rwh10jan2025 Ep.398 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness -Perseverance
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Godliness is not an overnight pursuit. Paul makes it clear to Timothy that it will take some effort. To continue to pursue godliness throughout your life will take real endurance, but it is worth persevering to the end and hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

rwh03jan2025 Ep.397 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness -The Church Family
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Godliness is not an individual project but a family pursuit, and that means God uses the relational life of the church for our growth. We really do need each other!

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!
Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

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rwh27dec2025 Ep.396 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness -Our Example
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Pursuing godliness is really about doing the things that please God. Fortunately for us, we have a perfect example of what that kind of life looks like in the life of Jesus.

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rwh20dec2025 Ep.395 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness -Walking in the Spirit
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

In our pursuit of godliness, walking in the Spirit makes growth possible. It is by God’s presence and power at work in our lives that we are being sanctified day by day. But what does it mean to walk in the Spirit? That is the topic of today’s show!

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rwh13dec2025 Ep.394 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - Holiness
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

One thing all people have in common, whether they acknowledge it or not, is the ongoing struggle with sin. It’s a reality in the broken world we live in, sin taints everything. But another reality is that God is with us in this battle. In the big picture of pursuing godliness, pursuing holiness is near the heart of God.

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rwh06dec2025 Ep.394 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - Biblical Foundation
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

If you are a follower of Jesus you want to know more about Him and His direction for your life. Good news! The Bible is a guide for all of life and as we pursue godliness, we need to know what it says and then put it into practice.

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rwh29nov2025 Ep.392 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - Be Thankful
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

An important part of pursuing godliness is giving thanks in all circumstances. it’s Thanksgiving week so it’s a good time to review what it means to be thankful and how we can live it out, every day.

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rwh22nov2025 Ep.391 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - God’s Word
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

The Bible give us information about all we need to pursue godliness. It tells us who God is and what He is doing in the world as well as gives clear instrustions about what kind of life He wants us to live. Pursuing godliness is a process of getting to know God through His Word and living out what He says.

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rwh15nov2025 Ep.390 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - Prayer
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Prayer is one of the cornerstones of the Christian life. If you are serious about pursuing godliness, your prayer life is one area you will focus on. How does your prayer life relate to your spiritual growth? How can you grow IN your prayer life? Prayer is the focus of today’s show.

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rwh08nov2025 Ep.389 – Run With Horses Podcast – Pursuing Godliness - Intro
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

In our lives we are all pursuing something. Many things vie for our attention. But only one thing deserves all the energy we can give it. Paul calls it pursuing godliness. That’s the topic of today’s show.

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rwh01nov2025 Ep.388 – Run With Horses Podcast – Raising Up Shepherds from Within - Part 4
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https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

PART 4
Preparing Lay Members for Pastoral Ministry

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rwh25oct Ep.387 – Run With Horses Podcast – Raising Up Shepherds from Within Part 3
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

As a local body of followers of Jesus, we must embrace the call to be disciple makers on His mission. That includes equipping members for the leadership roles that we need locally as well as to proclaim the name of Jesus in the next town. We need to raise up shepherds in the church.

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rwh11oct Ep.385 – Run With Horses Podcast – Raising Up Shepherds from Within
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

We are in a crisis in many of our churches. There is no pastor and no pastor on the way. What does that mean for the church? Is there a path forward toward health and growth? I believe so, and I believe that at least part of the answer is already in our church. Today we are continuing to look at raising up shepherds from within the church.

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rwh11oct Ep.385 – Run With Horses Podcast – Raising up shepherds from within
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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rwh04oct Ep.384 – Run With Horses Podcast – Equipping or Educating?
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane

The Probelm
• Median age of U.S. Christians has risen (median Christian age ~54), which corresponds with an older pastoral workforce.
• Surveys show large shares of pastors have seriously considered quitting in recent years (Barna reported ~33–40% had considered quitting in the early 2020s). Covid had a huge impact and pointed out some problems.
• Research finds only a small percent (about ~1% per year) actually permanently leave pastoral ministry for reasons other than retirement, but the pipeline into pastoral roles is thin and many serve bivocationally. (Lifeway and other research summarize low annual exit rates but continued recruitment shortfalls.)
• Many groups lose members (reported membership declines in recent annual reports), which affects church budgets and pastoral hiring.

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rwh27sept Ep.383 – Run With Horses Podcast – Equipping or Educating?
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
Our churches are great at teaching Biblical truth. But sometimes I wonder if we do as well at equipping people for the work of teh ministry. That’s topic of today’s show!

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1
Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you!

Teaching and Equipping

I. Introduction
• Many churches excel at teaching but struggle with equipping. The result is knowledge without action, or action without foundation.
• How do teaching and equipping differ, and how should they work together in the life of the church?

⸻

II. Defining the Terms

A. Teaching
• Imparting knowledge, doctrine, and biblical truth.
• Scripture:

B. Equipping
• Preparing believers with tools, skills, and confidence to serve and live out their faith.

VI. The Role of Leaders and Members

A. Leaders’ Responsibility
• To both teach and equip.
• 1 Timothy 4:11–12 – “These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

B. Members’ Responsibility
• To move from being hearers to active participants in ministry.
• Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

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VII. Practical Challenges
• Overemphasis on knowledge can create spiritual spectators.
• Overemphasis on activity without grounding leads to burnout or error.
• Baptist churches must intentionally integrate both for effective discipleship.

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Teaching informs; equipping transforms. Teaching fills the mind; equipping activates the hands and heart. Both are necessary for a healthy, missional church.

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Teaching Transfers Information; Equipping Shapes People
• Teaching is about what you know. Equipping is about who you become and what you do.
• Example: The Pharisees were excellent teachers of the Law, but they failed to equip people to live it (Matthew 23:3).

👉 Knowledge is relatively easy to pass on in a classroom; transformation requires walking with people in real life.

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Equipping Requires Application and Practice
• Teaching can stop at hearing; equipping demands doing.
• James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
• Equipping means giving people opportunities to serve, make mistakes, and grow — which is harder than just lecturing.

⸻

Equipping Requires Relational Investment
• Teaching can happen from a pulpit; equipping usually happens through discipleship, mentoring, and modeling.
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Paul didn’t just teach Timothy; he entrusted him with responsibility to teach others.
• This relational work is time-consuming and often messy.

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Equipping Challenges Comfort Zones
• Many believers are comfortable learning but hesitant to step into ministry.
• Ephesians 4:12 – equipping means pushing saints into the work of ministry.
• That’s more difficult than teaching because it involves confronting fear, apathy, or resistance.

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Equipping Takes Patience and Perseverance
• Teaching can produce quick results (“I learned a new fact”).
• Equipping is long-term, like training an athlete or raising a child.
• Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
• Growth through use (practice) is much slower and harder.

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Equipping Requires Empowering, Not Controlling
• Teaching can be one-directional: “Here’s what the Bible says.”
• Equipping releases people to serve, which means leaders must trust God’s Spirit in them.
• John 14:12 – Jesus prepared His disciples to do “greater works” than He did, even though that meant letting go of control.
• Many leaders find that harder than teaching.

⸻

Teaching is easier because it focuses on knowledge transfer. Equipping is harder because it demands life-on-life investment, patience, empowerment, and guiding people into action — but it is also what produces real growth, maturity, and multiplication in the church.

(1:00)
Are focused more on teaching or equipping? How can you free up some time so you have margin in your life? Disciple making takes time. Equipping takes time. But helping to prepare others for service is always worth the effort!

– “Thank you for listening today!
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.
Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."
(00:00)

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rwh20sept Ep.382 – Run With Horses Podcast –
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
The questions you ask often determine the kinds of answers you get. How do our questions impact our ability to make disciples, develop leaders and plant new churches? That’s the topic of today’s show!

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1
Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you!

⸻

Multiplication Thinking

Part 1: The Power of the Questions We Ask (Vision & Theology)

Theme: Questions reveal what we believe about God’s mission, our role, and the future.
1. Why Questions Matter
Questions expose vision (or the lack of it) Show how “addition” questions limit scope vs. “multiplication” questions which expand possibilities.
Example: “How many people can I gather?” (Level 2 thinking) vs. “How many disciple-makers can I release?” (Level 4-5 thinking).
.The Five Levels of Church Mutiplication
1.subtraction 2. Plateau 3.addition 4. Reproducing 5. Multiplication
.
2. The Five Levels of Leadership (from Hero Maker)
• Level 1: I count (thinking addition, personal results).
• Level 2: I count what I do (improving programs).
• Level 3: I count what we do together (team success).
• Level 4: I count leaders I raise up (reproduction).
• Level 5: I count leaders who multiply leaders (movement/multiplication).
• Use examples of how each level asks progressively bigger questions.

3. Biblical and Theological Foundation
.
• Jesus modeled multiplication: He invested in 12 → sent 72 → great commission to all.
• Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2).
• The kingdom grows like a seed — designed for multiplication, not maintenance (parable of the mustard seed, yeast in the dough).

4. Why Maintenance Mindset is Dangerous
• It keeps leaders in survival mode (protecting what is).
• It makes ministries inward-focused rather than kingdom-focused.
• Ultimately, it limits generational impact.

5. Challenge:
• What questions are you currently asking in your ministry?
• Are they addition questions or multiplication questions?
• (Good interactive moment: invite participants to write down their top 2 questions they ask about ministry and assess what “level” they reflect.)

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(00:00) END PART 1
*(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Part 2: Asking Multiplication Questions

Leaders at every level can shift from addition to multiplication by the questions they ask.
1. Shifting the Question at Every Level of Leadership
.
• Sunday school teacher: Instead of “How many kids will show up?” ask “How many kids can I equip to share their faith?”
• Deacon/volunteer leader: Instead of “How do I fill this need?” ask “Who can I invite and empower to step into leadership?”
• Pastor: Instead of “How do we grow this church?” ask “How do we plant churches and send leaders?”
• Church planter: Instead of “How do I build this church strong?” ask “How do I build this to multiply from the start?”

2. Practical Multiplication Questions to Introduce
• Who am I discipling right now?
• Who could they disciple next?
• What leaders am I raising up?
• Who in my ministry could replace me if I left tomorrow?
• What’s stopping me from giving more away?

3. Tools & Practices to Reinforce Multiplication Thinking
• Permission-giving: Start saying “You can do this” more often.
• Scorecards: Redefine success — not just how many are attending, but how many are multiplying.
• Apprenticing model: Always have someone learning beside you.

4. Case Studies / Stories
• Share short stories of multiplication in action (a teacher who trained kids to lead, a church that planted another church, a small group that reproduced).
• Highlight that multiplication is possible at every level, not just at the top.

5. Closing Challenge & Vision Casting
• Ask participants: “If every leader here multiplied themselves once in the next 2 years, what would happen in our church and community?”
• Cast vision for generational leadership: thinking in terms of “spiritual grandchildren.”
• Call them to choose one multiplication question they’ll start asking this week.

6. Sample Multiplication vs. Maintenance Questions

Sunday School Teachers
• Maintenance: How many kids will show up this week?
• Multiplication: Which kids can I disciple so they can share their faith with others?
• Multiplication: Who could I apprentice as a future teacher?

⸻

Deacons
• Maintenance: How do we meet the needs of our members better?
• Multiplication: Who else can we raise up to serve so more people are empowered?
• Multiplication: How do we multiply servant leaders, not just serve needs?

⸻

Sound Booth / Tech Team
• Maintenance: How do I make sure the sound and slides run smoothly this Sunday?
• Multiplication: Who can I train so they can run sound in the future?
• Multiplication: How do we multiply tech leaders so new services, campuses, or ministries can launch equipped?

⸻

Worship Leaders
• Maintenance: How do we sound better this Sunday?
• Multiplication: Who in the band or congregation can I mentor to lead worship in the future?
• Multiplication: How do we multiply worship leaders so that every group, gathering, or church plant has someone to lead?

⸻

Pastors
• Maintenance: How do we grow this church bigger?
• Multiplication: How do we raise up pastors and church planters from within?
• Multiplication: Who are my “Timothys” that I’m intentionally training to multiply leaders?

⸻

Church Planters
• Maintenance: How do I make this church strong and healthy?
• Multiplication: How do I plant in such a way that this church will plant another church within 3 years?
• Multiplication: How do I build a culture of sending from the very beginning?

⸻

General “Every Leader” Questions
• Maintenance: How do I succeed in my role?
• Multiplication: Who am I apprenticing to take my place?
• Multiplication: Who are my spiritual grandchildren — the people being discipled by those I discipled?

⸻

7. Progression of Questions: From Addition to Multiplication

Level 1: I Count (self-focused)
• How am I doing?
• Did I do a good job teaching / leading / serving?
• Did people like what I did today?

(Example: A sound booth worker asks, “Did I get the slides right?”)

⸻

Level 2: I Count What I Do (program-focused)
• How many people showed up to my class, service, or ministry?
• How can I make this better for those who attend?
• Did the event/service/program run smoothly?

(Example: A Sunday school teacher asks, “How many kids are in my class this week?”)

⸻

Level 3: I Count What We Do Together (team-focused)
• How is our team doing?
• How can we grow this ministry bigger or better together?
• How can we serve more people as a team?

(Example: A deacon asks, “How can our deacon team meet more needs this year?”)

⸻

Level 4: I Count Leaders I Raise Up (reproduction-focused)
• Who am I apprenticing right now?
• Who could I trust to lead if I wasn’t here?
• How can I release more people into ministry and leadership?

(Example: A worship leader asks, “Who in the band can I mentor to lead a worship set?”)

⸻

Level 5: I Count Leaders Who Multiply Leaders (movement-focused)
• Who are my spiritual grandchildren — the leaders raised up by the leaders I’ve discipled?
• How do we create a culture where leaders naturally multiply leaders?
• How can we measure success by kingdom expansion, not just local growth?

(Example: A pastor asks, “Who are the church planters being trained by the leaders I’ve already raised up?”)

⸻

✅ Progression Summary (for a slide or handout):
• Level 1–2 questions: focus on me and my ministry.
• Level 3 questions: focus on our ministry team.
• Level 4 questions: focus on leaders I raise.
• Level 5 questions: focus on leaders who raise leaders.

(1:00)
What kinds of questions are you asking? Do your answers move you toward reproduction and multiplication or do they keep you stuck in the status quo? I know what kind of questions I want to be asking!

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Rwh13sep Ep.381 – Run With Horses Podcast – 3 Barriers Disciple Makers Face
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Barriers to Disciple-Making

Part 1: Why These Things Are a Problem

Busyness (
• Define it: Activity without intentionality.
• Luke 10:41–42:
Apathy
• A lack of concern for spiritual needs.
• Revelation 3:15–16:
Lack of Discipline
• Inconsistent rhythms of prayer, Word, and mission.
• 1 Corinthians 9:27 (:

Part 2: What We Can Do About It

Countering Busyness with Margin
• Ephesians 5:15–16:
Countering Apathy with Love and Prayer
• Matthew 9:37–38:
Countering Lack of Discipline with Spiritual Good Habits
• Luke 9:23 :

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Rwh06sep Ep.380 – Run With Horses Podcast – 5 Traits of Disciple MakersPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith 1.. The Call to Discipleship•Jesus’ Invitation•Mark 1:17•Goal of Discipleship•Romans 8:29 2.. Theological Foundation of Spiritual Growth•The Seed Growing•Matthew 13:31–32•Athletes Training•1 Corinthians 9:24–27•Endurance in the Race•Hebrews 12:1–2 3.. Core Virtues in the Journey 1. Discipline•1 Timothy 4:7–82. Perseverance•James 1:2–4 3. Risk-Taking (Faith in Action)•Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer (1 Samuel 14:6–7)•Risk: Attacking a Philistine garrison with just two men.•Faith: Jonathan trusted that God was not limited by numbers or strength.•Outcome: God gave them victory, sparking courage in Israel. 4. Curiosity (A Holy Hunger)•Acts 17:11 Zacchaeus Seeking Jesus•Luke 19:3–4•Curiosity: Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus.•Outcome: His seeking led to salvation coming to his house. Godly curiosity:•Is fueled by humility (acknowledging we don’t know everything).•Leads to greater revelation (God meets seekers with truth).•Results in deeper faith and obedience, not mere intellectual satisfaction. 5. Integrity (Wholeness and Consistency)•Matthew 5:37 6.. Conclusion•Philippians 1:6•Return to Jesus’ words: “Follow Me, Fish for men.” – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.Day by day, God is transforming us into the image of His Son. Be encouraged that He will complete His work! And Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

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Rwh30aug Ep.379 – Run With Horses Podcast – Supporting Your Pastor’s Wife
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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Rwh23aug Ep.378 – Run With Horses Podcast – Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 2Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith (24:00)If you feel like the spiritual life is an uphill battle sometimes you are probably in the right place. It is a journey of a lifetime that brings trials, and joys, that reveal your heart condition and point you to Christ. God is at work in the details and walks with you on the journey. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” (23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1 ### 2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle• Psalm 13:1-2 – “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Key • Struggles don’t indicate lack of growth; God often strengthens faith in hidden ways during hard times. Applications for Disciple Makers•Prepare disciples for inevitable dry seasons—normalize them.•Teach perseverance; encourage trust in God’s timing.•Model honesty about struggles (Psalms as a prayer guide). Illustrations•Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2).•Winter season for a tree—growth still occurs underground.•Missionary biographies (e.g., Adoniram Judson’s long seasons of waiting). ⸻ ### 3: Be an Active Participant in Growth (Spiritual Disciplines)• God provides growth, but believers must cooperate through obedience and spiritual disciplines.• Abiding in Christ sustains transformation. Daily pursuit of godliness as Paul challenged Timothy Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Hebrews 5:14 –“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” John 15:4-5 –“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” #### Key • Growth is not passive; disciplines keep us aligned with God’s transforming work. Applications for Disciple Makers•Practice spiritual disciplines: prayer, Scripture study, fellowship, serving. At their simplest, the spiritual disciplines are habits that support your spiritual life on your journey toward Christ-likeness.•Encourage sustainable habits, not legalistic checklists.•Train disciples to feed themselves spiritually and disciple others. Illustrations•Athlete training for a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).•Garden analogy: We water and tend, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).•Example of early church practices (Acts 2:42). *(00:00) END PART 1(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2 ### •4. Growth is a Shared JourneyKey idea: Progressive, Seasonal, Participatory Growth is God’s Plan #### • Progressive – Growth is ongoing; we are being transformed into Christ’s image step by step.• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)• “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13 NKJV) #### • Seasonal – Growth happens in different seasons: planting, pruning, waiting, harvesting.• “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV)• “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2 NKJV)God accomplishes different things in different seasons. What lessons are available in the trial you are facing now? #### • Participatory – We cooperate with God’s work in us; He grows us as we yield and obey. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 :“But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” • “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV)• “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV) ⸻ ### 5. Emphasize God’s Faithfulness: He Completes What He Starts• God initiates and sustains our growth.• “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)• Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.• “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)• Even in failure, God restores and uses us. (Peter’s example: Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-19) ⸻ ### 6. Practical Steps: How to Walk the Journey Together #### 1. Identify Where You Are• Be honest about your current stage: new believer, maturing, struggling, or discipling others.• “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV)• Use prayer, Scripture, and counsel from mature believers to discern areas of growth. Ask: What is my next step of faithfulness? #### 2. Walk Alongside Others• Support others in their stage without comparison or judgment.• “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1 NKJV)• “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NKJV)• Follow Jesus’ model: He lived closely with His disciples, teaching and encouraging them daily. #### 3. Commit to Ongoing Growth Through Disciplines and Community• Disciplines: Prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, service, confession.• “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2 NKJV)• Community: Growth happens best with others.• “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV) ⸻ ### 7. Vision: Why Shared Growth Matters, We are Disciple Makers• Our growth equips us for the mission of making disciples.• “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)• The world sees Christ in a community that grows together in love.• “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 NKJV)• Growth in community fosters perseverance and joy.• “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV)

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Rwh16aug Ep.377 – Run With Horses Podcast – Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 1
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
Pastor’s wives are often a forgotten link in a healthy church. What can you do to support your pastor’s wife in her role? That’s the topic of today’s show.

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Following Jesus is a Journey

⸻

Pilgrimage, marathon, wilderness journey, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
• spiritual growth: Ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness (Romans 8:29).
• Growth is neither instantaneous nor stagnant; it is a progressive walk empowered by the Spirit.
• Our Goal: Equip disciple makers to understand, model, and guide others on this journey.

⸻

*1 Spiritual Growth is Progressive, Not Instantaneous
• Growth is lifelong; sanctification happens progressively as believers are conformed to Christ.
• Conversion is the starting line, not the finish line.
• Philippians 1:6 –
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 –
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
• Colossians 2:6-7 –
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Key • God initiates growth, but we must remain rooted and allow Him to complete the work.

Applications for Disciple Makers
• Help new believers understand growth takes time—avoid unrealistic expectations.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection.
• Encourage consistent abiding rather than instant change.
* Be obedient in the little things each day, it adds up.

Illustrations
• Seed to tree imagery (Mark 4:28).
• Personal testimony of gradual transformation.
* Bike Ride across Iowa _ RAGBRAI
⸻

*2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle
• Growth is not linear; dry seasons and struggles are part of God’s process.
• Waiting and hardship often deepen roots unseen.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 –
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
• Galatians 6:9 –
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

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Rwh09aug Ep.376 – Run With Horses Podcast – Staying on targetPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith .5 Do Spiritual Mapping (Know the Needs) Where is God calling us to focus?•Acts 16:6-10 – Paul’s vision to go to Macedonia.•Matthew 9:36-38 – Jesus saw the crowds, had compassion, and called for workers.•Goals:•Study community needs (demographics, unreached groups, underserved population).•Pray for discernment: Where is the Spirit leading?•Identify new areas or groups (subcultures) needing gospel engagement. ⸻ .6 Remember Your Kingdom Job – Disciple Making What is the primary calling of every church member?•Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”•2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Ministry of reconciliation; ambassadors for Christ.•Goals:•Remind constantly: Disciple-making is not optional.•Fight mission drift (avoid letting programs replace mission).•Help every believer see themselves as sent where they live, work, play. Our capacity may be different but our purpose is the same. To see Jesus glorified everywhere by everyone. ⸻ .7 Develop and Maintain a Feedback System How do we track and celebrate disciple-making progress?•Acts 14:27 – Paul and Barnabas reported what God had done.•Philippians 1:3-5 – Partnership in the gospel brings joy. Paul remembered, prayed and was full of joy because of others who partnered with him on the mission.•Goals:•Share regular reports/testimonies in services or meetings.•Encourage peer accountability (who are you discipling, who disciples you?).•Offer resources and coaching for active disciple-makers. Invite people to join the mission regularly. ⸻ .8 Keep the Systems Simple (Reproducible) How do we ensure multiplication is possible?•2 Timothy 2:2 – Train faithful people who will train others.•Matthew 10:5-10 – Jesus sent disciples simply, focusing on relationships.•Goals:•Keep training clear and reproducible (simple Bible studies, gospel tools).•Start with baby steps (one habit at a time, one disciple at a time).•Design everything for multiplication, not just addition. ⸻ A Call to Action•Revisit Matthew 28:18-20 – Christ’s authority, command, and promise.•Challenge: What is your next step in personal disciple-making?•Corporate call: What is our next step as a church?

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Ep.375 – Run With Horses Podcast – Staying on target
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
We are still talking about keeping our eyes on the target that Jesus has set before us. To be ambassadors for Christ on the mission of reconciliation, making disciples of the nations. Sound like a big job? Thankfully we are in this together and the Holy Spirit is doing His work in and through us.

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

The Biblical Mandate
• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations.
• Key Question: Why does the church exist?
• Not just for programs, services, or buildings—It exist as the body of Jesus to Cary out his mission of reconciliation in the world, practically, for disciple-making.
• Every believer is called to participate (not just pastors).

⸻

.1 Clarify the Win for the Team

Question: What does success look like for our church?
• Colossians 1:28-29 – “Present everyone mature in Christ.”
• Ephesians 4:11-13 – Equip saints until maturity and unity in faith.
• Goals:
• Define “disciple” (follower of Jesus growing in obedience, reproducing). Everyone needs to know the goal of Christ-likeness and have some idea of the path that leads there.
• Create a shared vision and language (everyone knows what the goal is). It is a team effort, we need each other and simple, clear communication is important.
• Success = transformed lives, not just attendance numbers.

⸻

.2 Give Them Tools for the Win

How do we equip every believer to evangelize and disciple?
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips believers for every good work.
• Ephesians 4:12 – Leaders equip saints for ministry.
• Acts 1:8 – Empowered by the Spirit to witness.
• Goals:
• Provide simple gospel tools (testimony, “3 Circles,” Romans Road, DBS).
• Train in basic disciple habits (prayer, Bible, fellowship, serving).
• Help members discover spiritual gifts (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12).

⸻

.3 Radical Clarity About Mission

How do we keep the vision in front of us?
• Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision; make it plain.”
• John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I send you.”
• Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and light in the world.
• Goals:
• Constantly repeat the mission (sermons, meetings, ministries).
• Celebrate wins (testimonies, baptisms, gospel impact stories).
• Evaluate ministries: Does this move us toward Christ-likeness and help us make disciples?

⸻

.4 Create Systems that Self-Correct and stay on task

How do we design processes that keep us on mission?
• Acts 6:1-7 – Church creates structure to meet needs and continue growth.
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Do all things decently and in order.”
• Goals:
• Build reproducible models (small groups, one-on-one mentorship).
• Review regularly and adjust to stay on mission.
• Systems should serve people, not the other way around.

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rwh26july - Ep.374 – Run With Horses Podcast – What kind of disciples are we making?Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith (24:00)If the disciple you make doesn’t make disciples, have you fully made a disciple? True disciple making is inherently a process of multiplication and That is the topic of our show today. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” (23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1 **(00:00) END PART 1(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2 Part 1: What Are We Making? Big Idea: Churches often aim for “converts” or “Christians” in name, but not reproducing disciple-makers. 1. I’m still processing the lessons from the GARBC Conference and today I a focusing on some of the comments by Tim Walker - Pastor of Restored Church in WIlkes-Barre, PA. •Raise the contrast: “Are we making churchgoers or Christ-followers?” If the disciple you make doesn’t make a disciple, have you fully made a disciple?The question is really, what are you making? Often I think the answer is, we are making Christians, and that means something different than genuine followers of Jesus. And definitively something less than disciple makers. 2. Clarifying Definitions•Disciple: Apprentice of Jesus.•Not just knowledge, but obedience and transformation.•Not just attending, but multiplying.•Disciple-maker: Someone who walks alongside others to help them become more like Jesus — and teaches them to do the same. 3. Judo Illustration•Great visual! Consider structuring like this:1.Knowledge – Learning the basics of Jesus’ teaching.2.Training – Spiritual disciplines, habits, community.3.Practice – Real-life obedience, failure, growth.4.Engagement – Helping others through the same path. Jesus’ model — He taught, demonstrated, let disciples try, corrected them, then sent them. ⸻ Part 2: Biblical Model – 2 Timothy 2:1–7 2 Timothy 2:1-7 - You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 1. Paul’s Command to Timothy•Four Generations of discipleship:Paul → Timothy → Faithful men → Others•Challenge: Is that chain continuing through us? 2. The Three Illustrations Structure each one with:•Role•What faithfulness looks like•How it connects to discipleship ⸻ A. The Soldier•Characteristics: Endurance, single focus, sacrifice•Danger of distraction: “Entangled in civilian affairs”•Application: Have we become entangled with church programming, comfort, or cultural expectations? B. The Athlete•Characteristics: Obedience to the rules, discipline, training•Application: Are we training people to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20), or just to attend services? The athlete doesn’t win by enthusiasm alone—faithful repetition, intentional growth. C. The Farmer•Characteristics: Patience, seasonal awareness, daily labor•Application: Are we cultivating spiritual lives with care, or expecting growth without effort? Discipleship is often slow, messy, and deeply relational. ⸻ Part 3: What Is Our Church Producing? “Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it’s getting.” – Classic truth. 1. Evaluate the Fruit•What is your church or small group producing?•Are people becoming:•Independent consumers of content?•Or interdependent contributors to the mission? 2. Cultural Distractions•The modern pull toward:•Safety•Security•Comfort•Convenience•Contrast with Jesus’ call:•Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me (Mark 8:34)•Intentional sacrifice is part of the pathway to becoming a disciple. ⸻ Conclusion: Future Church Insight•Quote Will Mancini: “The American church is strong on theology, sermons, and leadership. It is weak on making disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.” 1. Summary•Making disciples must include the vision of multiplication. It is teaching people how to multiply, and giving them the encouragement and support they need to live it out.•True faithfulness means preparing others to do the work of the ministry. 2. Challenge•Evaluate your life: Who are you discipling?•Is the pathway clear, intentional, reproducible?•Are you willing to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and slow growth? ⸻ Additional Thoughts You Could Consider Including•Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission is not just evangelism. It’s teaching people to obey — long-term transformation. Matthew 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 •Jesus’ model: He spent 3 years with 12 men. That was His “church growth strategy.”•Barriers to Disciple-Making:•Fear of inadequacy•Busyness•Over-reliance on pastors or programs•Lack of clear models•Encouragement: You don’t need to be a theologian — just be a step ahead and willing to walk with someone else. (1:00) Disciple making is the life-long pursuit of Jesus lived out in your relationships. We all have the ongoing responsibility to invest in the lives of those around us helping them take steps towards Jesus. For some it is the first step. For many it is the next step. Pass on what you learn and live to others who will live it out and pass it on. – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.Let the people around you know that you see them this week. Make an effort to intentionally communicate the hope that you have, and Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."(00:00)

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rwh19july - Ep.373 – Run With Horses Podcast – Are we winning?
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
Are we winning? As a church? Personally? How are we doing and how do we know how we’re doing? If we chase the wrong goal and reach it, what have we accomplished? This is the topic of today’s show!

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1
Josh Jones - Bridgewater Church. GARBC Conference 2025
Paul gave up his rights, privileges and preferences for the sake of the gospel. He had a clear goal and he sacrificed to reach it.

1 Cor. 9:19 - For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

V. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Jesus alone has the right to define the win in the Christian life and for His church.
The point is to do church well. We have created so many ministries that are just for us, within the church. It is movement without impact for the kingdom.
We pay close attention to things that are not mission critical, and sometimes miss the mission altogether.
How clear are we about our goal as individuals and as a local church?

Does it seem like we often just do church and hope people come?

How do we think about activity verses effectiveness? Do we consider effectiveness when planning what and how the church operates?

Our goal is not to gather a crowd but to grow the kingdom. How does that affect our decisions and activity as a church family?
Equipping people for ministry outside the church walls. Encouraging them to engage in their relational networks.

In the NT church happened as a result of consistent engagement with communities resulting in the gospel being proclaimed and people trusting in Jesus. These people gathered to learn more about their Savior and His mission, to fellowship, to live life in a community with Jesus at the center and to pray with and for each other as they cared for each others needs. This special relationship kept them motivated and encouraged to reach out to others who didn’t yet know Jesus.

How is our church life today different? Should it be?

I believe we have a clear goal, given to us by Jesus. To be like HIm, following HIm as His disciples, and to intentionally engage in His mission of disciple making as we take the message of reconciliation out into every community so that every person will have repeated opportunities to respond to Jesus.
The result is new church families engaged in their relational networks, making disciples.

We will fail trying, we cannot fail due to inactivity.
The mission is too important to do nothing.

Don’t just run drills. Get in the game. The Great Commission defines the win. Be faithful to do your part knowing that God is doing His part.

How do you embrace the mission personally? Are you seeking to be equipped?
Gospel.
1-1 disciple making - everyone can do it.
Small group disciple making - most people can do it. Shepherd.
Large group disciple making - a few can do it. Pastor, etc.

What is your next step?

(1:00)
Are you in the game? Don’t be afraid to fail, Jesus is building His church and he uses us to do it. Being faithfully engaged and on the mission keeps you available for Him to use as He builds His church and expands His kingdom.

– “Thank you for listening today!
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.
Let the people around you know that you see them this week. Make an effort to intentionally communicate the hope that you have, and Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."
(00:00)

View Details

rwh12july Ep.372 – Run With Horses Podcast
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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rwh05july Ep.371 – Run With Horses Podcast – GARBC Conference Lessons Part 2
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

View Details

Ep.370 – Run With Horses Podcast – GARBC Conference Lessons
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

View Details

Ep.369 – Run With Horses Podcast – Our Words Matter
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Biblical Foundations for Communication
Communication as Discipleship
Listening as a Spiritual Discipline
Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Worldviews
Conflict, Correction, and Encouragement
Digital Communication
One-on-One vs. Group Communication
Teaching vs. Talking
1. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
Speak the Truth in Love
Use Open-Ended, Heart-Opening Questions
Watch Your Nonverbal Communication
Use Technology Intentionally

Doctrine Today - Biblical Humility

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rwh14june Ep.368 – Run With Horses Podcast – Building Trust
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)

Relationships can be kind of fragile. Trust can be hard to build and easy to lose. Because our spiritual life depends so heavily on healthy relationships, it’s worth the effort to develop a strong foundation, Today we are thinking about Building Trust, Why and How.

⸻

Trust Begins with your Heart
Trust Is Built Through Love and Sacrificial Commitment
Trust Grows Through Consistent, Truthful Communication
Trust grows through Accountability and Transparency
Trust Must Be Repaired When Broken
Trust opens the door to Fruitful Discipleship
Our Trust in God Is the Foundation of Trust with Others
Trustworthiness Flows from Our Identity in Christ
We Are Trustworthy Because We Live for an Audience of One

(00:00) END PART 1
*(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Living It Out – Practical Encouragement for Building Trust

I. Start With Yourself: Build Trust by Being Trustworthy

II. Show Up and Stick Around: Trust Is Built Over Time

III. Be Vulnerable First: Lead with Transparency

IV. Practice Active Listening and Empathy

V. Keep Short Accounts: Repair Trust Quickly

(5:00 – 1:00)
Doctrine Today

The Holiness of God and Disciple-Makers

(1:00)
How are you doing at building strong healthy relationships? It takes work, but it’s worth it. Be a trustworthy friend and invest time in others. You will be better because of it.

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rwh7june Ep.367 – Run With Horses Podcast – Honoring others
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)

At our core, most of us are selfish and really struggle to consider others and their spiritual life. But the call of a disciple of Jesus is a call to place a high value on everyone we meet. God challenges us to lay aside our own wants and desires and to really honor others. That’s the topic, and the challenge, for today.

Honoring Others: The Mark of A Disciple

A good, basic definition of honor—especially in a biblical and discipleship context—is:

Honor is the act of recognizing and treating others with the dignity, value, and respect they deserve as image-bearers of God, regardless of their status or behavior.

To honor someone means to esteem them highly, to give weight to their worth, and to treat them in a way that reflects God’s view of them—not just your personal opinion.

The Biblical Command to Honor Others

🧾 Key Verse:
• Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”

Key Points:
• Honoring others is not optional; it’s a command tied to Christian love.
• “Giving preference” shows that honor involves humility and intentionality.

Honoring Begins with the Heart of Christ

🧾 Key Verses:
• Philippians 2:3–5 (NKJV)
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”

Key Points:
• Jesus modeled humility by honoring those beneath Him socially and spiritually.
• To honor others is to adopt the mindset of Christ.

Honoring Others Reflects God’s Character

🧾 Key Verse:
• 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)
“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

Key Points:
• Honor is rooted in the Imago Dei—all people are made in God’s image.
• Disciples honor others not because of their merit but because of God’s worth.

Honoring Authority—Even When It’s Hard

🧾 Key Verse:
• Romans 13:1–2 (NKJV)
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

Key Points:
• Honoring others includes honoring civil and church authorities.
• It’s a test of obedience to God’s sovereignty.

Honor in the Home and Church

🧾 Honor in the Family:
• Ephesians 6:2 (NKJV)
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise…”

🧾 Honor in the Church:
• 1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV)
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

Key Points:
• Honor starts in the home and extends to the household of faith.
• Honoring leaders strengthens unity and gospel witness.

Honor and Disciple-Making

🧾 Key Verse:
• John 13:34–35 (NKJV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Key Points:
• Honor is a visible expression of love.
• Honoring others is a form of discipleship and a witness to the world.

Reward for Honoring Others

🧾 Key Verse:
• Matthew 10:41–42 (NKJV)
“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward… And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water… shall by no means lose his reward.”

Key Points:
• God sees every act of honor, even the smallest.
• Honoring others aligns us with God’s economy of grace and reward.

(00:00) END PART 1
*(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Excellent direction. Focusing on the practical side of honoring others will ground your lecture in real-life application, which is essential for disciple-makers.

Let’s divide the second half of your lecture into two practical sections:

⸻

🏛️ Section 1: Honoring People Within the Church

Honoring fellow believers builds unity, discipleship relationships, and displays Christ’s love within the Body.

✅ 1. Serve One Another Humbly

🧾 Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Application: Honor by taking initiative to serve others, especially when inconvenient.

⸻

✅ 2. Speak with Grace and Encouragement

🧾 Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Application: Honor others by building them up with your words, not tearing them down—even behind their back.

⸻

✅ 3. Celebrate Others’ Gifts and Contributions

🧾 1 Corinthians 12:24–25 (NKJV)

“…But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”

Application: Value all roles in the church equally—encouraging those who serve behind the scenes.

⸻

✅ 4. Submit to Spiritual Leadership

🧾 Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account…”

Application: Show honor by respecting pastors, elders, and those discipling you—even when they challenge you.

⸻

✅ 5. Restore the Fallen with Gentleness

🧾 Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”

Application: To honor someone is not to shame them when they fall, but to restore them with dignity.

⸻

🌍 Section 2: Honoring Unbelievers

Honoring unbelievers is critical for evangelism and discipleship relationships. It reflects God’s love and opens doors for the gospel.

✅ 1. Show Respect Regardless of Belief

🧾 1 Peter 3:15–16 (NKJV)

“…always be ready to give a defense… with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you… those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”

Application: Engage unbelievers respectfully, not arrogantly. Win them with truth and character.

⸻

✅ 2. Do Good Without Expecting in Return

🧾 Luke 6:35 (NKJV)

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great…”

Application: Honor by being generous, especially to those who cannot repay or may even reject you.

⸻

✅ 3. Be a Peacemaker in a Hostile Culture

🧾 Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Application: Don’t retaliate or argue over non-essentials. Model peace and humility in tense conversations.

⸻

✅ 4. Acknowledge Their God-Given Worth

🧾 Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him…”

Application: Even if they’re far from God, they still bear His image. Treat them accordingly—with compassion, not contempt.

⸻

✅ 5. Practice Hospitality

🧾 Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

Application: Invite unbelievers into your home, your life, and your story—model Christ before preaching Him.

⸻

🧩 Summary Application Statement:

“To honor others is to see them through God’s eyes and treat them with intentional dignity—whether they are your brother in Christ or a stranger far from Him.”

(5:00 – 1:00)
Doctrine Today
Jesus and His Present Ministry
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.
Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times
Understanding Theology is Important
The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making
Church Role in Discerning God’s Will
Barriers to Disciple Making
Spiritual Warfare
Jesus – Incarnation
God’s Sovereignty
Sin and the Call to Make Disciples

REPENTANCE AND THE DISCIPLE MAKER

Repentance Is Central to the Gospel Message
• Acts 2:38 (NKJV) – “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
• Mark 1:14–15 (NKJV) – “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’”

📌 Point: The call to repentance is not optional—it’s the first response to the Gospel. As disciple-makers, we cannot proclaim Christ faithfully without calling people to repentance.

⸻

Repentance Is Ongoing in the Life of the Disciple
• 1 John 1:8–9 (NKJV) – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”
• Revelation 3:19 (NKJV) – “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

📌 Point: Repentance is not a one-time act but a continual attitude of the heart. Disciple-makers must model and teach ongoing repentance as part of spiritual growth and sanctification.

⸻

True Repentance Bears Fruit
• Matthew 3:8 (NKJV) – “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…”
• Acts 26:20 (NKJV) – “…that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.”

📌 Point: A changed life is evidence of genuine repentance. Disciple-makers must help others identify and pursue the fruit of repentance (e.g., humility, obedience, love, reconciliation).

⸻

Repentance Is a Work of God, But Requires a Human Response
• 2 Timothy 2:25 (NKJV) – “…if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth…”
• Romans 2:4 (NKJV) – “…the goodness of God leads you to repentance.”

📌 Point: While repentance is a gift from God, it calls for a real and willing response. Disciple-makers must depend on the Spirit while calling people to take real steps.

⸻

A Disciple Maker Must First Live a Life of Repentance
• Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV) – “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting.”
• Matthew 7:3–5 (NKJV) – “First remove the plank from your own eye…”

📌 Point: Integrity matters. A disciple-maker’s power comes from walking authentically with Jesus. Ongoing self-examination and repentance are prerequisites for discipling others.

⸻

Repentance Prepares the Heart for Discipleship
• Luke 9:23 (NKJV) – “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
• Acts 3:19 (NKJV) – “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come…”

📌 Point: Discipleship requires a surrendered heart. Repentance clears the ground for following Jesus wholeheartedly and being made into His likeness.

⸻

Disciple-Makers Must Call Others to Repentance Boldly and Lovingly
• Luke 24:46–47 (NKJV) – “…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…”
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) – “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation…”

📌 Point: Our call is not to shame, but to invite. We call people to repentance out of love and hope, trusting that it will lead to joy and transformation.

(1:00)

How are you doing at really seeing and hearing the people around you? The message of Salvation is best given when our attitudes and actions make the love of Jesus as clear as the message of the Gospel. Let’s agree to slow down and really see the people God has placed in our lives. Seeing them, let’s honor them as image bearers of a Holy God and serve them as those Jesus loved enough to go to the cross for.

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Ep.366 – Run With Horses Podcast – Stewarding Your Time
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)
If you are like me you have a long list fo things you would like to see accomplished this week. Time always seems in short supply with way more to do than time to do it. in the middle of the busyness, what is God doing? How can we keep Him first in the middle of the rat race. That our topic today!

1. Stewardship of our Time: “Redeeming the Time”

Passage: Ephesians 5:15–17 (NKJV)

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Principle: Every minute is a gift. We must “buy back” each hour from distractions by aligning our schedules with God’s priorities—especially the Great Commission.

2. Wisdom in Planning: “The Plans of the Diligent”

Passage: Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV)

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, to poverty.”
Principle: Thoughtful, prayerful planning prevents wasted time and creates margin for gospel opportunities (e.g., inviting neighbors, mentoring new believers).

