Run With Horses

Interview with Cameron Smith

Cameron returned from a medical missions trip to Bolivia recently with some lessons and thoughts for us.

Counting the Cost and Following Jesus

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, I am continuing my discussion from last time on living a life that is worthwhile. We need to count the cost, but it is always worth it to follow Jesus.
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
On the last show I asked two important questions, First, What is your life worth? You are spending your time on something. Is it something worthwhile?
Second, What is 1 thing worth giving the next 5 years of your life to accomplish?
I want to challenge you to live an Intentional life. If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. But I’m not sure that Jesus really intended for us to live that way. Look at Luke 14: 25-33
 
My take is that Jesus is calling us to an intentional life and we need to consider what it will take to live it. John 8:12
I’m pretty sure that is a good thing! Jesus wants us to join Him on His mission, and He wants us to kow that it is a lifetime commitment that will cost us. But it is worth it!
 
So if you are tracking with me, you are considering what your life is worth, and thinking about what is worth your life. Maybe you are already committed to following Jesus and have a clear picture of the tower you are building and have your sleeves rolled up as you put in the effort to see God’s work in your life and through your life accomplished. If so, Awesome! Let me know what God is doing in your life, I would love to rejoice with you and pray for you as you live a life of eternal meaning and purpose!
Reach out and encourage those around you to join you and keep on keeping on!
 
But I know many feel stuck in a run and want to make some steps of faith. The tower they began working on years ago is still just a foundation that has sand blown across it and weeds starting to creep in along the edge. The busyness of life and the distractions of the world make it easy to leave the hard work of building a spiritual tower for another vague time in the future when “things settle down”. Hey, no judgment here, I have been there.
 
But it’s not OK to stay there. God really is doing something in your life and He wants to make you a better you, and give you a bigger purpose than just making it to the end of the week unscathed.
God never hides the fact that He has great plans for us. See Ephesians 2:1-10.
 
As you pray about what God is doing in your life and seriously answer the question about what is worth spending the next five years of your life to accomplish, remember that God already knows and has planned the good works for you. And He has prepared you for those good works!
There is no reason to fear or turn away, God Himself has promised to go with you and give you His strength to accomplish His purpose in and through you. Maybe the old Nike slogan, Just Do IT, would be appropriate here. We often hesitate and loose momentum or even sink into the mire of earthly things and get stuck in our spiritual life. And that carries over to all aspects of life. You can’t be the best YOU without being tied to God’s mission on earth and your part in it. He gave you gifts for a purpose and without using them, you are always out of step with your eternal purpose.
 
Know that you are created with a purpose and embrace God’s call on your life. But, count the cost. The work God has called you to will cost you. And it will be worth it.
 
As you look toward the future and consider how to invest the life that God has given you, along with all of your gifts, talents, abilities, and resources; consider how you can be intentional along the way. I believe God has given us intellect for a reason, Use it to plan out a path forward that is in line with His mission, uses your gifts, and builds up His church. Evaluate yourself and consider adding new skills to your list. What will help you be a more effective servant along the way? Similar question, Who should you be traveling with? As you build a spiritual tower and are counting the cost, consider how Nehemiah rode around the city walls evaluating and only then did he reach out and invite others into the work God had laid on his heart. He presented a clear plan of action and challenged everyone to do their part for the Glory of God. Who can you challenge to go with you as you intentionally pursue a life in Jesus’ footsteps?
 
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

What is your Life Worth? -Ep.227

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, we consider the value of a life. You are trading your time for something, is I worth it?
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
Hey I have a question for you! What is the one thing that has encouraged you the most as you follow Jesus and grow as a disciple maker? I really want to know, please send me an email at norman@runwithhorses.net with your answer. I hope to do a show using some of your responses in the future so get in touch and let me know what has been an encouragement to you along the way. I know we all need it and it comes in many forms and through many people. What or who has encouraged you? 
 
