Uncategorized | The Practical Disciple - Part 2

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How to Pray Like Jesus, Part 2 from John 17 [Episode 44]


 

 
Welcome to the second part of this three part series on “How to Pray Like Jesus.” If you missed the first episode which focused on praying about your purpose you can find a link in related resources below.

Today’s episode covers praying for the people within your circle of influence. Jesus prayed for those whom the Father had given him. God has also placed in your life many people: friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and more…

  • Are you praying for the people around?
  • Do you see them as gifts from God?
  • How about the people who drive you crazy?
  • Are you praying for your crazy-makers?

Jesus prayed

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How to Pray Like Jesus, Part 1 from John 17 [Episode 43]


 

 
Welcome to the first part in a three part series on “How to Pray Like Jesus” based upon the seventeenth chapter of John. In today’s episode we explore what it means to prayer about our purpose and the daily work of our lives. God created you with particular passions and gifts to serve. Are you taking time to acknowledge God for the gifts and opportunities you have to serve? Are you asking for God’s guidance with your work? And, are you committing what you do to God’s glory even if it seems trivial to you?

If you answered “No to any of these

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Eight Simple Things You Can Do to Get More Out of Every Sermon [Episode 40]

Every sermon is an opportunity to learn and grow. Unfortunately, most people do not avail themselves of this opportunity. You can be the exception by exercising a few simple steps of intentional listening and application.

 

 

While the sermon is delivered…

 

Step 1: Bring a Bible.

When I say bring a Bible, I mean an honest to goodness old fashion paper and print bible. Not a Bible on your phone, iPad, or other electronic device. Why paper? Research has shown that when you study from a printed resource you have great retention. Plus, you’re going to need it for the next step.
 

Step 2: Follow the readings.

As the passage is being read, following along in your Bible.

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Three Simple Ways to Live Gratefully [Episode 38]

Saying thanks is easy, but what does it mean to live thankful? How can we show God with our lives that we are truly grateful for His numerous blessings. That’s what this Five Minute Friday episode is all about.

Learn three simple suggestions for how the actions in your life can glorify God and let God know how truly gratefully you are. Incidentally, these three suggestions are a great way to also be a witness.

Listen and learn the value of working heartily as if working for the Lord, sharing blessings, and celebrating God’s goodness.

Today’s post was inspired by the Colossians 3:17,

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

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Thin Places–Three Easy Places to Find God [Episode 37]


 

Thin Places

Celtic Christians have a wonderful expression for places where we more readily seem to experience God. They refer to these places as “thin places.” Thin places are those places where for some inexplicable reason God seems more present.
 
I have experienced a number of thin places. The sanctuary at our church is a place where I almost immediately feel peace and proximity to God. I don’t frequently slip in there to pray during the day, but when I do it is almost always a time of profound intimacy with God. Other significant place for me have been: a pond near my home in Hot Springs, a hospital chapel, and labyrinths I have walked

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Three Surefire Methods To Remember A Prayer Commitment [Episode 35]


 
Do you ever tell someone you will prayer for them and then forget until the next time you see them? That use to happen to me, but now I have three surefire methods that have proven effective in helping me remember.
 

1) Catch it

During Lent I carried a notebook that readily fit in my pocket to “catch” names of people for whom I wanted to pray. I got the idea after reading an article telling bloggers that they should carry a small notebook to record ideas that come to them throughout the day. The author referred to it as an idea catch.
 
The only

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