3. Counting Our Days: “Teach Us to Number Our Days”

Passage: Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Principle: An eternal-perspective reminder that life is brief. When we internalize our limited hours, we’ll prioritize what lasts—making disciples.

4. Purposeful Living: “Doing All to the Glory of God”

Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Principle: Every task—work, rest, family time, evangelism—should be offered as worship. That reshapes even “routine” minutes into Kingdom service.

5. Prioritizing Prayer & Communion: “Jesus Prayed Early”

Passage: Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Principle: Jesus structured His day around communion with the Father—our ultimate source of wisdom for time management and disciple-making.

6. Eternal Urgency: “For What Is Your Life?”

Passage: James 4:14 (NKJV)

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
Principle: The fleetingness of life compels urgent obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

7. Single-Mindfulness: “Deny Yourself”

Passage: Luke 9:23–24 (NKJV)

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
Principle: Self-discipline in scheduling (saying “no” to lesser things) frees us to “lose” our lives in service—especially in making disciples.

8. Balance Work & Rest: “Six Days You Shall Labor…”

Passage: Exodus 20:8–10,12 (NKJV)

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…6 for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth…12 ‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long…’”
Principle: Biblical sabbath—and honoring family—establish healthy rhythms that prevent burnout and protect time for disciple-care.

9. Investing in Others: “Do Not Steal” (as Stealing Time)

Passage: Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)

“Let him who stole steal no longer… but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
Principle: Our work (and your time!) isn’t just for self—but for generosity. Freeing up “spare” hours to invest in new believers.

10. The Great Commission as First Priority

Passage: Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always…”
Principle: Every time-management decision must be filtered through: “Will this help me obey Jesus’s command to make disciples?”

(00:00) END PART 1
(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Part 2: Practical Advice for Using Time to Be and Make Disciples

1. Begin with a Paradigm Shift: Time is Kingdom Currency

• Time is not just something we “spend”; it’s something we invest. Just like money, time can be stewarded for temporary or eternal purposes.
• Regularly ask: “Is this activity helping me know Jesus more deeply or helping someone else follow Him better?”

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” (Ephesians 5:15–16)

2. Build Life Around Jesus’s Priorities, Not Just Adding Him In

• Many busy Christians are trying to fit Jesus into their schedule instead of building their schedule around Him.
• Suggest starting with these 3 buckets and planning around them:
• Time with God (Being a disciple) – prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, silence.
• Time with others (Making disciples) – intentional meals, mentoring, small groups.
• Time on mission (Living sent) – workplace witness, neighborhood engagement, volunteering.

3. Combine Your Calling With Your Calendar

Help them redeem ordinary rhythms by integrating disciple-making into:
• Meals – “Who can you eat with this week that needs encouragement or the gospel?”
• Commutes – Use it for prayer, audio Bibles, check-in calls with mentees.
• Family time – Lead short devotionals, model hospitality, include kids in ministry moments.
• Work breaks – Strategic encouragement or follow-up with someone God’s placed nearby.

“Disciple-making doesn’t always need new time blocks—it often needs intentionality in existing ones.”

4. Create a Disciple-Making Weekly Rhythm

Encourage a simple rhythm:
• Daily: Time with God, open eyes to opportunities.
• Weekly: 1 relational touchpoint (e.g., coffee, call, prayer walk).
• Monthly: One deeper investment (e.g., mentoring conversation, service together).
• Quarterly: Retreat or reevaluation—Am I growing? Is anyone growing because of me?

5. Say No to Say Yes

Help them see that every “yes” is a “no” to something else.
• Challenge: “What are you doing that someone else could do, so you can do what only you can do?”
• Sometimes the most spiritual thing they can do is decline a good thing for the sake of the best thing (Luke 10:41–42 – “Martha, Martha…”).

6. Use Tools with Intentionality

• Calendar: Block time for people, not just tasks.
• Alarms/reminders: Prompt prayer, Scripture, check-ins.
• Apps: Bible apps, group chats for discipleship groups, accountability tools.
• Notebooks or journals: Record prayers, disciple progress, insights from Scripture.

7. Don’t Go Alone—Form a Band of Disciple-Makers

• Encourage small discipleship bands of 2–4 people with shared goals and check-ins.
• Ask: “Who’s helping you follow Jesus better? Who are you helping?”
• This builds encouragement, accountability, and shared momentum.

8. Encouragement: Grace Over Guilt, Progress Over Perfection

• Remind them that they are not earning God’s favor by being busy for Him.
• Jesus is not measuring productivity; He’s forming people.
• Celebrate small, faithful steps. Even 5 minutes of prayer for someone is eternally significant.
• God multiplies what we surrender, even if it’s small (loaves and fish principle).

“You may feel behind, but Jesus is not. He’s patient, and He delights in every act of love in His name.”

Challenge

• “Imagine if every one of us made just one disciple this year.”
• write one name they’ll pray for or pursue this month.
• You don’t need more time—you need more focus and faith.

Sin and the Call to Make Disciples

I. Introduction: The Clear Call of Jesus
• Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”
• The Great Commission is not a suggestion, but a command.
• Discipleship is not optional for the believer—it’s our identity and mission.
• Briefly affirm your audience’s desire to follow Jesus more faithfully.

II. The Nature and Consequence of Sin
• Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
• Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV)
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”
• Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…”

Key Points:
• Sin is not just moral failure—it’s a barrier to intimacy with God and others.
• Sin entangles and weighs down believers, keeping us from active obedience.
• Our mission to make disciples is spiritual warfare—sin compromises our witness, our clarity, and our power.

III. Sin’s Direct Impact on Discipleship

A. It Weakens Our Witness
• 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NKJV)
“…abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable… that they may, by your good works… glorify God.”
• Our credibility is tied to our character. Ongoing, unrepentant sin dulls our message.

B. It Diminishes Our Passion
• Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV)
“…you have left your first love. Remember… repent and do the first works.”
• Sin numbs the heart. A lukewarm heart does not multiply disciples—it replicates complacency.

C. It Breaks Fellowship and Unity
• John 13:34–35 (NKJV)
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
• Sin disrupts love and unity, weakening the Church’s witness and the environment in which disciples are formed.

IV. Repentance and Restoration for Disciple Makers
• 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”
• Psalm 51:10–13 (NKJV)
“Create in me a clean heart… Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”
• Repentance is not the end of ministry—it’s often the beginning of renewed fruitfulness.
• David sinned greatly, but through repentance, his voice became a song of redemption that still disciples us today.

V. Living Holy to Make Disciples Effectively
• 2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV)
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master…”
• Holiness is not perfection, but readiness—an availability for God’s use.
• Personal holiness fuels spiritual authority and fruitfulness in disciple-making.

VI. Conclusion: Renew the Mission
• Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
• Philippians 2:15–16 (NKJV)
“…shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”
• The world needs disciples. The church needs disciple-makers. Jesus is still calling.
• Let us repent where we’ve fallen, recommit where we’ve grown weary, and re-engage the mission with holy fire.

(1:00)

Busyness can suck that life out of you. One reason is that other activities intrude on the work that God is doing in you and through you. Be proactive and put God first in every activity, every day. It’s not always easy but it’s always right.

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rwh24may Ep.365 – Run With Horses Podcast – Goal SettingPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith (24:00)Do you find yourself wandering through life, one day morphing into the next and one year much like the last? Is your life lacking the clear spiritual progress you would like to see? IF so, today may be just for you. We are looking at pursuing clear Biblical goals to get out of a rut and back on track. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” (23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1 Goal setting is useful for followers of Jesus—especially for Baptist Christians who want to be disciple makers—because it helps us live intentionally, steward our time wisely, and align our lives with Christ's mission. ### 1. Keeps Us Focused on the Mission Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV). Setting specific goals helps us stay focused on this Great Commission. Without clear direction, it’s easy to drift. But when we prayerfully set goals for relationships, spiritual growth, and ministry opportunities, we live with purpose.Why do we drift so easily? The world is full of distractions. Even good things can hinder us from pursuing the best things. Our priorities should be clear but often seem fuzzy. ### 2. Encourages Faithful Stewardship Ephesians 5:15–16 says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Goal setting helps us steward our time, talents, and resources for eternal impact. It keeps us from wasting energy on things that don't contribute to Christ’s kingdom.Every resource is ultimately God’s. Our time is our most valuable resource and the easiest to waste. Clear goals help us evaluate the use of all of our resources in light of God’s work in our life and in the world. ### 3. Provides a Framework for Spiritual Growth 2 Peter 3:18 urges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Setting personal spiritual goals (e.g., daily devotions, Scripture memorization, sharing the gospel weekly) helps us pursue maturity as disciples—so that we can help others grow as well.Although God always does His work of sanctification, He invites us to be part of the process. making clear decisions based on His Word and His Work is part of the process. There are clear choices that help us to grow toward maturity. Prayer, Bible reading and involvement with the church family are foundational and it is easy to set simple realistic goals for each on that will help us stay on track. ### 4. Promotes Intentional Relationships Disciple making requires time and intentionality. Setting goals to meet regularly with a younger believer, to start a Bible study, or to mentor a new Christian helps ensure we are actively investing in others for their spiritual benefit (2 Timothy 2:2).Disciple Making is about people. Using our time wisely gives us more time for investing in others. Keeping our lives simple helps us free up time and resources to be generous in all areas of life. ### 5. Builds Accountability and Encourages Perseverance When we set godly goals and share them with others in the church, we create a structure for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25). This helps us persevere when we face discouragement, setbacks, or spiritual warfare.We need to ask for accountability. IT is difficult to do that when we aren’t actually working on anything related to our spiritual growth. With clear goals it is easy for others to talk with us about how God is working in us. Those conversations can be encouraging and help us perevere when times are tough. ### 6. Reflects the Wisdom of Planning Under God’s Sovereignty Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty.” While we trust God’s sovereignty over our lives, we are still called to plan wisely and act in faith. Goal setting is an act of diligence that honors the Lord when it is submitted to His will (James 4:13–15).God has a plan. He is organized and purposeful in all that he does. If we are to be growing in Christ-likeness, we are to be growing in purposeful choices that lead us closer to Him. In summary: For a believer who wants to make disciples, goal setting is a practical expression of faithfulness. It helps us be intentional about growing spiritually, investing in others, and fulfilling Jesus’ mission—always depending on God’s grace and guidance every step of the way. **(00:00) END PART 1(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2 Implementing goal setting into a personal spiritual journey is a way for a disciple of Jesus to grow in Christlikeness and become more effective in making disciples. As a disciple committed to the authority of Scripture and the Great Commission, goal setting should be approached prayerfully, biblically, and purposefully. How do you begin implementing goal setting in your spiritual life? ### 1. Start with God’s Purpose, Not Personal Ambition Our goals must flow from God’s purposes—not personal preferences. God’s purpose for every believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ and to make disciples. 📖 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” — Romans 8:29 NKJV 📖 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” — Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV ➡️ Action: Prayerfully ask: What would it look like to grow in Christlikeness and help others do the same this year? ⸻ ### 2. Examine Your Current Spiritual Life Honestly Before setting goals, examine where you are spiritually. 📖 “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV ➡️ Action: Use questions like:•Am I spending daily time with God in the Word and prayer?•Am I regularly involved in the life of my church?•Am I actively sharing my faith or discipling others? ⸻ ### 3. Set Specific and Biblical Spiritual Goals Your goals should be specific, measurable, spiritually motivated, and biblically grounded. Examples:•Spend 30 minutes each day in Bible reading and journaling.•Memorize one verse per week.•Start discipling one person by the end of the quarter. 📖 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV 📖 “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” — Psalm 119:11 NKJV ➡️ Action: Write down 2–3 specific spiritual goals in the areas of Bible intake, prayer, fellowship, evangelism, and disciple-making. ⸻ ### 4. Align Your Goals with the Church and Community As Baptists, we emphasize the local church as the context for spiritual growth and mission. 📖 “And He Himself gave some to be… pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry…” — Ephesians 4:11–12 NKJV ➡️ Action: Ask:•How can my goals serve the church’s mission?•Who can help hold me accountable?•Is there someone I can disciple as I grow? ⸻ ### 5. Seek Accountability and Encouragement Goal setting should not be done in isolation. Find others in the body of Christ to walk with you. 📖 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17 NKJV 📖 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…” — Hebrews 10:24 NKJV ➡️ Action: Share your goals with a mentor, pastor, or small group. Regularly review them together. ⸻ ### 6. Make Space for God’s Work Through Grace Goals are tools, not masters. You grow by grace, not legalism. 📖 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 NKJV 📖 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV ➡️ Action: Keep your goals flexible and dependent on God’s leading and grace. Review and adjust as He grows you. ⸻ ### 7. Evaluate Regularly and Give Glory to God Set regular times to evaluate progress—not for pride, but for growth and gratitude. 📖 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 NKJV 📖 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV ➡️ Action: Monthly or quarterly, ask:•What progress am I making?•What adjustments are needed?•How can I thank and glorify God for what He is doing? ⸻ Sample Spiritual Goals for a Disciple Maker•Daily Time in the Word: Read through the New Testament in 6 months.•Prayer: Pray for 5 people daily, including 1 person you’re discipling or evangelizing.•Evangelism: Share your testimony or the gospel once a week.•Discipleship: Start meeting with one person bi-weekly to study the Bible.•Church Involvement: Commit to serving in a specific ministry in your local church. ⸻ By setting Christ-centered, biblically grounded goals, you actively pursue spiritual maturity and position yourself to make more and better disciples—all for the glory of God. (5:00 – 1:00) Doctrine TodayJesus and His Present MinistryThe Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.Dispensational Baptist view of the End TimesUnderstanding Theology is ImportantThe Gospel and Ongoing Disciple MakingChurch Role in Discerning God’s WillBarriers to Disciple MakingSpiritual WarfareJesus – IncarnationGod’s Sovereignty### The Bible Transforms Us 1. We Are Commanded to Be Faithful Students of Scripture•2 Timothy 2:15 –“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”•Disciple makers are workers who handle the Word.•“Rightly dividing” means interpreting correctly—this requires intentional study. 2. We Teach Others What We Ourselves Have Learned•Ezra 7:10 –“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”•The pattern is: seek it, do it, teach it.•Disciple makers must not skip the study phase—they must model obedience. 3. The Word of God Is Living and Active•Hebrews 4:12 –“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”•The Bible doesn’t just inform; it transforms.•God uses it to reveal our motives and shape our hearts. 4. Transformation Must Begin With Us•James 1:22–24 –“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves… he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror…”•If we hear but don’t change, we are self-deceived.•Disciple makers must live what they teach—or our message will lack credibility. (1:00) Most of us could stand to be a little more purposeful in our day to day choices. Instead of letting the schedule and other people drive our lives, making deliberate choices to pursue Jesus and His mission need to take first place. There is great potential for growth when we intentionally follow in His footsteps. – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."(00:00)*

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Norman is out sick but the ladies carry the day!

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rwh10may Ep.363 – Run With Horses Podcast – A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

The Growth Mindset in a Christian ContextPaul challenged believers to put effort into their spiritual life. Change is a part of growth and we should desire to be more like Jesus. A Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit who is working to make us like Jesus. Change will happen. The joy is that we can embrace it and benefit from working with God instead of against Him. A growth-minded believer:
Welcomes challenges as opportunities for sanctification (James 1:2–4 NKJV).
Perseveres under trial, knowing endurance produces spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3–5 NKJV).
Seeks feedback and correction, recognizing rebuke refines faith (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV; Proverbs 12:1 NKJV).
Celebrates others’ growth, rejoicing when fellow believers flourish (Romans 12:15 NKJV).
Discipleship and the Great CommissionJesus’ charge to “make disciples” frames our growth-oriented calling:

“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, 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.”
—Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV)A growth mindset fuels the “teaching” phase: we believe learners can grow in knowledge, obedience, and Christ-likeness. It also shapes our own approach, as we accept that our skills in evangelism, teaching, and mentoring improve through practice, prayer, and reliance on God.

Spiritual Growth is a ProcessScripture depicts growth as a journey:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
—2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…”
—Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

These passages underscore that maturity takes intentional effort—exactly the outworking of a growth mindset in the spiritual realm.

The “One Another’s” and Growth MindsetCommand

Scripture (NKJV)

Growth-Mindset Connection

Love one another

John 13:34–35

Encourages perseverance in relationships even when hard.

Serve one another

Galatians 5:13

Builds humility and stewards gifts for others’ growth.

Encourage one another

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Puts others first.

Admonish one another

Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14

Welcomes correction for mutual sanctification.

Bear one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:2

Cultivates perseverance and compassion.

Spur one another on

Hebrews 10:24

Motivates toward good deeds and spiritual progress.

Pray for one another

James 5:16

Invites God’s transforming power in growth.

Be kind and tenderhearted

Ephesians 4:32

Gives mercy to those who need it, we all do!

Together, these “one another’s” form the relational soil in which a growth mindset flourishes—each believer both a learner and a teacher, giving and receiving grace, correction, encouragement, and accountability.

Practical Implications for Disciple Makers1. Model a growth mindset by sharing your own struggles and progress in Bible study, prayer, or ministry skills.
Set incremental goals for disciples (e.g., memorizing Scripture, leading a small group), celebrating small wins to build confidence (Zechariah 4:10 NKJV).
Cultivate “one another” rhythms in your church—regular accountability groups, prayer partnerships, and service teams.
Teach the biblical process of growth—explain that sanctification involves trials, correction, and perseverance, rooted in passages like James 1:2–4 (NKJV) and Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV).
Encourage reflection—have disciples journal progress, confess weaknesses, and plan next steps, reinforcing that effort and dependence on Christ yield transformation.

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

The Holy Spirit reshapes how we think about challenges, our own abilities, and the process of sanctification.

Confess Fixed-Mindset Thinking and Renew Your Mind“I can’t change,” “I can’t do that.” and the like are big hinderances to spiritual growth. Lies need to be brought into the light and exchanged for truth. The question should be, “What is God doing? What does HE want me to do?” God empowers His people for His work.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
—Romans 12:2 (NKJV)Practice:

Keep a “mindset journal.” When you catch yourself thinking “I’ll never grow in this,” write it down and pray: “Lord, show me Your truth here.”
Replace it with a Scriptural affirmation (“I can grow by God’s grace”—Philippians 4:13).
Meditate on God’s Word DailyA growth mindset flourishes when immersed in truth. Scripture both reveals God’s power to change us and gives the roadmap.

Read, Think Deeply about,and put it into practice.

“…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
—Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)Practice:

Start with 5–10 minutes each morning reading a short passage (e.g. one chapter of Proverbs or the Gospels).
Ask: “What does this teach me about God’s promise to strengthen me?”
Pray for Wisdom and PerseveranceGrowth requires divine enablement—both insight and the grit to keep going.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…”
—James 1:5 (NKJV)“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
—James 1:2–3 (NKJV)Practice:

Begin each day by asking God for wisdom to see opportunities for growth and the patience to endure them.
When trials come (at work, in relationships, in ministry), thank Him for the refining work He intends.
Engage in Christian CommunityEven if attendance has been spotty, intentional fellowship is vital for encouragement, accountability, and skill development.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”
—Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV)“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
—Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)Practice:

Commit to attending at least one fellowship gathering (Sunday service, small group, men’s/women’s Bible study).
Ask a mature believer to meet monthly as a “growth partner” for prayer and feedback.
Set Small, Measurable Goals for Spiritual DisciplinesSMART goals

Growth rarely happens overnight. Incremental victories build confidence that God can grow you further.

“For who has despised the day of small things?…”
—Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)Practice:

Choose one discipline (e.g., Scripture memory, daily prayer journaling, service) and set a tiny goal: memorize one verse a week, pray five minutes daily, serve once a month.
Celebrate each completion by recording it in your journal and thanking God.
Welcome Correction and FeedbackA growth mindset leans into rebuke, knowing it produces maturity.

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.”
—Proverbs 15:31 (NKJV)“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
—Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV)Practice:

Invite a trusted mentor or friend to give you honest feedback on your spiritual habits.
When you receive correction, respond with “Thank you—help me understand how to improve.”
Practice Gratitude and Celebrate Others’ GrowthFocusing on progress—both yours and others’—reinforces a mindset that abilities can expand.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
—Romans 12:15 (NKJV)“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)Practice:

Keep a “gratitude list” of spiritual wins you see in yourself and others.
Send a quick note or text to encourage a fellow believer when they share a breakthrough.
Rely on God’s Strength in WeaknessA growth mindset isn’t self-reliance; it’s dependence on Christ, who is at work in us.

“…when I am weak, then I am strong.”
—2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)Practice:

In moments of discouragement (“I failed again…”), confess your weakness and ask Christ to work through it.
Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 and speak it aloud whenever you feel stuck.

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine Today

Jesus and His Present Ministry

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.

Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times

Understanding Theology is Important

The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making

Church Role in Discerning God’s Will

Barriers to Disciple Making

Spiritual Warfare

Jesus – Incarnation

God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty means that God reigns over all things with perfect wisdom, power, and love, and nothing in our lives is outside His control.

God’s Sovereignty Brings Peace in UncertaintyWhen life feels chaotic or unjust, God’s sovereignty assures us that nothing happens apart from His knowledge or plan.

“The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.”
—Psalm 103:19 (NKJV)“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (NKJV)Why it matters: Even suffering and confusion have purpose under God's rule. He’s not reacting—He’s reigning.

God’s Sovereignty Fuels Evangelism and Disciple-MakingBecause God is sovereign over salvation, we can evangelize boldly, knowing He draws hearts to Himself.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
—John 6:37 (NKJV)“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…”
—John 6:44 (NKJV)Why it matters: The results of disciple-making aren’t on your shoulders. You sow and water; God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7 NKJV).

God’s Sovereignty Grounds Our Identity and PurposeYou are not random. You are created, saved, and called intentionally.

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.”
—Psalm 139:16 (NKJV)“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
—Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)Why it matters: Your life, your calling, and even your challenges are part of God’s good and sovereign plan.

God’s Sovereignty Produces Worship and HumilityWhen we recognize God is in control and we are not, we bow in awe and dependence.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.”
—1 Chronicles 29:11 (NKJV)“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
—Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)Why it matters: Sovereignty reminds us that God is God—and we are not.

God’s Sovereignty Guarantees His Promises Will StandWe can believe God's Word with full assurance because no power can thwart His will.

“Indeed before the day was, I am He;
And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand;
I work, and who will reverse it?”
—Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV)“The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.”
—Psalm 33:11 (NKJV)Why it matters: Our eternal hope is secure because it rests in God’s unshakable rule.

(1:00)

It’s important for all of us to see the big picture in life. God IS working and He WILL complete His work in you. Daily remind yourself that God is drawing you to Himself and He invites you to be an active participant in your spiritual growth. Reject the lie that you can’t change. See the person God wants you to be and put real effort into doing your part, trusting that God will always do His part.

– “Thank you for listening today!

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.

Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

(00:00)

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rwh3may Ep.362 – Run With Horses Podcast – Accountability

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)Do you find it difficult to stay on track and actually do the things you know you should do? Is consistency in exercise, healthy eating, regular prayer and daily time with God a problem for you? If so, you may benefit from seeking healthy, ongoing accountability as part of your spiritual journey toward Christ-likeness.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Shout out to Radio Stations!

When the topic is accountability many people instantly run for the hills, fearing an heavy overbearing hand forcing them to do things they don’t want to do and hating every minute of it. Let me ease your mind, that is not Biblical accountability!

Biblical Accountability is a key tool in the life of a follower of Jesus who is seeking to grow spiritually and live according to biblical principles. It is something you invite into your relationships with other growing disciple of Jesus. We are on the same path and can help each other as we go. It’s not force, it’s mutual cooperation to intentionally move in the direction God is showing us.

Accountability to GodAs followers of Jesus, we are ultimately accountable to God for how we live our lives. Every believer must recognize that their actions, thoughts, and behaviors are under God's authority.
Romans 14:12
2 Corinthians 5:10
Accountability to Fellow BelieversThe Bible also teaches that believers should be accountable to one another. We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. God designed the church as a community where believers help one another grow spiritually.
Galatians 6:1-2
James 5:16
Mutual Accountability in Spiritual GrowthSpiritual growth requires intentionality, and part of that is having people in our lives who can help hold us accountable in our pursuit of holiness and spiritual maturity.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Proverbs 27:17
Examples of Accountability in the Bible* Nathan and David: A powerful example of accountability can be seen in the relationship between the prophet Nathan and King David. After David's sin with Bathsheba, God sent Nathan to confront David about his sin. Nathan’s courage to hold David accountable ultimately led to David’s repentance and restoration (2 Samuel 12:1-14). This example highlights how accountability often involves speaking the truth in love, even when it's difficult.
Paul and Peter: The apostle Paul held Peter accountable in Galatians 2:11-14, when Peter’s actions were inconsistent with the gospel. Peter was initially eating with Gentiles, but when certain Jewish believers arrived, he withdrew, fearing what they might think. Paul publicly confronted him, saying, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?’” (Galatians 2:14). This shows that accountability sometimes involves a public rebuke when necessary to uphold the truth of the gospel.
Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus modeled accountability in His relationships with His disciples. He often rebuked them for their lack of faith or for misunderstanding His mission (e.g., Matthew 16:23, when He rebuked Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan!"). However, He also encouraged them to support each other, as seen in John 13:34-35, where He commanded them to love one another as He had loved them. The accountability Jesus modeled was always rooted in love and truth.
Personal Responsibility and the Role of the Holy SpiritUltimately, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer as they grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin, guides them into truth, and empowers them to live out the Christian life. Accountability to the Holy Spirit is a matter of responding to His promptings and seeking His strength to live faithfully.
John 14:26
Romans 8:13

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Seeking out accountability is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth for several reasons. It helps believers stay on track in their walk with God, provides encouragement, and ensures that they are living according to biblical principles.

Why Should a Person Seek Out Accountability?a. Prevents Spiritual DriftAccountability acts as a safeguard against spiritual drift. Without accountability, a person might subtly slide away from their spiritual disciplines, make compromises, or even fall into sin without realizing it. Having someone who can help point out blind spots and encourage continued growth helps keep a believer anchored in their faith.
Proverbs 4:23

b. Helps Resist TemptationWe all face temptations, and sometimes, the temptation to sin feels overwhelming. Accountability provides a powerful weapon to fight against temptation, as having someone to confess struggles to and ask for prayer can make a huge difference in overcoming sin.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

c. Provides EncouragementChristian life is not a solo journey. Having others to encourage and challenge you is crucial for perseverance, especially when trials come. Accountability relationships are a source of encouragement when things feel difficult or when you're unsure about the next steps in your spiritual walk.

Hebrews 10:24-25

d. Fosters Humility and RepentanceHaving someone who can challenge us or confront us when we’re in the wrong helps us maintain a heart of humility and openness. Accountability is not just about staying in line but also about being willing to acknowledge our faults and make changes when needed.

James 5:16
How Does Accountability Help a Person Grow?a. Encourages DisciplineSpiritual growth requires intentionality and discipline. Accountability partners help set goals and hold each other to those goals. This might involve commitments to prayer, Bible reading, serving others, or other spiritual disciplines. Having someone to check in with keeps us motivated and consistent.
1 Timothy 4:7-8

b. Provides Insight and PerspectiveAccountability often brings perspective. We can be blind to our own shortcomings or struggles, but an accountability partner may see things we don’t. They can offer valuable advice, wisdom, or scriptural insights that help us grow.

Proverbs 27:17

c. Strengthens FaithWhen believers come together for mutual accountability, their faith grows. Seeing others live out their faith and share their experiences can inspire us to deepen our own commitment to God. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens our resolve to stay faithful.

Romans 1:12

d. Promotes Holiness and ChristlikenessAccountability helps keep believers focused on the goal of becoming more like Christ. The process of confessing sin, receiving correction, and being encouraged to pursue holiness creates an environment where believers can grow in their sanctification.

Philippians 2:1-2
How Can a Person Go About Finding Ongoing Accountability Relationships?a. Start with PrayerBefore seeking accountability, it’s important to pray for guidance. Ask God to lead you to the right people—those who are spiritually mature and trustworthy, and who will help you grow in your faith.
James 1:5

b. Look for Like-minded IndividualsSeek people who are also committed to growing spiritually and living out biblical principles. Accountability works best when both parties are serious about their spiritual growth. This can include fellow church members, small group participants, or individuals from a Bible study.

2 Corinthians 6:14

c. Join a Small Group or Bible StudySmall groups, Bible studies, or discipleship groups are great places to build deeper relationships where mutual accountability can happen. These groups provide a natural environment for openness, prayer, and spiritual growth.

Acts 2:42

d. Approach Someone with HumilityIf you don’t already have an accountability partner, don’t be afraid to approach someone you respect spiritually and ask if they would be willing to meet regularly to hold each other accountable. Be honest about what you’re seeking and humble in your approach.

Proverbs 15:22

e. Be Open and TransparentThe success of accountability relationships depends on openness and honesty. Be willing to share your struggles and your victories, and be open to both encouragement and correction.

Ephesians 4:25

Accountability is Healthy RelationshipsAt its core, talking about growth issues together.

What we need, how we do it, what the stumbling blocks are. Asking how it’s going is a rminder to keep trying!

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine Today

Jesus - Incarnation

(1:00)

– “Thank you for listening today!

Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

(00:00)

View Details

rwh26april Ep.361 – Run With Horses Podcast – Resilient Faith

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

Resilience is the ability to withstand, recover and even thrive in the midst of life's challenges while trusting God to accomplish His work. Resilience is really about our Faith. It is the strength and endurance to keep pressing forward in the face of adversity, maintaining faith in God's sovereignty and goodness. Resilience is not simply about surviving difficulty, but about growing spiritually and becoming more Christ-like in the process.

Biblical Understanding of Resilience1. Patience Matures Our Faith: James 1:2-4 See trials as opportunities for spiritual growth:

Resilience is tied to patience developed through trials. Instead of letting trials break us, we allow them to refine and mature our faith, making us more like Jesus. 2. God’s Strength in Our Weakness: The Apostle Paul exemplifies resilience in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

Resilience in the Christian life is not about our own strength, but about relying on God’s strength. Our weakness becomes the vehicle for God's power to work through us, glorifying God and accomplishing His Will. 3. Imitate Christ's Example: Hebrews 12:1-2, Follow Jesus' example of enduring the cross, all for the joy set before Him:

Jesus endured because He had an eternal perspective. Resilience, for the follower of Christ, involves fixing our eyes on the hope and reward that await us in eternity. Tis life is the journey that God uses to prepare us for eternity with Him. 4. Trusting God’s Promises Leads to Hope: Romans 5:3-5 :

Hope is really important when we face challenges. And there is always Hope in Jesus! Trials refine our character and deepen our relationship with God. Knowing Him and His purposes, ultimately makes us more resilient in our Journey of Faith.

Resilience and DiscipleshipIn the life of a believer, resilience is directly connected to discipleship and spiritual growth. Discipleship is not just about learning doctrine or performing religious duties; it is about becoming more like Jesus. As we endure trials with faith and patience, we grow in spiritual maturity and learn to depend on God more fully.

Resilience Shapes Character: As we persevere through challenges, our character is refined, and we learn to love, trust, and obey God more fully. Romans 5:3-5 shows that tribulation produces perseverance, which leads to stronger character and unshakable hope.
Resilience Cultivates Faithfulness: Discipleship is about the journey of following God daily in every circumstances. 1 Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that our faith is tested, and once proven, brings glory to God:

As we remain faithful under trial, we demonstrate the genuineness of our faith. This faith, Real, tested and proven, will bring glory to God. * Spiritual Growth Through Trials: The process of growing as a disciple requires us to be resilient. Trials are the training ground for spiritual maturity if you are a disciple of Jesus. He never promised an easy path! * But He promises that it would be worth it in the end.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in ResilienceThe Holy Spirit is integral to developing resilience. Romans 8:11 speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit to give life and strength to believers:

The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead enables believers to live with endurance, overcoming obstacles and remaining faithful in trials. Prayer and trusting God to work when our strength is gone are both Key for developing the abiity to get up every time life knocks you down.

Resilience Keeps You On The Path To Christ-likenessAs we endure hardship, we grow in patience, character, and hope, which ultimately leads to greater spiritual maturity. This process is central to ongoing discipleship, as it shapes us into the image of Christ.

A disciple of Jesus is on a continual journey of growing in faith, learning to rely on God's strength daily, and persevering through life’s trials. Both disciples and disciple makers have a role to play in this journey of Faith. Spiritual strength is nurtured through the spiritual disciplines as we deepen our relationship with God, and learn to trust in His faithfulness.

How To Develop Resilience1. See the Big Picture: God is at work in the world and trials are normal and natural. The goal is not to avoid them but to grow through them. Let God accomplish His work in your life. God opens doors for ministry through our personal trials, look for them! 2. Do everything that you can to grow and mature your Faith! Be intentional about life, particularly your spiritual life. 3. Embrace God’s Word: One of the foundational ways a disciple develops resilience is through a deeper understanding of and trust in God’s Word. The Bible gives an eternal perspective for enduring trials. By studying Scripture, disciples learn what God is doing and learn to trust His promises, which gives them the strength to persevere.

* Psalm 119:50:

A Deeper Relationship with God: Resilience is nurtured through a close relationship with God. Everything that we do to draw closer to Him helps prepare us for the next challenge. Prayer, meditation and memorizaton of the Bible and time with God’s family all strengthen our trust in God’s provision, wisdom, and presence. Jesus modeled these in His own life, we should do no less.
- Philippians 4:6-7:
- Through Reliance on God’s Strength (Not Our Own): Resilience is not about self-sufficiency, but about relying on God’s strength. The Apostle Paul was a model of this truth, understanding that his weakness allowed God’s strength to be more clearly displayed.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
A disciple develops resilience by recognizing that through their weakness that God’s power is most evident. This humility and dependence on God’s grace is key to enduring trials with perseverance. 6. Through Practicing Obedience and Faithfulness in Small Things: Resilience is developed when a disciple learns to be faithful in the small things, trusting God in everyday life. Obedience, even in seemingly insignificant matters, builds the foundation for enduring greater trials.
- Luke 16:10:
By being faithful in small matters, a disciple strengthens their ability to endure more significant trials and challenges. 7. Through Fellowship with Other Believers: Resilience is also cultivated in the context of community. Believers encourage one another, pray for one another, and share in each other’s struggles. Being part of a supportive Christian community strengthens a disciple’s ability to persevere.
- Hebrews 10:24-25:
Fellowship provides encouragement and accountability, helping disciples remain resilient as they navigate life’s challenges.

How a Disciple Maker Helps Others Develop ResilienceA disciple maker has a unique role in helping others grow in resilience by walking alongside them, providing guidance, and encouraging them to press on in their faith. Here’s how a disciple maker can help others develop resilience:

Modeling Resilience through Personal Example: One of the most powerful ways a disciple maker can encourage resilience is by modeling it in their own life. When a disciple maker faces trials and shows how they rely on God’s strength, it serves as a powerful testimony for others to follow.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7:
- Teaching the Importance of Perspective: Disciple makers can help others develop resilience by teaching them to have an eternal perspective on their trials. They can point others to the hope of eternal life and the ultimate victory that awaits, even in the midst of hardship.
- Romans 8:18:
By helping others keep an eternal perspective, disciple makers teach them to view their trials in light of God’s promises and the hope of future glory. 3. Encouraging the Practice of Spiritual Disciplines: Disciple makers should encourage the regular practice of spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible study, worship, and fasting—as these practices strengthen the disciple’s spiritual resilience.
- Colossians 2:6-7:
Spiritual disciplines help to deepen a disciple’s relationship with God, which builds the foundation for resilience. 4. Providing Encouragement and Accountability: A disciple maker should be a source of encouragement and accountability, especially in difficult times. They can remind the disciple of God’s faithfulness, pray for them, and offer counsel that points them back to Christ.
- Galatians 6:2:
Helping others bear their burdens is an essential part of developing resilience. A disciple maker should walk alongside their disciples, offering support, encouragement, and wisdom during trials. 5. Helping Disciplines Focus on God’s Promises: Disciple makers can help others develop resilience by pointing them back to God’s promises in times of hardship. The promises of God’s presence, provision, and protection provide a firm foundation for resilience.
- Isaiah 41:10:
A disciple maker can continually remind those they are discipling of the faithfulness of God, helping them to trust in His promises during difficult times.

ConclusionA disciple of Jesus develops resilience by deeply engaging with God’s Word, prayer, dependence on God’s strength, obedience, and fellowship with other believers. A disciple maker helps others develop resilience by modeling it, teaching the importance of perspective, encouraging spiritual disciplines, providing support, and focusing on God’s promises. Together, these practices foster a strong, enduring faith that enables believers to press on through trials and grow more like Christ in the process.

Doctrine Today

Spiritual Warfare

It’s not easy to keep going when the journey is long and tough. The good news is that Jesus understands and takes the journey with us. You never have to face the trials alone. Stand tall and lean on Jesus in the middle of Life’s storms, trusting that He is growing you into the person you need to be.

– “Thank you for listening today!

Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

View Details

rwh19april Ep.360 – Run With Horses Podcast – Balancing Self-Reliance and Interdependence

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)Do you go it alone or do you walk through life with others? It’s not an either/ or proposition, it’s both! There are areas where you definitely have to pull you own weight but often, much more often than you may think, we are supposed to help each other through life. Today, we are thinking about self-reliance and interdependence for disciples of Jesus.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

B. Overview* Scripture calls believers to cultivate personal accountability (self-reliance) while actively engaging in a community of faith (interdependence). * Key Themes:

+ Biblical foundations for self-reliance in areas like personal spiritual growth, work, and stewardship.
+ Scriptural mandates for living in community, bearing one another’s burdens, and using spiritual gifts for the common good.

C. Context* Emphasize believer’s individual responsibility before God. * Highlight the importance of local church fellowship as a way of fulfilling our mission together.

D. Today I want you to consider:1. What does “self-reliance” mean in your personal walk with Christ? 2. How do you see interdependence playing a role in your local church or community?

II. Self-Reliance in the Christian LifeA. Definition and Biblical Context* Self-reliance: Cultivating personal responsibility in one’s faith, work, finances, and spiritual growth, recognizing that while God provides strength, He also calls us to be diligent stewards of our lives.

B. Passages on Self-Reliance1. Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV):

* *“Go to the ant, you sluggard;  
Consider her ways, and be wise.  
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,  
Provideth her supplies in the summer,  
And gathers her food in the harvest.”*

Encourage proactive effort and preparedness in everyday life.

In what areas of your life can you emulate the ant’s industriousness?

Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV):
- “But let each one examine his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.”
Highlight the importance of personal evaluation and responsibility.

How can you take ownership of your spiritual growth while avoiding pride? 3. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Emphasize that personal achievement is rooted in Christ’s strength working through us.

How does relying on Christ’s strength change your approach to personal challenges?

C. Practical Steps* Self-Examination: Encourage daily devotional practices and self-reflection.

How are you taking responsibility for your life now? What practical actions show that you are serious about your spiritual life and responsibilities before God? * Personal Responsibility: Discuss setting goals in prayer, work, and study.

Where do you need to be more proactive? Are the basics covered? Are you seeking out ways to intentionally pursue godliness in your life? How, Where, When? Is it on your calendar and in your budget? * Stewardship: Explore biblical principles of managing finances, time, and talents responsibly.

Do you recognize the accountability that you have before God in the decisions you make? What does that look like?

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

III. Interdependence in the Body of ChristA. Definition and Biblical Context* Interdependence: Recognizing that while believers are called to personal responsibility, they are also part of a larger, unified body where mutual support, accountability, and service are essential.

B. Passages on Interdependence1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (NKJV):

* *“For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ...”*

Illustrate how each believer has a unique role that contributes to the health of the whole body.

Which “spiritual gifts” do you see in your life that benefit the community, and how can you serve more effectively?

Where and how are you living out this ‘Body Life’ of the church? Sunday morning worship service is NOT enough. Are you intentionally seeking fellowship and investing in the life of your church family. Are you inviting them into your life?

Small groups, one on one meetings, microchurch gatherings in public and homes.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV):
- “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Stress the call to support one another in times of difficulty.

How have you experienced God’s provision through the help of others? How can you extend that help? 3. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV):
- “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is equipped, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”
Emphasize mutual edification and the organic growth of the church as a family of believers. * In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your church family?

Intentionality is Key.

C. Application and Practical Steps* Fellowship and Community: Discuss the importance of small groups, church ministries, and accountability partnerships. Doesn’t happen accidently. * Serving Others: Outline practical opportunities for service in the local community and the global church. Local church, neighbor church, etc.

IV. Integrating Self-Reliance and InterdependenceRecognizing the Balance* Christians are called to be proactive and responsible stewards of their own lives (self-reliance) while also fully engaging in the support system provided by the Church (interdependence). * James 2:14-17 (NKJV):

+ *“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? … Thus faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”*

Faith must be expressed both individually and collectively.

How does your personal faith inspire you to serve the community, and in turn, how does community service strengthen your personal walk with Christ?

How do you maintain personal discipline while remaining open to community guidance?
“In what specific ways will you take responsibility for your personal growth this week, and how will you actively engage with your faith community?”

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine Today

Jesus and His Present Ministry

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.

Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times

Understanding Theology is Important

The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making

Church Role in Discerning God’s Will

Barriers to Disciple Making

Lack of Intentionality* Unclear Vision:
Often, churches and individual believers may not have a clear, intentional vision or plan for disciple making. Without concrete goals, training, and accountability measures, disciple making can become an incidental outcome rather than a strategic priority.
Scriptural Neglect:
Some ministries may focus heavily on evangelism while underemphasizing the lifelong process of nurturing, teaching, and mentoring new believers. This disconnect from the biblical mandate (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20) can lead to a superficial understanding of discipleship.
Cultural Individualism* Self-Reliance Over Community:
Modern Western culture often emphasizes personal autonomy and self-reliance, which can contrast sharply with the biblical call to community (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This individualism makes it more challenging to create environments where believers willingly submit to accountability, mentoring, and mutual growth.
Reluctance to Invest in Others:
The desire for personal achievement and success may lead some to undervalue the long-term commitment required to disciple others, rather than focusing on immediate personal benefits or social status.
Time Constraints and Busyness* Competing Priorities:
In today’s fast-paced society, individuals often struggle to balance work, family, and ministry responsibilities. This busyness can leave little room for the deep, personal interactions required for disciple making.
Over-Scheduled Lives:
Constant digital engagement and overloaded schedules can lead to shallow relationships that lack the depth needed for transformative discipleship.
Lack of Effective Leadership and Training* Insufficient Leadership Development:
Effective discipleship requires mentors who are themselves mature in their faith and skilled in relational dynamics. A shortage of trained leaders who can intentionally mentor others is a significant barrier.
Inadequate Resources:
Churches may not invest adequately in training programs or create robust systems for leadership development, resulting in missed opportunities to equip believers for disciple making.
Digital Distractions and Superficial Engagement* Impact of Technology:
While digital media offers innovative outreach tools, the overreliance on online interactions can lead to more shallow, transactional relationships that lack the depth and accountability found in face-to-face mentoring.
Social Media Culture:
Constant engagement with social media may foster a culture of immediacy and quick approval, which can detract from the slow, formative process of true disciple making.
Fear of Judgment and Vulnerability* Relational Barriers:
Discipleship involves vulnerability and accountability. Many believers may be reluctant to share their struggles or admit weaknesses due to the fear of judgment or rejection by peers.
Cultural Stigma:
In both church settings and the broader society, there can be stigma associated with showing vulnerability, leading individuals to hide their need for growth rather than seeking relational support.
Theological Misunderstandings* Misconceptions About Grace and Works:
Some may mistakenly view discipleship as a checklist of rules or a set of actions rather than a transformative process fueled by the Holy Spirit. This can lead to legalism on one end or laxity on the other.
Lack of Depth:
Without a robust, well-balanced teaching on both grace and discipline, believers can misunderstand the essence of discipleship, which involves both receiving God’s unmerited favor and engaging in the process of sanctification.
Resource Limitations and Institutional Challenges* Financial and Infrastructural Constraints:
Smaller churches or those in economically challenged areas might lack the resources to create comprehensive discipleship programs. Budget constraints, limited venues for small groups, or lack of access to quality teaching materials can impact effectiveness.
Institutional Resistance:
Sometimes, long-standing institutional practices can resist change, making it difficult to adapt or innovate new methods for effective disciple making.

(1:00)

As we follow Jesus there is a need to do our part and help others along the way. Engaging in the life of the church family often benefits you more than you expect, in ways that you don’t expect. The Body of Christ, when operating as it should helps you to grow and gives you opportunities to invest in helping others to grow. Your gifts are needed just as you need the gifts of others.

– “Thank you for listening today!

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

(00:00)

View Details

rwh12april Ep.359 – Run With Horses Podcast – How's Your Self-Discipline?

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

(24:00)Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Self-discipline is a key component of a Christian's walk with Christ, especially for those who are striving to be obedient to His call to be disciple makers. Self-discipline - today we look at what it is and what it matters.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Biblical theology, emphasizes holiness, and sanctification. Self-discipline is an essential piece of the puzzle for growing your faith, honoring God, and becoming more like Christ.

Self-Discipline is Essential for Spiritual GrowthThe Bible teaches that following Jesus involves ongoing transformation. Self-discipline enables a Christian to maintain focus on spiritual growth and maturity. This growth is not passive; it requires intentional effort to discipline oneself in the faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV): “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

In this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in the Christian life. Like an athlete training for a race, the believer must discipline their body and actions to ensure they live a life pleasing to God. This passage also highlights that discipline is necessary for not only spiritual progress but also for preventing spiritual failure.

Self-Discipline in Fleeing Sin and Pursuing HolinessSelf-discipline is crucial for resisting temptation and living a holy life. Christians are called to reject sin and live in a way that honors God, and this requires discipline in thoughts, words, and actions.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV): “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

Paul urges Timothy to “exercise” toward godliness, which speaks to the discipline of growing in spiritual maturity. This is contrasted with physical exercise, which has limited benefits, while spiritual discipline has eternal value. * Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV): “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

The grace of God teaches the believer to deny sinful desires and live disciplined lives, demonstrating the power of grace in enabling self-control.

Self-Discipline in the Use of Time and ResourcesChristians are called to be stewards of their time, talents, and resources. Practicing self-discipline helps them use these gifts in a way that honors God and furthers His kingdom.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV): “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

This passage speaks to the importance of using time wisely. Self-discipline involves making choices that align with God’s will, ensuring that the believer is living for eternal purposes rather than temporary desires.

Self-Discipline in Prayer and Bible StudyA disciplined prayer life and consistent study of Scripture are vital for growth in the faith. Christians must intentionally set aside time to communicate with God and immerse themselves in His Word.
Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus speaks to the importance of watchfulness and prayer to avoid falling into temptation. Self-discipline in maintaining a life of prayer is necessary for strength against sin. * 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV): “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

This emphasizes the discipline required in studying Scripture. A believer who wants to rightly divide the Word must be diligent and disciplined in their study.

Self-Discipline in Following Jesus' ExampleLastly, the ultimate example of self-discipline is Jesus Himself. He lived a life of perfect self-discipline, obeying the Father’s will even to the point of death on the cross.
Luke 9:23 (NKJV): “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

To follow Jesus is to practice daily self-discipline, denying one's own desires and submitting to the will of God.

ConclusionFor anyone who is striving to follow Jesus, self-discipline is not merely about willpower, but it is a response to God's grace and a necessary aspect of sanctification. It requires a commitment to spiritual practices, a resistance to temptation, and an ongoing pursuit of holiness. Through self-discipline, believers not only grow in Christ-likeness but also glorify God in all aspects of their lives.

Self-discipline is both a duty and a privilege, empowered by the Holy Spirit and essential to the believer's walk with Christ. It is through discipline that Christians can live according to God's Word and fulfill their calling to be holy and set apart for His purposes.

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Developing self-discipline as a follower of Jesus requires intentional effort and commitment. A commitment to the spiritual disciplines can be a big part of the process of growing as a follower of Jesus. These disciplines are practices that help a believer grow in their relationship with God, resist temptation, and align their lives more closely with His will. In the context of following Jesus, self-discipline is rooted in God's grace but also requires the active participation of the believer in cultivating habits that foster spiritual growth. The spiritual disciplines are habits that help us keep our focus. Prayer, Bible reading, meditation and study Silence, Solitude, Community, Fasting. These are habits that help you build a strong spiritual life. We have talked about them before and will come back to them again but for now, Know that studying and practicing the spiritual disciplines should be a part of your spiritual life.

Developing personal self-discipline is a key aspect of spiritual growth and daily life, especially for a Christian who is striving to follow Jesus. While spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship are vital, personal self-discipline in everyday activities also plays a significant role in the overall process. Here are practical steps that can help someone develop or increase their personal self-discipline:

Set Clear Goals and PrioritiesHaving clear goals allows you to stay focused and motivated. Self-discipline thrives when you have a sense of purpose. Start by determining what is most important to you, both in your spiritual life and personal life.
Actionable Step: Write down your goals—spiritual, personal, and professional—and prioritize them. Break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. For example, if your goal is to read through the Bible in a year, break it into daily reading plans.
Create a Routine or ScheduleA structured routine helps build self-discipline because it instills consistency. When you have a set schedule, you're less likely to be distracted by fleeting desires or emotions.
Actionable Step: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for prayer, Bible study, work, exercise, meals, and sleep. Setting fixed times for these activities helps cultivate habits and limits procrastination. NEXT ACTION. DO IT.
Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV): “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.”
A disciplined schedule allows you to grow in knowledge and wisdom, as it gives you time to learn and apply godly principles.
Develop Healthy HabitsSmall, healthy habits can lead to big changes. Good habits can gradually transform your life and build the foundation for self-discipline. These habits can include morning routines, exercise, and eating habits. Whole Life stewardship requires WHOLE LIFE DISCIPLINE.
Actionable Step: Start by adopting one healthy habit at a time, such as drinking water in the morning, avoiding social media first thing, or exercising regularly. Focus on consistency, and gradually build other habits on top of that.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV): “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Taking care of your body through healthy habits is a way to honor God and develop discipline.
Practice AccountabilityAccountability is a powerful tool in developing self-discipline. When you know someone is holding you accountable, it increases your motivation and helps you stay on track. You aren’t in this alone.
Actionable Step: Find an accountability partner or a group that shares your spiritual goals. This could be a prayer partner, a mentor, or a small group from your church. Regular check-ins and mutual encouragement can strengthen your resolve.
Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Accountability helps keep you on the path of discipline and encourages you to grow together with others.
Learn to Say NoSelf-discipline often involves making hard choices and learning to say no to things that are not aligned with your goals or that hinder your progress. This applies to both time management and spiritual focus. You must be clear on God’s calling for you life and let nothing hinder your pursuit of Him and His mission.
Actionable Step: Practice saying no to distractions, whether it's binge-watching TV, spending excessive time on social media, or even good things that might prevent you from focusing on what matters most, like spending time with God or with family.
Matthew 5:37 (NKJV): “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
Learning to say no when necessary is part of being disciplined, especially when it comes to guarding your time and energy.
Eliminate DistractionsDistractions are one of the biggest barriers to self-discipline. It’s difficult to stay focused when you're surrounded by temptations or interruptions. By intentionally reducing distractions, you can stay on task and make better use of your time. Remember Mary and Martha. There is one thing you need.
Actionable Step: Identify areas of your life where you tend to get distracted—such as your phone, the internet, or unproductive relationships—and take steps to minimize those distractions. For instance, you could put your phone in another room while reading your Bible or studying.
Matthew 6:6 (NKJV): “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Finding a quiet, distraction-free space for prayer or study is essential in maintaining self-discipline.
Take Breaks and RestSelf-discipline doesn’t mean working yourself to exhaustion. Taking breaks is important for mental and physical well-being. Rest allows you to recharge and maintain focus over time.
Actionable Step: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Ensure that you also take time off from work and other obligations to rest, whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, a day off, or short breaks during the day.
Exodus 20:8-10 (NKJV): “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work...”
Resting is essential for spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal, and it’s a discipline that promotes a balanced life.
Practice Self-Control in Small ThingsBuilding self-discipline in small areas of life can create a ripple effect that leads to greater self-control in bigger things. Start with simple acts of self-restraint, and work up to more challenging areas.
Actionable Step: Practice self-control by limiting small indulgences, such as sweets, caffeine, or unnecessary spending. This builds the muscle of self-discipline, which will help in more significant areas like temptation or long-term goals.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we practice it in daily life.
Celebrate Small WinsIt’s easy to become discouraged if you’re only focused on long-term results. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Actionable Step: When you accomplish a goal or stick to a discipline for a certain period, reward yourself with something meaningful—whether it’s a small treat, a break, or a time of reflection and gratitude.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV): “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”
Recognizing progress along the way encourages perseverance and motivates you to continue toward your final goal.
Seek God’s Help and GraceUltimately, self-discipline is not about relying solely on your strength, but on God's grace. Ask the Lord to help you develop discipline, giving you the strength to overcome weaknesses and the wisdom to prioritize what matters most.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Depend on God’s strength to help you grow in discipline, especially when things seem too difficult.

Conclusion:Developing self-discipline is a process that requires intentional action and reliance on God’s grace. By setting clear goals, creating a structured routine, developing healthy habits, and seeking accountability, you can grow in self-discipline and make progress in your personal and spiritual life. Keep focusing on small, practical steps while relying on God's strength and guidance through it all.

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine Today

Church Role in Discerning God’s Will

(1:00)

How are you doing at keeping those hard tasks on your schedule? Doing the right thing is seldom easy and it often takes more effort that we would like. But it is worth it do be disciplined and maintain our focus. When you fail, start over, persistence is a big part of discipline!

– “Thank you for listening today!

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

(00:00)

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Ep.358 – Run With Horses Podcast – Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Part 1:Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers1. Introduction* Introduce the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its relevance in the Christian life, particularly in leadership and discipleship.

What is Emotional Intelligence?* Definition of Emotional Intelligence:
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. It involves four key components:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing one's emotions and their impact.
- Self-control: Managing and controlling one's emotional responses.
- Empathy: Understanding the emotions of others and responding appropriately.
- Compassion: The desire to help
- Social skills: Building relationships and communicating effectively.Example:
- Self-awareness: A disciple maker who can recognize their frustration with a fellow believer and chooses to address it in a godly manner rather than reacting impulsively.
- Empathy: Listening attentively to someone in pain, offering comfort as Christ would, instead of offering quick solutions or judgments.
- Biblical Example of Emotional Intelligence:
- Jesus’ Emotional Intelligence: Jesus exhibited all four aspects of EI.
  - Self-awareness and Self-regulation: In Mark 14:34–36, Jesus shows emotional vulnerability, yet chooses God's will over His feelings.
  Mark 14: 32 - Empathy, Compassion and Social Skills: Jesus empathized with people, showing compassion. In John 11:33–36, He wept with Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus, showing deep emotional connection and compassion.
Why is Emotional Intelligence Important for Christians?* Discipleship and Emotional Intelligence:
- Emotional intelligence helps disciple makers understand the emotional state and needs of others. Effective disciple making requires patience, compassion, and the ability to manage one's own emotions.
- Biblical Foundation:
  - Ephesians 4:2-3 –
    - This passage emphasizes emotional control (lowliness, gentleness) and empathy (bearing with one another).
      - Developing Relationships with Others: Jesus’ ministry was deeply relational, and He connected emotionally with people.
  - Matthew 9:36 –
  - Jesus ability to understand and connect was key to His effective ministry and discipleship.
  - Practical Application for the Church:
- Proverbs 15:1 –
- Galatians 6:2 –
Thinking Deeply * Reflect on:
- A time when they experienced emotional stress in ministry or discipleship.
- How emotional intelligence (or lack thereof) impacted the outcome.

Part 2: Developing Emotional Intelligence for Disciple Makers1. Recap* Briefly recap the key points

Deep Dive: How to Develop Emotional Intelligence* Self-awareness and Self-control:
- James 1:19 –
  - Practice slowing down our reactions and reflecting before responding. Teach that self-awareness is about recognizing triggers and the emotions behind them.
  - Learn to listen WELL.
    - Psalm 139:23-24 –
  - Develop self-awareness through prayer, asking God to reveal any emotional blind spots.
    - Self-control through Scripture:
  - Galatians 5:22-23 –
    - Spiritual growth is the foundation of developing emotional intelligence.
    - These virtues align with the emotional self-control we need as Christians. Developing the fruit of the Spirit is key to emotional stability.
    - Empathy:
- Romans 12:15 –
  - Empathy requires actively engaging with others’ emotions, whether in joy or sorrow.
    - Philippians 2:4 –
  - Developing empathy requires intentionality—seeing and caring about others deeply.
  - Pause and ask yourself about the emotional state of other people. Consider WHY they feel they way they do. Seek Understanding.
  - Social Skills:
- Colossians 3:12-14 –
  - Social skills are rooted in humility and kindness, and effective communication flows out of a heart that is filled with love. Listen to understand!
  - Spend time with people. Look for opportunities to develop deep and lasting relationships. Put their interests first!
  - Practical Strategies for Developing EI:
- Daily Reflection and Prayer: Incorporate a time of self-reflection each day to assess your emotional responses and ask the Holy Spirit for help.
- Consider journaling your thoughts and addressing the way you responded to people throughout the day. Ask yourself if you could have responded in a way that better exhibits the fruit of the spirit.
- Active Listening: Practice listening without responding immediately, making sure to validate the emotions of others. Learn to ask clarifying questions.
- Accountability Partnerships: Form small groups or one-on-one accountability relationships to help one another grow in emotional maturity.

Doctrine of the Month

The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making

– “Thank you for listening today!

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

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rwh29march -Ep.357 – Run With Horses Podcast – A Confident Disciple of Jesus

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

Confidence

I. Intro

A. Definition of Confidence
Confidence as trust or belief in God's work through us, not in our own abilities.
B. Importance of Confidence for a Follower of Jesus
Empowers boldness in sharing the gospel and teaching God’s Word.
Provides strength to guide others in their spiritual growth.

II. The Foundation of Confidence: Trusting in God’s Strength

A. Confidence in God’s Power, Not Ourselves
Philippians 4:13

2 Corinthians 3:5

B. The Role of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8

III. Confidence in the Word of God: The Source of Authority

A. The Transformative Power of God’s Word

Isaiah 55:11

B. Trusting God’s Promises in Discipleship

Matthew 28:18-20

2 Timothy 2:2

IV. Confidence in the Face of Challenges

A. Overcoming Trials with God’s Confidence

Romans 8:37

B. Assurance of God’s Presence and Support

Joshua 1:9

Matthew 28:20

V. Confidence in God’s Plan: Trusting in His Sovereignty

A. Belief in God’s Control and Purpose

Romans 8:28

B. Confidence in Discipleship Outcomes

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

VI. Confidence in Our Identity in Christ

A. Knowing Our Identity in Christ

Ephesians 2:10

B. Confidence in Our Calling as Disciple Makers

2 Corinthians 5:20

1 Peter 2:9

Developing Confidence

I. Building Confidence in God

A. Strengthening Your Relationship Through Prayer

Regular prayer as a means to invite God into daily life.
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

B. Studying the Bible

Deepening understanding of God's character and promises.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 119:105

C. Reflecting on Past Experiences

Recognizing God’s past provisions to build future confidence.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Psalm 77:11-12

D. Surrounding Yourself with a Supportive Community

Sharing experiences and receiving encouragement from others.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Proverbs 27:17

E. Trusting God's Timing

Learning to trust in God’s perfect plan.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Isaiah 40:31

F. Worship and Praise

Focusing on God’s greatness and faithfulness.
Psalm 95:1-2: "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."
Psalm 100:4-5

G. Living Out Your Faith

Acting on God’s Word to strengthen faith.
James 1:22
Matthew 5:16

H. Learning from the Faith of Others

Drawing inspiration from biblical stories and testimonies of believers.
Hebrews 12:1
Romans 15:4

These verses can serve as a foundation for building confidence in God through various aspects of faith and practice.

Find confidence in God’s power, promises, and presence.

2 Timothy 1:7

Doctrine of the Month

Community and the Spiritual Growth of a Christian

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

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rwh22march -Ep.356 – Run With Horses Podcast – How well do you know yourself?

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

What is self-awareness? According to the Oxford Dictionary:

conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

Character:

Feelings:

Motives:

Desires:

Have you ever stopped to truly reflect on how you see yourself and how that compares to how God sees you?
Self-awareness is vital for spiritual growth and understanding God’s will for our lives. It’s actually pretty important as a human traveling through life with other humans! There is often a tension between how we see ourselves, how others see us and how God sees us.

II. What is Self-Awareness from a Biblical Worldview?1. Definition of Self-Awareness:

* The ability to see and acknowledge one’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations in the light of God’s truth.
* Understanding our identity in Christ, our strengths, weaknesses, and the call God has on our lives.

Scriptural Foundation:
- Psalm 139:23-24:
  
  + * Romans 12:3:
  - Self-awareness requires humility, recognizing both our value in Christ and the need for personal growth. We often focus on how we compare to those around us rather than to Jesus and who He calls us to be. Pride is easy when we look at others, humility is easy when we focus on Jesus.

III. How Can We Become More Self-Aware?1. Daily Reflection and Prayer:

* James 1:5:


    +

Engage with Scripture:
- Hebrews 4:12:
- Seek Accountability and Fellowship:
- Proverbs 27:17:
- Practicing Confession and Repentance:
- 1 John 1:9:

IV. Why Is Self-Awareness Important According to Scripture?1. For Personal Growth in Christlikeness:

* 2 Corinthians 13:5:


    +
* Philippians 3:12-14:


    +

For Serving Others with Humility:
- Philippians 2:3-4:
  
  + 3. For Glorifying God:
- 1 Corinthians 10:31

Doctrine of the Month

Understanding Theology, is crucial for discipleship because it shapes how we relate to God and others, guiding our lives and actions towards imitating Christ.

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

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Ep.355 – Run With Horses Podcast – Live Like Eternity Matters

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

1.The Reality of Eternity1. The Promise of Eternal Life 2. Why Eternity Matters

Eternal Perspective: Shaping Our View of Life1. Eternal Perspective on Temporal Life
Living with an Eternal Purpose
Life in Light of Eternity: Practical Application1. Prioritizing God's Kingdom Over Earthly Concerns
Investing in the Eternal: The Rewards of Faithful Service
Living a Holy Life in View of Eternity
Eternal Relationships: Sharing the Gospel and Building God's Kingdom1. The Call to Evangelize and Make Disciples
Investing in People for Eternal Impact
Eternal Hope: Encouragement for Perseverance1. The Assurance of Eternal Life
The Comfort of the Future Life
Living in Hope and Obedience1. A Call to Live in View of Eternity
The Motivation to Live for Christ Today
Eternal Life Changes EverythingEvery moment counts in light of eternity. Make choices that reflect the reality of eternal life, live with purpose, share the gospel, and find your hope in God’s promises. Evaluate their life regularly, look to live in ways that honor God and reflect His eternal purposes.

Doctrine Focus

End Times

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rwh08march -Ep.354 – Run With Horses Podcast – Resisting Temptation

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Resisting Temptation: A Biblical Approach to Overcoming SinHow Temptation Works

Temptation works through a process that often involves desire, opportunity, and choice. It’s important to understand how it operates in order to resist it effectively. Below is a breakdown of how temptation works, from a Biblical perspective:

Temptation Begins with Desire2. Temptation Entices3. Temptation Presents a Choice4. Temptation Leads to Sin5. Temptation’s Full Outcome: Death and DestructionHow Temptation Works in Our LivesIn summary, temptation works through the following stages:
Desire: Temptation begins with internal cravings or desires for things outside of God's will.
Enticement: Temptation presents those desires as appealing and promises fulfillment.
Choice: The individual faces a decision on whether to act on the desire or to resist it.
Sin: Yielding to temptation results in sin and disobedience to God.
Consequences: The end result of sin is death and separation from God.

Prayer: Seeking God’s StrengthScripture: Meditating on God’s Word Accountability: Strengthening Each OtherAvoiding Triggers: Preventing Temptation

The Holy Spirit: Power to Overcome Temptation Fasting: Strengthening the Spirit Focusing on Eternal Rewards

Doctrine of the Month

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.

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rwh01march -Ep.353 – Run With Horses Podcast –Personal Spring Cleaning

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

A "spring cleaning" for your life is a fantastic way to reset and refresh your routine, mindset, and environment. Where do most people begin and how can we make that a little more intentional as a disciple of Jesus? Here are some thoughts:

Declutter Your Space:* This is a reoccurring theme for many of us. The things we surround ourselves with can eventually control us. Take charge and evaluate everything in light of eternity and it’s usefulness as a follower of Jesus.
Revamp Your Routine:* Building and maintaining healthy habits is a large part of staying consistent in your spiritual life. What habits do you have, What habits do you need to develop?
Refresh Your Digital Life:* Reduce and remove digital distractions.. Today’s screen focused world can be a hindrance to an authentic relationship with Jesus. Evaluate your screen time and use it wisely.
Review Finances:* Strive to be a good steward of your finances.
Assess Personal Goals:* What is the big picture of what God is doing in your life? How is He growing you and what is He challenging you to become? Compare your goals with His goals for you!
Invest in Health:* Finances aren’t the only place that we need to be good stewards! Your health matters. Are you taking care of the level of health that God has given you?
Reconnect with Relationships:* Relationships are a big part of our spiritual life. We need relationships with others and they need us. Be intentional and keep Jesus at the center of all of your relationships.
Learn Something New:* Don’t stagnate physically, mentally or spiritually. Read good books on topics that will help you grow. The spiritual disciplines are always a place you can invest and reap rewards.
Cleanse Your Mind:* Romans 12:1-2 Renew your mind.
Maintain time in God’s Word and really spend some time meditating on it, asking God to make His thoughts your thoughts.
Physical Clean-Up:* You surrounds can really affect your emotional and mental state which impacts your spiritual life. Spend some time cleaning up your space physically to help you focus spiritually.

You can do a personal spiritual evaluation by reflecting on key principles and practices found in Scripture. This evaluation is not about perfection, but about growth in faith, love, and obedience to God. Here’s a step-by-step guide for conducting a spiritual evaluation:

Reflect on Personal Relationship with God* Prayer and Devotion: Evaluate how consistent and sincere your personal time with God is. Are you seeking to commune with Him daily in prayer and through His Word? (Matthew 6:6, James 4:8) Do you have a consistent time or do you need to plan one?
Heart Check: Ask yourself: Do you truly desire to know God more deeply, or have other distractions and idols taken His place? (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37)
Evaluate Your Relationship with the Word of God* Bible Reading and Study: How regularly are you engaging with the Scriptures? Are you reading to grow, to learn, and to obey, or simply out of obligation? (Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) Are you consistently reading through Scripture? NT every year as a beginning goal.
Obedience to the Word: Do you apply God’s Word to your life? Is your obedience rooted in love for Christ and a desire to honor Him? (John 14:15, James 1:22)
Assess Your Life of Repentance and Confession* Confession and Repentance: Are you regularly confessing sins and repenting? Acknowledge areas where sin has a hold and work on turning away from them. (1 John 1:9, Romans 12:1-2)
Humility and Accountability: Are you humble enough to admit areas where you need growth, and do you have accountability in your life? (Proverbs 27:17, James 5:16)
Examine Your Love for Others* Love for Others: Do you love others as Christ has loved you? Evaluate your relationships with family, friends, and fellow believers. (John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-21) Are you meeting new people regularly?
Forgiveness and Grace: Are you quick to forgive and show grace, or do you harbor bitterness or unforgiveness? (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22) Are YOU the center of your relationships or is Jesus?
Reflect on Your Role in the Body of Christ* Service and Ministry: Are you actively serving others in the church and in your community? God has gifted each believer for the building up of His body. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Ephesians 4:11-16) Where are you using your gifts?
Fellowship: Do you prioritize fellowship with other believers? Being a part of the body of Christ means engaging with the community of believers, not just individually. (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47)
Assess Your Personal Witness and Evangelism* Sharing the Gospel: Are you actively sharing your faith and seeking opportunities to tell others about Christ? Evaluate your willingness to be a light in the world. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
Living as a Witness: Is your life reflecting the character of Christ to those around you? Are others able to see Christ in your actions and attitude? (Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 3:15)
Check Your Spiritual Fruit* Fruit of the Spirit: How are you reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in your life? (Galatians 5:22-23) Are you putting effort into your spiritual growth? How?
Spiritual Growth: Do you see areas where God has grown you, but also areas where you need to mature? (2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 1:9-11)
Evaluate Your Priorities and Stewardship* Time and Resources: How are you managing your time, talents, and treasures? Are your priorities in line with God’s kingdom purposes? (Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
Generosity and Stewardship: Are you generous with what God has entrusted to you, not only in finances but also in your time and abilities? (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Luke 6:38)
Seek the Holy Spirit’s Conviction and Guidance* Holy Spirit’s Role: Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, convict you of any unconfessed sin, and guide you into truth. Trust in the Spirit’s work to help you grow in Christ-likeness. (Psalm 139:23-24, John 16:13)
Response to Conviction: How do you respond when the Holy Spirit convicts you? Are you willing to obey, even when it is difficult? (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:16-18)
Set Goals for Spiritual Growth* Action Plan: Based on your evaluation, set specific, measurable, attainable goals for your spiritual growth. These could involve areas of Bible study, prayer, service, or outreach.
Accountability: Consider seeking an accountability partner or mentor who can help you stay focused on your growth and provide support. (Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:1-2)

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24_0125 -Ep.352 – Run With Horses Podcast – When You Feel Like Quitting

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

When You Feel Like Quitting what do you do. Everyone gets beat down occasionally. When you do, how do you handle it?

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

Dealing with Disappointment and Discouragement Biblically

Or, What to do when you fell like quitting!

I. The Reality of Disappointment and Discouragement* Opening Quote: “When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.” * Key Idea: Everyone faces disappointment and discouragement at some point, whether in ministry, relationships, or personal struggles. However, God’s Word gives us perspective on how to face these moments with faith and perseverance.

II. Acknowledge the Reality of Disappointment Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:18* – “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

+ Disappointment is not something we should deny or try to avoid. It’s a reality of life, but God is close to the brokenhearted. He doesn’t leave us in our despair.
+ No one’s life goes like they expect or really want it to. Pain and suffering are a reality.

Example: David – In many of his psalms, David expressed deep feelings of despair and discouragement, but he also demonstrated turning to God in those times (e.g., Psalm 42).

III. Recognizing the Call to Persevere Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:9* – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

+ In the midst of discouragement, we must remind ourselves that God’s promises are true. We may not see the fruit immediately, but the reward is coming if we remain faithful.

Example: Paul – Despite constant opposition, Paul continued in his ministry, reminding others to press on despite the trials (2 Corinthians 4:6-10).

IV. Recalling the Purpose Behind Our Journey Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13-14* – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

+ The Apostle Paul, despite his challenges and struggles, kept his eyes on the prize—the call of God in Christ Jesus. Our purpose in Christ should be the motivation to keep going.

Example: Moses – Leading the Israelites out of Egypt was a long and challenging journey, but Moses remained focused on the ultimate promise of the land of Canaan (Hebrews 11:24-26).

V. God’s Faithfulness in Our Struggles Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10* – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

+ God’s faithfulness never wavers. Even in moments of discouragement, we are reminded that He is with us, strengthening and helping us through the journey.

Example: Elijah – After his great victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah faced deep discouragement and wanted to quit. Yet God met him where he was and reassured him that He was still at work (1 Kings 19:1-18).

VI. Trusting God’s Timing and Plan Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28* – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

+ It’s easy to feel discouraged when the timing doesn’t seem right. But we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, and He is working everything for our good in His sovereign plan.

Example: Joseph – Joseph’s journey was filled with disappointment and discouragement (betrayal, false accusations, imprisonment), yet God was with him, working through his circumstances for a greater purpose (Genesis 50:19-20).

VII. Focusing on Our Relationship with Jesus Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28-30* – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

+ In our moments of discouragement, Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, knowing that He understands our struggles and that He is with us through them.

Example: The Disciples in the Storm – When the disciples were in the storm, Jesus was with them, and He calmed the storm. Jesus is with us in our storms (Matthew 14:22-33).

VIII. The Strength to Keep Going Comes from God’s Presence Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9* – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

+ In our weaknesses, we are reminded that God’s grace and power are enough. It is through our weakness that His strength is made evident.

Example: Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – Paul dealt with a persistent difficulty (the thorn in his flesh), but he learned to rely on God’s grace, which gave him strength to continue (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

IX. Encouraging One Another in Disappointment Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25* – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

+ Encouragement is a key part of walking through discouragement. God has placed us in community so that we can support one another and remind each other of the hope we have in Christ.

Example: Barnabas and Paul – Barnabas, known as the “Son of Encouragement,” helped Paul when others were fearful of him, reminding him of God’s calling and purpose in his life (Acts 9:26-27).

X. Conclusion: Pressing On with Hope in Christ Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 4:7-8* – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

+ Paul’s words serve as a powerful reminder that despite all the struggles, the end of the journey is worth it. There is a crown of righteousness for those who press on, keeping their eyes on Jesus.

– “Thank you for listening today!

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

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24_0125 -Ep.350 – Run With Horses Podcast – How Should We Then Live?

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Living with Eternity in Mind2 Peter 3, speaks powerfully about the end of the world, the second coming of Christ, and how we should live knowing the judgement is coming. Do you think about how to live with the reality that one day this world will be destroyed and we will stand before God to give an account for our lives?

The Coming Judgment[2 Peter 3:1-10]

Peter reminds us that God's judgment is not delayed; God is patient, wanting no one to perish but all to come to repentance (v. 9). The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, unexpected, and it will bring sudden destruction. And it is certain.

We see here that Peter emphasizes something we must remember: Just because God hasn't acted yet doesn’t mean He won’t. God’s timing is different from ours. We may think He’s slow, but He is actually giving us time to turn to Him.

How Should We Live in Light of the Coming Judgment?[2 Peter 3:11-14]

In verses 11-14, Peter shifts the focus from the world’s end to our responsibility as Christians. Since all these things are going to be destroyed, Peter asks, ‘What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?’ This is a profound question for us today. If we know that one day the world as we know it will end, and we will stand before God, how should we live in the here and now?

Living in Light of Eternity1. Living with Hope and Patience 2. Pursuing Holiness 3. Being Ready for Christ’s Return

The Role of the Church in Living with Eternity in Mind[2 Peter 3:15-16]

The church plays a crucial role in preparing believers for the coming judgment. We’re not just here to be entertained or to consume religious content. We are here to be equipped, to grow in godliness, to be His body at work on His mission in the world and to live with the constant awareness that Christ could return at any moment.

As members of the church, we need to encourage one another to stay focused on eternal truths. We need to challenge one another to live holy lives, to persevere in faith, and to continue spreading the gospel to those who don’t know Christ. There is no more important mission for us.

Practical Applications for Today1. Prioritize What Lasts 2. Live with Urgency in Sharing the Gospel 3. Cultivate a Heart of Holiness 4. Serve Others in Light of the Coming Judgment 5. Live Peacefully and Blamelessly

The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Service1. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses of Jesus

The Holy Spirit Equips Us with Spiritual Gifts for Ministry
The Holy Spirit Guides Us in Discipling Others
The Holy Spirit Enables Us to Bear Fruit in Discipleship
The Holy Spirit Strengthens Us for the Work of Discipleship
Matthew 28:20 – “...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
The Holy Spirit is with us, empowering us to live out our calling to make disciples and bring others into the Kingdom of God.

– “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

View Details

25_02_08 -Ep.350 – Run With Horses Podcast – Elevating Others

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

—

(28:00)
Today I’m encouraging you to elevate other people. Why should you do that? How do you do that? That my friends, is the topic of the day!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Caregivers Corner

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Elevating Others: Sharpening One Another in Christ Why Should I Elevate Others? 1. Biblical Mandate to Consider Others:

Part of God’s Design for the Church:
Spiritual Growth Through Mutual Sharpening:

Who Should I Elevate? 1. Fellow Believers:

Disciples You’re Mentoring:
Those in Need of Encouragement:
Those with Ministry potential -reproduce disciples and leaders How Do I Elevate Others? 1. Through Words of Encouragement:
Through Intentional Relational Discipleship:
Through Acts of Service and Sacrifice:
Through Accountability and Loving Correction:
Consider how to help them succeed in life, faith and ministry

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

The Church’s Role: Equipping for Evangelism and Edification The Biblical Mandate for the Church’s Equipping Ministry 1. The Church as an Equipping Body:

The Great Commission’s Call to Evangelism:
Edification as a Community Responsibility:

How the Church Equips for Evangelism 1. Teaching the Gospel Clearly:

Training in Personal Evangelism:
Cultivating an Outward-Focused Heart:

How the Church Equips for Edification 1. Creating a Culture of Discipleship:

Encouraging Mutual Accountability:
Teaching and Modeling Spiritual Disciplines:

The “Iron Sharpens Iron” Ministry 1. Sharpening Through Authentic Relationships:

Balancing Grace and Truth:
The Church’s Role in Fostering This Environment:

(5:00 – 1:00)

Bibliology – Preservation of Scripture

Is There a God? How do we respond?

(1:00)
The spiritual journey may seem long and slow sometimes, but don’t give up. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other and get up when you fall down. You will face stumbling blocks but God is able to take you through them and even to strengthen you along the way.
– “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life. Be intentional, be thankful!

(00:00)

View Details

25_02_01 -Ep.349 – Run With Horses Podcast – What is hindering your spiritual growth?

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

—

(28:00)
Today I’m asking the question, “What is hindering your spiritual growth?” We have all the resources we need, God is doing His part, so why do we still struggle?

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Caregivers Corner

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

There are several common hindrances to spiritual growth that Christians face. These obstacles can be internal or external, but all of them can slow or even stagnate a believer's growth in Christ.

Lack of Biblical Knowledge and Study2. Neglect of Prayer3. Unconfessed Sin and Lack of Repentance4. Worldly Distractions and Priorities5. Lack of Discipleship and Church Community6. Spiritual Laziness or Lack of Discipline7. Unbelief or Doubt8. Fear of Man or Persecution9. Spiritual Warfare10. Pride and Self-SufficiencyOvercoming These HindrancesTo grow spiritually, Christians must be intentional about:
Developing strong spiritual habits (Bible study, prayer, fasting, worship, service).
Staying accountable in the local church through fellowship and discipleship.
Relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and distractions.
Being diligent in faith despite trials and temptations.

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

A church can easily drift from its biblical purpose if it is not intentional about staying focused on God's mission. Some of the common hindrances that prevent a church from remaining faithful to its biblical purpose:

Mission Drift (Losing Focus on the Great Commission)2. Biblical Illiteracy Among Leaders and Members3. Compromising with Culture4. Overemphasis on Programs Instead of Discipleship5. Leadership Failures and Power Struggles6. Fear of Man and Avoidance of Hard Truths7. Lack of Evangelism and Community Engagement8. Division and Conflict9. Prayerlessness10. Materialism and Financial MismanagementOvercoming These HindrancesFor a church to stay faithful to its biblical purpose, it must:
✅ Stay rooted in sound doctrine and biblical teaching.
✅ Keep discipleship and evangelism as the central focus.
✅ Equip and release believers for ministry, not just entertain them.
✅ Commit to prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
✅ Uphold godly leadership and unity in the church

(5:00 – 1:00)

Bibliology – Preservation of Scripture

(00:00)

If you want to support the Run With Horses Podcast and Radio Show, the best way you can do that is by telling other people about it and leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Another way is by checking out our books. Our goal is to support your spiritual growth in any way we can. A link to each of our author pages on Amazon is in the show notes. You can find all our shows with links to the most popular podcast apps at rwh.podbean.com. Thanks for joining us on the journey!

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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24_01_25 -Ep.348 – Run With Horses Podcast – Spiritual Disciplines - Fellowship

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

—

(28:00)
Today we continue our survey of the spiritual disciplines.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Caregivers Corner

Stages of Spiritual Growth – Questions to Ponder Young Adult and Parent

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Solitude, silence, fasting, simplicity, meditation, Study, worship, prayer, fellowship, service.

Fellowship As A Spiritual DisciplineIntroduction Fellowship : a deep, spiritual, and relational bond among believers in Christ, united through the Holy Spirit. * Fellowship is often undervalued as a spiritual discipline but it is essential for Christian growth, accountability, and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 - 2*4 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.

1: Biblical Foundation of Fellowship

1.1. Fellowship in the Early Church* Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." + Fellowship was not just social but an intentional, spiritual practice. + Community: teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and sharing in each other’s needs.

1.2. Theological Importance of Fellowship* 1 John 1:3 (NKJV)

"That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." + Fellowship with one another is rooted in our fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. + It’s not just about socializing; it’s about participation in the life of God through Christ.

2: Fellowship as a Spiritual Discipline2.1. The Role of Fellowship in Christian Growth* Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." + Fellowship is a necessary part of Christian life because it encourages us to love one another and perform good works. + Regular gathering in worship and fellowship for mutual encouragement.

2.2. Fellowship as Encouragement and Accountability* Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." + Fellowship involves mutual care, helping each other through struggles, and bearing one another’s burdens.

3: Fellowship and the Importance of Community for Spiritual Growth3.1. Using Spiritual Gifts Within the Community* 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NKJV)

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." + Fellowship involves the active use of spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. + Not isolating one’s spiritual gifts but using them in the context of community for the mutual edification of all believers.

3.2. Living Out the "One Anothers" of the New Testament* Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." * Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)

"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." * Ephesians 4:2-3 (NKJV)

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." * Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)

"Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." + We all have a call to "one another" living: love one another, serve one another, bear with one another, and forgive one another. + These relational commands can only truly be lived out within the community of believers. Fellowship, in community, is where we practice these commands.

3.3. The Community and Spiritual Growth* Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." + Fellowship in community provides the context for mutual sharpening and growth. + Accountability, prayer, correction, and encouragement are critical in the spiritual formation of every body of believers.

4: Practical Ways to Cultivate Fellowship4.1. Intentional Relationships* Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." + Because we are all so busy, making fellowship a priority is important, creating opportunities for one-on-one and group connection.

4.2. The Role of Shared Meals and Hospitality* Acts 2:46 (NKJV)

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart." + Fellowship is deeply connected to shared meals and hospitality in the early church.

What are practical ways this could be applied today?

4.3. Prayer and Spiritual Conversations* Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." + Prayer meetings, small groups, and discussing Scripture are ways to cultivate deeper fellowship.

5: The Power of Fellowship for Mission5.1. Evangelism Through Fellowship* John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." + Fellowship serves as a witness to the world of God's love, drawing others into the faith through the community of believers. Our relationship with each other draws others in.

5.2. The Global Fellowship of Believers* Philippians 1:5 (NKJV)

"For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." + Fellowship is not just a local practice but a global reality for the church as a whole. Christians are united in the mission of spreading the gospel.

Conclusion* Summarize: importance of fellowship as a spiritual discipline, its role in spiritual growth, and its impact on mission. * How are your fellowship practices and how can you deepen your relationships with fellow believers. * Make fellowship an intentional part of your Christian walk, both in personal relationships and in the broader church community.

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

(5:00 – 1:00)

The Mission of the Church

The mission is rooted in the Great Commission, the call to make disciples of all nations, as well as the call to love, serve, and witness to our communities.

The Great Commission
The local church is primarily tasked with evangelizing and making disciples. Jesus gave this clear command in Matthew 28:19-20:

"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, 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." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV)

This mission to go and make disciples is not just for individual Christians but for the collective body of Christ, the church. Every church, whether large or small, is called to be part of this global mission to spread the gospel.

The Church as a Witness
The local church also serves as a witness of God's love, truth, and holiness to the world. Jesus said in Acts 1:8:

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NKJV)

The local church's mission extends beyond its walls. It is called to bear witness to Christ, not just in its immediate community (Jerusalem), but also to the surrounding areas (Judea and Samaria), and even to the ends of the earth. This requires both local outreach and global mission efforts.

The Church as a People of Fellowship and Discipleship
A central aspect of the local church's mission is fostering a community where believers can grow in their faith. In Acts 2:42, we see the early church’s commitment to fellowship and discipleship:

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

Through teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, the church strengthens its members to live out their faith and equip them to serve in the mission of Christ. A local church is a place where Christians come together to grow deeper in their relationship with God and each other.

The Church as a People of Service
The local church is also called to serve both its members and the surrounding community. In Galatians 6:10, Paul encourages the church to actively do good:

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10, NKJV)

This service is a practical outworking of the love of Christ. It involves caring for the needy, providing for the poor, and supporting those who are suffering. Serving within the church and in the wider community is part of the mission to represent Christ and His love in tangible ways.