I have had a busy few weeks, months actually, with big changes in where I am, what I am doing and how I am able to spend my time. As I think through my options and consider how God is working in me, I have been considering the question, What is worth spending a life on?
Many options: career, family, pursuit of leisure activities, to become skilled at something, fame, etc. Certainly the world gives you lots of ideas to pursue!
 
In some ways the actual value of your life is the sum of all the activities that make up your life. What are you doing with the time you have? Have you ever wondered if it is worth it?
All the time, some people say, and yet they aren’t willing to do anything different to change things.
 
Here is my real question and challenge for the day. What is 1 thing worth giving the next 5 years of your life to accomplish? Your whole life is too big too think about. You change over time as your experiences influence you. But you do need to plan out a course of action that will give you direction in the neat future. You do have a plan for your future don’t you? ; )
 
For those who are lost already, here is my summary of life planning.
You need to see the big picture. You and Eternity. This life definitely has meaning both in the here and now and in eternity. Your choices matter. Big picture – where are you headed? What gives your life meaning and purpose? God needs to be front and center here and you want your life to be attached to what He has said is important.
 
Once you have the BIG Picture clear in your mind, you can begin to consider your direction in life. You have a standard to refer to along the way and to guide you as you make decisions. Are my choices leading me closer to the goal or further away? Are my choices consistent with what I say I believe or do they call me a liar?
 
Consistent choices lead you somewhere over time. Hopefully nearer to the heart of God!
With that BIG Picture as the context. I want to repeat my question from earlier.
What is 1 thing worth giving the next 5 years of your life to accomplish?
 
What is a here and now, this life challenge that is worth the time and effort it will take to see the needle move? Maybe it makes more sense to ask it this way. If you were serious about following Jesus daily for the next 5 years what would you do?
What choices would you make differently than you do now? How would you evaluate your progress? Success?
Who would you want with you on the journey?
 
I think too often we spend all our time focusing on the details of today without stepping back to consider the BIG Picture of what God wants to do in and through us. We fail to make the changes that would move us closer to Him and keep us on His pathway. Ministry becomes an afterthought it we think about it at all. Service is for others, we are too busy.
 
What would it take to change that for you?
Is it your desire to follow Jesus with your heart, soul, mind and strength? What is keeping you from it?
Do the people you talk to day after day motivate you to love God more and serve people more or are they helping you stay distracted and focused on your own plans and desires?
 
In light of eternity, in light of the call of Jesus for you to take up your cross and follow Him, What is ONE thing that is worth giving the next 5 years to accomplish? What moves you closer to Him and His mission of reconciliation?
 
Jesus has called you. Your life is the answer. What does it say?
 
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

A Disciple Maker in Asia - Josh

Today I interview a missionary with ABWE to Asia.

Are you preparing for future ministry? - Ep.225

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, today we look at some things you can be doing now to prepare for ministry in the future.
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
Five Foundations for Ministry
 
As a Christian following Jesus, contemplating the role of ministry in your life is essential. Regardless of whether you aspire to become a deacon, pastor, church planter, missionary or Sunday school teacher, it's vital that you grow consistently along the journey. Accepting these roles means embracing change in your life. Here are Five areas to consider as you build a foundation for future service.
 
First is Character Development; strive to emulate Christ’s character by getting to know Him and His teachings and allowing Him to transform you. We are changed by the people we hand around with. Spend a lot of time in God’s Word and it changes you. You see your selfish desires more clearly and desire true humility and godliness. Spend time with God in prayer, study His Word and make a special place in your life for fellow believers. Traits to develop? Compassion, Forgiveness, Humility, Patience, Gentleness, etc. Really the fruit of the Spirit should mark your life.
Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
 
Second are Core Values: It’s essential that your core values align with Jesus. You need to learn what Jesus prioritized during His time on earth. You should develop the same priorities and consistently live out these priorities in all your choices. Your life is a series of small choices that reveal what you really care about. Your priorities form an integral part of your foundation as a Christian leader. Make sure they align with God’s priorities. Jesus valued Obedience to the Father, Peace, Relationships, Faith, A commitment to the ministry of Reconciliation, God’s Glory and the list goes on. Read the Gospels to see how Jesus spent His time and energy, and even His Life.
 
