • Please don’t just sacrifice meals without dedicating time for worship and prayer.
  • Please consider sharing any relevant words of encouragement that come to your mind as you fast.
  • Finally, if you feel led, please share any thoughts on how God has called or is calling you to service.


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 14 – Fasting

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. (Esther 4:15 – 17)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today we turn our attention to the Discipline of Fasting.  Tomorrow we will hold our annual day of fasting for all who are able and willing to give up at least one meal and dedicate extra time to focusing on God. 

In the Old Testament book of Esther, the Jews are facing annihilation unless King Xerxes changes a decree he was advised to enact.  Mordecai, Queen Esther’s father by adoption, wants Queen Esther to use her influence with King Xerxes to cancel the decree.  Queen Esther is reluctant to approach the King without invitation because this could result in a death sentence for her.  Mordecai tells her she can’t remain silent and asks her, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  A paraphrase of Mordecai’s question could be, if not you, then who?

Our passage for today picks the story up after Queen Esther concludes that she has to follow Mordecai’s instructions, and her response illustrates the importance of fasting.  There are lessons for us as we answer God’s call on our lives and confront inevitable challenges.

Please read the passage above and answer the question below.

Question

What were Esther’s challenges and why do you believe fasting was an appropriate response? 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 13 – Prayer

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”  (Nehemiah 2:4 – 5)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

The results of the Prayer poll are in and 60% of you normally maintain an ongoing dialogue with God throughout the day, 20% of you normally follow a schedule and the remaining 20% didn’t think that any of the categories provided described their prayer habits.  I am very grateful for all the responses and my prayer is that wherever each of you are, you keep growing.

As we conclude our review of the Discipline of Prayer, Nehemiah provides a particular lesson that we can all benefit from. While working for God, how diligently do we “check-in” with Him?  Today’s passage demonstrates how much Nehemiah relied on God. 

If we reflect on the passage we studied yesterday, we will recall that Nehemiah literally had spent months praying about the wall before getting the chance to talk to King Artaxerxes. Despite spending all that time in preparatory prayer, when Nehemiah stands before the king and is asked “What is it you want?”, it is interesting what he does.  The Bible describes Nehemiah’s immediate action as follows: “Then I prayed to the God of heaven”.   What a powerful picture of faith and reliance.

Questions

  • Since God already knows what we need before we ask, why is Nehemiah’s approach to prayer important?
  • How does it make you feel to know that God is always available?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 12 – Prayer

1The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.  3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”  4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.  8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’  10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”  I was cupbearer to the king.  (Nehemiah 1:1 – 11)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

The book of Nehemiah is rightly known for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.  It is also a great book of prayers and very relevant to our theme.  Nehemiah’s approach to prayer is inspiring and convicting.  Today’s passage captures Nehemiah’s prayer as he contemplates his role in God’s mission to rebuild the wall.  There are some key lessons in the prayer with regards to our communication with God when contemplating our call to action.

Please read the passage above and answer the question below.

 Question

What are the components of Nehemiah’s prayer that resonate with you as you think about your contribution to God’s kingdom?

If you didn’t complete the poll on prayer yesterday, you still can. Just click here