Conclusion
To sum it up, the local church has a clear and vital mission: to make disciples, to be witnesses of Christ, to foster fellowship and discipleship among believers, and to serve those in need. This mission is not just about activities; it’s about living out the gospel in every area of life. As we seek to fulfill this mission, we can be confident that Christ is with us every step of the way (Matthew 28:20).

(1:00)
Philippians 1:6 – "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
– “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!

(00:00)

AD:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

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25_01_11 -Ep.346 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Prayer

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Today we consider the Spiritual Discipline of

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Prayer as a Spiritual DisciplineSection 1: The What and Why of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline 1. Definition and Nature of Prayer

* Prayer as communication with God: a dialogue, not a monologue.
* Biblical definition:

Biblical Foundation of Prayer
- Jesus’ teaching on prayer: (Matthew 6:6)
- (Matthew 6:9-13).
- (Matthew 21:22).
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV):
- - Philippians 4:6 (NKJV):
- The Purpose of Prayer in Spiritual Growth
- Acknowledging dependence on God: (Jeremiah 33:3).
- Developing intimacy with God: (James 4:8).
- Alignment with God’s will: (Matthew 6:10).
- The Role of Prayer in a Growing Spiritual Life
- Strengthening faith: (Jude 1:20).
- Overcoming spiritual challenges: (Matthew 26:41).
- Spiritual Growth: Discuss how prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God.
- - James 5:16 (NKJV):
- Dependence on God: Emphasize prayer as an expression of reliance on God’s wisdom and strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV):
- Transformation: Explain how prayer transforms the believer’s heart and mind. Romans 12:2 (NKJV):

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Section 2: How to Pray as a Spiritual Discipline (30 minutes)1. Practical Steps for Prayer

* Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (ACTS): Explain this model of prayer.
* Begin with adoration and thanksgiving: (Psalm 100:4).
* Confess sins: (1 John 1:9).
* Bring petitions and intercessions: (Hebrews 4:16).

Combining Prayer with Other Spiritual Disciplines
- Prayer and Bible reading: Meditate on Scripture and respond in prayer (e.g., Psalm 119:18).
- Scriptural Prayers: Encourage using the Psalms and other scriptures as prayers. Psalm 51:10 (NKJV):
- Prayer and fasting: Seek God’s guidance and clarity (e.g., Acts 13:2-3).
- Prayer and worship: (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
- Incorporating Prayer into Daily Life
- Setting regular prayer times: (Psalm 55:17).
- Praying throughout the day: (Ephesians 6:18).
- Using prayer prompts or journals to stay consistent.
- Routine and Spontaneity: Encourage setting aside specific times for prayer while also being open to spontaneous prayer throughout the day.
- - Prayer Journals: Suggest keeping a journal to track prayer requests and answers.
- Community Building: Highlight the importance of praying together as a church community. Acts 2:42 (NKJV):

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month -

The Church Defined

Edification and the Local Church

(1:00)

“Thank you for listening today!

(00:00)

View Details

25_01_18 -Ep.347 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Study

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Today we consider the Spiritual Discipline of Study.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Stages of Spiritual Growth – Questions to Ponder

Spiritual InfantLoving God:* Do you understand the Gospel and what Jesus has done for you?

Loving Others:* Do you feel connected to a church family?

Making Disciples:* Do you know what it means to share your faith with others?

Spiritual ChildLoving God:* Are you developing a regular habit of prayer and Bible reading?

Loving Others:* How are you learning to serve others in love?

Making Disciples:* Do you understand why discipleship is important? * What steps are you taking to grow in your ability to explain the Gospel?

(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

Study as a Spiritual Discipline1. Building a Biblical Foundation - Why Study* Purpose of Study: To know God and grow in spiritual maturity.

+ Key Scripture:


    - 2 Timothy 2:15: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
    - Hosea 4:6a: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
+ Importance of Study:


    - Strengthens our faith (Romans 10:17).
    - Equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
    - Protects against false teaching (Acts 17:11, Ephesians 4:14).

What to Study* The Word of God:
- Primary focus should be the Bible.
- Key Scripture:
  - Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
  - Matthew 4:4: "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’"
  - Supporting Resources:
- Study guides, commentaries, and Bible dictionaries.
- Church doctrinal statements and creeds (to understand Baptist distinctives).
- Key Topics to Include:
- The nature of God, salvation, sanctification, and missions.
Who Should Study* Every Believer:
- Spiritual growth is the responsibility of all Christians.
- Key Scripture:
  - Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
  - 1 Peter 2:2: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."
  - Special Responsibilities:
- Teachers and leaders bear greater accountability in teaching and applying truth.
- Key Scripture:
  - James 3:1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment."

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

How to Study* The Grammatical-Historical-Literal Framework for Studying the Bible
Purpose: Understanding how to study the Bible to uncover its intended meaning.* + Emphasize that Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and must be handled carefully (2 Timothy 2:15).
Goal: Equip learners to study Scripture accurately and faithfully.
Overview of the Framework* Definition:
- Grammatical: Focus on the language and structure of the text.
- Historical: Consider the historical and cultural context.
- Literal: Interpret according to the plain meaning of the text, unless clearly figurative.
- Key Scripture:
- Nehemiah 8:8: "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading."
- 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
Step-by-Step ExplanationA. Grammatical Approach* Focus:
- Analyze sentence structure, grammar, and word meanings.
- Practical Tools:
- Use concordances and interlinear Bibles to study original Greek and Hebrew words.
- Recognize literary devices like metaphors, similes, and hyperboles.
- Example:
- Study "love" in 1 Corinthians 13, noting the Greek word agape for deeper understanding.

B. Historical Approach* Focus:

+ Understand the cultural, geographical, and historical context.

Practical Tools:
- Use Bible atlases, historical commentaries, and timelines.
- Research customs and traditions relevant to the text.
- Example:
- Explore the context of the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37) to understand Jewish-Samaritan relations.

C. Literal Approach* Focus:

+ Take the text at face value unless the context suggests figurative language.

Practical Tools:
- Identify genre: poetry, narrative, prophecy, etc.
- Compare Scripture with Scripture to clarify meaning.
- Example:
- Interpret Genesis 1 as a literal account of creation, unless a figurative explanation is evident.
Application and Integration* Combining All Three Elements:
- Example Passage: Study John 3:16 using all three approaches.
  - Grammatical: Analyze "believe" in Greek (pisteuo) to understand its depth.
  - Historical: Consider Nicodemus’ Jewish background and understanding.
  - Literal: Take the plain meaning of God’s promise of eternal life for believers.
  - Practice Exercise:
- Assign a passage for group study, using the framework to break down its meaning.
Recommended Resources Concordances: Strong's Concordance*.
Interlinear Bibles: Available on BibleHub or Blue Letter Bible.
Historical Context: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
Commentaries:
- For beginners: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary.
- For advanced study: The Expositor's Bible Commentary.
Conclusion* Reiterate the value of accurate Bible study for spiritual growth and understanding.
Encourage consistent practice using the framework to build confidence in handling Scripture.
Close with 2 Timothy 2:15 as a charge: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
- Key Scripture:
  
  - 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
  - Practical Steps for Bible Study:
- Pray for Understanding (Psalm 119:18).
- Read the Passage Repeatedly (Joshua 1:8).
- Observe: Look for key words, phrases, and structure.
- Interpret: Use cross-references and study tools for clarification.
- Apply: Determine how the passage affects your life and obedience to God.
- Think – God given ability
- Recommended Resources for Beginners:
- A good study Bible (e.g., NKJV Study Bible).
- Bible dictionaries (e.g., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
- Introductory commentaries (e.g., Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Bible).
- Online tools like BibleHub or Blue Letter Bible for concordances and interlinear studies.
- Logos Bible software

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month -

The Church Defined

Edification and the Local Church

Outline: Leadership of the Local ChurchTopic: A Baptist theological perspective on the leadership structure and responsibilities within the local church.

Introduction (2 min)* Key Idea: Baptists hold to congregational governance under the Lordship of Christ, with two biblical offices: pastors/elders and deacons.
Purpose: To explore the roles, qualifications, and functions of church leaders.

Scripture Reference:
Colossians 1:18
"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."

Christ as the Head of the Church (2 min)* Christ is the ultimate authority, and leaders serve under His direction.
The local church submits to His Lordship in all matters of faith and practice.

Scripture Reference:
Ephesians 1:22-23
"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

The Role of Pastors/Elders (5 min)* Definition: Pastors (also called elders or overseers) are responsible for shepherding, teaching, and leading the church spiritually.
Key Responsibilities: Preaching the Word, equipping the saints, and providing oversight.

Scripture References:
1 Timothy 3:1-7
"This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

1 Peter 5:2-3
"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

The Role of Deacons (5 min)* Definition: Deacons are servants who support the practical needs of the church to free pastors for their primary roles.
Key Responsibilities: Serving the congregation, addressing physical and administrative needs.

Scripture References:
Acts 6:3-4
"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

1 Timothy 3:8-13
"Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Congregational Governance (3 min)* Definition: In Baptist churches, the congregation is the final authority under Christ.
Members are responsible for affirming leaders, making key decisions, and maintaining doctrinal purity.

Scripture References:
Acts 6:5
"And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch."

Matthew 18:17
"And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."

The Importance of Servant Leadership (3 min)* Key Idea: Both pastors and deacons model servant leadership, following Christ’s example.
Leadership in the church is about humility, service, and love for the body of Christ.

Scripture Reference:
Mark 10:43-45
"Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Conclusion (2 min)* God has ordained pastors and deacons to serve and lead the church under Christ’s Lordship.
Congregational participation ensures the church remains faithful to its mission.
Call to action: Pray for your church leaders and actively support the work of the local church.

(1:00)

“Thank you for listening today!

(00:00)

View Details

25_01_04 -Ep.345 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Silence and Solitude

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Today we consider the Spiritual Disciplines of Silence and Solitude, what they are and how to use them!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Caregiver’s Corner

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Silence and SolitudeSection 1: Understanding Silence and Solitude1. Definition of Silence and Solitude

Silence: A spiritual discipline involving intentional quietness to hear God without external noise or distractions.
Solitude: A spiritual practice of being alone with God for reflection, prayer, and listening.

Deepening Relationship: Silence and solitude provide an opportunity to deepen one's relationship with God. In the quiet, distractions are minimized, allowing for a more focused and intimate communion with God.

Biblical Foundations
Jesus' Example:
- Mark 1:35: "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
- Luke 5:16: "So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."
- Elijah's Encounter with God:
- 1 Kings 19:12: "And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."
- David’s Meditations:
- Psalm 62:1: "Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation."
Theological Significance
Silence and solitude create space to hear God’s voice and discern His will.
They reflect dependence on God rather than on human activity.
They align with humility and submission to God’s leading.
Priesthood of all Believers – you can enter the presence of God!
Making a Space in the Noise
Fighting Distraction: In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, the constant stream of information can be overwhelming. Regularly practicing solitude and silence helps Christians resist the cultural pressures of noise and distraction, allowing them to build a more profound spiritual life.
Creating Space for God: The digital age has made it increasingly challenging to find moments of quiet. By intentionally setting aside time for solitude, Christians can reclaim their focus on God amidst the chaos of modern life.
Practical Examples of Silence and Solitude
Morning devotion in a quiet room or outdoors.
Retreats dedicated to prayer and reflection.
Taking moments during the day to pause and seek God in silence.
Listening to God: These practices create space to hear God's voice and discern His will. In a world filled with noise and busyness, silence allows believers to be more receptive to God's guidance and presence.

Section 2: Practicing Silence and Solitude in Daily Life1. Tying Silence and Solitude to Other Disciplines

Developing Spiritual Disciplines: Solitude is a key spiritual discipline that helps Christians grow in their faith. It encourages practices such as prayer, meditation, and Bible study, which are essential for spiritual maturity.
Prayer: Silence prepares the heart to pray authentically and listen to God’s response.
- Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
- Bible Reading: Solitude allows for focused study and meditation on God’s Word.
- Joshua 1:8: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night."
- Meditation: Reflecting on Scripture in silence deepens understanding and application.
- Journaling: Writing out your lessons learned and questions that come up as you read and study God’s Word
Overcoming Challenges
Addressing distractions: Practical tips for creating a quiet space.
Struggles with being alone: Encouragement to view solitude as time with God.
Corporate Applications
Encouraging church retreats focused on silence and prayer.
Teaching congregations to incorporate moments of silence into worship services.
Spiritual Benefits of Silence and Solitude
Clarity in decision-making. Aligning with God's Will: Silence and solitude help believers align their desires and actions with God's will, ensuring that their service is effective and God-honoring.
Renewed strength and peace.
- Isaiah 30:15: "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’"
- Deeper intimacy with God.
- Personal Reflection: Solitude offers a chance for self-examination and reflection on one's life and spiritual journey. It allows believers to assess their actions, thoughts, and motivations in light of their faith.
- Repentance and Renewal: In the quiet, individuals can confront their sins and shortcomings, leading to repentance and spiritual renewal.
- Physical and Spiritual Rest: Silence and solitude provide rest for both the body and the soul. Solitude provides a necessary break from the busyness of life, allowing for both physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation. As noted in Psalm 23:2-3, God leads His people beside still waters to restore their souls
- Peace and Clarity: These practices can bring peace and clarity, helping believers to navigate life's challenges with a calm and focused mind.
- Equipping for Ministry: Just as Jesus used times of solitude to prepare for His ministry, followers of Jesus can use these times to equip themselves for service. It is a time to seek God's strength and wisdom for the tasks ahead.
Closing Thoughts
Silence and solitude are essential disciplines for followers of Jesus because they foster a deeper relationship with God, provide opportunities for reflection and renewal, and prepare believers for effective service.
Encouragement to begin small and remain consistent.
Reflection Questions for Listeners
How can you incorporate silence and solitude into your daily routine?
What steps can your church take to encourage these disciplines corporately?

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month -

The Church Defined

Key question: What is the Church?

Definition of the Church: A local body of baptized believers, united in covenant for worship, discipleship, and the mission of Christ.

The Universal Church

Ephesians 1:22-23

"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Explanation: All believers united under Christ as the head.

The Local Church

Acts 2:41-42

"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Explanation: Local expressions of the universal Church gathered for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

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“Thank you for listening today! Is your life too noisy and too busy? Do you need to carve out a space to really seek God? Consider intentionally seeking a time alone to pursue Jesus without the clamor of outside pressure. Get away with your Bible and a journal and allow God to refresh you as only He can!

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View Details

24_12_28 -Ep.344 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Fasting

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Last week we looked at biblical meditation, Today we consider the spiritual discipline of fasting!

(27:00 – 23:00)

The "one another" commands found throughout the New Testament are critical for followers of Jesus for several reasons.

Foundation of Christian Community
Reflecting Christ's Love
Promoting Spiritual Growth
Enhancing Prayer Life
Witness to the World
Encouraging Humility and Service

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

What Are Spiritual Disciplines?

Define spiritual disciplines as practices rooted in Scripture that help believers grow in their relationship with God.

Key verse: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Biblical Examples and Spiritual Purpose of Fasting1. Biblical Examples of Fasting* Fasting in Mourning and Repentance:

+ David fasting after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-17 - ).
+ The people of Nineveh fasting in response to Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5-10 )

Fasting for Guidance:
- Ezra fasting for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23 )
- The church at Antioch fasting before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2-3 )
- Fasting in Crisis:
- Esther and the Jews fasting before she approached the king (Esther 4:16))
- Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast when Judah was under threat (2 Chronicles 20:3-4
- Fasting in Preparation for Ministry:
- Jesus fasting 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2 )
- Paul and Barnabas fasting before appointing elders (Acts 14:23)

1.2 The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting* Seeking God’s Presence and Power:

Humble Dependence on God:

+ * Aligning with God’s Will:

+

**So, Why Fast?

Mourning, Repentance, Seeking Guidance, Wisdom, A Crisis, Preparation for Ministry

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Section 2: Practical Application of Fasting 2.1 How to Fast as an Individual* Preparing for a Fast:

+ Know Your WHY. What’s your purpose?
+ Pray and focus on the purpose for the fast.
+ Choose the type and duration of fasting.
+ Plan what will replace food, don’t leave a vacuum. Prayer, Bible Reading, Memorization, etc.

Types of Fasting:
- Complete Fast: No food or drink (Esther 4:16, Paul at conversion, Moses on Sinai; extreme circumstances only).
1.Desperate Circumstances: Often connected with life-and-death situations or pivotal spiritual moments.

2.Short Duration: Typically no more than three days unless miraculously sustained (e.g., Moses’ 40-day fast).

3.Purpose: To seek divine intervention, guidance, forgiveness, or revelation. + Partial Fast: Partial fasts in the Bible involve abstaining from certain types of food or drink rather than completely abstaining. These fasts were often used for extended periods or in specific contexts where individuals focused on humility, devotion, or spiritual preparation. (Daniel 10:3 - 2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. John the Baptists Lifestyle)
1. Characteristics of Partial Fasts
2. Select Restrictions: Focus on limiting specific foods (e.g., rich foods, meat, or wine).
3. Purpose: Often linked to humility, seeking God’s will, or preparing for spiritual encounters.
4.Extended Durations: Commonly longer than complete fasts, lasting days or weeks. + Intermittent Fast: Skipping meals during specific times. IE. miss lunch for prayer. Intermittent fasting, characterized by periodic abstention from food or drink for specific times, is not explicitly named in the Bible but can be inferred from certain practices and rhythms. Biblical examples suggest some individuals and communities engaged in fasting at particular times of the day or for designated periods as part of their spiritual devotion. Luke 18:12 – Pharisee fasted twice a week, on a schedule.

Characteristics of Intermittent Fasting in the Bible

1.Time-Based Fasting: Often occurred during specific hours of the day (e.g., morning to evening).

2.Regular Patterns: Certain groups, like the Pharisees, observed fasting on scheduled days.

3.Corporate and Personal Practice: Seen in communal settings (e.g., Israel) and individual devotion (e.g., Anna).

4.Purpose: Spiritual preparation, mourning, seeking guidance, or demonstrating devotion. + Non-Food Fasts: Avoiding distractions like social media, entertainment, or hobbies to focus on God. The Bible does not explicitly describe non-food fasts in the same way it details abstinence from food and drink. However, certain practices resembling non-food fasts can be inferred from Scripture when individuals or groups chose to abstain from particular activities, comforts, or luxuries to seek God or focus on spiritual matters. + Purpose: To demonstrate humility and focus entirely on seeking God during a period of spiritual reflection. + Jonah 3:6-7 - The king of Nineveh declared a fast and removed his royal robes as a sign of repentance: "Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes." + Purpose: Symbolizing humility and repentance before God. + Characteristics of Non-Food Fasts in the Bible

1.Sacrificial Nature: The focus is on denying oneself something of value to draw nearer to God.

2.Symbolic Acts: Often associated with mourning, repentance, or humility (e.g., sackcloth and ashes).

3.Spiritual Intent: Aimed at seeking God, expressing devotion, or prioritizing spiritual over physical needs.

**Ask: What is the biggest time waster that draws me away from god? Can you fast from that activity?

During the Fast:
- Dedicate time to prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. Prepare ahead of time so you are ready.
- Journal your thoughts and prayers to track spiritual growth.
- Ending a Fast:
- Break the fast gradually, with thanksgiving and continued focus on God’s purpose.

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month - Salvation

*The Need for Salvation

The Provision of Salvation

*The Response to Salvation

*The Results of Salvation

(1:00)

“Thank you for listening today! Have you incorporated fasting into your spiriutal life? IS there a place in your life God is calling you to grow where fasting might be the right tools to help you humble yourself before Him? It’s worth considering fasting if you are serious about following Jesus!

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24_12_21 -Ep.343 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Biblical Meditation

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Today we consider the spiritual discipline of biblical meditation!

(27:00 – 23:00)

Small Groups:
Small groups are an essential part of the life of a healthy Baptist church. These gatherings provide a place to live out the “one another” commands of the New Testament. Through small groups, we build relationships that help us grow spiritually, serve together, and use our gifts to strengthen the church one relationship at a time.

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

What Are Spiritual Disciplines?

Define spiritual disciplines as practices rooted in Scripture that help believers grow in their relationship with God.

Key verse: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Meditation as a Spiritual DisciplineSection 1: Biblical Meditation A. Introduction to Biblical Meditation

Define meditation from a Biblical perspective:
- Focused, intentional contemplation of God's Word and works.
- A spiritual exercise focused on Scripture, involving contemplation and prayer
- Rooted in Scripture, with the goal of knowing God and aligning one's heart with His will.
- Differentiate Biblical meditation from Eastern meditation:
- - - C. Differences Between Eastern Meditation and Biblical Meditation (10 minutes)
- Focus:
- Eastern meditation often centers on self-awareness and inner peace, while biblical meditation focuses on God and His Word(Biblical Meditation vs. Eastern Meditation | Abide, n.d.).
- Eastern meditation emphasizes emptying the mind and achieving detachment. Biblical meditation emphasizes filling the mind with God's truth and cultivating intimacy with Him (Philippians 4:8).
- Posture:
- Eastern practices may emphasize physical posture (e.g., sitting cross-legged), whereas biblical meditation prioritizes the posture of the heart(Biblical Meditation vs. Eastern Meditation | Abide, n.d.).
- Worldview:
- Eastern meditation may promote the idea of achieving spiritual freedom or "nirvana," while biblical meditation acknowledges dependence on God and His grace(Biblical Meditation vs. Eastern Meditation | Abide, n.d.).

B. Key Bible References (NKJV)

Joshua 1:8

* 2. Psalm 1:1–2

* 3. Psalm 119:15–16

C. Biblical Examples of Meditation

David
- Psalms filled with meditations on God's law, character, and works (e.g., Psalm 19:14).
- Isaac
- Genesis 24:63:
- Jesus
- Frequent times of solitude and prayer, often grounded in God's Word (Luke 5:16).

D. The Purpose and Fruit of Biblical Meditation

Deepening understanding of God’s Word.
Transforming the heart and mind (Romans 12:2).
Encouraging obedience and spiritual growth.

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Section 2: Practical Help for Practicing Biblical Meditation A. Establishing a Biblical Framework for Meditation

Set aside focused time daily (morning or evening). Create a quiet space free from distractions.
Begin with prayer for understanding and insight (Psalm 119:18).

B. Techniques for Practicing Meditation

Select a Passage or Verse
- Choose a specific Scripture to meditate on, e.g., Psalms, Proverbs, or teachings of Jesus.
- Select verses or passages that resonate personally. What is God doing in your life now?
- Read and Reflect
- Read slowly and repeatedly, emphasizing different words or phrases.
- Ask Questions of the Text
- What does this reveal about God?
- What does this mean for my life today?
- Memorize and Internalize
- Commit verses to memory for ongoing meditation throughout the day.
- Techniques for Effective Meditation (10 minutes)
- Lectio Divina: Explain this ancient practice of slow, contemplative reading of Scripture. It is traditionally associated with monastic communities. The practice emphasizes a slow, meditative reading of the Bible, aiming not just to study Scripture but to experience it personally and prayerfully.
- - The Four Steps of Lectio Divina:
- - - A. Lectio (Reading):
    *B. Meditatio (Meditation):
    
    *C. Oratio (Prayer):
    
    *D.Contemplatio (Contemplation):
    
    * * + * Journaling: Encourage keeping a meditation journal to record thoughts and insights * Incorporating Prayer: Discuss how to integrate prayer into meditation, asking God for understanding and application of His Word 5.

C. Overcoming Distractions

Find a quiet, distraction-free location.
Write down stray thoughts to address later.

D. Using Tools to Enhance Meditation

Journaling: Record insights and applications.
Music: Listen to hymns or Scripture-based songs.

E. Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life

Meditate while walking, driving, or doing simple tasks.
Reflect on sermons, Bible studies, or daily readings.

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month - Salvation

*The Need for Salvation

The Provision of Salvation

*The Response to Salvation

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“Thank you for listening today!

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Meditation -

Psalm 1:2: 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 63:6: When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.

Philippians 4:8: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer -

Mark 1:35: Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Luke 6:12: Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Matthew 6:5-13: Model Prayer

Fasting-

Matthew 4:1-2: 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

Matthew 6:16-18: 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. 17But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18so 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.

Study -

Luke 4:4, 8, 12: 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:‘He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you,’11 and,‘In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

Luke 24:27: 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Simplicity - It helps us set money, possessions, worldly accomplishments, and other material things in their proper perspective so that God is restored to the throne of our lives. Simplicity requires us to let go of practices, time commitments, thoughts, and relationships that contaminate body and spirit so that we can better reflect the image of Christ. The foundation of Christian simplicity is to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust that everything else will fall in its proper place.

Matt 6:33: – 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Solitude - The point of solitude is to refrain from talking so we are placed in a posture to listen. The more we do this, the better we become at discerning God’s voice from our own. It requires us to trust that God will show up—but, we must not give up!

Luke 5:16: "So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."

Lamentations 3:25-26: 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly.

For the salvation of the Lord. Set at least a few minutes alone with God daily.

Submission - Submission calls us to give up our plan for the good of others and the fulfillment of God’s will. It is through self-sacrifice that we find joy and through carrying out God’s will that our lives have meaning and purpose.

James 4:7: 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Hebrews 13:17: - 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Service - Service requires us to relinquish our rights for what we think we deserve to demonstrate God’s sacrificial love. Our willingness to set our own desires aside to meet the needs of others stems from a deep relationship with God.

Mark 10:45: 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John 13:12-17: 12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

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24_12_14 -Ep.342 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines - Tools for Growth Part 1

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual

https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!

https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)

Today we consider the Spiritual Disciplines, what they are and how to use them!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Caregivers Corner

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

What Are Spiritual Disciplines?

Spiritual disciplines are practices rooted in Scripture that help believers grow in their relationship with God.

Key verse: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Segment 1: Foundations of Spiritual Disciplines

Biblical Practices: They are prescribed and modeled in Scripture, both for personal and communal growth.

Key verse: (Psalm 1:1-2)

Means, Not Ends: These practices help believers grow in Christlikeness and deepen their relationship with God.

Key verse: (2 Peter 3:18)

Segment 2: Types of Disciplines

Two types of spiritual disciplines:

Disciplines of Abstinence: Solitude, silence, fasting, simplicity.

Key verse: (Matthew 6:17-18)

Disciplines of Engagement: Study, worship, prayer, fellowship, service.

Key verse: (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Segment 3: Right Motivation

Emphasize that these practices should be driven by love for God and a desire to know Him.

Key verse: (Mark 12:30)

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Avoiding Pitfalls in Spiritual Disciplines

Recap Part 1, summarizing the definition, foundation, and types of spiritual disciplines.

Key verse: (Philippians 3:14)

Segment 1: Potential Pitfalls

Legalism: The temptation to turn disciplines into a checklist or law.

Key verse: (Galatians 5:1)

Misplaced Virtue: Viewing the disciplines themselves as virtuous or meritorious.

Key verse: (Isaiah 64:6)

Losing Focus on Christ: Centering on the practices rather than Christ Himself.

Key verse: (Hebrews 12:2)

Segment 2: How to Stay Christ-Centered

Strategies for keeping Christ at the center of your spiritual disciplines:

Begin each practice with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Regularly meditate on the gospel and Christ’s finished work.

Key verse: (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Be intentional about aligning every discipline with the goal of growing closer to Christ.

Approach spiritual disciplines with the right heart and purpose.

Key verse: (Matthew 6:33)

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month - Salvation

*The Need for Salvation

The Provision of Salvation

(1:00)

“Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!

(00:00)

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24_12_07 -Ep.341 - Run With Horses Podcast - Developing Biblical Character Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Susan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIo Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04 --- (28:00)Today we consider Biblical Character, what it is and how to get it! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” (27:00 – 23:00) Spiritual Habits - (23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1Part 1: What is Biblical Character? 1. Definition of Biblical Character • Definition: Dictionary definition of character 1. "Moral or ethical strength: integrity. Biblical perspective on character 1. Character as inner moral strength 2. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV): "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."Biblical character is the moral and spiritual qualities that align with God's Word, reflecting His nature and will in a person's life. ◦ Rooted in the word “character,” which implies a distinctive mark or engraving. Biblical character involves being “marked” by God’s nature. • Key Passage: Romans 5:3-4 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." • A. Integrity 1. Definition: "The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles"2. Job 2:3 (NKJV): "And the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.'" • B. Faithfulness 1. Importance of being trustworthy 2. Luke 16:10 (NKJV): "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." 2. Examples of Biblical Character in Scripture • Abraham (Faith and Obedience): ◦ Genesis 22:12: "And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" ◦ Emphasis on obedience to God despite personal cost. • Joseph (Integrity and Forgiveness): ◦ Genesis 39:9: "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" ◦ Focus on Joseph's integrity and forgiveness in Genesis 50:20. • Ruth (Loyalty and Devotion): ◦ Ruth 1:16: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God." • Daniel (Faithfulness): ◦ Daniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." 3. Why Biblical Character Matters • Reflection of God’s Nature: ◦ 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" • Witness to Others: ◦ Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (00:00) END PART 1 (27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2 Part 2: Developing Biblical Character 1. Foundational Principles for Developing Biblical Character • Commit to God’s Word: ◦ Psalm 119:11: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." ◦ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. ◦ Spiritual habit of daily Bible reading and meditation. ◦ Study and Meditate on God's Word - Joshua 1:8 (NKJV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Practical tips for Bible study and meditation ◦ Practical tip: Use a reading plan to engage with Scripture regularly. • Prayer for Transformation: ◦ Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ◦ Develop a habit of daily prayer asking God for character growth. ◦ Cultivate a Strong Prayer Life - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV): "Pray without ceasing." - Different types of prayer and their importance in character development • Community and Accountability: ◦ Relationship - Building authentic connections 1. With God: Prayer and personal devotion 2. With others: Accountability and fellowship ◦ 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NKJV): "So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us." ◦ Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." ◦ Be involved in a discipleship relationship or small group for encouragement and accountability. ◦ Embrace Accountability and Community - Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - The importance of Christian fellowship in character growth 2. Practical Steps to Build Character • Practice Humility: ◦ Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." ◦ Practice Obedience and Submission to God - James 1:22 (NKJV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - The role of obedience in shaping character • Respond Well to Trials: ◦ James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." ◦ View difficulties as opportunities for God to refine character. • Serve Others: ◦ Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." ◦ Develop selflessness through acts of service. * Develop Spiritual Disciplines (4 minutes) - Fasting, solitude, service, etc. - 1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV): "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness." 3. Encouragement to Continue Growing • Ongoing Process: ◦ 2 Peter 1:5-7: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." ◦ Sanctification is a lifelong journey. ◦ Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." ◦ • Final Exhortation: ◦ Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Call to Action: • Reflect on one area of character that needs development this week. • Commit to one practical step (e.g., memorize a verse, journal about a trial, seek accountability). • Pray daily for God’s help to grow in character. (5:00 – 1:00) Doctrine of the Month - SalvationThe Need for SalvationRomans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Define salvation as deliverance from sin and its consequences.Briefly discuss the universality of sin.Sin ProblemExplain sin as rebellion against God (1 John 3:4 - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.).Emphasize the separation sin causes between humanity and God (Isaiah 59:1-2 - 1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you,So that He will not hear.).*God’s StandardDiscuss God’s holiness and the impossibility of humans meeting His standard (Romans 3:10 - 9What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.10As it is written:“There is none righteous, no, not one;11There is none who understands;There is none who seeks after God.12They have all turned aside;They have together become unprofitable;There is none who does good, no, not one.”13“Their throat is an open tomb;With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;“The poison of asps is under their lips”;14“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”15“Their feet are swift to shed blood;16Destruction and misery are in their ways;17And the way of peace they have not known.”18“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”). Reflect on your need for salvation and your personal standing before God. (1:00) - “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. (00:00)**

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24_11_23 -Ep.339 - Run With Horses Podcast - Living Thanks Out Loud

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual
https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!
https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)
Today we consider what it means to live a life of Thanksgiving!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Spiritual Habits - Solitude

Podcast Segment Outline: Solitude as a Spiritual Discipline

"Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked but essential spiritual discipline of solitude."
- Define solitude: "Solitude is intentionally stepping away from the noise and busyness of life to be alone with God."
- Emphasize its importance: "Jesus practiced solitude regularly, and it’s a vital habit for spiritual growth."

2. Biblical Examples of Solitude (1 minute)

Jesus sought solitude for prayer and renewal:
"Mark 1:35 says, ‘Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.’"
"Jesus made solitude a priority even amidst a demanding ministry."
Solitude before major decisions:
"Luke 6:12 tells us, ‘Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.’"
"Before choosing the twelve disciples, Jesus spent the night alone with the Father."
In moments of distress:
"In Matthew 26:36, Jesus withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane, telling His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’"

3. Benefits of Practicing Solitude (1 minute)

Connecting with God:
"In solitude, we quiet our hearts to hear God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’"
Strengthening faith:
"Isaiah 40:31 says, ‘But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.’ Solitude renews our spiritual energy."
Aligning our will with God’s:
"In the silence, we surrender distractions and refocus on God’s purposes for our lives."
Practical Steps for Practicing Solitude
Set aside intentional time:
"Start small—find 10 minutes in your day to unplug from distractions and focus on God."
Choose a quiet location:
"Like Jesus, find a ‘solitary place’ where you can focus."
Use the time to pray and meditate on Scripture:
"Bring a verse like Psalm 62:5 – ‘My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.’"
"Solitude isn’t about escaping life—it’s about stepping away to reconnect with God so we can return refreshed and refocused."
"This week, take a moment of solitude and seek God’s presence. Start with Mark 1:35 as your inspiration."

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

Intro: Living as a "new self" is not just an inward change but should be visible to others. Gratitude should be an outpouring of this new life in Christ.

Overflowing with PEACE: Gratitude Rooted in Unity (v.15)
Paul calls us to let Christ’s peace rule, promoting unity and gratitude within the body of Christ.
Application: Gratitude fosters unity, while bitterness and self-centeredness tear it down.

What actions come out of a Thankful heart and influence our unity?
- promotes humility, readily forgives, lifts up others, etc

Overflowing with WISDOM: Gratitude increased as We Grow in the Word (v.16)
When the word of Christ dwells richly in us, it transforms our minds, shaping us into grateful, wise people.
Application: A heart filled with Scripture is naturally inclined toward thankfulness.

The better we know God and understand what He has done for us, the more thankful we will be.

Overflowing with PURPOSE: Gratitude expressed in All We Do (v.17)
Living in the name of Jesus, on His mission, means every act—big or small—is done with thankfulness to God.
Application: We can honor Christ in all things when we remember that everything we do is an offering of thanks.
A person who sees their work, family roles, and daily interactions as opportunities to thank and glorify God.

How does a Thankful Heart encourage us on the mission of Jesus?
-reminded of what Jesus did for use
-want others to share in the blessing

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Why Thankfulness Matters
- It reflects a heart aligned with God’s will and purpose.
- Gratitude transforms our perspective, shifting focus from circumstances to God’s goodness.

The Command to Be Thankful
1. Biblical Foundations
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- Psalm 107:1: “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
- Emphasize thankfulness as a command, not an option.

Thankfulness as Obedience
It’s part of submitting to God’s lordship.
Disobedience in thankfulness can lead to bitterness or discontent.

Thankfulness in Difficult Circumstances
1. Biblical Examples
- Job 1:21: “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
- Habakkuk 3:17-18: “Though the fig tree should not blossom... yet I will rejoice in the LORD.”
- Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

God’s Sovereignty and Goodness
Trusting God’s plan even when it’s not clear.
Thankfulness as an act of faith and trust.

The Fruit of Thankfulness
1. Influences Your Relationship with God
- Deepens your relationship with God. (Psalm 50:23: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.”)
- Promotes joy and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13).

Your Thankfulness Influences Others
Thankfulness is contagious and glorifies God before unbelievers (Matthew 5:16).
It fosters unity and encouragement within the church body (Ephesians 5:19-20).
Practical Challenge
Write a letter of thanks to someone who has blessed you.

Closing Thoughts
1. Key Points
- Thankfulness is God’s will for you.
- It’s not dependent on circumstances but rooted in who God is.
- It transforms your heart and your witness.

Challenge
Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:18 this week.
Start a blessing journal, remember what God has done.

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man

Humanity’s Purpose

“Have you ever wondered why you were created? What is the purpose of life from God’s perspective?”
“Today, we’re exploring humanity’s purpose according to the Bible. From the beginning, God designed us with intention and meaning.”
“Let’s look at Scripture to understand why God created us and what our lives should be about.”

2. Humanity Was Created to Glorify God (1 minute)

Primary purpose: To glorify God
Isaiah 43:7: “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
Emphasize: “We are made to reflect God’s glory in our words, actions, and attitudes.”
What does glorifying God mean?
To glorify God is to honor Him and display His character.
1 Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
“Every aspect of life—work, relationships, and even recreation—can glorify God when done with the right heart.”

3. Humanity Was Created for Fellowship with God (1 minute)

God’s desire for relationship:
Genesis 3:8: “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”
“This verse shows that from the beginning, God desired close fellowship with humanity.”
Sin broke fellowship, but Christ restores it:
John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Explain: “God’s purpose is for us to know Him intimately, not just as Creator, but as Savior and Father.”

4. Humanity Was Created to Serve and Steward Creation (1 minute)

Stewardship of the earth:
Genesis 1:28: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
“This means we are caretakers of God’s creation, managing it responsibly for His glory.”
Good works as part of our purpose:
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Connect: “Serving others and fulfilling the tasks God gives us is part of our God-given purpose.”

5. Humanity Was Created to Enjoy God Forever (30 seconds)

Eternal joy in God’s presence:
Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Explain: “Our purpose includes delighting in God, both now and for eternity.”
Summarize: “God didn’t create us out of necessity but out of love, to share His joy and glory with us forever.”
Recap the key points:
“We were created to glorify God, enjoy fellowship with Him, steward His creation, and ultimately experience the joy of His presence forever.”
Call to action:
“Take time this week to reflect on these truths. How can you glorify God in your daily life? How can you grow in fellowship with Him?”
Encourage with Scripture:
“As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, ‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’”

(1:00)

“Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful!

(00:00)

View Details

24_11_16 -Ep.338 - Run With Horses Podcast - From Biblical Purpose to Daily Action

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual
https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!
https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

(28:00)
Today we follow-up on the idea of developing a personal Purpose Statement with a challenge to develop practical, concrete action steps guided by a Vision Statement.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Spiritual Habits - "Investing in Community as a Spiritual Discipline"**

*(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1

REVIEW: Why a purpose statement?

spiritual focus, clarity and daily direction.

Why Purpose Matters for Every Believer
- purpose reflects God’s design for each person
Ephesians 2:10 -10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

My Purpose Statement– To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it’s journey to fulfill the Great Commission.

Explain the transition from a Purpose Statement (why we exist and what we aim to accomplish) to a Vision Statement (how we plan to live it out in specific, concrete ways).

What is a Vision Statement?
- Definition: A Vision Statement identifies the specific focus areas and methods by which we live out our purpose, giving practical direction to our mission.

Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Example:
My Vision Statement: My vision is to be meaningfully engaged in discipling men, particularly those in or preparing for ministry, equipping them through intentional, personal relationship and producing resources to encourage and support the spiritual growth of the church.

3. Breaking Down the Vision Statement: Purpose and Action Steps

A. Discipling Men

From Biblical Purpose – a disciple who makes discipleship
From Personal Vision of Application in My Life – discipling men

Application: How to build intentional relationships with men, especially those in or preparing for ministry.
Examples of Practical Action Steps:
Establish regular meeting times with specific individuals for mentoring.
Create discipleship materials, books, or guided studies to help facilitate growth.
Join or start a men’s discipleship group.
B. Equipping through Intentional Relationships

From Biblical Purpose – a disciple who makes discipleship
From Personal Vision of Application in My Life – discipling men

Application: Invest time and resources into building deep, purposeful relationships.
Examples of Practical Action Steps:
Schedule regular one-on-one conversations focused on their spiritual journey.
Offer practical tools, such as a Bible study series or recommended readings.
Set goals with those you’re discipling, checking in periodically for progress.

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

C. Producing Resources for the Church

From Biblical Purpose – gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church
From Personal Vision of Application in My Life – producing resources to encourage and support the spiritual growth of the church

Application: Develop resources that can be used by the wider church community.
Examples of Practical Action Steps:
Write articles, create videos, or design teaching outlines that support spiritual growth.
Collaborate with church leaders on curriculum for small groups or Bible studies.
Share resources on a website, podcast, or social media to reach a broader audience.

4. Maintaining Focus and Adaptability

**Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Discussion: How do you Stay focused on your vision even when challenges arise?
Both statements written in the front of my journal. Review regularly.
Encouragement: Remain prayerful and seek God’s guidance as you live out your vision. Regularly review and adjust your vision as needed to stay aligned with His will.

5. Conclusion and Challenge

Summarize the episode by reinforcing the purpose of a Vision Statement as a practical guide for living out your purpose.
Challenge: Create your own Vision Statement with specific actions that reflect your unique calling and gifts.
Share your Vision Statement!

(5:00 – 1:00)

Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man

• Romans 5:12 – 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

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“Thank you for listening today! Even if you don't take the time to write out your purpose and vision statements, it's worth spending some time thinking and praying about how God made you and what HE designed you for. We were all created for fellowship with Him and have a place in His mission to take the Good News to the world. Be intentional.