Third are Competencies or Skills: Identify the necessary skills for your chosen ministry path and devise strategies on how to acquire them. Engage with those already serving in such roles to gain insights on what skills you can be working on now. Every role has different requirements. As you grow spiritually you will gain new insight into ministry as well as new skills that will help you serve better. Public speaking, teaching, leading a small group effectively, leading music, or even using the churches riding lawnmower. These are all skills that might benefit you as you pursue God’s call on you life and make yourself available to serve.
 
The Fourth area revolves around Experience: If you aim to become a Sunday School teacher or Deacon for instance, prior participation Sunday School and church business meetings provides at least a small foundation to build on when you consider stepping into a leadership role. Being part of the church life equips you with practical knowledge which can be utilized when stepping into new roles. I encourage you to volunteer and help out in many different kinds of ministry as you are considering your gifting and role in the body of Christ. Serving in your churches food pantry to going with the youth group on a missions trip. All of these little things add up and help clarify your place in the body when you are looking for ways to serve others.
 
Lastly comes Commitment; Serving others requires sacrificing personal wants for the cause of Christ and his people. A leader of any kind will be demonstrating increased commitment along with increased responsibility. The willingness to make some sacrifices for the good of others is a key factor in choosing leaders. Commit to serving others in small ways now as preparation for greater service later.
 
These five area are all important if you're considering ministry because ultimately being like Jesus entails serving others like He did.
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

Should Single Men go as Missionaries? - Ep. 224

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Today on Run With Horses, we look at a question from a listener, the topic? Single missionaries!
 
THE QUESTION: Is it generally ill-advised for single men to go as missionaries to another country? My logic behind this is that I have seen married couples and families being missionaries abroad, as well as single women, but the only single men I know serving as missionaries abroad are/were engaged when serving. I know single men CAN serve as missionaries abroad, but is it appropriate (SHOULD they?)? I have always assumed that single male missionaries are practically non-existent because the sexual temptations could be too dangerous to risk sending a single guy.
Excellent question! To start this article has some good thoughts from a single male missionary.
https://omf.org/us/five-pieces-of-advice-for-single-men-looking-to-get-involved-in-missions/
 
There are a lot of ways to look at this and I am sure my take is not unique or even the best. But here are some thoughts. Short answer, Yes, they should!
 
Now for the long answer.
First, God calls all of us to be disciple makers. That means pursuing God first in all areas of life. Anyone considering missions should be an active, growing follower of Jesus. I would really want that person to be involved in a community of believers and have multiple relationships where ongoing accountability is normal.
 
Second, Anyone sensing God’s leading in their lives towards ministry of any kind should be talking to their pastor and the spiritual leaders in their life to get advice and direction. Since I believer God has called all of us to ministry, using our gifts for the building up of the church and serving as ambassadors to the world, This step should include every believer!
 
Third, I believe everyone pursuing ministry would do well to seek out a mentor, or multiple mentors to help them navigate some of the pathways available to them as they train and prepare for the future. One such mentor that might be a challenge to find but who would be valuable for the young man looking at going to the mission field as a single, would be an older single missionary. Statistically single men are much less common than single men on the mission field.
 
Let’s pause in our thoughts on preparing and going as a single man to address the WHY are they so uncommon?
No easy answer that I can find! Lot’s of people have asked the question though. Here is an example article by Brooks Buser.
https://radical.net/article/where-are-the-men-in-missions/
 
One quote from the article. “Two-thirds of missionaries are married couples, the other third are single women, the rest are single men.”
Single men aren’t going to the mission field, single women are. Buser mentions pornography, student debt and getting married as three common reasons. I have seen all three of those keep people from ministry. But I wonder if a bigger issue is not that we aren’t preparing our young men to follow Jesus. The world calls them to make money, have fun, look for adventure and change the world. I fear that too often the church doesn’t call them at all. If too few of us are answering the call to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Jesus, too few of us are influencing the next generation.
 