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24_11_09 -Ep.337 - Run With Horses Podcast - "Write Your Purpose Statement"Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00)Today I want to jump off in a new direction. I have been focusing on the church for months, but today I want to turn to the individual. Do you have a purpose statement? You should, and today I challenge you to write one!Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”(27:00 – 23:00) Spiritual Habits - The Power of Prayer1. Why Prayer is Essential for Discipleship - Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus Himself prioritized prayer. - Prayer isn’t a task—it’s a relational practice that deepens intimacy with God and aligns our hearts with His will.2. The Components of Meaningful Prayer - Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Key Components: - Praise: Start by focusing on who God is, acknowledging His greatness. - Confession: Bring your sins before God, seeking His forgiveness. - Thanksgiving: Recognize God’s faithfulness and blessings. - Supplication: Present your requests and intercede for others. - Incorporating these components helps structure prayer and keeps our focus on God’s character, rather than on our needs.3. Prayer for Strength and Wisdom in Following Christ - James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - Discipleship involves challenges, and prayer for wisdom and strength empowers us to remain steadfast in following Jesus. - Start each day by asking God for guidance and the strength to live out your faith.4. Building a Consistent Prayer Habit (1 minute) - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” - Intentionally set aside time for prayer. - Start a daily 5-minute prayer time, use a prayer journal, or incorporate prayer breaks throughout the day. Pray AS you go through life each day.(23:00 – 0:00) * Why a purpose statement? - spiritual focus, clarity and daily direction. Why Purpose Matters for Every Believer - purpose reflects God’s design for each person Ephesians 2:10 -10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Aligning personal goals with God’s eternal purpose. - The purpose statement as a tool for living intentionally. What is a Purpose Statement? - purpose statement vs. life goals. - A purpose statement as a guiding compass rooted in one’s faith, aiming to glorify God and serve others. Steps to Create a Personal Purpose Statement - STEP 1: Reflect on Your Relationship with God - Questions to ponder: "How has God worked in my life? What passions or burdens has He placed on my heart?" - Prayer and seeking God’s guidance through scripture. What does Gdo say about who I am and why He made me? - STEP 2: Identify Your Unique Gifts and Passions - Understanding spiritual gifts (e.g., Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12) and how they shape our purpose. - Considering talents, interests, and experiences God has given. ### STEP 3: Clarify Your MissionGround it in the priorities God gives us through Scripture. While each believer’s purpose will be unique, Scripture clearly defines the overarching mission and priorities that all Christians share. These biblical priorities serve as guiding principles for crafting a personal purpose statement that aligns with God’s will and advances Jesus’ mission.#### A. The Great Commandment: Loving God and Loving Others - Matthew 22:37-39 – “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.” - Practical: When clarifying your mission, consider how you will reflect love for God in your life through prayer, worship, and obedience. Likewise, think about how you can show Christlike love to others, especially through compassion, humility, and selflessness.#### B. The Great Commission: Making Disciples - Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19-20 – 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.” - Practical: Ask yourself how you can participate in the work of making disciples. This might look different depending on your gifts and context: sharing the gospel with others, teaching in your church, supporting missions, or mentoring someone in their spiritual growth.(00:00) END PART 1(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2#### C. A Life of Servanthood: Living as Christ’s Ambassadors - Philippians 2:1-4 – 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Practical: Consider what it means to represent Jesus in your everyday life. How can your purpose statement include elements of servanthood and humility? #### D. Holiness and Growth in Christlikeness - 1 Peter 1:15-16 – 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” - Practical: Reflect on areas of your life where God is calling you to greater obedience and purity. Consider how your purpose might reflect an ongoing commitment to spiritual growth and maturity.#### E. Serving in Love through Our Unique Gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: - Practical: Think about how your gifts, talents, and passions play a role in your mission. How can you use your strengths and experiences to serve God and bless others in ways that reflect His love?A purpose statement that reflects these biblical priorities ensures that it’s not just a personal mission but a mission aligned with God’s design for every believer. ### 5. Examples of Purpose Statements Purpose statement:Sandra Peoples - I give praise to God for what He’s done in my life and how He is using me to accomplish the purposes He has for me. I am a disciple, a mentor/teacher, a connector, and a community-builder. As I grow in godliness, I encourage others to grow as well. I seek to build a community of faith for special-needs parents so they know they are never alone. I build this community both through my writing and through my local church.Purpose Statement: “I, Regi Campbell, exist to glorify God as I love, serve and challenge others to be all they can be and give all of themselves to Jesus Christ.”- My Purpose Statement– To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it’s journey to fulfill the Great Commission.### 6. Living Out Your Purpose Daily - Practical tips on using your purpose statement as a daily guide for decision-making and spiritual growth. - Encouragement to use it in prayer, self-reflection, and goal-setting.Live Intentionally.### 7. Conclusion and Call to Action - Pray about your purpose and seek the Lord’s leading. - Write down their purpose statement and keep it visible.Live by it. - Encourage feedback or sharing their statements with accountability partners or mentors.Share it with me, I would love to see what you come up with! norman@runwithhorses.net (5:00 – 1:00) Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man Made in God’s Image### 1. God's Unique Design for Humanity - Genesis 1:26-27 - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." - Key Point: Unlike animals or any other part of creation, humans bear God’s image, meaning we reflect His nature and character in a unique way.### 2. The Image of God and Human Dignity - Psalm 8:4-5 - "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor." - Key Point: Because we are created in God's image, every human being has inherent worth and dignity, regardless of status, ability, or background. This truth impacts how we treat others and see ourselves.### 3. What It Means to Reflect God’s Image - Romans 8:29 - "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Key Point: Being in God's image isn’t just a status; it's a calling. We are meant to reflect God’s character—His love, justice, mercy, and holiness. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this reflection, and through Him, we are transformed.### 4. The Impact of Sin and the Redemption of God’s Image - Genesis 9:6 - "Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man." - Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Key Point: Sin distorts God’s image in us, leading to brokenness and separation from Him. Yet, even after the Fall, humans retain God’s image, which is why life is precious and why Christ’s redemption is essential.### 5. Conclusion: Living Out the Image of God - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - Key Point: In Christ, we’re being renewed into God’s image. Our calling is to grow in this likeness through sanctification, loving others, and living in a way that honors our Creator.(1:00) - “Thank you for listening today! Training disciple makers is essential to a thriving church body on mission. As you reflect on this, consider your role—both individually and within the church—in reaching others with the hope of Jesus."-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)*Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness TogetherSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoMy wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_11_02 -Ep.336 - Run With Horses Podcast - Calling and Equipping Disciple Makers

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual
https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

Norman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!
https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04

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I have been focusing on the church and a discipleship pathway for a few months now. Today I want to circle back to a key point. We’re remembering why churches must prioritize training disciple makers, ensuring that each member is both equipped and encouraged to engage in making disciples.

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

(27:00 – 23:00)

Spiritual Habits - Daily Devotions**

Key Passage: Psalm 1:1-3 - 1Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Highlights the strength and fruitfulness of those who meditate on God’s Word daily. A disciple maker builds a strong foundation on God's Word.

Building Daily Devotional Habits: Just as physical food sustains our bodies, daily time in Scripture and prayer nourishes our spirits. Discipline is required, but the rewards are life-giving.
Practical Tips: Find a consistent time, place, plan and method that work for you—whether journaling, guided reading, Chapter a day or praying through Scripture. Just do it.

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The Church’s Mission to Train Disciple Makers**

Defining the Church’s Role in Discipleship: The church isn't just a gathering place; it’s a training ground. We’re called to move beyond simply teaching about discipleship to actively making disciple-makers.
Key Goals in Disciple-Maker Training:
Mature, Self-Feeding Believers: Equip members to study Scripture and grow spiritually on their own. This is a critical step if they are to teach others.
Heb. 5:12 - 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
Everyday Missionaries: Members should be able to share their faith naturally within their own circles—family, workplace, and community.
Acts 1:8 - 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Trained Disciple-Makers: We aim to cultivate disciple-makers, not just attendees, with hearts prepared to replicate the faith.
Matt 28:18-20 - 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.”
Pastors, Church Leaders, and Missionaries: As God leads, some will be called to new roles in leadership and church planting, supporting disciple-making movements in other communities.

The Church needs an Intentional Process

Engage, Connect, Equip, Release Discipleship Framework: Revisit the pathway and its critical role in building disciple-makers ready to serve both within the church and beyond. Not THE way, A way. Every church needs to be intentional about carrying out the mission of Jesus.

Examples of Disciple-Making in Action:

Sunday School Reimagined: What would a disciple-making approach look like? From intentional mentoring to encouraging members to reach others personally.
Training and Support from the Church: Weekly large gatherings are more than services; they’re opportunities for mutual encouragement, skill-building, and strategic equipping.

-Smaller groups provide ongoing accountability and support in life and ministry: A place for deeper, slower conversations. More personal interaction. A time for questions. Practical personal support as a disciple maker.

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(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2

Practical Steps for Churches to Train Disciple Makers**

- Identify Local Needs and Engage Culturally: For the church to be effective, we must first understand the needs and concerns of our local community.

-What is going on in our community? What are people talking about? What do they do in their free time? How can we show them the love of Jesus in practical ways? Where can we join them and build relationships? Soup kitchens, food pantries, sports parks, high school games, community events...

--- Lead by Example: Church leaders can model engagement, showing how to reach people relationally, addressing both practical needs and spiritual hunger. Let the church know what you are doing and invite them to join you.

- Provide ongoing Evangelism and Discipleship Training:

--- Annual Evangelism Training: Practical workshops in both “What is the Gospel?” and “How to Share the Gospel,” along with practice sessions. Keep it in front of the church. Hear testimonies from people on a regular basis. Their salvation testimony, a story of sharing the gospel with a co-worker, etc. Encouraging and challenging.

--- Disciple-Making Groups: Encourage small group Bible studies aimed at disciple-making, not just fellowship. Edify first. How are we growing? What weaknesses do we have as a church family? How can we address them? Foundations first, then build, every one spiritually healthy and on mission is the goal.

Encourage Community Participation: Join local events, showing the love of Christ through service, conversation, and invitations to faith-centered gatherings.
Do things in public as a church. Encourage activity participating in community events.
We can't be salt and light if we are always in the building with the doors shut!
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Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man**

Key Concept: “Made in God’s Image”
Genesis 1:26-27 - 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Man was created uniquely, bearing God’s image, with a capacity for relationship, creativity, and purpose.
Understanding Man’s Purpose: Man is designed to glorify God. We reflect God’s character, are called to steward His creation and to live in fellowship with Him.
Sin’s Effect on Humanity: Sin distorts our ability to reflect the image of God and accomplish His purpose. It also separates us from God, but in Christ, we are redeemed, and our purpose is restored.

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Closing
- “Thank you for listening today! Training disciple makers is essential to a thriving church body on mission. As you reflect on this, consider your role—both individually and within the church—in reaching others with the hope of Jesus."
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness Together

Susan’s New book – Parenting Manual
https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo

My wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.

If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_10_26 -Ep.335 - Run With Horses Podcast - The Challenge of Shepherding a Church Part 2Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00) END (27:00)I have been talking about the church and how we can develop an intentional process to live out out purpose in the world. Today, I want to focus on the role of the pastor in all of this. What a big job!Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00) END(23:00)Habits – Personal Humility and Teachability • Habit: Maintain a posture of humility, being teachable and open to correction and growth. • Biblical Basis: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:10)Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. • Why It’s Important: Pride can hinder spiritual growth and effectiveness in discipling others. Humility allows the disciple maker to continue growing and learning. Prides keeps you at the center, Humilty helps keep Jesus at the center.(23:00)END(0:00)Shepherding and equipping a church for ministry requires a lot from a pastor. 1. Spiritual Leadership - Biblical Knowledge*Prayer LifeDiscernment2. Preaching and Teaching - Effective CommunicationTeaching Skills* 3. Relational Skills - Empathy and Compassion*Conflict ResolutionMentoring and Discipleship4. Leadership and Vision Casting - Visionary LeadershipDecision-Making and StrategyDelegation 5. Equipping and Empowering - Recognizing Gifts in OthersTraining and DevelopmentEmpowerment – give authority away to others 6. Administration and Organization - Organizational SkillsTeam BuildingBudgeting and Stewardship 7. Emotional Intelligence - Self-AwarenessAbility to read the roomResilience8. Counseling and Pastoral Care - Counseling SkillsCrisis Management* 9. Cultural Awareness and Engagement - Cultural Sensitivity: Churches are often diverse in terms of culture, background, and socioeconomic status. A pastor must be culturally aware and sensitive, able to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. - Community Engagement: Pastors should have a heart for the local community and a strategy for how the church can serve outside its walls. Engaging with local needs and being a visible presence in the community helps fulfill the church’s mission. 10. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning - Adaptability: The church and broader culture are always changing. Pastors must be flexible, able to adapt their leadership and ministry approaches to meet new challenges, such as changes in technology, social issues, or generational shifts. - Continual Growth: Great pastors are lifelong learners, committed to their own spiritual, intellectual, and professional growth. Attending conferences, pursuing theological education, or engaging with mentors helps pastors stay sharp and effective in their ministry. 11. Personal Integrity and Character - Moral Integrity: Above all, pastors need to model Christlike character, demonstrating integrity, humility, and faithfulness in their personal and professional lives. Trust is central to leadership, and integrity is foundational to building that trust. - Servant-Heartedness: Pastors should approach their leadership role with humility and a desire to serve others, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).By developing these skills, a pastor can effectively shepherd the congregation, equip members for ministry, and create a thriving, Christ-centered church community.Balancing the various responsibilities of a pastor—such as sermon preparation, counseling, small groups, leadership, and training — requires intentional time management and prioritization. Here's a strategy to help a pastor manage these tasks effectively: 1. Set Priorities and Define Time Blocks - Sermon Preparation: This is typically the pastor's core weekly responsibility, so allocate large, uninterrupted blocks of time. Many pastors reserve the best mental energy times, such as mornings, for sermon prep. A typical week might include: - Monday: Initial study and prayer for the sermon. - Tuesday/Wednesday: Deep study, outlining, and drafting. - Thursday: Finalizing and practicing delivery. - Counseling: Set dedicated times during the week for counseling appointments. For instance, 1-2 afternoons can be reserved for pastoral care and counseling. - Small Groups and Discipleship: These typically occur in the evening. You can limit these to a few nights per week (e.g., Tuesday and Thursday) and delegate or raise up other leaders to assist in leading groups. - Leadership and Training: Set aside time for leadership development, meetings, or training sessions. This can be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the need. For example, leadership meetings could be set for Monday or Wednesday afternoons, before or after sermon prep. 2. Delegate Where Possible Pastors often feel they need to do everything themselves, but delegating is key to maintaining balance. Assign trusted team members or volunteers to lead certain small groups, handle administrative tasks, or even assist in some counseling roles.(00:00) END PART 1___________________(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 END (5:00) 3. Utilize Early Mornings or Evenings for Training and Leadership If training leaders or discipling key individuals is a priority, use early mornings for small leadership huddles or evenings if that works better for the participants. Short, focused meetings (e.g., breakfast meetings) can maximize time without disrupting the rest of the day. 4. Batch Similar Tasks Instead of switching between different types of work throughout the day, batch similar tasks together. For instance, group all counseling appointments on specific days and leave other days for sermon prep and leadership training. This minimizes transition time and helps you stay mentally focused on one type of task at a time. 5. Personal Development Time Block time each week for your own spiritual and professional growth. Without this, it can be easy to burn out. This might include personal Bible study, prayer, or reading to stay refreshed. 6. Protect Your Sabbath Schedule a clear day of rest each week to recharge. It’s important for pastors to guard their time for personal renewal, family, and spiritual refreshment.### Example Typical Weekly Schedule:### Where is the rest?- Monday: - Morning: Sermon prep (Initial study, prayer, and research) - Afternoon: Counseling and administrative tasks - Evening: Rest/Family time- Tuesday: - Morning: Sermon prep (Deep study and outlining) - Afternoon: Counseling appointments - Evening: Small group meeting or discipleship group- Wednesday: - Morning: Sermon prep (Writing and structuring) - Afternoon: Leadership team meeting or training session - Evening: Midweek service or discipleship training- Thursday: - Morning: Sermon prep (Finalization and practice) - Afternoon: Free for flexible needs or meetings - Evening: Small group meeting or discipleship- Friday: - Morning: Personal study and prayer (Sabbath/Rest day) - Afternoon: Counseling or visiting members - Evening: Rest/Family time- Saturday: - Morning: Free for sermon review or final prep - Afternoon: Outreach, ministry, or personal rest - Evening: Rest- Sunday: - Preaching and ministry day## My Thoughts on a Weeks ScheduleSunday AM Message – Theology of the week – Main theme for the body to focus on this week.Sunday PM – small group ministry, each group asks specific questions about the application of the morning theme and discusses personal application and questions. Feedback for the pastor should come from these groups, what wasn’t understood or agreed with?Midweek small groups – prayer focused on living out the mission of Jesus, who are we reaching out to now, how are we doing in living out the Sunday Am message. How can we pray for each other and answer questions that come up as we make real attempts to be followers of Jesus.SS AM before next Message and new theme – final thoughts on the theme from last week, questions about application, encouragement to continue applying this truth to their livesFor the pastor,First thing on the schedule is Personal pursuit of Jesus.Second is time with men he is equipping for ministry. Ideally every pastor would always have 2-3 men he is training. Give them your best time and meet when they are available. As men are trained and able to come alongside in ministry time is freed up for the pastor to train others. I put prep for these men above sermon prep.Third, prep for weekly theme. Ideally these consistently builds and are related so you aren’t starting from zero, ever. The focus should be practical truths that, when applied in the life of the believer, lead them closer to Jesus and His mission.Fourth, general ministry activities and life of the church tasks. Delegate as many of these as possible. You serve the church body best not by doing everything for them but by helping them see that they are the church and it is their responsibility to be the church.(5:00) END( 1:00)DOCTRINEOctober – BibleAuthority of the BibleInerrancy of the BibleSufficiency of the BibleNecessity of the BibleNecessity: Related to sufficiency, but slightly different, this doctrine holds that “the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God’s will, but is NOT necessary for knowing that God exists or for knowing something about God’s character and moral laws” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 116). This gets at the difference between special and general revelation. Scripture alone provides special revelation: knowledge of God’s will and salvation Rom. 10:13–17 – 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Israel Rejects the Gospel14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,Who bring glad tidings of good things!”16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:“Their sound has gone out to all the earth,And their words to the ends of the world.” Acts 4:12 – 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”(1:00)END*(00:00)Thanks for joining me again today! I think you will agree with me that the role of the pastor is a big job. If you are not a pastor, take some time to pray for yours today. If you are a pastor, thank you for your service and take some time to ask God to continue growing you in Christ-likeness as you serve.If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness TogetherSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoMy wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_10_19 -Ep.334 - Run With Horses Podcast - The Challenge of Shepherding a ChurchPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00) END (27:00)I have been talking about the church and how we can develop an intentional process to live out out purpose in the world. Today, I want to focus on the role of the pastor in all of this. What a big job!Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00) END(23:00)Habits – Life-long LearningWhy? If you are still breathing God still has a work for you. Prayer and conversation are the bedrock of our relationships and you can do those throughout your life, often improving with age and expierience.Commit to Lifelong Learning: Develop a strong biblical foundation. Complement formal learning with self-study, reading classic Christian works, and staying updated on current theological discussions.Reading Regularly: Read books that deepen your knowledge of the Bible, theology, church history, ministry, and leadership. Developing a reading habit helps you stay informed and sharp for ministry.Podcasts, conferences, etc.(23:00)END(0:00)Shepherding and equipping a church for ministry requires a lot from a pastor. The role of a pastor involves spiritual leadership, practical management, relational care, as well as conflict resolution, strategic planning and vision-casting. 1. Spiritual Leadership - Biblical Knowledge: A deep understanding of Scripture is foundational for guiding others in their faith and making wise, biblically-informed decisions. Pastors must be able to teach and apply God’s Word effectively. - Prayer Life: A vibrant prayer life is crucial for a pastor's personal connection with God and for interceding on behalf of the church. This spiritual discipline provides direction and strength in ministry. - Discernment: Pastors need the ability to discern God's will in various situations, guiding the church in spiritual matters, resolving conflicts, and making decisions that align with God’s purpose for the congregation. Reliance uppon God to do the work in people’s hearts.2. Preaching and Teaching - Effective Communication: Pastors must be skilled communicators, able to convey complex theological concepts in a clear and engaging way. Preaching that is rooted in Scripture, relevant, and inspiring helps build up the church. - Teaching Skills: Beyond preaching, pastors often lead Bible studies, classes, or small groups. The ability to teach in a way that encourages learning and spiritual growth is key to equipping others for ministry. 3. Relational Skills - Empathy and Compassion: Shepherding requires understanding the needs, struggles, and joys of church members. A pastor should be compassionate, able to listen well, and offer support during personal and spiritual challenges. - Conflict Resolution: Conflict is inevitable in any community. A pastor needs to mediate effectively, helping to resolve disagreements with wisdom, grace, and patience, while keeping the unity of the church in mind. - Mentoring and Discipleship: Pastors should mentor and disciple individuals, helping them grow spiritually and discover their gifts. This requires building personal relationships and investing time in the development of others.4. Leadership and Vision Casting - Visionary Leadership: A pastor should have the ability to articulate a clear, God-given vision for the church and inspire others to pursue it. This includes setting direction for ministry initiatives and fostering a culture of service. - Decision-Making and Strategy: Along with vision, pastors must develop and execute plans that align with that vision. This includes delegating tasks, organizing ministries, and making sound decisions in challenging situations. - Delegation: Pastors can’t do everything themselves. They need to identify and empower others, delegating responsibilities to staff, volunteers, and lay leaders while trusting them to carry out their roles effectively. 5. Equipping and Empowering - Recognizing Gifts in Others: Pastors must be able to discern the spiritual gifts and talents within their congregation and guide people to use them for the benefit of the church. This also involves creating opportunities for service. - Training and Development: Equipping others for ministry requires providing practical training, whether through formal classes, mentorship programs, or on-the-job learning. Pastors should be intentional about developing the skills of potential leaders and volunteers. - Empowerment – give authority away to others: A key part of equipping is empowering others to take ownership of their ministry roles. Pastors need to release control and authority and trust others to lead and serve, offering support rather than micromanagement. This is Jesus’s church not the pastor’s church. 6. Administration and Organization - Organizational Skills: Churches often have many moving parts—events, programs, services, and ministries. A pastor needs to be organized and able to manage time, resources, and people efficiently. - Team Building: Pastors must build strong ministry teams, fostering collaboration among staff and volunteers. This involves identifying strengths, fostering unity, and ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goals. - Budgeting and Stewardship: While not always directly responsible for finances, a pastor should understand the church's budget and ensure that resources are being stewarded wisely to further ministry goals. 7. Emotional Intelligence - Self-Awareness: Pastors need to understand their own emotional state, strengths, weaknesses, and how they impact others. Emotional intelligence allows them to lead with authenticity and empathy. - Ability to read the room: Being attuned to the emotions and dynamics within the congregation helps pastors navigate sensitive situations with care, whether in pastoral counseling, church conflicts, or personal relationships. - Resilience: Ministry can be emotionally demanding, so pastors need resilience to deal with stress, criticism, and setbacks while maintaining a sense of purpose and faith.8. Counseling and Pastoral Care - Counseling Skills: Many pastors provide pastoral counseling to individuals and families going through difficult times. This requires active listening, empathy, and biblical wisdom, as well as an understanding of when to refer people to professional counseling. - Crisis Management**: Pastors often help people through life’s most challenging moments—bereavement, illness, or relational breakdowns. Knowing how to provide comfort and spiritual guidance during crises is an essential part of pastoral care.

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24_10_12 -Ep.333 - Run With Horses Podcast - Why do people attend church and not join the mission?Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00) END (27:00)Last week we looked at what it means to be an everyday missionary. This week I want to step back again and look at the big picture and ask. “Why do we have so many attenders who show up each week but have no interest in the mission of Jesus?Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00) END(23:00)Habits – Exploring and Developing your Spiritual GiftsRomans 12:3-8Ephesians 4:11-16 Spiritual Gifts Inventory - https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-serviceDiscover by serving – try new things(23:00)END(0:00)There are many reasons why church members attend services but don't get involved in ministry.1. Lack of Confidence or Feeling Unqualified2. Busy Schedules3. Lack of Awareness of Opportunities4. Fear of Commitment5. Consumer Mentality6. Burnout from Previous Ministry 7. Spiritual Immaturity or Lack of Discipleship8. Disconnection from Church Leadership 9. Introversion or Social Anxiety10. Misunderstanding of Ministry*(00:00) END PART 1___________________(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 END (5:00)Equipping church members for ministry is a vital role of church leadership. It not only strengthens the body of Christ but also helps members discover and use their spiritual gifts. Here are several key ways church leadership can equip members for ministry:1. Teach a Biblical View of Ministry2. Offer Spiritual Gift Assessments3. Provide Training and Resources4. Model Servant Leadership5. Create a Culture of Service6. Communicate Clear Opportunities for Involvement7. Offer Small, Low-Commitment Entry Points8. Mentorship and Coaching9. Empower and Delegate Authority10. Create Teams for Collaboration11. Foster Discipleship and Spiritual Growth*(5:00) END( 1:00)DOCTRINEOctober – BibleAuthority of the BibleInerrancy of the BibleThe Bible, in the original manuscripts, does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact. The Bible always tells the truth.Titus 1:1-4 Proverbs 30:52 Timothy 3:16 - Can you trust God? Yes!Will you always understand everything God says and does? No.(1:00)END*(00:00)Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness TogetherSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoMy wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_10_05 -Ep.332 - Run With Horses Podcast - Everyday MissionaryPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00) END (27:00)Last week I asked what is a self-feeding Christian and how do I become one? This week we continue looking at the goals of our discipleship pathway and turn our attention to becoming an everyday missionary.Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00) END(23:00)Habits – Abide in ChristAbide carries the meaning to Wait on, remain in, persist with, keep on, etc.John 15:4-8 Not passive. An active choice to remain in Christ. Similar to Paul urging Timothy to pursue godliness. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17(23:00)END(0:00)What is an everyday missionary? How do I become one?Merriam- Webster : Missionary - a person undertaking a mission.Everyday - 1, encountered or used routinely; 2, used, suitable for, or seen every dayAn everyday missionary is someone who lives with the mission of Jesus at the center of their lives, everyday. "Everyday missionaries are those who practice a life on mission where God has placed them."- REF (https://calvarydothan.com/everyday-missionaries/)An Everyday Missionary is a Disciple Maker, working on the mission of Jesus where they are. We have to start with a clear understanding of the mission of Jesus.REF (https://discipleship.org/blog/mission-of-christ/)Two-fold mission of Jesus1. To make redemption for every person possible.Only Jesus could do this.No other name. Acts 4:12 Sinless life and perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 7:22-28 "It is finished." John 19:28-30 Redemption is now possible for all.Justifies through Faith. Romans 3:21-26 (00:00) END PART 1___________________(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 END (5:00)2. To start of movement of messengers of redemption.These messengers are called disciples by Jesus and were prepared by Him to take the message of redemption to the world from generation to generation.Disciples are Ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Disciple have A New Relationship. John 13:12-17 Disciple follow A Clear Command. John 13:34-35 Disciples Carry a Clear Message. 1 Corinthians 5:1-6 - The message requires us to repent and believe, turning from our old ways to follow Jesus, becoming His disciples and joining His mission. The messengers of the Redemption message gather in assemblies Jesus calls the Church. The Church gathers to use their gifts to support mutual spiritual growth and progress toward Christ-likeness. The New Testament calls this edification. It is the building up of the Church for works of service. Our spiritual growth has a purpose. Ultimately God's Glory, accomplished through obedience to His commands.An Everyday Missionary lives with this mission and message in view. Choices are made that keep them engaged in the mission. It is an intentional lifestyle. Looking for conversations that keep Jesus at the center.(5:00) END( 1:00)DOCTRINEOctober – BibleAuthority of the BibleMatthew 4:4 2 Timothy 3:16 Psalm 19:7-11 2 Peter 1:19-21 Matthew 28:18 (1:00)END*(00:00)Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness TogetherSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoMy wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_09_21 -Ep.330 - Run With Horses Podcast - A Self-Feeding ChristianPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoNorman’s New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It’s a practical, quick read!https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04(28:00)Last week I talked to Ambrose Propose about his preparation for mission work with Ethnos360. The week before that we looked at how to intentionally release the church into the community and on mission. This week we look a little more closely at one of the goals of our discipleship pathway. What is a self-feeding Christian?Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00)*(27:00) (end 23:00)Habits – SolitudeMatt. 6:6 Mark 1:35 Luke 5:15-16 Luke 6:12-13 (23:00)**(23:00) (end 0:00)What is a Self-Feeding Christian? How do I become one?There is an expectation of growth in Scripture. That makes sense if you accept the goal of Christ-likeness. I am not like Him today and the only way to get closer is to change.Am I being spoon feed or taking responsibility for my own spiritual growth?Growth Toward MaturityHebrews 5:12 1 Corinthians 13:11 Jeremiah 17:10 1 Peter 2: 1 Ephesians 2:10 ---### 1. Read the Bible Regularly---### 2. Study the Bible to Live It---### 3. Meditate on God’s Word---### 4. Apply the Bible in Your Daily Life---### 5. Live Out Biblical Wisdom, Godly Priorities and Jesus's Mission### 6. Transform Your Life with Scripture---### 7. Teach Others from Scripture(00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 (end 5:00)(5:00)*(5:00) (end 1:00)DOCTRINESeptember – Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit Seals and gives Assurance2 Cor. 1:21-22 Eph. 1:13-14 Eph. 4:30- Romans 8:12-1 John 3:24 (1:00)Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness TogetherSusan’s New book – Parenting Manualhttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIoMy wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_09_21 -Ep.330 - Run With Horses Podcast - Interview with missionary Ambrose PropsonPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastThis seek an interview with special guest Ethnos360 missionary Ambrose Propson!Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...

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24_09_14 -Ep.3 - Run With Horses Podcast - Supporting the Church on MissionPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastSusan’s New book – Parenting Manual. https://a.co/d/8L7GWIohttps://a.co/d/8L7GWIo(28:00)Last week we started looking at what it means to release the church into the community and on mission. This week we continue are journey to empower every member for ministry and get everyone engaged in the mission.Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00)*(27:00) (end 23:00)Habits - Pursuing Community - some effort required!1 Corinthians 1:10-11 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (23:00)**(23:00) (end 0:00)MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH - Consider in Light of RELEASEA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus. We want to RELEASE people for ministry, the pathway is a plan to get the there with the support of the church!Think about the goals of the pathway. How do they fit in with the goal of RELEASING people for ministry?a. self-feeding Christians - you can't release immature believers, disciple to maturity and missionb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesus, people are released into their family and neighborhood first!c. disciple-makers - we want to release disciple makers, not church attenders or nominal believers or people with their own agenda.d. pastors, church planters, missionaries - result of God'd leading in the lives of the released!e. new churches - result of the church related in our communities and going to new communities.f. all members of the church, shepherded well - a byproduct of healthy disciple makingWe are on the Fourth step in the Pathway; RELEASEENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASELast week I mentioned that We are over-programmed and under-discipled. And our Programs just aren't producing many mature disciple makers! For many of us programs have been a way to stay busy and feel good about ourselves without actually engaging in the mission of Jesus to make disciples who take the message of reconciliation to the world.##Think about it. It is unfortunately possible to teach Sunday School and not be making disciples. It is possible to lead a children's ministry and not make disciples. Music ministry, be a deacon, be an elder and even be a pastor without making disciples? Too often true.To accomplish our purpose as we understand it from our definition of the church, we need to intentionally embrace the mission of Jesus and make practically real-world steps to change our habits and lifestyle to one that follows Jesus. Individually we can accept that and desire that kind of life change and spiritual growth, but what is the role of the church in this process?##Can we reimagine how we DO church with disciple making as the goal AND process? What does a disciple making Sunday School look like? How do we encourage, train and release our church leaders at every level to be disciple makers? The Discipleship Pathway gives us steps to take that move us from where we are to active engagement in the mission, one step at a time. The church has a role in: 1.Education: teaching the truth of God's Word and what the Christian life looks like2.Training: sharing the skills and tools that will help us use our gifts and get involved in the work of the ministry3.Encouragement4.Vision5.Partnership6.Ongoing support7. Evangelism - but primarily supporting members in their outreachI feel like I am probably missing some things but you get the point, The church body corporately supports the individual disciple that make up the church in carrying out the work of the ministry.(00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 (end 5:00)How do we RELEASE the church for ministry? The church leadership set the tone for the church. Maybe a good illustration is that the church leadership lets everyone know what STYLE, KEY and TEMPO we are playing the song in. God has given us the song of praise, the life of sacrificial worship to be carried out by disciple makers. As a local body, we need to figure out what that song sounds like in our current environment. Culture, people groups, sub-cultures, economy, politics, geography, and the like all influence the song.We must know our local culture. What issues are people dealing with and what are they concerned about? What does God have to say about these issues? We want to identify natural pain points in the community as well as natural connecting points.###REF: https://research.lifeway.com/2020/08/26/4-steps-to-shepherding-your-church-through-community-engagement/___1. Lead people to engage in local cultural issues. KEY is LOCAL. What are people in your neighborhood talking about? Get to know individuals and talk to them!I’m not talking about standing in a peaceful protest line (though that is one way), but an even more personal connection—whether through helping a young mother see the truth of the gospel or coming alongside her decision to carry full term.Engagement might mean mentoring to that young man who is scared to death about being a single dad at such a young age.We want to be involved in a personal way. There are always cultural issues in our communities that you can begin to pray over to see where God is leading you and your church to be more involved.___2. Provide for needs in your local community while sharing the gospel.There is a tendency for volunteers to merely invite to church those who come through the door and not necessarily engage with the gospel.Make it a practice to be present to pray for those with needs and as doors open to share the truth of the gospel. All church members need to be trained to do the same.Where can we be involved AS A CHURCH? Within that context, members should be encouraged and empowered to pursue individual relationships.___3. Provide regular opportunities for evangelism training.Evangelism training on a regular basis isn’t happening in many of our churches. I recommend at least once a year a church should provide opportunities for people who have a desire to learn how to better share their faith.There are a couple of kinds of training that should take place. First, Education - Why we need to share the Gospel, What is the Gospel? 1-2 simple clear methods to memorize so we can come back to them and build on them. Second, Practice - Role-playing, testimonies and the like give practice putting the truth into your own words. More time thinking and talking through the gospel make it easier to do when the opportunity arises out in public. Third, Evangelistic Bible Study - every member should learn how to lead the discussion through a chronological Bible study in a small group.___4. Lead your church to participate in community events.Every community has events throughout the year. Some events would allow you to set up a booth alongside other vendors. Local farmers market, a business fair, 5k races, concerts in the park, etc.Have branded church materials available, business cards as well as flyers with links to the church website and information about who you are as a church. The more members you have participating the better! Be a church family enjoying life together!Think outside the box, but keep the need to share the gospel clearly in the forefront of the minds of your people.(5:00)*(5:00) (end 1:00)DOCTRINESeptember – Holy SpiritRenewing Work of the Spirit1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.Titus3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.(1:00)The church is an unstoppable force when it is united and on the mission of Jesus. Divisions, apathy, and distractions can pull us off the mission and into other pursuits that don't have eternal value. How can you stay on the journey together? How can you encourage others in your church when they are beat up by life? The life of following Jesus is an adventure that we undertake together. We need each other! And we all have to take it one day at a time. Let's commit to following Jesus today and giving Him the freedom to change us and use us on His mission.Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)I don’t think I have mentioned it yet but my wife has a new book out. It is a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes.If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

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24_09_07 -Ep.328 - Run With Horses Podcast - Releasing the ChurchPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast(28:00)Last week we talked about being intentional as a church and as individuals to use our gifts to equip the church for ministry. This week we consider what it means to release the church for ministry. How do we get everyone engaged in the mission?Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00)*(27:00)Habits – JournalingPsalms 119:11 Deut. 6:4-9 - An Intentional Way to hide God’s Word in your heart. Write out what God is teaching you and prayerfully make plans to live it out. (23:00)**(23:00)MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded wellWe are still on the THIRD step in the Pathway; EQUIPENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASEWhy is all this so important?We are overprogrammed and underdiscipled. Programs aren't producing disciple makers! We are busy doing things at the church building but year after year nto much better at engaging people in our community. We get off mission and turn inward.###REF: https://theunstuckgroup.com/developing-an-effective-discipleship-strategy-the-ultimate-guide/(00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2###REF: https://theunstuckgroup.com/q3-2024-unstuck-church-report/###REF:https://www.baptistmessenger.com/how-your-church-can-engage-your-community/(5:00)*(5:00)DOCTRINESeptember – Holy Spirit gives LifeJohn 6:63 - Romans 8:9-11 -Job 34:12-15 - (1:00)Next week we will continue looking at ways to release the church into the community and on mission. This week, spend some time praying for your church and your community. Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_08_31 -Ep.327 - Run With Horses Podcast - Intentionally Equipping For MinistryPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast(28:00)This week we are continuing on or journey of developing a discipleship pathway for the church that helps us intentionally be the church. How can we do the work of equipping the church for ministry?Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00)*(27:00)Habits – FellowshipActs 2:40-42 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (23:00)**(23:00)MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded wellWe are still on the THIRD step in the Pathway; EQUIPENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASEWhat is equipping in the church? It is preparing each member of the church to use their talents, gifts, and abilities to carry out the work of the ministry throughout their lives.First, what is the WORK OF THE MINISTRY? The best simple definition I have heard is that it is the work of bringing God’s message to people.We are all called and equipped, as members of the body of Christ, for this ministry. There is a further equipping, seen in Eph. 4 carried out corporately by the church as we build each other up and prepare members for ministry. Church leadership is given the responsibility of leading the way in equipping all members for service and engagement in the mission of Christ.Eph. 4:1-5 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.(00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2Eph. 4:11-16 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 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. Walk Worthy You are called Attitude matters – humble, loving Relationships Lead - who has God placed around you? Unity is Important The Church is key for maturity – seek, pursue Christ-likeness for everyone We all have gifts the church needs.Use yours to build up the church. The goal is maturity – Christ-likeness, nothing less We build each other up. Be Intentional. As an Individual, and as a Church. Pray for growth. Work toward growth. Growth/ Maturity means a life lived on the mission of Jesus. - Sharing the Good News - Teaching biblical truth - Practicing a lifestyle that puts Jesus and His mission first. Purpose and priorities! - Serve others – consider others interests and spiritual needs - Live out the one another’s – you need the church - look for accountability – meet regularly with others who are on mission. - sacrifice of time and resources for the mission – live with eternal values - intentionally thinking about others. In your church, in your community. # Where are these relationships intentionally happening? Sunday School, small groups, homes of motivated disciples who constantly reach out to others to build them up, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. # Pastors – be visionary, help your people see the calling to be actively engaged in disciple making, make sure your church provides training and space to live out that calling! From the pulpit – vision, theology, motivation In the smaller groups – training, skills, encouragement In the smallest groups – support, accountability and personal direction, training as needed.(5:00)*(5:00)DOCTRINEAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy SpiritJesus Intercessorintercede - to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences : mediateRomans 8:31-35 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Hebrews 7:23-25Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.1 John 2:1-2My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.(1:00)As a member of God’s family you have a part to play in preparing God’s people for ministry. Prayerfully consider how God wants to use you to build up you church family and strengthen them for service. And stop to think, what is your role in the mission of Jesus to the world?Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_08_24 -Ep.326 - Run With Horses Podcast - A PNG ReportPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastThis week I have a special guest! My son, Cameron, is back from a missions trip to PNG and I thought we could see what he has learned before he is off to Bible College.Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...Habits - GivingFinances Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Self2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.DOCTRINEAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy SpiritThe Death of JesusPropitiation – to satisfy the wrath of God against sin.1 John 4:10 - In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.Reconciliation - having fellowship and peace with God where once there was enmity.Romans 5:10-11 - For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.Redemption - the work of Christ on our behalf, whereby he purchases us, he ransoms us, at the price of his own life, securing our deliverance from the bondage and condemnation of sin.1 Peter 1:18-19 - knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.The work that Jesus did on the cross, restoring our relationship with God and placing us into His family also gave us a mission and purpose in life. Cameron’s trip to PNG is part of that mission. You relationship with people in your community is also part of that mission. How are you intentionally living that mission out this week?Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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24_08_17 -Ep.325 - Run With Horses Podcast - A Church Equipped for the Mission

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Last week we began discussing what it means to be a church that equips people for ministry. We considered that it must be relational and built on the foundation of God’s Word. This week we look at the practical aspects of equipping in the church. What does that actually look like in the life of the church?

Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you can find our past shows on our website, runwithhorses.net. I have spent several weeks focusing on a definition of the church and the current discussion about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of our broader look at the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...

(27:00)

Habits - Meditating on Scripture

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Meditation is like chewing. It is slow and thorough. Write notes about what you see in this passage. Make connections between the various sections. Ask yourself, “What do these words from God say?” “What do they mean?” Place who you are and what you do next to this passage and ask God to examine you. Continue to write your findings.(https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/biblical-meditation/)accessed 08.14.2024

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MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH
A CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.

The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.

Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?
a. self-feeding Christians
b. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesus
c. disciple-makers
d. pastors
e. new churches
f. all members of the church, shepherded well

We are still on the THIRD step in the Pathway; EQUIP
ENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASE

Merriam-Webster definition:
1: to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning
Ie. equip an army
2: to make ready : prepare

What is equipping in the church?
It is preparing each member of the church to use their talents, gifts, and abilities to carry out the work of the ministry throughout their lives.
It's answering the question.
If the church is made of the people and every member is responsible for the work of the ministry, how do we intentionally help each other prepare and carry out that work, inside and outside the four walls.

Last week we gave some guidelines.
Equipping in it’s best form is Relational.
It is fundamentally Speaking the Truth.
God's Word and the Holy Spirit supply the Wisdom that we need.

But when we ended last week we still had the question, what does that look like in the local church.

Equipping for the work of the ministry is actually a part of all that the church does, although we don’t always do it intentionally.
Consider our discipleship pathway.

• Engage: As the church talks about outreach and community connections, some members are just learning that we SHOULD be thinking about those outside the church. This is the beginning of equipping new members of the church. It shares the mission of Jesus to the world and the part the church plays in carrying it out.

• Connect: The church needs to teach foundational Biblical truth to new members as well as those who are considering what it might mean for them to follow Jesus. In this phase the church answers the questions, “What is the church and how do I become part of the church?

Consistent Bible teaching during this phase helps put down a firm foundation that a strong Christian life and ministry can be built on. What is the biblical basis for service?

• Equip: Laying the foundation of a Biblical life should challenge believers to consider how God has gifted them to serve the church. Equipping often begins in a believers life as a time of discovery. Who am I, How has God designed me and what do I need to live my call as an everyday missionary in the world?
During the early life of a new believer, it is helpful to help them think through both corporate aspects of ministry in the church and the individual ministry that every believer has.
Equipping here helps answer the questions, “What ministry opportunities best fit my gifts and interests?” and “What training or skills could I get to help me serve better?”

Spiritual Growth: As a believer grows and connects with people and the ministries of the church, they should begin to get involved and see the need for further growth and skill training. Part of the Equipping ministry of the church is making it clear what training the church offers and how to take advantage of it. Training that the church recommends from other organizations, counseling centers, bible college, etc. are also kept available as part of helping every member grow in life and service. Equipping is answering the question, “How do I get ongoing training for ministry? “

• Release: Once individuals are fully engaged in the mission, both in edifying the church and in reaching out in the community, Equipping takes the form of helping workers sustain a life of purpose and ministry through the challenges that life brings. Ongoing support, counseling, refreshment through deep relationships and the ministry of God’s Word help the church to sustain ministry and grow spiritually.

Practically, Where and How does the church do all of this?

The Scriptural Foundation is taught through weekly sermons and Sunday school lessons.
This is the part most churches do well. We are good at teaching Biblical truth. The theology behind what we do is taught week after week through expository messages that help us understand who God is and what He is doing in the world through His church.
Small groups are a place where a lot of equipping happens organically. In the midst of conversations and life challenges we have opportunities to help each other grow and learn to live out our faith in relationships. Leaders and hosts of small groups play a big part in the equipping ministry of the church as they model healthy, Jesus-centered relationships to the group.
Here we talk about how our theology works itself out in our daily lives. Encouragement to act soon what we believe. Practical guidance on how to carry out ministry in the community and comfort when we struggle.
Individual relationships in the church are often a space where equipping takes place although some individuals are more intentional about it than others.
General ministry training and skill development (for SS teachers, deacons, sound booth workers, etc) are carried out either on an individual, as needed basis, or on a yearly schedule with a group. Depending on the focus this can range from a classroom setting to a more informal gathering where issues are talked through and modeled.
Specific ministry training is usually handled in a small group or individually as needed. Staff and pastoral training, etc.

(00:00) END PART 1

(27:00) BEGIN PART 2

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DOCTRINE
August – Jesus
September – Holy Spirit

The Humility of Jesus
Philippians 2:1-9 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

(1:00)
Next week we will continue exploring how we, as a local church can work to equip each other for the work of the ministry. Practically, there are decisions we make about what, when and where that affects our ability to be disciple of Jesus who are equipping other disciples of Jesus.
When the church meets together and has discussion about what we do, we have to consider how we can best do the work of equipping people for ministry if we want to see spiritual growth in the church. There is a limit to how much we can grow without active engagement in the mission of Jesus.

Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.
(00:00)

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24_08_10 -Ep.324 - Run With Horses Podcast - Equipping the Church for Ministry Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast (28:00)Last week we focused on the connection we have with Jesus and the church. This week we continue along those lines and consider how the church can be intentional about helping people build their relationship with Jesus and His family. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you may want to check out our website, runwithhorses.net, and listen to some of the past shows to catch up. I have spent several shows focusing on a simple definition of the church and the current discussion we are having about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show... (27:00)*(27:00) Habits - Serving John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 1 Corinthians 10:24 24Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Philippians 2:1-41Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (23:00)**(23:00) MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION. The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus. Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded well We are on the THIRD step in the Pathway; EQUIPENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASE Merriam-Webster definition: 1: to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioningIe. equip an army2: to make ready : prepare What is equipping in the church? It is preparing each member of the church to use their talents, gifts, and abilities to carry out the work of the ministry throughout their lives. It involves specific skills, like playing the piano, as well as learning to use your gifting more intentionally, like the gift of encouragement.It's an ongoing process in the church, something we are always to be doing.It's answering the question. If the church is made of the people and every member is responsible for the work of the ministry, how do we intentionally help each other prepare and carry out that work, inside and outside the four walls. What skills and training do we need? What encouragement and motivation? Not just information.Most people need more than facts to engage in meaningful Gospel ministry. A 9Marks article entitled, What Should ‘Equipping’ Christians Look Like?, sees four basic approaches to the topic, most of which affirm the general teaching of the New Testament. REF - https://www.9marks.org/article/what-should-equipping-christians-look-like/ Now this article answers some of the questions we may have about equipping in the church. First, it is Relational. No surprise since disciple making is essentially one on one equipping and it relies on a relationship.Second, It is founded on Speaking the Truth.Third, God's Word and the Holy Spirit supply the Wisdom that we need. The question remains, what does that look like in the local church. (00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 (5:00)*(5:00) DOCTRINEAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy Spirit Jesus is our Great High PriestHebrews 4:14-16Hebrews 9:6-10(1:00)Next week we will continue exploring how we, as a local church can work to equip each other for the work of the ministry. Practically, there are decisions we make about what, when and where that affects our ability to be disciple of Jesus who are equipping other disciples of Jesus. When the church meets together and has discussion about what we do, we have to consider how we can best do the work of equipping people for ministry if we want to see spiritual growth in the church. There is a limit to how much we can grow without active engagement in the mission of Jesus. Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_08_03 -Ep.323 - Run With Horses Podcast - Connect – United with Jesus and His Family Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast (28:00)Last week we focused on the connection we have with Jesus and the church. This week we continue along those lines and consider how the church can be intentional about helping people build their relationship with Jesus and His family. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you may want to check out our website, runwithhorses.net, and listen to some of the past shows to catch up. I have spent several shows focusing on a simple definition of the church and the current discussion we are having about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show... (27:00)*(27:00) Habits - Community Acts 2:41-47 - > 41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Romans 12:4-5 - >4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Ephesians 2:19-22 ->19Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (23:00)**(23:00) MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION. The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus. Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded well We are still on the SECOND step in the Pathway; ENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASE The church's role in connecting people to Jesus. What can the church do intentionally to help people connect their life, values, and purpose to Jesus?1. Biblical teaching and preaching - the Bible is the foundation a. Our identity in Christ- >ACCEPTEDI Am God’s Child- John 1:12I Am United with the Lord- 1 Corinthians 6:17I Am Chosen and Adopted- Ephesians 2:3-8I Am Complete in Jesus- John 4:1-45I Have Direct Access to God Through Jesus- Hebrews 14:14-16>SECUREI Am Free from Condemnation- Romans 8:1-2 and John 8:1-12God Is at Work in My Life for His Glory and My Good- Romans 8:28>SIGNIFICANTI Am Connected to Jesus as My Source of Life- John 15:5I Have Been Called to Bear Fruit- John 15:16I Am Seated with Jesus in Heaven- Ephesians 2:6I Am God’s Workmanship- Ephesians 2:10I Can Approach God with Freedom and Confidence- Ephesians 3:12REF (https://rootedministry.com/how-im-teaching-students-to-ground-their-identity-in-christ/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujmbR95PXgQowc5t6NcSS8cXzKPrMbmAxT2k7yGq0Hb6T1fTk9EHcyhoC_E4QAvD_BwE) b. The character and mind of ChristPhilippians 2 - 5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. c. The mission of ChristMatthew 28:18-20 - Be and Make Disciples (followers of Jesus) d. Healthy relationshipsaa. United in Christbb. New familyAnswer the question, what does each believer need to grow to become more like Jesus and to embrace the mission of Jesus as their own? 2. Equipping and Traininga. Spiritual giftsRomans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 b. Spiritual disciplines>1. PrayerAt least 25 times in the Gospels, we read of Jesus praying. According to Luke 5:16, Jesus prayed often by himself. In other words, He made a habit of it.>2. FastingAt the onset of His public ministry, Jesus took 40 days to fast in the wilderness. While it made His body weak, His spirit grew stronger.>3. Public WorshipLuke 4:16 says that “on the Sabbath day [Jesus] went into the synagogue, as was his custom.”>4. Bible ReadingStudying Scripture was an important part of Jesus’ life. In fact, by age 12, He was already as biblically literate as the leading teachers (Luke 2:41-47).>5. Solitude and SilenceJesus regularly ministered in front of large crowds. But He also made a habit of getting away from time to time (Luke 5:16). In fact, He even encouraged His disciples to get away to a quiet place and rest (Mark 6:31).>6. ServiceIn Mark 10:45, Jesus said His goal in coming to earth was not to be served but to serve others and to give His life for our benefit.REF (https://influencemagazine.com/practice/seven-spiritual-practices-of-jesus) c. Practical ministry skillsAnswer the question, what training or skills does each believer need to carry out their role in the church and on the mission? (00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2 3. Introduction to Personal Ministrya. Where has God placed you?Our individual stories are part of a much bigger Story. Ultimately, this Story is not about us, but about Him. God works in unexpected, unexplainable ways to accomplish His purposes. God sovereignly and purposefully ordains and orchestrates the circumstances of our lives. What we see now is not the whole story. We can trust Him to write the story of those we love. The challenges we face may be a part of God writing someone else’s story. Those who trust in Him will never be disappointed. You can trust God to write your story…REF (https://openthebible.org/article/10-things-to-remember-about-gods-providence-in-our-lives/) All this also makes a difference when we consider:b. Who has God put in your life?> Home> Work/ School> Community – The Art of Neighboring> ChurchEncourage everyone to see the relationships around them and bring Jesus into them. 4. Corporate Ministrya. How do we intentionally serve each other?One Another's of the NTLove one another (John 13:34 - This command occurs at least 16 times)Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)Be likeminded towards one another (Romans 15:5)Accept one another (Romans 15:7)Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16) Greet one another (Romans 16:16)Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13)Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13)Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25)Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19)Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)Consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)Stir up [provoke, stimulate] one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)Employ the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one another (1 Peter 4:10)Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)Pray for one another (James 5:16)Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16) b. How do my gifts build up the body of Christ? You are part of something bigger than than yourself!> Intro to church ministries> Prayer service, prayer focus> One Another’s of NT> Intro to Small Groups - you can learn to help others grow, in individual relationships and in small groups or family units. Help everyone ask and answer the question, what is my role in the local body of Christ? How does my church need my gifts? (5:00)*(5:00) DOCTRINEAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy Spirit Jesus - God IncarnateMerriam-Webster: Incarnation - the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ"..at one point in time and space, God entered the world, in the person of Jesus Christ, as He had never done before or since. ...the doctrine of the incarnation means that God is in the world and at work there." - Millard J. Erickson Hebrews 4:14- 16 - 14Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. He knows us and our need. He can relate to us.He is the perfect one to represent us, as God He is able, as man He understand our need. Hebrews 9:11-14 - 11But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? He is the perfect High Priest who alone can offer the perfect sacrifice for our sins. (1:00) How is your church doing at helping new believers connect with Jesus in a real and meaningful way? Are relationships in the church growing and strong, able to handle the trials that always come our way? If we are too be intentional disciples of Jesus it is important that we make a genuine effort to live out the purpose of the church together. Thanks for joining me again today! If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_07_27 -Ep.322 - Run With Horses Podcast - Connect – The Church, Jesus and His FamilyPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast(28:00)Last week we focused on why must we ENGAGE with our community if we truly are the church. This week we consider how important it is that we are connected together as one body united.Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! If you are new to the show, you may want to check out our website, runwithhorses.net, and listen to some of the past shows to catch up. I have spent several shows focusing on a simple definition of the church and the current discussion we are having about a discipleship pathway is best understood in the context of the church. If you have been enjoying the show, I would appreciate it if you would leave a review wherever you are listening! And as always, your questions, comments and feedback are welcome. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net. And now, on with the show...(27:00)*(27:00)HABITS - Bible ReadingThere are many habits that will help you on the road toward Christ-likeness but the habit of reading the Bible is one of the absolute most important ones you must constantly build into your life.Why? How else can you know what it means to be like Jesus? The NT is key to growing in your understanding of the life of Jesus. As you see how He lived, talked and related to people, it should greatly influence how you live. Your goal is to have the same attitude and intentions that He has toward God the Father and other people.How do you do it? First, there is no wrong way to begin. If you don’t have a bible reading habit now, start one. Start simple, keep it short, but begin to build the habit of consistently reading God’s Word. A common complaint is that the Bible is hard to understand, and that is true if you haven’t grown up in the church or spent much time in the Bible. The Bible is a book that takes some time to really grasp. It covers thousands of years and every part of life through history, poetry, letters and straight teaching. But if you apply some effort you will get it and it is worth it!Start by getting a reading plan or making one yourself. Stick to the NT until you have read it through twice. If you need a simple plan, start with Mark, then read Acts and continue through the NT. Start easy and read a chapter a day or a few verses a day with the goal of building up to a chapter. Have a pen and notebook handy and write down the key ideas of the chapter. Put it in your own words and think about what you need to do in response.If you don’t understand something, write down your questions, but maintain the habit of reading every day. It will reward you in time as you begin to see the big picture. (23:00)**(23:00)Time for a quick review:What is as DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY? Simply put, an intentional plan to help followers of Jesus grow toward Christ-likeness. That word intentional is key.MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded wellWe are focusing on the SECOND step in the Pathway; ENGAGE, CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASEAs someone grows in their understanding of who Jesus is and begins to follow Him, they need to develop a solid connection to Him that allows them to abide in Him. It’s important to really know Him. John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.How do we come to know and love Jesus? In His Word and in His people, the church.We need a strong connection to Jesus. We need a strong connection to His church.The Second Step of the Discipleship Pathway focuses on helping us make those strong connections to Jesus and His church. This is the TOGETHER in our definition of the church.The CONNECT step includes Foundations of the Christian Life that help us grow in our relationship with Jesus and His church.a. prayer – building the habit of talking to God- praying for His church, His people- learning to pray for His missionb. BibleA. reading the BibleB. studying the BibleC. memorizing the BibleD. meditating on the BibleE. Learning to live out His commandsc. community – the church is really important to Jesus. It has to be important to us!A. fellowshipB. service – serving one anther and the community, togetherC. mutual edificationD. the one and others of the New TestamentE. Joining the church on the mission of Jesus, more on this laterd. disciple-making foundations – part of knowing and obeying His commandsA. be intentionalB. be relationalC. expect reproductione. simple journaling – thinking deeply about His Word and how you should respond to Him(00:00) END PART 1**(27:00) BEGIN PART 2In all of these the goal is knowing and loving Jesus more and developing a deeper connection with Him and His church as we carry out his mission in the world.We begin to connect to His mission from the moment we accept Jesus as Savior. A new believer is an example of the reconciliation that God is working in the world. God has a clear purpose for our lives and the fact is that His mission is central to His purpose for each of us.How do you learn about His mission? In His Word and as we grow in our relationship with His church. We carry out His mission with His church, as His church! Personal Evaluation and Spiritual Development This is seeing God at work, preparing me for ministry. Everyone has a part in the mission of Jesus. We often talk about it is using the words – ministry and mission. Some view ministry as our service to each other inside the church, and mission our service to those outside the church. I’m not sure I see the division quite like that but clearly we have a responsibility and opportunity to engage with people who are part of our local church and those who are not a part of it. Pauls says we engage with those outside the church as ambassadors for Christ, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world.How do you find out about your part in ministry and how do you know your gifting?A personal evaluation can cover many avenues and provide a starting place although it can’t answer all your questions. Ultimately you will learn how you best serve as you serve. Jump in and volunteer to help and ask for guidance from mature believer in your church.To begin, here are some areas to prayerfully consider as you think though how God has made you and what role you have in his church and mission.a. the DISC profile. Who am I, relationally? - how do I behave in various situations around different kinds of people. You can learn, grow and adjust and get better are relating to everyone.b. spiritual gifts inventory. Who am I, in service?- ask your pastor if there is a spiritual gifts inventory that he uses- remember that this can’t tell you what your gifts are but it can’t give you some direction as you think and pray through it.- many of your gifts will be discovered and build upon as you serve and begin to get involved in Christ’s missionc. hobby, interest, skill set. Who am I, in my current and future ability?- you already know a lot about many different things. From cooking to carpentry, people bring some skills to the table when they come to Christ.- I recommend making a list of everything you know and can do, along with things you already have a desire to learn, and prayerfully give each one to God.d. training. A. Past, what I have now.- education and practical skillsB. Future, what I want or need.- as doors open for ministry and service, you may see the need for more training.e. experience. - God uses all you are to make you a fitting tool for helping othersA. WorkB. MinistryC. Lifef. Pursue spiritual growth - be intentional- seek out people who are actively growing to talk with- assume God wants to use you!What all this means is that we need to be intentional about our relationships and seeking out people who will challenge us to live like Jesus.It also means pursuing opportunities to learn about God’s Word.It also means looking for opportunities to join His church on His mission.Next time we want to consider the role that the church has in helping people connect to Jesus and to each other. As always, it takes being intentional and putting our theology into actions!(5:00)*(5:00)DOCTRINEJuly - God – Omnipresent, Holy, Righteous and JustAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy SpiritGod is Righteous and JustDeut. 32:3-4 For I proclaim the name of the Lord:Ascribe greatness to our God.4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect;For all His ways are justice,A God of truth and without injustice;Righteous and upright is He.Romans 3:21-26 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.God always does what is right. He Himself is the standard for what is right.God is always all that He ought to be as God. He is always consistent with His own character.(1:00)How connected are you with the church? How can you help others connect to Jesus and His family? In both cases, the love of God is a driving force that compels us toward Him and others as we join Him on His mission. It can be difficult but there is nothing in life that is as worth the effort as pursuing Jesus and following Him.Thanks for joining me again today! Stop and say a prayer for your church family today! I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_07_20 -Ep.321 - Run With Horses Podcast - Engage – The Church in the CommunityPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast(28:00)Last week I introduced the word ENGAGE as representing the first step a discipleship pathway for the church. Today I want to anchor it more fully in our working definition of the church. Why must we ENGAGE with our community if we truly are the church?Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!I don't say it enough but I am really thankful you are with me on this journey of pursuing Jesus and His mission. I have been told, repeatedly, that I need to do a better job of getting the word out about this show. I do believe what we are talking about is valuable, at least to some people, but I need your help to find them. If you have enjoyed the show, leave a review wherever you find the podcast and more importantly, tell someone else to have a listen.(27:00)*(27:00)HABITS – PrayerPart of the life of a disciple is developing the habits that help you follow Jesus well. Prayer is a key part of that life and an essential habit to develop.1 Thess. 5:16-18 – 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. • Make a commitment: Commit to praying and understand its importance • Schedule time: Schedule prayer into your daily routine as well as be prepared to pray wherever and whenever • Find a place: Choose a regular place to pray and minimize distractions, but practice praying in the chaos too! • Ask for help: Ask God to help you pray and transform your heart • Pray with others: Pray together, pray with and for each other • Pray while exercising: Divide your workout into prayer periods • Read the Bible: Use Bible passages and verses as a foundation for your prayers, Paul’s prayers are awesome! • Other tips: Keep a prayer diary, find a regular prayer partner, and give thanks for the privilege of prayer* (23:00)

*(23:00)Time for a quick review:What is as DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY? Simply put, an intentional plan to help followers of Jesus grow toward Christ-likeness. That word intentional is key.MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the MISSION of Jesus as His witnesses TO THE WORLD, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on HIS MISSION.The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionaries – everyone on the mission of Jesusc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded wellWe are focusing on the first step in the Pathway; ENGAGE, then CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASEENGAGE - Actions by the Church, outside the four walls primarily. Community EngagementBe part of what is happening in the neighborhood, community.Pastor here on the town council.Local clubs – art, sports, civic. There are a lot of people who want to make your community a better place, help them do that. Relationship BuildingLook for opportunities to go beyond the community event or club. Invite people into your life. Supper, hobbies, coffee, etc. Evangelism Live your faith in front of your friends. Let them know you pray for them. Ask them what you can pray for!Share answers to prayer in your own life.Share a meaningful verse you have been memorizing or meditating on recently.Let them know your faith is genuine by your conversation and life choices.After a short break we will be back to consider why it is so important that we get out and interact with our community.

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(27:00) BEGIN PART 2

Why is this so critical?The world no longer looks to the church for answers about anything.We need mature believers to take a Christian worldview into the marketplace and engage in the crucial conversations that people are having.Who do people look to when they have questions? Their network of relationships, their friends. How do you get to be one of them?#Reference: https://www.str.org/w/what-do-non-christians-think-of-christians-and-christianity-QUOTE,” The aim of the interview is not for students to actually do apologetics. I just want them to become more comfortable talking with non-Christians and to establish a habit of asking questions and listening attentively. I also want them to see firsthand how and where the ideas that we discuss in the classroom are at work in the lives of people they know.Here are the required questions:How would you describe your personal spiritual beliefs?Do you believe God exists? If so, why, and what do you believe God is like? If not, why?What has your exposure to Christianity been?As best as you can, describe what you think Christianity teaches.Who do you believe Jesus was and why?What do you think about the Bible?What is your honest perception of Christians?What are your top reasons for not believing the Christian faith is true?Do you have any objections to Christianity? If so, what?Is there anything that could persuade you that Christianity is true? If so, what? If not, why?”#These questions can start conversations with your friends and neighbors that they need to have with a mature follower of Jesus. The question is, are we consistently producing mature followers of Jesus?Where and how does the church train, encourage, motivate, support, and equip the individual to go out and be actively engaged in the community.Equipping by the Church- support and training for engagement1. Gospel Foundations2. First Steps in Gospel Ministry(5:00)***(5:00)DOCTRINEJuly – God – Omnipresent, Holy, Righteous and JustAugust – JesusSeptember – Holy SpiritToday we want to pause and consider that God is Holy.Merriam-Webster - : exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.A biblical definition: The Hebrew word for “holy” literally means “separate” or “set apart.” Holiness is talking about His absolute purity. God is unstained by sin and evil. He is perfect in every way, and perfectly good all the time.Completely separate from sin.1 Samuel 2:2 - “No one is holy like the Lord,For there is none besides You,Nor is there any rock like our God.1 John 1:5 - This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have separated you from your God;And your sins have hidden His face from you,So that He will not hear.1 Peter 2:13-16 – 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”(1:00)Thanks for joining me again today! Stop and say a prayer for your church family today! I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.(00:00)

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24_07_06 -Ep.320 - Run With Horses Podcast - Engage – Part One of the Discipleship Pathway

Last week we began talking about a discipleship pathway for the church. Today we begin to break it down and consider the first step. What does it mean to Engage with your community?

HABITS - Thanksgiving
The Discipleship pathway is intended to help a church be intentional about helping people take steps toward Christ-likeness. However, individually each one of us has the same responsibility and opportunity to pursue that growth ourself. One thing that you can do personally to support a life of pursuing Jesus is work to develp new habits that make it easier to move forward.
Today I want to focus on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a habit that we all can and should develop and ingrain in our lives.
1 Thess. 5:16-18,

How? Make it easy and give yourself reminders. Memorize this verse or others like it.
One step at a time. This is a good place to start.

A quick review:
What is as discipleship pathway? Simply put, an intentional plan to help followers of Jesus grow toward Christ-likeness. That word intentional is key.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH
A CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the mission of Jesus as His witnesses to the world, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and EQUIP OTHERS to join them on His mission.

The discipleship pathway is an intentional plan to equip others to be on the mission of Jesus.

Don’t forget the goals of the pathway. Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?
a. self-feeding Christians
b. everyday missionaries
c. disciple-makers
d. pastors
e. new churches
f. all members of the church, shepherded well

First step in the Pathway.

ENGAGE, then CONNECT, EQUIP, RELEASE

ENGAGE - Everything is covered with the clear expectation of Intentional Engagement by all members of the church.

Actions by the Church, outside the four walls primarily.
* Community Engagement
Where and how are we involved in the community?
How does the church family encourage and support community activities and projects?

Relationship Building
We seem to have lost the ability to build realtionships!
What does it take to make a new friend? Time and conversation.
Galatians 5:22-23, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control.
Evangelism – Gospel Conversations - built on relationships.
Not a rote prepackaged gospel conversation, although there is a time and place for those, but bringing your friends into your relationship with Jesus and sharing hwo the Gospel has impacted your life.
Pre-Baptism – following up with those God is working in.
Gospel review – How well do they understand what Jesus did on the cross?
Christian Life Basics – How do you build a relationship with Jesus?

Prayer
Bible Reading
Church Family
Church Family – get to know relationally, invite your unbelieving friends into your church family network of friends

Importance of–
Purpose of – introduce the mission of Jesus

** Baptism/ Membership – connected with the church family officially.

Equipping by the Church- support and training for engagement
1. Gospel Foundations. - grounded in God’s Word and His work in our life
a. salvation and faith – review and talk about your own life change comfortably
b. Jesus' finished work on the cross and the implications of that work, what Jesus did in and through you.
c. our new identity and all that means for life, who we are has changed and impacts everything!

First Steps in Gospel Ministry
a. my testimony – your story connected with God’s story
b. Three Circles gospel presentation
c. The Bridge gospel presentation

DOCTRINE
July – God
August – Jesus
September – Holy Spirit

God is Omnipresent
Jeremiah 23:23-24,
Psalm 139:7-10,

Thanks for joining me again today! Stop and say a prayer for your church family today! I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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24_07_06 -Ep.319 - Run With Horses Podcast - Beginning A Discipleship Pathway Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast I have spent some time looking at the a definition of the church recently, today we begin thinking about what it means to live this out as a church. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! A quick review: MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the mission of Jesus as His witnesses to the world, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and equip others to join them on His mission. Why do we need this kind of essential definition of the church? Clear vision – who we are and what we doUnityClear purpose – what do we need to focus on, How do we accomplish our purposeGoals and Strategic planning, IntentionalityChurch planting – more and fasterMission So what does it look like to be a member of something like this? What is my role? How am I supposed to act and what should I do?The church IS it’s members. Every member needs clarity of vision and purpose. The church is a group of people who are intentionally and increasingly moving along a path toward becoming like Jesus.So, are you a good church member? How about a good disciple of Jesus?What can you do to help your church as you all grow in Christ-likeness and pursue Him and His mission together?These are all questions we have asked in the past. Now, let’s begin to develop some answers.A church needs a discipleship pathway. What do I mean by that?Some define it as a disciple making strategy for the church. Navigators has called it “a sequenced plan to move disciples from one stage of growth to the next.” REF: https://navigatorschurchministries.org/2023/07/21/growing-disciples-the-discipleship-pathway/What you should take away from any definition is that it is intentional, some thought has been put into it, and it has the goal of helping people grow toward Christ-likeness.Clear goals are important. What are the goals of a discipleship pathway?a. self-feeding Christiansb. everyday missionariesc. disciple-makersd. pastorse. new churchesf. all members of the church, shepherded well

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24_06_29 -Ep.318 - Run With Horses Podcast - Life is a Journey

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24_06_22 -Ep.317 - Run With Horses Podcast - Becoming a Responsible Adult

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I have spent some time looking at the a definition of the church recently, today I want to consider what it means to be a good member of the church.

A quick reminder:

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

A CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the mission of Jesus as His witnesses to the world, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and equip others to join them on His mission.

So what does it look like to be a member of something like this? What is my role? How am I supposed to act and what should I do?

The church IS it’s members so what we do makes the church what it is to some extent.

The Church Member is a Disciple of Jesus

*Arrange their life to be with Jesus

*Intentionally pursue the character of Jesus

*Increasingly love what Jesus loves

*Are committed to the mission of Jesus because of their devotion to Jesus

Knows the mission of the church

Prays for church and it’s leaders

Understands the value of their presence

Pursues peace and unity in the church family

Has healthy relationships with unbelievers

Teachable

Humble

Patient

An encourager

Is a theologian

Is a growing disciple maker

Builds up others

Think about ministry and how to do it better

Work hard

We over me. Lives for others.

Understands difference between preferences and Biblical principles.

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24_06_08 -Ep.315 - Run With Horses Podcast - Are Short-Term Missions Trips Worth It?

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I have just returned from a 3 week trip to Japan taking two groups, one from a Bible college and one from a church. I’m often asked if these trips are worth it, today, let’s explore that question!

Mission trips are by definition focused on the mission of Jesus, but are they really? How do short term trips fit into the bigger picture of what it means to be the church?

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

Goals of short term trips:

Some examples:

https://ministry127.com/missions/4-goals-for-a-short-term-missions-trip

https://leadership.lifeway.com/2019/06/26/three-objectives-for-a-short-term-missions-trip/

https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog/are-short-term-missions-trips-worth-it

Work Projects
Support missionary in relationship building
Encourage local churches and missionaries
Recruit new workers for the harvest
Inform and recruit prayer partnerships
Give both the church going and the churches receiving a better vision of the Universal church.

Why do short term missions trips sometimes have a bad reputation?

Vacation for rich Americans
Fulfilling for team, meaningless for nationals.
No clear purpose.
Team unprepared.
Waste of missionary time.

GRIT

Doing it Well:

https://missionguide.global/articles/missionexcellence

https://www.imb.org/2017/05/18/5-things-consider-church-plans-short-term-mission-trip/

Have clear goals that fit in with the missionary or national church pastor’s long-term vision and strategy.

2.Take time to train and prepare the team to be servants in all areas of life.

Use the opportunity to equip the team in new ways that will benefit the sending church when they return. New training opportunities.
Support disciple making in both the sending and receiving churches.
Plan ongoing evaluations and debrief, get the receiving church’s evaluation.
Pray!
Choose the right people for the team

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24_06_01 Run With Horses Podcast - Progressing on the Mission of Jesus

I hope to return to looking at our definition of church soon but as I am traveling and don't have access to my notes at the moment, I am going to take a parallel path that should lead into the next topic, and Today, that topic is the mission of Jesus.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive a a follower of Jesus. It may be a long road but it shouldn't be a lonely road because we get to travel it together with the body of Christ, His beautiful church! Thanks for letting me be part of your journey.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

The next official part of the definition of church that we will look at is the mission of Jesus. It may be jumping the gun a little but I want to spend some time today going over some simple steps that you can take to grow in your direct involvement in the mission of Jesus.

I think 2 Corinthians 5: 17-20 and Matthew 28:18-20 give a good summary of the mission for now.
First 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 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.

Throw in Ephesians 4: 11-16 and you have a good idea of the mission of Jesus and the work of the ministry that Jesus called us to.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 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, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 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.

But practically what are the things that you can do to directly grow in your involvement in the mission?

Pray!
For your spiritual growth, for your personal ministry, for gospel workers, for your church, for the lost in your sphere of influence.
Remember your testimony.
Go through again what Jesus did on your behalf on the Cross and the changes that He worked in your life. Not the point of today's show but a quick partial reminder: forgiveness of sin, reconciliation with God, adoption into God's family, eternal life, received the righteousness of Jesus, etc, etc. Be encouraged! This is what Jesus did for you!
Remember the Gospel that secured those benefits for you.
Jesus did it through His perfect life, sacrificial death on the Cross and resurrection on the third day.
Review 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Write out your personal testimony of salvation and spiritual growth with the gospel as a centerpiece. Your story is really all about Jesus. Tell His story.
Memorize 2 simple gospel presentations as touchstones to come back to when you share the gospel. It's not a rote memory presentation but a place to return if you get lost and a road map to make sure you hit the key points.
Need a recommendation? Three Circles - https://multiplyingdisciples.
The Bridge - https://www.navigators.org/
Practice journaling as a way to stay consistent in God's Word and help you remember the things God is teaching you. Seems like someone I know wrote a book about this. : )
And whatayaknow I just happen to have the Amazon link! https://a.co/d/4ixVVL6
Learn how to lead a basic evangelistic Bible study.
ABWE has the Good Soil Project to help. https://www.goodsoil.com/blog/

A Discovery Bible Study is also a great method of leading a simple Bible study that everyone should know and be able to use. There are lots of resources if you search online for them but it is basically reading God's WOrd together and asking some basic questions. There are recommended passages to use for going through the Big Message of the Bible. https://discipleship.org/blog/

Get comfortable leading a small group of believers. Lots of formats, lots of things you could focus on but as long as Jesus is the center and we are focused on living lives as obedient disciples of Jesus there is value. Keep the eyes of the group focused on Jesus and the heart of the group aligned with His desire to see all lost come to repentance and all believers come to maturity. How can each one of use help the others be reproducing disciple of Jesus?

These are each things you can pursue yourself and with a group. We should seek after God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. There is nothing more worthwhile than spending our lives pursuing Jesus and obedience to His calling to make disciples.

Thanks for joining me today! What steps can you take this week to move a little closer to Jesus in your thoughts, attitudes and actions? Who can you take with you on the journey? Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a note on the RWH Facebook page, I'd love to hear from you! Whatever you do, don't stop, keep running!

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24_05_25 -Ep.313 - Run With Horses Podcast - Growing Through Caregiving

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Last Week I spoke with Chloe and Hope, this week we talk to Susan about the lessons she is learning as a caregiver.

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24_05_18 -Ep.312 - Run With Horses Podcast - Chloe and Hope

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24_05_11-Ep.311 - Run With Horses Podcast - Notes from the National Disciple Makers Forum

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Last week we talked about the National Disciple Makers Forum and today we continue as I go through my notes and share some of what I learned along the way.

The question we all answer every day is how do WE live this HERE, NOW. The answer says a lot about our view of God and His place in our lives.

A life that is focused on Intentional, Relational Disciple Making that is Centered on Jesus is a life of worship. And what a journey He takes us on when we follow Him!

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23_05_04 -Ep.310 - Run With Horses Podcast

A look back at the National Disciple Makers Forum 2024.

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23_04_20 -Ep.309 - Run With Horses Podcast - It’s all about Jesus

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Last week we talked about how Jesus is our focus. As a disciple, you become like the one you follow and we follow Jesus. Today we consider how we worship Jesus as we follow Him.

We are working on what it might look like to live out my working definition of church by going through the definition a word at a time. Today we turn to worship.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

Worship – Merriam-Webster

1: to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power

2: to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion

****https://wheatmyermusic.com/on-christian-worship-old-testament-vocabulary/

The two most common Old Testament Hebrew words commonly translated as “worship” are shachah and abad. Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines shachah as meaning “to worship, prostrate oneself, bow down.” It occurs more than 170 times in the OT and is the principle Hebrew word translated into English as “worship.”

To bow is to express complete surrender to the mercy of the second person to be used as they willed.

Vine’s defines abad as meaning “to serve, cultivate, enslave, work.” It is very common throughout the OT (nearly 300 instances) but is only occasionally translated as “worship” (about 15 times). Rather, its most frequent English translation is “to serve” where it refers to all manner of ordinary labor.

To conclude, when we read the word “worship” in the Old Testament we should always see within it the essence of bowing, an aroma of surrender and service, of saying, “here I am, use me as you will.” To borrow a line from Issac Watts, when the Old Testament says worship, it is saying, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

shachah

Gen 18:2 -

Gen 22:5 -

abad

Gen 2:15 -

Deut. 10:12-13 -

Key Points from OT worship – It involves HUMILITY and SERVICE.

NT worship

John 4: 19-24 - 1

1 Peter 1:4-5 -

Romans 12: 1-2 -

12:1 - latreia: service, sacred service - Usage: service rendered to God, perhaps simply: worship

Hebrews 13: 15-16 -

Let’s go back to our definition of the church for a minute.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

Last week I said that We follow Jesus, because He is God and Savior and because He is doing something. Jesus offers us a part in His mission as His witnesses. There is no greater work we can give our lives to. We follow Jesus because outside of Him our lives have no purpose. Once you truly understand who Jesus is and what He offers you, there is no choice to be made.

We follow Jesus because of Who He IS and what He is doing. And that is also the reason we worship Him. He IS God.

What is your response to Jesus? Will you follow when the journey gets hard?

Making intentional, serious efforts to obey the commands of Jesus will result in your spiritual growth and the building up of the church. Intentional obedience to the commands of Jesus will connect you directly to Jesus and His mission. More importantly intentional obedience to the commands of Jesus, trying to do what HE said, is at the heart of our worship.

It takes HUMILITY to follow someone else. When we serve Him we proclaim Him as Lord of our lives and glorify Him in the worship of our actions.

It doesn’t matter how much you know about Jesus if you aren’t practically engaged in following Jesus.

The question we all answer every day is how do WE live this HERE, NOW. The answer says a lot about our view of God and His place in our lives.

A life that is focused on Intentional, Relational Disciple Making that is Centered on Jesus is a life of worship. And what a journey He takes us on when we follow Him!

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23_04_20 -Ep.308 - Run With Horses Podcast - It’s all about Jesus

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Last week we talked about what it means to follow Jesus. The cliff notes version, do what He says. This week we move on to the next part, it’s really simple and it’s all about Jesus.

We are working on what it might look like to live out my working definition of church by going through the definition a word at a time. We are looking at Jesus today.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

Last week we considered that we are His followers. Jesus is the “another” of the M-W definitions!

Follower – Merriam-Webster

a : one in the service of another : retainer

b : one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c : one that imitates another

**** So we follow and obey Jesus but Why? Who is Jesus? Here is a starter list for you.

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis

I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell.

You must make your choice.Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.*Why would Lewis say this about Jesus?The Bible claims Jesus is God. Isaiah 9:6Hebrews 1:8Titus 2:13 -John 1:1Jesus is Savior of the World.

Acts 5:31

1 John 4:14

Philippians 3:20

Jesus is a Miracle Worker. Some of Jesus’ Miracles

Turned water into wine (John 2:1–11)

Healed a paralytic (Mark 2:1–12)

Healed a withered hand (Mark 3:1–3)

Calmed a storm (Mark 4:35–41)

Healed a servant from afar (Luke 7:1–10)

Revived a dead man (Luke 7:11–17)

Healed a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:2–4)

Healed a bleeding woman (Luke 8:43–48)

Healed a man born blind (John 9:1–12)

Fed the multitude (Matthew 14:13–21)

Walked on water (Matthew 14:22–33)

Cast out demons (Matthew 17:14–21)

Healed a man with a severed ear (Luke 22:50–51)

Resurrected himself (Mark 16:1–7)

Let’s go back to our definition of the church for a minute.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

We follow Jesus. Because He is God and Savior and because He is doing something. We all want our lives to matter. We want to do something important. Jesus offers us a part in His mission as His witnesses. There is no greater work we can give our lives to. We follow Jesus because outside of Him our lives have no purpose. Once you truly understand who Jesus is and what He offers you, there is no choice to be made.

His disciple understood that and made the choice to follow Him.

John 6:67

What is your answer? Will you follow when the way is tough? Let’s be honest, the way can be tough as part of His church family. Relationships can be painful even among believers.

But I don’t believe you can live out obedience to the commands of Jesus outside His church.

It doesn’t matter how much you know about Jesus if you aren’t practically engaged in following Jesus.

The question is how do WE live this HERE, NOW.

A life that is Intentional, Relational, and Centered on Jesus

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Last week we began tearing apart my working definition of the church by looking at the together aspect of the Church. Today we consider the next part, found in the word followers. What does it mean to follow Jesus? That’s the topic of the day!

Let’s continue to dig into what it might look like to live out my working definition of church.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

We talked about the importance of relationships in the church last week. This week is really a continuation of that idea, but with an emphasis on the relationship that we have with Jesus. We are His followers.

Follower – Merriam-Webster

a : one in the service of another : retainer

b : one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c : one that imitates another

I like those three points.

In service of another – Follow teachings of another – Imitate another

They seem to match up pretty well with what the bible says about following Jesus.

don’t believe you can live out obedience to the commands of Jesus outside His church.

Making intentional efforts to obey the commands of Jesus will result in your spiritual growth and the building up of the church. Intentional obedience to the commands of Jesus will connect you directly to Jesus and His mission.

It doesn’t matter how much you know if you aren’t practically engaged in following Jesus.

The question is how do WE live this HERE, NOW.

A life that is Intentional, Relational, and Centered on Jesus.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastWelcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Let’s begin to dig into what it might look like to live out my working definition of church.MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCHA CHURCH is a group of followers of Jesus who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the mission of Jesus as His witnesses to the world, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and equip others to join them on His mission.

I. RelationshipWe are a group of people on the same journey following the same tour guide.Group - a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship. Merriam-WebsterA. Can’t do it alone!We all need help bearing out burdens.We are united in Christ.B. Ministry requires a connectionRelationships matter. One another’s, accountability, encouragement.The mission of Jesus is a church responsibility.C. God’s Word commands it. Heb. 10:25 – do not neglect.D. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is relationalThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:20-21)

Christians gather together. We are joined into one body with Jesus as the head. We need each other.1. We are in this together. The “one another’s” require a community.2. We all have gifts the church needs. You can’t be who you are meant to be without the church family.3. The mission requires us all to do our part. The work that Jesus left the church is too big to be done alone.4. Everyone needs encouragement sometime. Be an encourager, be encouraged.E. We are equipped by each other. Eph. 4

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23_03_30 -Ep.305 - Run With Horses Podcast – Multiplication in the Essential Church

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Go forth and multiply! It is the last command that Jesus left with His disciples and one of the main concerns of the church today.

Last week we looked at maturity the essential church. The main point is that we have to be changing if we are maturing and becoming more like Jesus. He is working a wonderful transformation in our lives.

Quick review:

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

A CHURCH is a group of Jesus’ disciples who worship Him in spirit and truth, humbly offering their lives as living sacrifices, together living out the mission of Jesus as His witnesses to the world, by sharing the gospel and making disciples through teaching obedience to His commands as they edify and equip others to join them on His mission.

It is my view that this process embracing the mission of Jesus and becoming a disciple maker is an important part of how God transforms you.

We started session one with the topic SEEDS: What’s our Disciple Making DNA?

Matthew 4:19: "Follow me," Jesus declared, "and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus doesn't just call disciples, He equips them to make more disciples.

We moved on to session two with the topic TREES: What is your vision of Maturity?

Hebrews 5:11-14 11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Stages of Spiritual Growth – Dead, Infant, Child, Young Adult, Parents, Grandparents

And Today we are ready for Session 3: Forests: How Do We Multiply?

Big Idea: Multiplication is the result of putting disciple making into practice.

Disciple making is contagious! As we mature as disciple makers, we equip others to do the same, resulting in a multiplication effect: the growth of the local church and planting new churches near and far.

Starting an Evangelistic Bible Study
Make a list and pray for it
- Make your list of who you want to talk with and pray for them
- Find a partner and make a plan
- Try to find a partner to do this with, and make a plan for the next few steps
- Schedule it and reach out to people
- Come up with a schedule for your meet-ups, make contacts with people using the conversations checklist and invite them to the meetup.
- Start meeting and improve it over time
- Start meeting and keep it going, improving what you started and making it better. It doesn’t need to be perfect right away–or ever really!
- Be faithful and try to be fruitful
- Just faithfully keep meeting with people and having conversations, and pray that there is fruit of people growing closer to Jesus. Your job is faithfulness and intending to be fruitful, but God provides the fruit.
- Be consistent
- Consistently keep having intentional conversations and a regularly scheduled and communicated meeting, and that consistency will over time be part of your success.

6 Questions for Leading a Bible Study

THANKS - What are you thankful for?

CHALLENGE - What challenges are you facing?

→ PRAY for challenges
→ READ & RETELL passage

GOD - What does this passage tell us about God?

PEOPLE - What does this passage tell us about People?