The adventure and changing the world rhetoric of the world can’t hold up to the life changing message of Jesus. Talk about a life of value! The mission of reconciliation is an eternal mission that surpasses all else in scope and impact. It is also fun, and filled with adventure but that’s not the point.
 
Why are single men not on the mission field? They aren’t in our churches. They aren’t in our small groups. They aren’t being challenged to give their lives for the greatest mission ever undertaken. If more men are actively engaged in disciple making, I believe the process of spiritual growth would lead more of them to consider missions.
 
Back to getting ready to go as a single missionary.
Fourth, A single missionary, male or female, should plan to be intentional about pursuing healthy relationships before leaving and after arriving on the field. Ideally, all single missionaries would be part of a multi-member local team. Two or three families working together with a single or two would provide support and help along the way.
 
Fifth, whether in person or online, a single missionary, as well as married missionaries!, should have people who know them and are part of an accountability and support team.
 
Single missionaries are a valuable part of the missions community and have a lot to give to the work. There are certainly dangers, but that is true for us all. Intentional pursuit of righteousness and a firm connection with the church family go along way to keep all of us on track. Add in a healthy dose of humility and a solid spiritual foundation to keep the focus in the right place.
 
Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

God’s Grace vs My Stewardship?

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, we consider our responsibility and God’s plan – That includes stewardship, God’s sovereignty and God’s grace.
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
I need a better system for keeping track of emails. I have folders but somehow I have too many and they don’t work as well as they should. I need a new system. Any good ideas out there? Let me know! norman@runwithhorses.net
 
Susan and I in the car, talking about life. Stewardship, responsibility and expectations came up. Not using those exact words but the topics were definitely there.
Here is an important thought we focused on. Being a good steward does not guarantee you good results. We don’t like that do we!
We feel like we earned a good result by making good choices in life.
 
However, your faithfulness doesn’t obligate God to act in a certain way.
You can exercise and eat right but still get cancer or die in a car wreck. Does that mean you shouldn’t be a good steward? No! It means God is the ultimate authority and you can only be a good steward of what HE give you. It’s hard to be satisfied with less than we feel we deserve.
 
It’s also true in sharing the gospel. We can pray and share the gospel faithfully and still not see that dearly loved friend or family member turn to Jesus. It’s important to remember the three parts – my part, your part and God’s part. God never fails in his part. And even when we do our part, each person is responsible themselves before God. It’s hard for us to accept that sometimes.
 
Let’s take a sticky subject these days. Politics. Your vote for president doesn’t guarantee he will win or that if he wins he will act as you believe he should. Romans 13 comes to mind here. This is one of the passages we were talking about in the car.
How does this phrase strike you? “The authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
 
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
It seems to me that we like these kinds of verses when we like the leaders we have. We begin to wonder if God made a mistake somehow when we don’t like them!
 
My part, your part and God’s part. And then there’s Grace. Thankfully grace covers a lot of me failing to do my part well. I am so thankful that Grace covers when my strength is weak and my mind is dull. Like Paul I always want to be confident that His grace is sufficient.
 
And that means His Grace is sufficient for you. Somehow is is harder for us to accept mistakes in other people’s lives than in our own. God’s Grace is sufficient for me but you better watch yourself! Oru critical, judgmental nature pops right out when others stumble.
 
An important part of our spiritual journey is realizing that God’s Grace is sufficient for me, and for you. I have to be a willing vehicle for God’s Grace in your life. Instead of Judging, bringing a helping hand and a word of encouragement knowing that I will need it tomorrow.
 
The spiritual life is never boring! There are always new lessons to learn and new steps of Faith to take as we follow Jesus. Be a good steward of what God gives you, trust Him in the details and give Grace to those around you. And Keep Running!