DO - What should I do in response to this passage?

SHARE - Who should I share it with this week?

Thanks for joining me again today! How is your church doing at fulfilling it’s biblical purpose? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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How do you know if you are growing? Today we focus on identifying spiritual maturity in the Essential Church.

Last week we looked at an overview of disciple making as part of the fundamental DNA of the essential church. Today we consider maturity, particularly the idea of spiritual transformation. We have to be changing if we are maturing and becoming more like Jesus.

Quick review:

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

It is my view that this process of accepting the mission of Jesus and becoming a disciple maker is at least part of what God uses to transform you. Think about the questions we are left with after thinking through the definition of church.

How do you worship God? Spirit and Truth gives some guidance. Truth should lead us to look at the Bible for answers.

What does the life of a living sacrifice look like? Humility is there. What is sacrifice? Probably want to look at the OT for some insight.

How do we get together? When, where, how often, what do we do? The NT gives some idea of the big picture, Acts and Paul’s letters need to be investigated.

What is the mission of Jesus? The Gospels give His words directly, Acts gives the early churches application of them.

What is the Gospel and how do we best communicate it in our location to the people around us? Back to the NT.

How do we make disciples in our context?

What are Jesus commands?

How do we edify others? Who is responsible to do this?

Struggling with these Questions in your particular context forces you to consider what God says about each issue and what is left to adjust for your time and place. Struggling to Live what you believe is the context for lasting spiritual growth and transformation as we all learn to trust Him more.

We started session one with the topic SEEDS: What’s our Disciple Making DNA?

We move on to session two with the topic: TREES: What is your vision of Maturity?

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23_03_16 -Ep.30? - Run With Horses Podcast – Disciple Making in the Essential Church

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Today we make the shift from defining what the essential church IS to considering what the church does in more detail. It will be no surprise for regular listeners to know that we will begin with Disciple Making in the Essential Church.

I have been thinking about the idea of Essential Ecclesiology for awhile now. Last week we concluded with my working definition of the essential church.

MY WORKING DEFINITION OF CHURCH

There are definitely things that are only implied and not spelled out. There are definitely questions a church will need to answer for itself based on its local context and culture.

Specifically,

What do you not see in this definition? There is not much to tell HOW to do these things.

Let’s make a list.

How do you worship God? Spirit and Truth gives some guidance. Truth should lead us to look at the Bible for answers.

What does the life of a living sacrifice look like? Humility is there. What is sacrifice? Probably want to look at the OT for some insight.

How do we get together? When, where, how often, what do we do? The NT gives some idea of the big picture, Acts and Paul’s letters need to be investigated.

What is the mission of Jesus? The Gospels give His words directly, Acts gives the early churches application of them.

What is the Gospel and how do we best communicate it in our location to the people around us? Back to the NT.

How do we make disciples in our context?

What are Jesus commands?

How do we edify others? Who is responsible to do this?

I believe that disciple making is at the center of what it means to be the church.

Many have produced catechisms to help teach the foundational truths of God’s Word. What is the chief end of man is the way one talks about our purpose. The answer, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. ("Glorify" does not mean make glorious. It means [to] reflect or display as glorious. Other words you could use for "end" are "goal" or "purpose". - John Piper)

HOW do we glorify God? Primarily by humble obedience to His commands. You cannot glorify God and do your own thing! Disciple Making is at the center of what it means to be a follower of Jesus so a simple connection would be to say that we best glorify God when we are most engaged in his mission of reconciliation through relational disciple making.

I will be at a retreat this weekend focusing on discipleship, it’s perfect timing so I will start today going over some of the material I am preparing for the retreat.

We start session one with the topic SEEDS: What’s our Disciple Making DNA?

What is DNA?

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Today we are continuing our look at the church and trying to form a simple, coherent definition that covers the basics well without going too far into preferences and without leaving anything out that God intends for us to do or be.

I have been thinking about the idea of Minimal or Essential Ecclesiology.

Minimal:

The least viable form or the least possible to call something a church. What can you remove from your existing church and it still be a church?

Essential:

If you have nothing else you must at least have this to call it a church.

Ecclesiology: doctrine relating to the church

The goal is to consider the smallest, most adaptable, most flexible definition of the church. Why? Because we need more churches! And it is hard to begin with the finished, mature product, what can you start with? A seed that contains the DNA of the church at maturity. I believe Acts gives us a good picture of this seed that has all the characteristics of the church that will thrive in any setting.

To me that is KEY. The church is God’s people thriving and on mission in every culture and time period. What are the essentials that are consistent in a thriving church in every culture and age?

The Essential Church

What can you remove from your existing church and it still be a church?

If you have nothing else you must at least have this to call it a church.

A seed that contains the DNA of the church at maturity.

Can you separate what the church IS from what the church DOES?

If it doesn’t apply in in all ages, in all cultures and in the persecuted church then it can’t be considered ESSENTIAL.

The Church IS:

WHO:

Baptized Followers of Jesus -

Leadership – When and how much is required for a church to be a church? ie. when is a gathering of believers a church and not just a gathering of believers?

DO WHAT:

Worship

a- John 4:24

-in Spirit and Truth

b- Rom. 12:1-2

– living sacrifice

c- Phil. 2:5-8

-humility and obedience

Community/ Fellowship

a- Acts 2:42-47

b- Acts 2:41

1 Cor. 11:23-26 - baptism and communion

c- Hebrews 10:25

assumes gathering together is normal

Mission

a- Acts 8:4

share the gospel.

ie.

Acts 1:8

To BE His witnesses.

b- Matthew 28:18-20

-make disciples

1-teaching

A-to obey Jesus commands. Not just knowledge.

2-baptizing

c- Ephesians 4:11-13

-Equipping the Church for ministry and edifying toward Unity and Maturity, ie. The Image of Jesus

What is this definition missing that you believe is necessary to understand the church?

There are definitely things that are only implied and not spelled out. There are definitely questions a church will need to answer for itself based on its local context and culture.

Specifically,

What do you not see in this definition? There is not much to tell HOW to do these things.

Let’s make a list.

How do you worship God? Spirit and Truth gives some guidance. Truth should lead us to look at the Bible for answers.

What does the life of a living sacrifice look like? Humility is there. What is sacrifice? Probably want to look at the OT for some insight.

How do we get together? When, where, how often, what do we do? The NT gives some idea of the big picture, Acts and Paul’s letters need to be investigated.

What is the mission of Jesus? The Gospels give His words directly, Acts gives the early churches application of them.

What is the Gospel and how do we best communicate it in our location to the people around us? Back to the NT.

How do we make disciples in our context?

What are Jesus commands?

How do we edify others? Who is responsible to do this?

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We are still looking for a good definition of the essential church. Maybe we will find it today!

I have been asking, “What is the church? Specifically the idea of Minimal or Essential Ecclesiology.

Minimal:

The least viable form or the least possible to call something a church. What can you remove from your existing church and it still be a church?

Essential:

If you have nothing else you must at least have this to call it a church.

Ecclesiology: doctrine relating to the church

The goal is to consider the smallest, most adaptable, most flexible definition of the church. Why? Because we need more churches! You don’t start with the finished product, What do you start with? A seed that contains the DNA of the church at maturity.

I have looked at several definitions over the past two weeks and today I will start to narrow it down and will make some decisions about the minimal definition of church.

From the past few weeks here are a few key points I will be considering.

Can you separate what the church IS from what the church DOES?

I think not, so the purpose of the church becomes really important when defining the church. If a church is not at least attempting to fulfill it’s purpose, is it still a church?

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Today we continue looking at the essential church. Or the minimal church. Maybe just church.

I started last week by asking, “What is the church? Specifically I wanted to look at the idea of Minimal or Essential Ecclesiology. Quick review.

Minimal:

The least viable form or the least possible to call something a church. What can you remove from your existing church and it still be a church?

Essential:

If you have nothing else you must at least have this to call it a church.

Ecclesiology: doctrine relating to the church

The goal is to consider the smallest, most adaptable, most flexible definition of the church. Why? Because the church is intended to be multiplied in any environment. If church planting is really important, and we are going to do it, we need to identify the seed, the core definition of church.

You don’t start with the finished product in gardening or in church planting or in disciple making!

What do you start with? A seed that contains the DNA of the future life at maturity.

Resources:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/chuch-of-shrinking-definition/

https://www.catalystnw.org/Groups/1000103697/Catalyst/Catalyst_Network/Microchurches/Microchurches.aspx#:~:text=Our%20%22definition%20of%20church%22%20(,Jesus%2C%20they%20are%20the%20church.

https://www.tampaunderground.com/microchurches

https://saturatetheworld.com/2021/01/26/7-marks-of-essential-ecclesiology/

https://www.ruralministry.net/post/ecclesiology-and-the-rural-church

Christ Loved the Church by William MacDonald

Rediscover Church: Why the body of Christ is essential by Collin Hanson and Jonathan Leeman

The Doctrine and Administration of the Church by Paul R Jackson

Doctrine of the Church by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington

Practical Christian Theology by Floyd H. Barakman

Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches by Edward T. Hiscox

https://realfaith.com/what-christians-believe/characteristics-church/

Future Church by Will Mancini and Cory Hartman

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Last week I finished up a series of shows that focused on some practical tips and pointer for living an intentional life. We covered our purpose, roadblocks and resources as well as some final thoughts on making clear goals to strive for in our spiritual life. In and through all of that we kept coming back to the big idea of God’s purpose for you. Today I want to begin to look at God’s purpose for you as it relates to the church.

We are going to begin our journey by wrestling with the question, What is the church? Specifically I want to look at the idea of Minimal or Essential Ecclesiology.

Minimal: relating to or being a minimum: such as

a: the least possible

a victory won with minimal loss of life

b: barely adequate

a minimal standard of living

c: very small or slight

a minimal interest in art

The least viable form or the least possible to call something a church. What can you remove from your existing church and it still be a church?

Essential: 1: something basic

2: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

If you have nothing else you must at least have this to call it a church.

Ecclesiology: theological doctrine relating to the church

The goal is to consider the smallest, most adaptable, most flexible church. Why? Because the church at it’s most basic is in the best form to be multiplied rapidly in any environment. If church planting is really important, and we are going to do it, we need to identify the seed.

You don’t start with the finished product in gardening or in church planting or in disciple making!

What do you start with? A seed that contains the DNA of the future life at maturity.

Resource; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/chuch-of-shrinking-definition/

The Church, it is assumed, is simply plural for Christian. So wherever two or more Christians are gathered to discuss about and live in the way of Jesus, that’s church.

The problem with this minimalist ecclesiology is that it confuses definition and function. I have no problem with defining the church as elect people of God, or as the gathered Christian community, or as all those who have put their faith in Jesus. These are pretty standard definitions. But to say the church is the people of God is not the same as saying that wherever the people of God are there you have a church.So as a definition the church may be the people of God, but for God’s people gathered to be a church they must function in certain way.

Resource: https://www.catalystnw.org/Groups/1000103697/Catalyst/Catalyst_Network/Microchurches/Microchurches.aspx#:~:text=Our%20%22definition%20of%20church%22%20(,Jesus%2C%20they%20are%20the%20church.

Microchurch – Worship, Mission and Community

Our "definition of church" (ecclesiology) is simple: When a group of likeminded people band together in sincere worship and genuine community to accomplish a part of the mission of Jesus, they are the church.

We believe that small, missional groups are the Most Essential Unit of the Church; and that church organizations exist to serve the smaller, micro-expression…and not the other way around. The Early Church embodied 3 essential, irreducible functions of WORSHIP, COMMUNITY, and MISSION; giving great freedom for people & groups to express them in their own contexts.

Resource: https://www.tampaunderground.com/microchurches

We affirm microchurch as the most basic expression of the church. Our ecclesiology is simple. When believers work together in sincere worship and genuine community to accomplish part of the mission of God, they are the church.

Worship, community, and mission are our ecclesial minimum.

Resource: https://saturatetheworld.com/2021/01/26/7-marks-of-essential-ecclesiology/

A church is comprised of believers who gather regularly for discipleship. A church’s goal must be discipleship: seeing people come to know Jesus and be increasingly formed into His likeness and love together.
A church declares the gospel and is shaped by the Spirit and the Scriptures. The good news (Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, kingdom, and return) is the church’s central message, and must be proclaimed both in gatherings and in everyday life.
A church worships God in various ways. A church helps people understand and participate in worship. The Bible describes song and prayer as worship, as well as using our spiritual gifts, serving others, sharing the gospel, giving, celebrating, working hard, resting, and obeying God. Almost everything in life can be worship, if in spirit and truth.
A church serves each other and its mission field(s). Each Christian has gifts, stations in life, and resources which God uses to bless Christians and non-Christians.
A church carries out baptism and communion. Whether defined as “ordinances” or “sacraments” (and while different churches add other acts to these), a church follows Jesus’ example and carries out baptism and communion regularly.
A church defines and trains God-given human leaders. Jesus is the head of His Church. And the New Testament shows us churches led by teams of Biblically-qualified servants, who humbly equip the saints for the work of ministry.

Resource: https://www.ruralministry.net/post/ecclesiology-and-the-rural-church

In the broader context, there is universal agreement that theologically, the church “is the community of all true believers for all time.”[2] However, there is far less agreement regarding the practical view and definition of the church (i.e., how we perceive and understand the word “Church” when it is mentioned). For some, the term church becomes synonymous with the local organization. The church is a building we attend at a specific location. As a physical building and organization, the church becomes defined by its organizational structure, programs, and a shared vision that moves the church organizationally.

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Today we will look at a simple process to come up with realistic goals that you can work toward in your spiritual life. Actually, the process works for the rest of your life too!

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on Jesus, the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.

Last Week we looked at Roadblocks and some Resources that you can count on. Whatever the obstacle that you fae in your spiritual life, God already has plan to use it for your good and His glory. Be patient and continue to pursue Him through till the end. Take the daily small steps to follow Jesus where you are and trust Him to do the work in and through you that He wants to accomplish.

What do I want to accomplish?

God’s purpose for you. Employer’s purpose for you. Your own goals.

In each arena of live you may have a different level of control over determining your purpose. Work vs. Home. But God’s purpose for you trumps all others. Luke 14-25-33 – You cannot be Jesus Disciple without committing to Him First. It is a matter of priorities.

What’s my starting point? Where am I now?

Do I need extra skills, training, information?

Honest personal evaluation is often difficult for us. Getting a second opinion here is helpful. DiSC profile, etc.

What are potential Roadblocks? What Resources do I have to address them?

This is a good time to consult with others about how they see the path ahead. Not just your potential. Take some time to learn about the journey. What have others experiences been like? Talk to people who are doing what you want to do.

What are the key steps along the way I can use as markers of progress? How can I be accountable to keep moving? Who can I invite into my process?
Build a roadmap. Starting with where you are, include the key steps and needed skills, training along the way. What is a reasonable timeframe?

This is where you take all the information you have gathered aabout yourself and current situation and build a plan to gain the skills and experiences you will need to accomplish your goals. It is a timeline of key steps moving you closer to the goal.

Have someone you trust go over your plan with you. Do they have suggestions to improve it?

Someone who has done it before. A mature Christian you respect.

Do it!

At some point you have to start, ready or not. As long as the first steps are clear you can continue working on the pathway while you are moving forward.

Take a break and evaluate. Recalibrate and rework the plan as necessary. Learn from mistakes. Keep moving forward.

Assume that you will need to make changes along the way. That is not a problem, it is part of the process of refining the vision. God directs us as we are following Him. You often learn things along the way that change your understanding, you grow spiritually and are ready for a greater challenge than you imagined. That is all part of the journey. Enjoy the journey!

Practical Example

I believe God is directing me to be a missionary.
What training do I have now? What do I need? What experience would be good to get first? First Step – consult with your pastor! Talk to a mission board or two about other possible requirements.
What are potential roadblocks? Do I have financial obligations now? Loans, etc. How will I pay for additional training?
What are key steps along the way?

Bible college – Mission Board – Language School

Roadmap – First, talk to your pastor again. Your church may have both additional requirement and additional resources you need to know about.

Prioritize the steps you know about now. Run your plan past a missionary or mission board representative.

You plan might look something like this.

First, finish bible college or seminary. Take a mission trip before graduation.

Second, intern with a church plant while paying off any debts.

Third, select a mission board and join.

Fourth, Raise support and Take a short term, 1-2 year trip to the prospective country. Begin learning the language and culture. Consider how you will fit into the ministry that is ongoing now.

Fifth, Raise support to return full-time while gaining any additional training that you see the need for after spending time in the country.

Have your pastor and a missionary in the country as well as a mission board rep look over your plan. Is it realistic? What are potential hiccups?
Pray, confirm you calling. Do it.
Evaluate at each step along the way. Has anything changed? New information may lead to modification of the original plan.

My opinion is that people who are moving forward, pursuing personal Christ-likeness and opportunities for ministry are easy for God to direct. Keep the priority on personal spiritual growth and continually ask the question, How do I live this in the world, in the community that God has given me?

Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life now? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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Today we look at the things that might keep you from being fruitful and doing well in life and then consider what you can do about it. It’s all about roadblocks and resources!

Last week we discussed our roles and I encouraged you to brainstorm some ideas connecting your gifts, talents and abilities with the roles you have in life. How did that go for you? Easy and fun? Challenging?

I know for some people, it is rare to step back and consider the big picture in life as we have been doing here. But I promise you it is worth it when you reap the benefits of intentionally joining God in the work He is doing in and through you. Understanding why and how God made you, your purpose and gifting, gives clarity to all you do.

This is particularly important considering the number of decisions we all have to make each day. Each choice you make has the potential to bring you closer to Jesus and the rest and peace He offers, or to take you further away. And I know which one I want!

And then something happens that makes everything harder. Like when you are on your way home early because a storm is coming and you find a tree across the road. Hit the brakes. Now what? Roadblocks are common when we are trying to follow Jesus and honor Him in every area of life.

What are some common barriers?

Fear is a big one. Fear of man specifically but fear of the unknown and even fear of success! Fear of change.

Doubt is a close cousin to fear.

Social pressure. Maybe related to fear of man but not always. The people around you expect you to act a certain way. You have a track record.

Sin. Alway buts a damper on things. Makes you question your calling and ability.

Laziness. Ouch.

Shallow and improper relationships.

Misplaced priorities. Aiming for the wrong goals. Not aligning life with Jesus and His mission.

Consequences from past mistakes.

You may be surprised that I didn’t list time and money as roadblocks. If our goal is toe be like Christ, I don’t believe time and money are issues. Now, how you use your time and money, that is a different story. But generally, with a few exceptions, you have time to do what you want and money doesn’t grow your spiritual life.

Time for some reflection. What are the things in your life that have the potential to be roadblocks on your way towards spiritual growth and Christ-likeness?

After a short break I will be back to consider our resources to combat those roadblocks.

What resources do you have to overcome the roadblocks in your life?

There are some resources that we all have access to and need to rely on for wisdom and strength.

Bible

Holy Spirit

Prayer

Church family – need for closer, more intentional relationships.

I can’ t encourage you enough to be part of a community of Jesus followers who are focused on living out His commands and carrying out His mission. Most of the roadblocks we all face in life are best faced together.

A Plan – hey, that’s what we are working on!

Being intentional about how you live and what you pursue in life leads to constantly addressing problems as they appear. That means many small issues are addressed before they become large ones!

There are also resources you may have access to that are unique to you and your situation.

Particular people for example. Who is someone God has brought into your life that might be able to shed new light on your situation?

I am a big fan of brainstorming. Use it to attack the roadblocks you face in life. First, take advantage of all of the common resources mentioned earlier. Put a priority on God’s Word, Prayer and God’s Family. Whatever else you may need to see the end of the tunnel, it won’t be less than these.

With that foundation in place, trusting that the Holy Spirit is working in and through you, take one roadblock that you believe would really make a difference if it was overcome. Pray about it, ask your church family to pray about it. Consider any biblical principles that apply.

And then, put some mental muscle to work on the problem. Given who and where you are now, what can you practically do to solve or lesson the problem? Is there anything you can do today to lesson the pressure even a little? Ok, do that first!

Next, is there anything you could begin doing that would eventually give you the ability to overcome the current problem? For example: Hate your job? Can you begin training to do something else?

Ask yourself, What little steps can I make today that will add up to meaningful change in the future? Do that.

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Today we go back to thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. How can we be Intentional and consistent?

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.

Two weeks ago we looked at priorities and answering the big questions of life.

What will you prioritize and pursue in your life? Maybe the question should have been who will you prioritize in your life!

Relationship With God

Relationship With Spouse

Relationship With Children

Relationship with the Church Family

Relationship with the Unbeliever

We moved on to think about how God uniquely made you. What are your gifts and how are they used in the great work that God is doing in the world?

Another issue is developing the character of Jesus in your life.

And finally, once again, the importance of consistent time in God’s word to know Him and His mission in the world, time in prayer, contemplating God’s work in your life and through your life and then time with God’s family, using your gifts to build up and encourage others along the way.

That gets us reviewed and ready for today’s topic.

You want to develop a life plan and you start with the Truth presented in the Bible but you have to live it out in the context of your gifts and situation in life. Where do you start?

What roles has God given you? Make a list because for most of us there are a few of them! Husband, Father, Neighbor, Brother, Son, Employee, Friend

Want to really get some mileage out of this exercise? Write a Job Description for each Role God has given you.

What does this role demand from you? How do you do it in light of eternity? What are the requirements for doing this role well? How would you know if you were doing it well? What would a performance evaluation for this job include on the questionnaire?

You could stop here and really go a long way toward figuring out how to live a life of purpose and intentionality in line with God’s mission. But wait, there’s more!

Let’s dig a little deeper.

What is your Identity? Who are you?

This is a good time to review your identity in Christ but also time to consider HOW God has made you. What are your gifts and abilities? Interests and Skills?

Make a list that includes all of these, are at least many of them. Saint, Ambassador for Christ, Missionary, Artist, Podcaster, Musician, Writer

Answering these questions will help you figure out HOW YOU are to live out the roles that God has given you. God given roles are also God prepared roles. You are Hid workmanship and He has prepared the Good Works for you to do. You are created uniquely and gifted to carry out your role in the church and in life in a special way. Don’t apologize for your unique bent, embrace it and use it for god’s glory!

OK, Let’ s use all of this information that you have generated to help us figure out what to do.

Blue Sky – no bad ideas at this point, put everything down and evaluate latter. Time to put the critical thinker on a break.

Start with ideas. Brainstorming how to practically live out the life God has for you.

The goal here is to consider all the ways that God could use your talents and abilities in the roles that He has given you. Think outside the box. There is no box for this activity!

+MindMap

+Brainstorm word associations

+Pray constantly, Trust God to work out the details and Live Today, you aren’t promised tomorrow.

+Ask for advice from mature believers

+Try new things, Don’t be afraid to fail.

+Keep the focus on following Jesus. Keep asking yourself the question, what would it look like if I really intended to Do what Jesus said?

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Today I talk to Samuel Bornman, author of the book, Of Wizards and Warriors. You can find it here:

https://samuelbornman.com/

https://samuelbornman.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/

You can find all of the Run With Horses Shows online!

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

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Thanks!

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Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. What will you consistently do to move forward in your spiritual life?

Last Week we looked at our main priorities. I listed a few I think are required to be near the top for everyone. They were:

Here are a few non-negotiables as I understand them.

God must be first.

Exodus 20:2-3 –

(See Luke 10 Mary and Martha Example, Jesus over serving others.)

Character Counts.

Romans 5:3-5 –

Galatians 5:22-26 –

Our Relationships Matter, A Lot.

1 Cor. 6:1-11 –

Eph. 2:1-3 –

I often think about relationships and how important they are by considering all the different relationship that God has given us.

Relationship With God

Relationship With Spouse

Relationship With Children

Relationship with the Church Family

Relationship with the Unbeliever

I asked the question a few shows ago, What will you prioritize and pursue in your life?

You have a lot to think through here. What place does God have in your life? What place should he have?

Work in important. How important is it? What comes before work?

We will be right break after a short break but first, if you are looking for an interesting and educational podcast to listen to, try this one. Truce Podcast.

Truce Podcast – 1.40 length! = 26.20 for first half

PART 2

Family, health, community relationships and responsibilities, etc. How do you judge how much time to give each one of these?

Ok, you will do something every day. Maybe only spend too much time scrolling through your facebook or Instagram but it’s still something.

The big question in life for many of us seems to be , what will I do with my time? After work and taking care of urgent needs, how do you choose what to do with your life?

It’s not my intent to get too wrapped up in the big questions today, Why am I here? Etc. But you can’t shy away from those questions if you want to live life well.

Assuming we are on the same page and you accept that God is there, He really does care for you and He really is dong something in your life as well as the world around you..

How did God make you unique? What gifts has He given and How do they fit into what God is doing in the world and in your church?

Bible reading – learning Who God is and what He is doing

Prayer – chewing on how that Truth relates to How HE made me

Community – spending time pursuing meaningful relationships that center on Who God is and what He is doing.

As you work on your top priorities in life of Pursuing God, developing the character of Christ in your life and building healthy Jesus centered relationships – you should consider what actions you will need to consistently pursue over time to do well at each of these.

You want to develop a plan but you have to start with the ideas. Brainstorming how to practically live out the life God has for you.

Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your lifeno? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. What will you consistently do to move forward in your spiritual life?

Two weeks ago we looked at our purpose comparing Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions with what the Bible tells us about our purpose. God’s call for you to be an active disciple maker on His mission of reconciliation is clear. How do you respond to God’s call? What does that mean that you should do with your life?

Let’s start to answer that question today!

First a quick review since we have been away from the topic for a few weeks.

Resources

https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/

Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions

The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.

Here are Drucker’s five questions:

What is your mission?
Who is your customer?
What does your customer value?
What results do you seek?
What is your plan?

The Bible doesn’t tell you exactly what to do each day but God does tell you what is important to Him and what you should value in life. That is a pretty good place to start when you consider your priorities.

Matt. 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Luke 10:38-42 – Mary and Martha – busy first or Jesus first?

Matt. 22:35-40 –

Deut. 6:4-7 -

Romans 12:1-2 –

1 Timothy 2:1-2 –

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (to vs 13 with deacons)– Qualifications for Leaders in the church

Matt. 28:18-20 – Great commission – Make disciples

Two weeks ago we ended with the questions, “What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths?” Have you had a chance to think and pray about your answer?

Let’s put the question another way. What will you prioritize and pursue in your life?

Where do you get your priorities? Answer that one wrong and you will never be on the right path in your life!

What does the world say?

Media of all kinds, TV, movies, music, SM, magazines, books, billboards, etc.

What is the dominant message of the copmmercials we ingest so much of? YOU NEED MORE! STUFF WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY AND FULFILL YOU!

After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.

PART 2

Stephen R. Covey -The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People : “As a longtime student of this fascinating field [of life and time management], I am personally persuaded that the essence of the best thinking in the area of time management can be captured in a single phrase: Organize and execute around priorities.”

Here are a few non-negotiables as I understand them.

God must be first.

Exodus 20:2-3 –

(See Luke 10 Mary and Martha Example, Jesus over serving others.)

Character Counts.

Romans 5:3-5 –

Galatians 5:22-26 –

Our Relationships Matter, A Lot.

1 Cor. 6:1-11 –

Eph. 2:1-3 –

Romans 12:9-21 –

Phil. 2:1-4 –

There are so many places in the bible where God tells us to love each other and care or each other. As part of God’d fanily we are to pursue meaningful relationships with others. A meaningful relationship is one that is centered on Jesus and moving toward Him.

So my quick summary of three top priorities. God FIRST. God FIRST in us. God FIRST in our relationships.

How is this working out in your life? Next week we will look a little more at priorities and try to get practical.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. What will you consistently do to move forward in your spiritual life?

Let’s start to answer that question today!

First a quick review since we have been away from the topic for a few weeks.

Resources

https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/

Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions

The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.

Here are Drucker’s five questions:

What is your mission?
Who is your customer?
What does your customer value?
What results do you seek?
What is your plan?

Matt. 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Luke 10:38-42 – Mary and Martha – busy first or Jesus first?

Matt. 22:35-40 –

Deut. 6:4-7 -

Romans 12:1-2 –

1 Timothy 2:1-2 –

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (to vs 13 with deacons)– Qualifications for Leaders in the church

Matt. 28:18-20 – Great commission – Make disciples

Two weeks ago we ended with the questions, “What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths?” Have you had a chance to think and pray about your answer?

Let’s put the question another way. What will you prioritize and pursue in your life?

Where do you get your priorities? Answer that one wrong and you will never be on the right path in your life!

What does the world say?

Media of all kinds, TV, movies, music, SM, magazines, books, billboards, etc.

What is the dominant message of the copmmercials we ingest so much of? YOU NEED MORE! STUFF WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY AND FULFILL YOU!

After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.

PART 2

Here are a few non-negotiables as I understand them.

God must be first.

Exodus 20:2-3 –

(See Luke 10 Mary and Martha Example, Jesus over serving others.)

Character Counts.

Romans 5:3-5 –

Galatians 5:22-26 –

Our Relationships Matter, A Lot.

1 Cor. 6:1-11 –

Eph. 2:1-3 –

Romans 12:9-21 –

Phil. 2:1-4 –

So my quick summary of three top priorities. God FIRST. God FIRST in us. God FIRST in our relationships.

How is this working out in your life? Next week we will look a little more at priorities and try to get practical.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we have a little family review of 2023 and look forward toward 2024.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus.

What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we have a little family review of 2023 and look forward toward 2024.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus.

View Details

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we pause from our regular show and focus on the birth of Jesus. I hope to read through the story of His birth as told by Matthew and Luke. It is a lot and if you are listening on Revelation Radio there is a chance I won’t finish in the hour I have. If so, you are invited top complete the reading yourself at home.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. At this time of year we remember His birth and the life that He lived, leading to the cross.

Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 9:6-7

Luke 1:1-80

Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 2:1-39

Matthew 2:1-23

Taken from the World English Bible, American English Edition

And that, my Friends, is the story for he birth of Jesus according to Matthew and Luke!

I have heard many arguments over the years of why we should not celebrate Christmas. A Christian whitewash of a Pagan holiday is the common complaint.

Yes. So What.

There was a good reason for coopting the pagan celebrations and putting a reminder of God’s work in their place. When you remove a huge part of your life, you will replace it with something. When people turned to God, the vacant days set aside for celebrating idols would be filled with something. Like those stones I mentioned in the first half, just stones until they are set aside as a memorial for remembering God’s work. Christmas is like that.

But, it is in danger of being overrun by commercialism and that is a concern. The world would like to forget that Jesus IS.

What do you and your family do to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas? Any special family traditions?

As a follower of Jesus in a real sense, everyday is Christmas. Every day is Easter too. Never forget what He did for you. Live like it matters. Make choices that keep Him first

Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. At this time of year we remember His birth and the life that He lived, leading to the cross.

Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 9:6-7

Luke 1:1-80

Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 2:1-39

Matthew 2:1-23

Taken from the World English Bible, American English Edition

And that, my Friends, is the story for he birth of Jesus according to Matthew and Luke!

I have heard many arguments over the years of why we should not celebrate Christmas. A Christian whitewash of a Pagan holiday is the common complaint.

Yes. So What.

But, it is in danger of being overrun by commercialism and that is a concern. The world would like to forget that Jesus IS.

What do you and your family do to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas? Any special family traditions?

As a follower of Jesus in a real sense, everyday is Christmas. Every day is Easter too. Never forget what He did for you. Live like it matters. Make choices that keep Him first

View Details

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. Last week our focus was to clarify our purpose this week we think about our priorities.

Last week we talked about seeing the needs in the world. Particularly important is the need for more harvest workers. I asked you to focus on prayer for those workers and to pray for a greater burden for the work and mission of Jesus. I moved on to consider how God made you and has designed you for a purpose. We took John 15:9-17 and looked at some things that God wants for you.

This week we turn toward living out that purpose. Hopefully you have spent some time considering what God has to say about you and about the call that Jesus made to all His followers. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Actually the way I like to put it is to combine two verses. “Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Your purpose, regardless of age, income, job title or current address, is to be a disciple maker – an ambassador for Christ.

So how do you see your priorities every day? How do you know what to focus on? In other words, how do you live out your purpose?

The world gives you lots of ideas! Many churches take Peter Drucker’s advice.

Resources

https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/

Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions

The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.

Here are Drucker’s five questions:

What is your mission?
Who is your customer?
What does your customer value?
What results do you seek?
What is your plan?

Sometimes he would spend an entire day on the first question, challenging the leadership team he was working with to redefine what business they were really in.

I can see some value in those questions, if they are answered the right way. But too often churches answer the question, Who is your customer? With some kind of demographic survey and an ideal person in their area.

My customer is Jesus. What does He value? Answer that and you are well on your way to determining your best priorities for the week.

After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.

PART 2

Matt. 6:33

Luke 10:38-42

Matt. 22:35-40 –

Deut. 6:4-7 -

Romans 12:1-2 –

1 Timothy 2:1-2 –

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Matt. 28:18-20 –

What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week I plan to bring in some family for a Christmas show but we will return to building an intentional life of following Jesus for the New Year weekend show.,

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. Last week our focus was to clarify our purpose this week we think about our priorities.

Actually the way I like to put it is to combine two verses. “Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Your purpose, regardless of age, income, job title or current address, is to be a disciple maker – an ambassador for Christ.

So how do you see your priorities every day? How do you know what to focus on? In other words, how do you live out your purpose?

The world gives you lots of ideas! Many churches take Peter Drucker’s advice.

Resources

https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/

Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions

The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.

Here are Drucker’s five questions:

What is your mission?
Who is your customer?
What does your customer value?
What results do you seek?
What is your plan?

Sometimes he would spend an entire day on the first question, challenging the leadership team he was working with to redefine what business they were really in.

My customer is Jesus. What does He value? Answer that and you are well on your way to determining your best priorities for the week.

After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.

PART 2

Matt. 6:33

Luke 10:38-42

Matt. 22:35-40 –

Deut. 6:4-7 -

Romans 12:1-2 –

1 Timothy 2:1-2 –

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Matt. 28:18-20 –

View Details

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.

Last week we talked about the year end depressions that hits so many. Loneliness and isolation have a lot to do with it and we stayed there a lot last week. But as the New Year draws closer and more people begin to think about the future, past the Christmas parties and New Year gatherings what waits for you in the next year? If you are thinking next year will be a replay of last year I can see why you might be discouraged. But I don’t believe it has to be more of the same for you.

You may not have control over your circumstances or the people around you but you have a loto of influence over your response to those circumstances and people. More of the same from them doesn’t have to mean more of the same from you!

But change requires CHANGE.

Where do you start?

Prayer and fasting. What is God doing in you? What is God doing in the people around you? How does God want to use you this year to influence those around you toward Him?

Work Goals: What you can do.

Faith Goals: What only God can do.

First pray about the big needs you see in the world. Most people need to know Jesus in a real and personal way. The evidence of that is in the news every day. How often do you pray about it instead of complain about it? Where do you see evidence of this need in the people around you?

Who are the people working to meet those needs? Pray for workers. Get to know the workers in the harvest field around you. How can you help and encourage them? Don’t know? Pray for wisdom, then go and ask those workers how you can help them!

If not NOW, WHEN? If not YOU, WHO? - Ask God to give you the burden and vision for His work.

Want to have a better year next year? Pray about how you can serve others more and better.

After a short break I will be back with some thoughts on how to use some strategic planning principles to clarify a new direction for a new year in a way that can get you excited about what God is doing in your life!

PART 2

If you follow my advice you will spend some time at the end of this year and the start of the next in intentional prayer and fasting. Although it is easy to focus on the negative in the world, God uses difficult times to open hearts. If you look for people who need a friend, you will find them. Pray for the compassion of Jesus to guide you in the coming year.

Second, after spending time with God, reflecting on Him and the work He is doing in the world, spend some time praying and considering how God made you and what He made you for. You have a purpose.

John 15:9-17

However you may think about your purpose in this life, I encourage you to consider the FIVE truths from this passage.

God wants you to Abide in Jesus. John 15:4
God wants you to have real Joy! Galatians 5: 22-23
Jesus is a true friend, even when you have no one else. Proverbs 18:24
You are chosen! God wants you even when no one else does. Ephesians 2:10
God wants you to live a fruitful life! Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works! John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit!

What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week let’s look a little more at how you can narrow down all that you COULD do, to a few things that you can commit to in the coming year. Even one or two small changes in your weekly schedule can make a big difference in your spiritual life. This week, pursue knowing God in His Word, meditate on Who He is and what He is doing in the world around you.

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Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.

But change requires CHANGE.

Where do you start?

Prayer and fasting. What is God doing in you? What is God doing in the people around you? How does God want to use you this year to influence those around you toward Him?

Work Goals: What you can do.

Faith Goals: What only God can do.

If not NOW, WHEN? If not YOU, WHO? - Ask God to give you the burden and vision for His work.

Want to have a better year next year? Pray about how you can serve others more and better.

PART 2

Second, after spending time with God, reflecting on Him and the work He is doing in the world, spend some time praying and considering how God made you and what He made you for. You have a purpose.

John 15:9-17

However you may think about your purpose in this life, I encourage you to consider the FIVE truths from this passage.

God wants you to Abide in Jesus. John 15:4
God wants you to have real Joy! Galatians 5: 22-23
Jesus is a true friend, even when you have no one else. Proverbs 18:24
You are chosen! God wants you even when no one else does. Ephesians 2:10
God wants you to live a fruitful life! Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works! John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit!

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.

December is here! And along with thoughts of Christmas, family gatherings, Christmas programs, brief thoughts about the real meaning behind all of this and daily life that keeps intruding; there is a glimmer in the back of your ind that says another year is almost gone, another one is about to start.

Any traditions for us?

What comes to mind when you think about holidays, Christmas, ending one year and going into the next, Susan?

Did you know that many people are depressed during this time?

Resources

https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/new-years-depression-yes-its-real-heres-what-you-can-do/

It’s a well-known and researched fact that the holiday season worsens or triggers mental health symptoms in many people. If you already have depression, this time of year can make it worse.

The entire season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, causes stress, anxiety, and depression for many reasons:

Stress is a major component of holiday blues. The stress associated with buying gifts, making big dinners, and attending parties can become overwhelming.
High expectations also trigger bad feelings, especially if you can’t meet them.
Finances cause a great deal of anxiety this time of year, particularly when coupled with the expectations of gift buying.
Some people end up isolated during the holidays, which can trigger depression.
Grief is often amplified at the holidays, especially if you have lost a close loved one.
The colder weather and shorter days may trigger seasonal depression.

All of these issues, and more, apply to New Year’s depression as well, but there’s more to this phenomenon. Loneliness and isolation are major factors.

Another issue that differs from the rest of the holiday season is the focus on reflection. Many people look over the past year and see a lot of disappointments. This is especially a problem if you tend to compare your own achievements with those of others.

The holidays can be a real struggle for many, but they are also an opportunity.

We will take a quick break and be back with some thoughts about how to avoid the holiday blues and maybe help someone else along the way.

PART 2

We are talking about the very real issue of holiday depression. Particularly I want to focus on the isolation and loneliness issue but first we can touch on the stress caused by expectations and the feeling of being overwhelmed that so many face. How do you handle it, Susan?

The more people who are involved the lower you need to put your personal expectations of meeting your dreams for any activity. Be flexible.

Be realistic. Lots of people mean lots of opinions.

Ask for help if you are in charge of being dinners or events! Don’t be stubborn! There is no reward for working yourself to death during the holidays.

What about the deeper issues? Loneliness and isolation are real issues for a lot of people.

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

What are the benefits of friendships?Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:

Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). In fact, studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections

Accept invitations! Go to dinner with people you don’t know well, that changes over time. Invite people into your life. Coffee, lunch, dinner, or a walk in the park!

Look for community events and take part.

Be available. Be Kind. Be a good listener.

Romans 12: 9-13 – 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

1Peter 4:8-11 – 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

People are always busy. Maybe even more so during the holiday season. If you can slow down and be available for people around you, you may be just the spark of light that someone else needs to keep going. Join me this year and let’s try to show radical love to those around us! Who knows what conversations and friendships, might result from our efforts.

Thanks for Joining me today! What are you doing to reach out during the holiday season? Let me know! And If you have questions or comment about today’s show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

Until next time, keep running!

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.

Any traditions for us?

What comes to mind when you think about holidays, Christmas, ending one year and going into the next, Susan?

Did you know that many people are depressed during this time?

Resources

https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/new-years-depression-yes-its-real-heres-what-you-can-do/

It’s a well-known and researched fact that the holiday season worsens or triggers mental health symptoms in many people. If you already have depression, this time of year can make it worse.

The entire season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, causes stress, anxiety, and depression for many reasons:

Stress is a major component of holiday blues. The stress associated with buying gifts, making big dinners, and attending parties can become overwhelming.
High expectations also trigger bad feelings, especially if you can’t meet them.
Finances cause a great deal of anxiety this time of year, particularly when coupled with the expectations of gift buying.
Some people end up isolated during the holidays, which can trigger depression.
Grief is often amplified at the holidays, especially if you have lost a close loved one.
The colder weather and shorter days may trigger seasonal depression.

All of these issues, and more, apply to New Year’s depression as well, but there’s more to this phenomenon. Loneliness and isolation are major factors.

The holidays can be a real struggle for many, but they are also an opportunity.

We will take a quick break and be back with some thoughts about how to avoid the holiday blues and maybe help someone else along the way.

PART 2

The more people who are involved the lower you need to put your personal expectations of meeting your dreams for any activity. Be flexible.

Be realistic. Lots of people mean lots of opinions.

Ask for help if you are in charge of being dinners or events! Don’t be stubborn! There is no reward for working yourself to death during the holidays.

What about the deeper issues? Loneliness and isolation are real issues for a lot of people.

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Accept invitations! Go to dinner with people you don’t know well, that changes over time. Invite people into your life. Coffee, lunch, dinner, or a walk in the park!

Look for community events and take part.

Be available. Be Kind. Be a good listener.

Until next time, keep running!

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Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today Susan joins me for a discussion of biblical meditation and bible memorization, to important parts of our daily spiritual life.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on God's Word. How are we doing at daily engaging in it?

Confession time. I struggle with memorization. Particularly with remembering the references. It takes a lot of work to get them and then I forget them easily if I don’t constantly review them.

But we aren’t starting with memorization! Let’s begin by considering what it means to meditate on God’s Word.