How do you find a healthy church? - Ep.222

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, we are looking at the church, the Bride of Christ. What does a healthy one look like?
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
So how do you find a good church to be part of? Not always so easy!
In some parts of the world there are few choices so it means sticking with one that may be less than ideal in many cases. In other context, most anywhere in the USA for example, there are too many choices. It is hard to even visit most of them! So where do you begin?
 
I am old fashioned so I always begin with people. Ask someone you know in the area, a fellow believer, to give you recommendations. Ask believers who may be familiar with the area or have family there to give you recommendations. At the least you can rule out some options and put an asterisk by others.
 
I believe Baptist doctrine is intended to be an honest attempt to be Biblical doctrine so Baptist or Baptistic churches will be my first stop. With naming of churches being what it is these days that doesn’t mean Baptist will be in the name! Many Baptist churches, Bible churches, Community churches, and as well as non-denominational churches have similar if not identical doctrinal statements. I would like to see a churches doctrinal statement but the difficulty comes in when you begin visiting churches to see how they live it out. Baptist doctrine does not always equal Biblical practice unfortunately.
 
A church website can tell you who a church is, beliefs and creeds, etc. A website can show you a lot of what a church does, service times, small groups, counseling ministry, etc. A website cannot really let you get to know a church. That takes time with the church, the people who make up the local body.
 
So what do you look for?
 
Mark Dever wrote a book, The 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. The 9 Marks he gives are: 1. Expositional Preaching, 2. Biblical Theology, 3. The Gospel, 4. A Biblical Understanding of Conversion, 5. A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism, 6. A Biblical Understanding of Church Membership, 7. Biblical Church Discipline, 8. Concern for Discipleship and Growth, 9. Biblical Church Leadership.
 
The IMB has an article on the 12 Characteristics of a Healthy Church.
https://www.imb.org/2016/08/31/2016083112-characteristics-healthy-church/
The article actually precedes all of these with the word Biblical! I suppose it is good not to assume anything!
The 12 Characteristics they list are: Evangelism, Discipleship, Membership, Leadership, Teaching and Preaching, Ordinances, Worship, Prayer, Fellowship, Accountability and Discipline, Giving, Mission
 
All of these are good to think about but they are long lists. I want to emphasize a few specific things.
 
Foundation of God’s Word:
The bible is taught and is followed. There should be a real love for God and His word. Jesus is lifted up as the standard for our behavior, attitudes and relationships. God’s Word is lived out by His people. There is a commitment to do what it says.
 
Emphasis on Active Obedience:
Hand in hand with the biblical foundation in the teaching is an emphasis on living it out. Practical daily obedience and a willingness to follow Jesus are encouraged and supported. Each person is challenged to be a Berean, actively reading the bible themselves and making personal application. The goal should be for every believer to be a self-feeding Christian who is engaged with others on the mission of Jesus to bring God’s message of reconciliation to the world.
 
Training and Encouragement toward being a Disciple Maker:
Following Jesus results in people pouring out their lives for others. Sacrificially giving time and resources to see the Family of God grow in maturity and faith is natural and necessary. Members are motivated, trained and released to serve the church and the community.
 
Focus on Life and Ministry outside of the building:
Church life is the life of the people, not the service times printed in the bulletin. Relationships are encouraged, living the “one another’s” is practiced. Small groups are utilized to train leaders, share the gospel, build up new believers and provide ongoing accountability and encouragement for all.
 
The command to Love one another is lived out:
Forgiveness, confession, sharing testimonies of God’s grace and the like are common and considered natural. Perfection is not expected, mistakes are. All kinds of people with all kinds of problems are welcomed and embraced with Grace and Love.
 
It’s all good to look for a good church to be a part of. It is a task to take seriously. Just don’t look for a perfect church. It doesn’t exist. Look for a church you can contribute to and help to be the church God intends it to be. Invest in the lives of others in the church. Commit to be a giver to the church. Make ti your goal to build up every member and to make Jesus the center of every relationship. The church is, and will remain, a messy group to be a part of. But God loves His bride and we should too!
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

My Spiritual Life is Stuck! Help! - Ep. 221

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INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, we are looking at what to do when your spiritual life is in a rut.
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations.
Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
Have you ever reached a spot in your spiritual life where you felt you just couldn’t manage to make a single step forward? I think it happens to many of us ore often that we would like to admit. In the past few shows we have been looking at the process of spiritual growth and you may feel like you just aren’t making any progress. Today, I want to give you some thoughts about how to get past those roadblocks and get your spiritual life moving again.
 
First, lets examine a few reasons people get bogged down.
1.Sin that hasn’t been dealt with. This is a big one. Gotta deal with sin, ASAP.
2.Unhealthy relationships. The people you hand around with make it easy or hard to follow Jesus.
3.Lazy/ Busy – You know what to do but can’t seem to get it done. This can often be a symptom of misplace priorities.
4.Doubt/ Discouragement – A little mistake or slip here and there can steal your confidence and make you consider your ability more than God’s Grace.
5. Earthly Desires – We all easily get distracted by the things of this world. Promotion at work, the approval of others, new “things” are all competing for the place Jesus demands.
 
Obviously not a complete list. You need to do the personal hard work of examining your own life to determine where you are aligned with God and where you are pursuing something else.
 
Next, lets consider the obvious tools that we need to always be using to build a healthy spiritual life.
Here is me, the broken record, telling you that God has given you three things specifically to help you grow. You have heard this hear before and will hear it again!
 
1. God’s Word - There is no way to really grow without increased time with God which equates to time in His Word. Read the Bible. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Think about it. Talk about it to others. This is foundational to a healthy spiritual life.
2.Holy Spirit – God has given you the Holy Spirit to guide you, help you understand the Bible and to change you from the inside out. When you don’t know what to pray, trust that the Holy Spirit does, and pray!
3. The Church – Hey that church takes lots of hard knocks. It is definitely not perfect, but then, how could it be, it is full of former enemies of God who are still learning what it means to be part of His family!
As a resource for spiritual growth the church will include music that points you toward God, books, sermons, podcast and videos that teach, encourage and motivate you to keep on keeping on.
 
Now, lets look at a few tools you should have in your spiritual toolbox to pull out when you need them.
Spiritual Disciplines -
1. Disciplines of Abstinence:
Solitude: Time away from people, leaving more space for God.
Silence: Not speaking and going to a quiet place to clear a space for God to reach us.
Fasting: Going without food (or something else like media) for a time. Replacing the food or media with more of God’s Word and Prayer.
Sabbath: Intentional rest in God’s person and provision.
 
2. Disciplines of Engagement:
Bible Reading: might include Bible study, Scripture meditation, and praying God’s Word.
Worship: Praising God in words, music, or silence. (privately or in community.)
Prayer: Talking with God about what we’re experiencing and doing together.
Fellowship: Intentionally seeking out believers to encourage and speak with about spiritual things.
Service: Humbly serving God by overflowing with his love and compassion to others, especially those in need. (Also tithing and giving.) A great way to “get out of your head”.
Finally, lets consider how to make a plan that will give us structure and intentionality as we face our spiritual battles.
If possible, identify the main area you are struggling with right now. Are there any obvious reasons or ways to address it? Ask a good Christian friend to help you evaluate your life and current lifestyle. Talking through your choices with a friend who want to see you grow may be the best way to see your own life more clearly.
 
Make sure you have a consistent plan to include the basic activities of the spiritual life in your week, every week. Have a bible reading plan, journal what you are learning, share it with a friend. Pray throughout the day every day and invite God into every activity. Put the church on your calendar, not just the service times but plan to reach out to others throughout the week. Ask your church family to pray for you.
Consider the spiritual disciplines and make a space in your life for those you believe would help you given where you are right now. Don’t be afraid to try something you haven’t done before!
 
KEY POINT: Invite a friend to go through this time with you and pray for you as you apply these tools to your life. You are not meant to walk the Christian life alone! That is a recipe for stagnation and a nasty spiritual fall.
 
Most of all, keep it up. Persevere. The reward is worth the struggle. Remember that God promises to be with you in the middle of every trial and He is working in you to complete the work HE started!
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!

Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction

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Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction
 
INTRO
Today on Run With Horses, we look at Stage Three of our spiritual growth. We are growing to become disciple makers in Jesus’ footsteps.
 
My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Run Your Race Well, not just Surviving but Thriving as a Disciple of Jesus! There are a LOT of things you could do with your life, but I don’t think anything compares with following Jesus and joining Him on His mission of bringing Hope to the nations. Welcome to Run With Horses and Thanks for including me in your journey!
 
Today’s focus -The Third Stage – Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction
 
We looked at the First Stage – Spiritual Identity and Foundations
Learning who you are in God’s sight, developing your character and learning the basics of the Christian life.
 
We looked at the Second Stage – Spiritual Sacrifice and Service
Learning how to relate in a biblical way to others, applying the “one another’s” of the NT in our relationships and learning the meaning and value of sacrifice as we serve others.
 
And now, drum roll please .. we are ready for the Third Stage – Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction
What are we talking about? We are continuing to build on the foundation of the first two stages. Remember that we never leave them. You should be growing in your understanding of who you are in Christ, of what He accomplished on the cross, of the work that He is doing in and through His church. You are continuing to learn about and practice your gifts, building up the body of Christ intentionally as you serve and take real joy in seeing others grow.
 
Know and maintain biblical priorities.
Came to seek and to save lost. To do Father’s Will.
Keep the main thing the main thing. Let’s keep it real simple.
Hebrews 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Matt.22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
 
Now the real question is how do you do that! And that is the process of Spiritual Growth and Sanctification. The Christian life is the answer to that question. It is the culmination of all our choices and life activities. Our life proves that we have Faith and love God and our neighbor or it gives evidence against us.
Think it’s easy? Paul didn’t!
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
 
In the third stage of Spiritual Growth we recognize the reality of the struggle and the value in the struggle. God uses it to grow us!
 
Maintain healthy spiritual habits and the disciplines that build a strong spiritual life.
Matt.6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We have developed biblical priorities and are actively engaged in the struggle to live them our. What does that look like practically?
It looks a lot like practicing spiritual good habits and using the spiritual disciplines to support our spiritual life.
This includes the basics of the Christian life like Bible Study.
2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Prayer.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
And Fellowship with the Church.
Eph. 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
It also includes some of the spiritual disciplines that aren’t a part of most people’s daily practice.
Like Fasting.
Matt. 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Solitude.
Luke 5: 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
A good resource for thinking about the spiritual disciplines is the book by Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines. Here is the Amazon link -
https://a.co/d/hyxWiUN
 
Intentionally seek out younger people and invest in their spiritual life.
Deut. 6:6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
 
Not just your children! Take responsibility for the spiritual growth of others and help them grow.
 
Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
 
You are to be a beacon of light in the lives of those around you. Challenge them to consider the claims of Jesus and to see the world from an eternal perspective.
 
Prioritize disciple making activities and relationships.
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
 
This is the primary role of the church in the world today as I understand it. Make disciple of Jesus. Follow Hm and help others follow Him. Every generation is responsible for taking up the cause of Christ and reaching the next generation. It is not primarily information or education but whole life transformation into the image of Jesus. Our lives are changed from the inside out, eventually impacting every thought, word, deed and relationship. This is what it means to follow Jesus.
In the Third Stage of Spiritual Growth you are taking up the mission of Christ and acting as His ambassador to the world as you prepare the next generation of disciples to one day do the same. It is a big task. But it is God’s task and He will not fail. How awesome that He lets us be a small part of the great work of reconciliation that He is doing as He builds His church!
 
OUTRO
Thanks for joining me today! Check out runwithhorses.net for show notes and past shows. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net if you have comments or questions. Join our facebook community and tell a friend if you have found this show helpful! Keep Running!
 
All Bible Quotations are NKJV unless otherwise noted.