First a definition. From Merriam-webster's dictionary; to meditate - to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over. This is the definition and style of meditation that we are talking about. not meditation as a mental exercise that focuses on your breathing or a mantra in hopes of achieving some kind of spiritual breakthrough.

First, Why?

Psalm 1:1-3 – 1 Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 63:3-8 – 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

4 Thus I will bless You while I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,

And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

6 When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches.

7 Because You have been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

8 My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me.

Colo. 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Second, How?

Journaling

Considering the words, their meaning and their relationship to each other. (Mrs. Gutwein)

Asking questions meant to help you draw out the intent and application of the passage.

Understanding the Bible:

What do we learn about God?
What do we learn about people?
What do we learn about relating to God?
What do we learn about relating to others?

Applying the Bible:

What does God want me to understand?
What does God want me to believe?
What does God want me to desire?
What does God want me to do?

(taken from - The Simple Questions to Ask Every Time You Open Your Bible

JUSTIN TAYLOR, JUNE 19, 2017 -https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-simple-questions-to-ask-every-time-you-open-your-bible/)

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Today Susan joins me for a discussion of biblical meditation and bible memorization, to important parts of our daily spiritual life.

First Why?

Psalm 119:9-16 – 9 How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

10 With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

12 Blessed are You, O Lord!

Teach me Your statutes.

13 With my lips I have declared

All the judgments of Your mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on Your precepts,

And contemplate Your ways.

16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.

Second, How?

1.To keep track of the verses you are learning:

Verselocker app - https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/app/index.php

Index cards

2.How to learn them.

Verselocker has different ways, quiz yourself through, removing words, showing only the first letter in each word, etc.

Write them out. Good for those verses you find difficult.

Repeat, say them out loud.

Have a card available while doing a mindless task. Running, walking, etc.

Thanks for Joining me today! How are you doing at meditating on Scripture and memorizing those key verses that are so helpful to have stored away? Let me know! And If you have questions or comment about today’ss show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

Until next time, keep running!

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23_11_18_sat -Ep.277 and 278 -Run With Horses Podcast

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Today I talk to Nick Spencer of Grace Fellowship Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

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23_11_18_sat -Ep.277 and 278 -Run With Horses Podcast

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today I talk to Nick Spencer of Grace Fellowship Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today I go through Seven area of life that are worth evaluating on a regular basis if you are serious about consistent spiritual growth.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. We all need to spend some time prayerfully considering how we are doing at following Jesus. We all struggle and we all fail. But we can also all keep getting up and keep relying on God to lead us and finish His work of sanctification. God does His part, are you willing to do your part?

I don’t know about you but I am often a little overwhelmed by the great need for change that I see in my own life. It seems that I take a few baby steps only to find myself right back where I started!

The great news is that God’s work in our lives doesn’t depend on us and our ability to be obedient or successful in any way. He is more than capable of working in and through our mistakes to make us what He intends.

Having said that, we should want to grow and be pursuing Jesus with all of our energy. This is the challenge of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15 - Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

So what are some area to be evaluating?

Prayer Life

Learning to rely on God in everything! We are so quick to try our own way.

Bible Time

God’s Word is the foundation. How do you know Him? How do you learn how to live? How is your world-view shaped?

Outreach

We are invited to be on mission with Jesus. The ministry of reconciliation is worth the effort. 15:1 to over 100:1 – let’s change the conversation!

Take a minute to think through your life. Grab a piece of paper and make some notes on where you are and how you could do better. Invite a friend to meet and discuss the details of what it means to be pursuing God in these areas. We have a short break and then I will be back with the second part of our personal spiritual life evaluation!

Did you have any brainstorms as you think through your spiritual life? Is it more involved than you thought or maybe a little more approachable when you break it into the different components?

Discipleship of Believers

Living out the “one another’s” of the NT.

Using your gifts. You do know what your gifts are don’t you? Spending real quality time with your church family.

The goal is to help, encourage and walk beside others as they pursue Jesus.

Time Management

Daily, Weekly, Yearly, Your whole life!

Do you need a schedule? A priority list? How are you doing in putting the most important things into your life?

Exercise

Your body is the temple of the living God! Do you treat it like that? This is basically a stewardship issue. You were given a certain level of health and physical potential to use in God’s service. How have you taken care of it and used it?

Personal Spiritual Growth

What else do you do that contributes to your spiritual life? Church family involvement, humble service to others, practicing the spiritual disciplines?

What do you do and what could you do better?

Remember the desire is to pursue godliness, righteousness and holiness. What would make that easier in your life? How can you include others in the journey?

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Today I go through Seven area of life that are worth evaluating on a regular basis if you are serious about consistent spiritual growth.

So what are some area to be evaluating?

Prayer Life

Learning to rely on God in everything! We are so quick to try our own way.

Bible Time

God’s Word is the foundation. How do you know Him? How do you learn how to live? How is your world-view shaped?

Outreach

We are invited to be on mission with Jesus. The ministry of reconciliation is worth the effort. 15:1 to over 100:1 – let’s change the conversation!

Did you have any brainstorms as you think through your spiritual life? Is it more involved than you thought or maybe a little more approachable when you break it into the different components?

Discipleship of Believers

Living out the “one another’s” of the NT.

Using your gifts. You do know what your gifts are don’t you? Spending real quality time with your church family.

The goal is to help, encourage and walk beside others as they pursue Jesus.

Time Management

Daily, Weekly, Yearly, Your whole life!

Do you need a schedule? A priority list? How are you doing in putting the most important things into your life?

Exercise

Personal Spiritual Growth

What else do you do that contributes to your spiritual life? Church family involvement, humble service to others, practicing the spiritual disciplines?

What do you do and what could you do better?

Remember the desire is to pursue godliness, righteousness and holiness. What would make that easier in your life? How can you include others in the journey?

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

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Podcast: rwh.podbean.com

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

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Today I interview Dr. Mark Lounsbrough, Missions Professor at Faith Baptist Bible College.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. God has a big plan for you. You were created to glorify Him and to build up His church. For some of us that means a trip through bible college or seminary. I hope you enjoy my talk with Dr. Lounsbrough today.

Dr. Mark Lounsbrough

Education

B.A., Faith Baptist Bible College

M.A., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary

M.Div., Northwest Baptist Seminary

D.Min., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary

Experience

-Baptist Mid-Missions Missionary to Brazil from 1989-2008

-Bible professor at the Cariri Baptist Seminary in Crato, Ceará, Brazil from 1991-2008

-Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Crato, Ceará, Brazil from 1994-2004

-Director of 100-voice choir from the Cariri Valley churches from 2001- 2006

-President of the Baptist Mid-Missions Northeast Region for several terms

Present Ministry-Chair, World Missions Department

-Associate Professor, Faith Baptist Bible College

-Arriba and Faith Abroad Coordinator for FBBC

-Global Reach Connect, Conference and Encounter Coordinator for FBBC

For more info check out https://faith.edu/

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

I don’t say it often but if you are benefitting from what I am doing leave a review and share the show with a friend. My goal is to help others grow by sharing the lessons I have learned and the resources that have helped me, including relationships and conversations like the one today with Dr. Lounsbrough.

What are some lessons you have learned that you can share with those around you? Remember that we are in this together and Keep Running!

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Today I interview Dr. Mark Lounsbrough, Missions Professor at Faith Baptist Bible College.

Dr. Mark Lounsbrough

Education

B.A., Faith Baptist Bible College

M.A., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary

M.Div., Northwest Baptist Seminary

D.Min., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary

Experience

-Baptist Mid-Missions Missionary to Brazil from 1989-2008

-Bible professor at the Cariri Baptist Seminary in Crato, Ceará, Brazil from 1991-2008

-Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Crato, Ceará, Brazil from 1994-2004

-Director of 100-voice choir from the Cariri Valley churches from 2001- 2006

-President of the Baptist Mid-Missions Northeast Region for several terms

Present Ministry-Chair, World Missions Department

-Associate Professor, Faith Baptist Bible College

-Arriba and Faith Abroad Coordinator for FBBC

-Global Reach Connect, Conference and Encounter Coordinator for FBBC

For more info check out https://faith.edu/

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

What are some lessons you have learned that you can share with those around you? Remember that we are in this together and Keep Running!

View Details

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Website: www.runwithhorses.net

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast

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Today we consider how important it is to have a biblical vision of what God is doing in your life. Don’t aim for a smaller goal than the one God has for you!

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. God has a big plan for you. You were created to glorify Him and to build up His church. Don’t settle for less than making real efforts to use your gifts for His glory.

But first, tomorrow is the big day! If you are listening to Run With Horses on Revelation Radio, you need to know that Beginning tomorrow, November 4th we have a new time and day along with some format changes. We go to the new ONE hour format on Saturday, Nov. 4 at our new time, 6:30-7:30 PM. So starting in Nov. look for us at revelationradio.net every Saturday night at 6:30 pm for an hour-long show!

For those who listen to Run With Horses on your favorite podcast player, new episodes will coincide with the radio broadcast and will be available every Saturday night beginning Nov. 4th.

Back to our regularly scheduled programing!

Today there are two parts to the show. Stay tuned to the end of the show I have an interview with Subash Muthyala of Bibles International for you.

However I am starting with a look at God’s goal for our lives.

What are you aiming for in life? Do you have a goal of what kind of person you can be and how to become that person? What do you hope to accomplish? What will you be remembered for after you die?

These are all important questions and the key to being able to look back and be content with your life is to be intentional about living out the vision that God has for you now. Make God’s vision for your life, your vision for your life.

You are Called for Fellowship With God

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 –

First church responded to the call by diving in to God’s Word and loving each other.

Acts 2:42 -

Do you have a vision for fellowship with God?

Called for Obedience

Psalm 1:1-2 –

James 1:22-25 –

John 14: 15 -

Do you have a vision for a life lived in obedience to the commands of Jesus?

Called to Serve Others

1 Peter 4:10 -

Acts 20:35 - .

Do you have a vision for a life of service to others?

Called to Be Different

Romans 12:1-2 –

Do you have a vision of a life lived differently than the world?

Ultimately Called to be Like Jesus

1 Peter 2:21 –

1 John 2:3-6 –

Eph 5:1-2 –

Romans 8:28-31 –

Do you have a vision of a life lived like Jesus?

Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, God doesn’t intend for you to run the race alone. Invest in those around you and look for fellow travelers on the road toward Jesus. It may be a long road, but keep running!

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Part 2

Today I complete my interview with special guest Brad Hoff of of Continental Baptist Missions

Brad and his wife Joanne have served with CBM since 1985, first as church planters in Iron River, Michigan and Sioux City, Iowa, then as Field Director (now Director of Church Planting) since 2010. In recent years, Brad has had increasing administrative responsibilities within the CBM home office. As Administrative Director, Brad provides general leadership and manages administrative affairs, being responsible for the executive direction of day-to-day activities in the home office.

Find out more at https://www.gocbm.org/

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Today I interview special guest Brad Hoff of of Continental Baptist Missions

Find out more at https://www.gocbm.org/

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Making those needed changes to your life is hard. It’s even harder when you don’t have a clear picture of what changes you should be making! Thankfully God gives us a blueprint for what He is doing in our lives.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. You may see a need to make some changes and not be sure what steps to take. God hasn’t hidden the work He is doing in your life though, He is working to make you more like Jesus and the bible gives us a pretty good picture of what a life following Jesus should look like. Today we are looking at a quick overview of the blueprint He gives us,. . . in the life of Christ.

We will come back to that in a minute. First some housekeeping. If you are listening to Run With Horses on Revelation Radio, you need to know that Beginning November 4th we have a new time and day along with some format changes. We go to the new ONE hour format on Saturday, Nov. 4 at our new time, 6:30-7:30 PM. So starting in Nov. look for us at revelationradio.net every Saturday night at 6:30 pm for an hour-long show!

For those who listen to Run With Horses on your favorite podcast player, new episodes will coincide with the radio broadcast and will be available every Saturday night beginning Nov. 4th.

Back to our regularly scheduled programing!

I mentioned in the last show that. like it or hate it, change is necessary. Without changing I will never be like Jesus! But random change, unrelated to what God is doing isn’t helpful. We are invited to join in the work that God is doing and be intentional about pursuing godliness and righteousness.

In the last show I mentioned Lack of motivation, lack of a plan, and poor priorities as reasons we struggle to change. Today we address the idea of having a clear goal of what we are changing into...the image of Jesus.

The Mind of Jesus.

Phil.2:1-9

The Purpose of Jesus.

Lived out in His relationships

The Relationships of Jesus.

With God - John 6:38 -

To carry out God’s Plan of Redemption.

With His followers – John 15:12-17 –

With the World – Matt. 9:36-38 –

Luke 19:1-10 –

So we look for these things in our lives.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-25 –

Love for God and Man

Matthew 22:37-39 –

Obedience and Good Works

Titus 2:11-14 –

Engagement in Disciple Making

Matthew 28:18-20 –

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you. Keep looking for the change that God is working in your life. God is working to prepare you for eternity and close fellowship with Himself.

Find a friend today and encourage them to keep on the journey with you.

Keep running!

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Do you ever get the feeling that things need to change if you are to make any progress in your life? Remodeling is tough whether it is a house or a life.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. You may see a need to make some changes and not be sure what steps to take. You can rest assured that God not only does know, He is working to make you more like Jesus and He always finishes what He starts. . . unlike the rest of us . . .

Got any unfinished projects sitting around?

We will come back to that in a minute. But first. If you are listening to Run With Horses on Revelation Radio, I have news for you! Beginning November 4th we have a new time and day along with some format changes. We go to the new ONE hour format on Saturday, Nov. 4 at our new time, 6:30-7:30 PM. So starting in Nov. look for us at revelationradio.net every Saturday night at 6:30 pm for an hour-long show!

The longer format will make it easier to fit in guest interviews and a few other things we have been wanting to do but find difficult in the shorter format. The longer format will also make it easier for us to find syndication options so contact norman@runwithhorses.net if you are interested in having Run With Horses on your station.

So where were we? Ah, yes, unfinished projects. . .

How appropriate that I am sitting in a half-finished room as I record this!

Some people like change and thrive in chaos. Other hate change and fight it with every breathe. But like it or hate it, change is necessary. Without changing I will never be like Jesus!

So why is it so hard for us to accept the need for change?

We get comfortable. Distracted.
We are basically lazy.
Unknown is scary.
Unsure about where to begin.
Not sure where we will end up
It seems too hard.
We can’t be perfect so why bother.
Busy with other things. Maybe less important but in our face.

So to summarize. Why don’t we change? Lack of motivation, lack of a plan, poor priorities. I think that about covers it! Did I miss anything important?

Why is it important to resist the urge to “go with the flow” and never apply efforts to intentional change?

The call of Jesus demands an intentional response.

Matt.4:18-22

No one knows how long they have before their life is over.

Matt. 24:35-36

We will all answer for how we lived our lives.

2 Corinthians 5:9

Change is hard. Got it. But Change is necessary.

Do you find yourself fighting change or embracing it? Sometimes a bit of both?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you. Keep looking for the change that God is working in your life. Don’t run from it but embrace it and make firm choices to welcome the change that He is doing.

Find a friend today and encourage them to keep on the journey with you.

Keep running!

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Many of us are struggling to have enough healthy relationships in our life. Today we are looking at what it takes to make new friends. The “How to’ of Friendship.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. You are not in this alone. God intends for you to make the journey with others. How are you doing at building and developing lasting friendships? If you need to work at it, then today’s show is for you.

1.Take Initiative.

Make the first step.

Be Friendly!

Smile!

Be Patient.

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are strong friendships.

Invite people into your life.

Look for opportunities to include people. What you are already doing, do with others.

Supper, lunch, coffee – make intentional plans with others.

Join people where they are.

Find clubs.

Start a new hobby that is supported by a local club. Photography, etc

Learn a skill that requires others.

Music, band, sports

Listen, Learn, Show interest in others.

The other person is new to you, get to know them!

Don’t expect perfection from others or yourself! Leave room for growth and change. Part of friendship is helping the other person be better.
Allow space to disagree. We learn about our self as we have difficult conversations.
Be flexible. Everyone around you has a life and their own interests and goals. Be open to including others interests in your life.
Be a good friend. Be Dependable, Honest, Loyal, Considerate, and Supportive.

That means remembering to call, show up on time, listen more than talk, help when needed. Be the hands and feet of Jesus in your friends life.

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

Find a friend today and encourage them to keep on the journey with you.

Keep running!

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Today we are looking at friends. Do you have enough good ones?

Hopefully better than the average!

Reference - https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/

Number of close friendships has declined over the past few decades. - SM influence? Contact does not equal close relationship!

More friends equals more satisfied with the number of friends you have. No surprise there!

Why is it so important to have and maintain friendships?

Prov. 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Prov. 27:17 – 17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – 9 Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

1 Cor. 15:33-34 – 33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God.

John 15:12-15 - 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Friendships give you hope. A good friend will talk you down when you are crazy.
Friendships encourage you to take time away from stress to recharge and refocus on what is really important.
Friendships encourage you to try new things and meet new people. Exercise is better with a friend, so is Thai curry.
Friendships encourage thankfulness.

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

Find a friend today and encourage them to keep on the journey with you.

Keep running!

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An interview with Pastor Chris O'Reilly from Immanuel Baptist Church in Wausaukee, WI

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Today we are looking at some reasons why people don’t go to church. And can I start by saying that this is part of the problem. We “go” to church, something that was impossible in the NT.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. God is working to grow you into the image of Christ and HE will complete that work. What a joy to know that it all doesn’t depend on us!

Let’s go to church! Ok, we already have a problem. . .

Church is not a place. The church is a group of people called out by God, gloriously saved by His Son and united through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You cannot GO to church.

If you are genuinely saved by Faith through Grace you can choose not to use your Spirit given gifts to strengthen and build up the Family of God, the Bride of Jesus, His glorious Church. Avoiding time with God’s family will keep you from serving His Church. Let’s call that what it is, disobedience. But you cannot GO to church.

The church is not a building that can be taken away or a service that can be scheduled. The church can meet in a building or under a tree. The church can meet in a large group with thousands or in a coffee shop with three. But you cannot GO to church. And if that is what you have been doing, you are part of the problem. Because if you can go to church, you can NOT GO to church.

If your life, your family, your community and yes, even your church, are to change, we have to stop going to church and start BEING the church. Every day in every house, on every street, in every town, in every nation. We ARE the Church of the True and Living God.

So why don’t people go to church?

Reference - https://churchhelper.net/why-people-dont-go-to-church/

They deem the church irrelevant.

The church is a group of people who are bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus. As such, He has placed us into His family. The church is instantly relevant if you understand the mission of Jesus in the world.

Sermons that are theology without application. Although some can take a sermon and run with it, most people need or at least will benefit from discussions about the passage/ topic that allows them to see how it works out in their life.

They cite the hypocrisy and moral failures of church leaders.This is straight up bad news. It points to the need to emphasize character as we train and prepare leaders in the church.

Dealing with sin in the lives of leaders. Confession, repentance, humility.

Side rant. We cannot allow the training and preparation of pastors and church leaders to be left to bible colleges and seminaries. They are great supplements to churches discipling and preparing leaders but they cannot replace the churches role.

They feel God is missing in the church.Spectator churches can easily be focused on the audience and felt needs, not God. God IS and that matters. He is Holy and that matters. The church has to be focused on God. When we are, it changes us.

Biblical doctrine matters. We need to see God in His Word. Hearts prepared to follow Him are hearts prepared to worship Him. If God is missing in your life the rest of the week, God will likely be missing in your time with His Family or at least, you won’t see Him.

They feel that legitimate doubt is prohibited.God is big enough to handle our questions. The pastors pride might not be.

Spurgeon - “Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best 'apology' for the gospel is to let the gospel out.”

As the church we need to be inviting people to ask questions. God can handle it. You don’t need to answer everyone’s questions, point them to the Word and encourage them to ask God for answers to their doubts. He is amazingly good at it.

They don’t learn about God or Jesus.I don’t know what church this is true in but it is shameful if it is true!
They don’t gain any significant or new insights about faith.There is a need to be growing and making efforts yourself. Pursue Christ.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 - 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Practical obedience is part of our growth. Without it we will stop learning. Our spiritual life is more than head knowledge, we have to live it or we will struggle in our faith.7. They have trouble finding a community.If you don’t find community, you build it.

There are others who want that unity that the NT talks about and are willing to fihgt for it. Look for them and build a small community.

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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Today we are talking about the size of the local church and the impact of the local church. Two things that are not always related.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. The road often seems long but we are in this together.

The Church. God’s amazing, wonderful, frustrating, beautiful, distracted Family. Hard to live with at times, impossible to live without at others.

Reference - https://outreachmagazine.com/resources/small-church-america/74242-god-can-use-a-church-of-any-size.html

Reference - https://research.lifeway.com/2021/10/20/small-churches-continue-growing-but-in-number-not-size

If the goal is getting every member involved int eh mission of Jesus it would seem that smaller churches have an advantage.

But small churches have a challenge as well.

Large churches have a place.

My thought is that disciple making is difficult in any size church. It takes intentional effort not to be distracted by the challenges of being small, or big. Disciple making is intentionally investing in the life of another person. The size of your church doesn’t matter. Your focus and your clarity of purpose do.

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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Today we finish our overview of the spiritual life and the five areas we need to focus on if we want to see consistent progress in Christlikeness.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as as follower of Jesus. The spiritual battles we face are real. The battles of the future will require you to be growing and trusting God even more than you do today. Your spiritual life, Is your life. We may try to break it into different parts to better understand it and to apply intentional efforts to grow and change, but our life is unified in Christ. Everything matters.

Mental Life - Mental life includes emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It is how we think, feel, and act, and determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Includes education.

Physical Life – From conception to our last breathe we are physical beings. We don’t have control over much of our physical life but our choices do influence our health and ability. Exercise and diet are key.

Relational Life - Humans are interconnected. The family and community play an important role in our lives. Humans are meant to connect with others on a personal and emotional level and strong, fulfilling relationships help people build and maintain emotional health. We need people. Mentors, coworkers, friends.

Emotional Life - There are many types of emotional skills (aka emotional intelligence). These skills: like emotion regulation, gratitude, empathy, and kindness — help you relate better to others and yourself. Feelings don’t lead us but they do impact us greatly.

Physical Health - Humans are interconnected. The family and community play an important role in our lives. Humans are meant to connect with others on a personal and emotional level and strong, fulfilling relationships help people build and maintain emotional health. We need people. Mentors, coworkers, friends.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

1 Peter 2:2-5 –

Our desire is to know Him and His Word. - Mental Health

We know Who we are. We believe what He says about us. Our Identity is settled. --Mental and Emotional Health

We are growing, maturing and our life glorifies God. - All areas affected as we grow and mature, becoming more like Jesus.

We are part of His family, a priesthood that serves Him. - Relational Health

Our actions are in line with our faith. - Whole life

Col. 2:6-10 -

Our actions matter every day.

Our faith is settled and we build on it.

Faith is vibrant, alive and leads us to Thanksgiving!

We lack nothing we need for Spiritual Health in Jesus.

Ephe. 4:11-16 –

All areas of life, working well, result in the body of Christ growing, serving, and building up itself as we all become more like Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20 –

A Healthy Spiritual life is one that is engaged in the mission of Jesus to take the message of reconciliation to the world, inviting others to join us as Ambassadors for Christ.

The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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Today we are looking at our relationships and considering how they impact our spiritual life.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as as follower of Jesus. The spiritual battles we face are real. The battles of the future will require you to be growing and trusting God even more than you do today. How can you be the person that you need to be to face the challenges of the future? Your relationships play a big part in your spiritual life and growth. Who you hang out with affects your thought life and your choices. True Spiritual Health requires us to pay attention to our relationships.

We are getting closer to completing our look at the five areas of life that influence our overall Spiritual Health and potential for growth.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

Today we are looking at our Relationships- Humans are interconnected. The family and community play an important role in our lives. Humans are meant to connect with others on a personal and emotional level and strong, fulfilling relationships help people build and maintain emotional health. We need people.

“We are relational beings, but the sin that destroyed our relationship with God also ruined our relationship with others. This is why life’s greatest hurts, as well as life’s greatest joys, come through relationships with people.”

So how do you deal with the fact that people are a pain and yet we need people on so many levels? I mean, sinners abound! But comfort comes through people. Encouragement comes through people. Jesus gave the call to love and serve . . .people. And then again, our greatest hurts come from people. So what do you do?

There are options. You can be a hermit. You can avoid as many people as possible. You can live near people without any real connection to them. It is not uncommon for people to attend a church for years and not really get to know anyone. It is possible to live near others and never meet.

But Jesus calls us to relationships with others. Why?

We are God’s ‘A plan’ to reach the world with the good news of His Son. There is no plan B.

We are Ambassadors for Christ and have the message of Reconciliation that the world needs to hear.

Mark 12:29-31

Not easy. But not complicated. Love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel.

Our loving service and use of our gifts builds up the church towards maturity. Maturity builds unity. Unity glorifies God.

1 Cor. 12:12- 26 -

The fact that Jesus is returning should motivate us to love each other, comfort each other and use our gifts to build each other up.

1 Thess. 5: 1-11

But Relationships are Hard! You might say. And you would be right. No getting around it. Sin is a real thing, even in the life of a believer and we are easily swayed by our hearts to choose our own way rather than Jesus. That usually doesn’t work out well for our relationships!

A good question to ask yourslef, if you are a follower of Jesus and consider yourself His disciple, is : Do my relationships look like the relationships that Jesus had with people?

Phil 2:1-11 -

Jesus humbled Himself for the glory of God. He wasn’t a doormat. He ran people out of the temple with a whip, also for the glory of God. Jesus lived a life that lifted up God. That desired showed itself in every action and in every relationship.

As a follower of Jesus we have the same calling. To live a live that is pleasing to God. One that glorifies Him in every relationship as we put Him first and help others see how great that He is. It really isn’t an option to avoid people. Our choice is how will we relate to them? Will our interactions with others make the message of the cross clear and allow the Hope of the Gospel to shine bright? I certainly pray that they do. Life is all about our relationships.

How are you doing in yours this week?

References - https://www.globaldisciples.ca/blog/christian-relationships-relating-with-others/

The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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We have been looking at five areas that all impact our ability to grow and have a healthy spiritual life.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

Today we are looking at our Emotional Life -

As beings created in the image of God, we have many emotions that we use to express ourselves and that reveal our inner character. The challenge is to allow the Holy Spirit to rule not only our actions and thoughts, but our emotions as well. As the challenges of the summer intensify, each of us will reveal our “true self,” as fatigue and the mental exhaustion of living and working in another culture take their toll. Self control is the result of a Spirit-controlled life! Following the Way means balance in Life.

From Two Steps to Improve your Emotional life –

“You want to be able to choose what you become emotional about and when you become emotional.” Proverbs 29:11 - A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Prov. 16:32 - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

“Be able to choose how you act when you are emotional. “

1 Tim. 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Gal. 5:22-25 – 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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Self control is the result of a Spirit-controlled life!

Reference - https://bigthink.com/articles/two-steps-to-improve-your-emotional-life/

There are many types of emotional skills (aka emotional intelligence). These skills: like emotion regulation, gratitude, empathy, and kindness — help you relate better to others and yourself. Feelings don’t lead us but they do impact us greatly.

Reference: https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/emotional-skills.html

As beings created in the image of God, we have many emotions that we use to express ourselves and that reveal our inner character. The challenge is to allow the Holy Spirit to rule not only our actions and thoughts, but our emotions as well. As the challenges of the Christian life intensify, each of us will reveal our “true self,” as fatigue and the mental exhaustion of living and working in another culture take their toll. Following Jesus means seeking His control of our life.

How are you doing at keeping your emotions in their proper place? They definitely have value. We were created as emotional beings. But our emotions shouldn’t be running the show.

The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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We are looking at all of our spiritual life and have divided it into 5 key area to help us consider how we are made and where to apply effort and energy for change. Let’s review.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

Mental Growth - Proverbs 23:7, 1 Corinthians 13:11 The Christian life is an incredible challenge and adventure that requires us to commit everything we are and have to the task. As Christians, we are leaders wherever God takes us, leading the way among lost sheep looking for direction. Through the study of God's Word, we will examine the life of a spiritual leader; through the activities of the summer we will have opportunities to practice what we learn. Everyone will receive training to prepare devotionals as well as practical ministry training, like how to lead a meeting or plan a strategy for ministry. Teamwork initiatives, Japanese language study, reading assignments, and times of discussion will all help us to challenge our thinking and stimulate mental growth. Weekly challenges in the form of rock climbing, rappelling, airsoft scenarios, and team competitions are designed to take each of us to our personal limits, facing our fears and overcoming them as a team. Following the Way requires new thinking.

Tips for mental well-being. Notice how much overlap there is with the other 5 area we are considering. We are not divided beings but unified. All areas of life impact all other areas.

Learn to understand and manage your emotions.

Name the emotion you feel and identify the root cause if you can. Journaling can help. Don’t let your emotions control your thoughts.

Stay connected to others and regularly talk through things with a friend.

Strengthens relationship and steadies emotions. Allow you to learn from your mistakes as well as others.

Get enough sleep.
Exercise!

Reduces stress, improves sleep, gets your blood moving and can make you sharper mentally. Great for problem solving.

Eat healthy.

Impacts your mood, ability to think clearly, tiredness, irritability, etc.

Plan things to do that are positive and move you forward.

Projects, personal and with family/ friends. Things to try help you grow spiritually, spiritual disciplines,etc.

Pray.

1 Thess 5:18 – 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Keep your eyes on Jesus in the midst of every trial. Be thankful and learn to express gratitude daily as a natural response to God daily mercies.

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Choose Joy!

Be a Life-Long Learner.

Learn to ask questions. When you meet new people – be curious. Explore the Bible as a traveler to another country, look for the differences and ask WHY? Research – deeper bible study, practical applications – the “How To”

Make a list of potential skills that would be useful to you or that you would like to know. Pick one and begin!

Choose to give your thoughts direction.

Phil. 4:8-9 - 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Don’t let your thought lead you down paths you don’t want to follow. Make choices about what you allow into your mind and be proactive about giving yourself positive things to think about. Choices – books, music, movies, even friendships, will fill your mind with potential avenues your mind will explore. Choose wisely. Exert self-control and discipline.

Reference; https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/our-best-mental-health-tips

The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

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Today we are continuing to look at our spiritual life and the five areas we need to focus on if we want to see consistent progress in our spiritual life. Today’s area? Our Physical Health.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as as follower of Jesus. The spiritual battles we face are real. The battles of the future will require you to be growing and trusting God even more than you do today. An important piece in your overall spiritual health is your physical well-being. From handling stress to having the energy to push through a difficult situation, your physical health greatly impacts your spiritual ability to respond well tot the trials that will come.

Quick review to get us started today. Five area of life that are critical for our overall spiritual growth and maturity.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

Physical Health - 1 Corinthians 3:16 – 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us that our bodies are the temple of the true and living God. We are stewards of His dwelling place here on earth. What an awesome responsibility! To maintain a fitting vessel prepared for His service, we will exercise daily and be ready for every opportunity that He gives us to serve.

1 Cor. 6:19-20 – 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

“Physical training is good…” (1 Timothy 4:8 - 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.)

So why focus on our physical health?

We are to Glorify God in our Body. 1 Cor. 6:20
Being healthy means being physically able to serve others.

Increase energy levels. Can reduce pain. Improve sleep quality.

Regular exercise can be a spiritual discipline.

Builds humility, self-control, endurance.

Stress relief https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. It’s meditation in motion. It improves your mood.

Taking care of your body is stewardship of God’s gift to you.

Stewardship : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care (Merriam-Webster)

“Stewardship defines our practical obedience in the administration of everything under our control, everything entrusted to us. It is the consecration of one’s self and possessions to God’s service. Stewardship acknowledges in practice that we do not have the right of control over ourselves or our property—God has that control. It means as stewards of God we are managers of that which belongs to God, and we are under His constant authority as we administer His affairs. Faithful stewardship means that we fully acknowledge we are not our own but belong to Christ, the Lord, who gave Himself for us.” - https://www.gotquestions.org/biblical-stewardship.html

A focus on physical fitness will allow us to see the results of consistent training and challenge us to apply the same concept to our spiritual lives. Progress is the result of developing new habits. New habits are the result of hard work. Ministry is often tiring and stressful but by maintaining a high level of fitness, we recover faster from hard days and are better able to handle the stress of ministry, preventing burnout and extending our years of productive ministry. Following the Jesus is not easy.

The question we all must ask ourselves is not “Where will I be when I face the most difficult challenge in my life?”, but “Who will I be?

Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you. Our lives are complicated with all five of these areas interacting in many ways. The good thing to remember is that God is using all of them in the process of sanctification, preparing us for the day we meet Him face to face.

Until that great day, keep running!

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Today we are looking at our spiritual life and introducing five areas where we should be focusing if we want to see consistent progress in our spiritual life.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as as follower of Jesus. The spiritual battles we face are real. The battles of the future will require you to be growing and trusting God even more than you do today. How can you be the person that you need to be to face the challenges of the future? One way is to apply consistent attention to your Spiritual Health. But your overall spiritual health is affected by more than just your prayer and bible reading. Let’s look at a few areas that need attention for us to be all that God intends for us to be.

God brings life to those who were once dead. That life has many aspects. Spiritual Life, Mental Life, Physical Life, Relational Life, and Emotional Life are five important parts of the person God has made you.

All of those parts can use attention from us as we follow Jesus. We will be looking at each one separately in the next few shows but today I want us to get an overview and consider the whole person.

Let’s look at a few definitions to get started.

Spiritual Life – The life lived in Jesus, in communion with God.

Basics – prayer, spiritual community, bible knowledge. Or three areas of spirituality – doctrine, affection (love) and experience.

Until that great day, keep running!

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Why do we struggle so much to consistently live the Christian life? It seems to be either a constant struggle or a sporadic sprint with long periods of stagnancy in between. Is this all there is? That is the question we address today.

Welcome to Run with Horses. My name in Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. None of us live life perfectly, but if Jesus is at the center of our relationships, we definitely live life better. I don't think life has to be a drudgery or a mad dash. God is the God of patience and joy. If we delight in Him the slow times are sweeter and the periods of busyness are under His control. The question is, How do we live out a life that is devoted to Him and still move forward with day to day responsibilities to our family and community.

Three challenges we face.
1. Slow progress - we get discouraged when we don't see progress as quickly as we had hoped. Lasting change often takes time.
Impatience can cause us to try to ourun God'd work in our lives.

2.Life changes constantly - our situation is always shifting, forcing us to figure out new ways to fit in the needs of the day. Spiritual concerns are often moved aside for what feels more urgent right now.
Example: move to USA to care for Grandma

We often do have other pressing priorities - most of us do have things that are important that require our time and energy. It can be difficult to navigate a life that can feel overwhelming.

Finances, health concerns, relationships all give us headaches.

Some face opposition from their family and friends - if those around you don't share your priorities, you may be criticized for your choices.

So what do we do? How do you handle the challenges of life?

Keep the focus on growing. Your spiritual journey will take a lifetime. Commit to the long haul and do what it takes to bear fruit. Spiritual fruit will take you through any trouble.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Don’t worry about going slow. Keep putting consistent effort into your spiritual life and you will see progress over time.
Learn to embrace the challenge that changes bring. You have more opportunities to grow though challenge than you do through the smooth times. Look for the lesson.

Galatians 6:7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Don’t forget your WHY. You will always have tests that force you to consider what is really important. Remember that the struggle is worth it. Jesus is working to make you like Him. The struggle is the way that He grows you. In the midst of the the trial, you have the opportunity to join His church in carrying out an eternal work. Keep an eternal perspective.
Remember that you are never alone. Even when the people around you don’t understand why you choose Jesus. He is always with you and will walk with you through your darkest night.

Thanks for joining me today. Let me know how you are doing at staying focused and motivated to keep on keeping on when it is difficult. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net with your story. It may not be easy but following Jesus has eternal value. Keep running!

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What is my part in building community? -Ep.252 – Run With Horses Podcast

Take responsibility for your community.

Know your Purpose.

Build your community by keeping your purpose in mind and reminding yourself of how your contribution matters.

As a leader, provide people with vision and line of sight so they are crystal clear about the broader purpose of the organization and how their work fits into the whole.

Help others know that they Belong.

Plato said, “The part cannot be well unless the whole is well.” Communities take care of their members and vice versa. Stay in touch with people. Invest time and energy in maintaining your relationships.

As a leader, Have frequent meetings with your team so you can coordinate tasks and ensure people are making meaningful connections. Encourage relational ties.

Face Challenges well.

Strong communities adapt and become stronger as they cope together. Embrace conflict and diversity—working through differences of opinion and making space for civil discourse and the learning that occurs from appreciating multiple points of view.

As a leader, support people if they try something new and fail. Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress. If you’re not seeing some mistakes or missteps, your team may not be reaching high enough.

*Reference

Tracy Brower, PhD
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2020/10/25/how-to-build-community-and-why-it-matters-so-much/?sh=57cd6675751b

How to build community in your church.

Cultivate and support small groups.

The key is to build a time of prayer, a devotion and fellowship into each meeting.

Train small group leaders to do the work of pastoral ministry.

No pastor, no matter how caring, can provide personal attention to more than a dozen or so people at a time.

Be willing to give up expediency. Take time.

If we want to build authentic community, sometimes the labor-intensive choice is the best choice.

Preach and teach regularly on the importance of caring.

Caring means reaching out to new people in meaningful ways, like sharing a meal with them or inviting them on an activity.

Set a good example.

Be the first to show up at events and the last to leave. It takes time to build community.

It takes hard work, vigilance and a commitment to training laypeople to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16)

*Reference

Lisa Price

https://influencemagazine.com/Practice/Five-Ways-to-Build-Community-in-Your-Church

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Today we explore community and why the church community in particular is so important in the life of a disciple of Jesus.

Welcome to Run With Horses, My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. It is difficult enough to go through this life without attempting it on your own. We were created to live in community with others. It may not always be pretty and sometimes it gets downright ugly. But God created us to live in fellowship with Him at the center. And it is beautiful when the bride of Christ is in harmony.

We talk a lot about communities. But often, we struggle to live in them.

What is Community?

“A community is a social unit wherein its members share a common network. Common networks that unite communities include networks of values, interests, goals, and kinship.

It is common to classify communities into the following categories:

Communities of place

Communities of interest

Identity-based communities

Communities of need

Communities of practice”

*Reference

Chris Drew - https://helpfulprofessor.com/types-of-communities/

Why is Community Important?

Support and safety -fight feelings of hopelessness, supporting others also gives us a boost.
Connection and belonging - feeling we are part of something bigger can help give meaning to our lives
Influence - stop us from falling into unhealthy habits or thoughts
Sharing - Sharing activities, ideas and feelings reinforces not only our sense of self, but also adds worth and value to the community
Learning - can help us reach insights that we may not have reached on our own
Acceptance - acceptance doesn’t necessarily imply agreement
More connections, more chances of success

*Reference

https://www.happiness.com/magazine/relationships/the-importance-of-community/#:~:text=Finding%20others%20with%20the%20same,with%20negative%20experiences%20and%20feelings.

Why we need the Church community

Reason #1: It meets our basic need for belonging

Reason #2: A strong church community is a place for discipleship

Reason #3: We are held accountable

Reason #4: We need to be fed a diet that will allow us to mature in our relationship with the LORD

Reason #5: We are commanded by God to be part of a strong church community

*From the Faith Island Blog

https://faithisland.org/faith/5-reasons-you-need-a-strong-church-community/

Thanks for joining me today! If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact me on the Run With Horses FB page or write me at norman@runwithhorses.net . How is your church community doing at keeping Jesus at the center?

The struggle is real but keep running.. .

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Today we look at the question, “What is “the ministry” of Eph. 4?”

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. Following Jesus means serving others and Ephesians Chapter 4 gives us some imporant insight into what that means and why it is so important.

Eph. 4:11

First, who is doing the work of the ministry?

Answer – The Saints – Christians!

Pastors and teachers are equipping the believers for ministry.

Second, What is the purpose of ministry according to Eph. 4?

Answer – Edifying the body of Christ

Edify – Defined as: a: BUILD; b: ESTABLISH

Ministry is helping the church grow to maturity and unity.

There is an expectation of growth for the follower of Jesus.

Jesus really values unity in His family!

1 Cor. 1:10

John 17:20

Eph. 4:1

A Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9

“In sum, the priests played the significant role of standing guard in God’s house, making sacrifices for God’s people, and instructing the people so that they could enjoy God’s blessings.” David S. Schrock. https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-priesthood-in-the-bible/

Third, How do we edify each other?

Live out the one anothers.

Serve

Galatians 5:13

Teach

Col. 3:16

Bear Burdens/ Care for

Galatians 6:2

Fourth, Ministry outside the church.

Gospel

Paul – Gospel ministry to Gentiles

Romans 15:15

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Today we look at a few more questions that people sometimes have about the church. I am sure we aren’t going to cover every question you have so write norman@runwithhorses.net if you have a question!

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. Life is often a crazy mess but in the middle of the chaos, Jesus offers to meet us with peace that isn’t tied to our circumstances. How great to know that there is more, and better, in store for us in the future!

All of us have questions at times. I have more than my share, believe me! The church is one of those groups of people who have drawn a lot of attention through the years, and rightly so. Often for good reasons, and just as often for bad ones. Either way the church has been a big part of history.

I am not a historian and tend to look more at today than the past. Preparing for tomorrow always seems like a better use of my time than complaining about the past. If you are looking for a deep dive into church history, you are in the wrong place, at least for today. If you are thinking about the church and your place in it, maybe, just maybe, you are in the right place.

Who is the church for, just Christians? Church membership is limited to those who have placed their faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Attendance is open to all in most churches for most meetings.

Is church attendance required if I am a Christian? The answer is No! We have freedom in Christ and there are few requirements for Christians, we are not under the law. However, while no one will hunt you down for not attending church, Jesus is building His church and does want you to be part of it. We are told not to avoid getting together but to use our gifts to build up His church.

Are politics important in church life?

They should not be! Politics only are of value in the here and now. If we really believe that we should be working for eternity, politics have a very minor place. Not to say completely irrelevant, just minor.

Should I go back if I have been hurt by church?

Yes, but . . .

Why is it so hard to find a healthy church?

Good question!

Real answer. Sin.

Teaches Bible, Promotes loving relationships, is focused on being and making disciples, The Gospel is celebrated, etc

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Today we are answering a few commonly asked questions about the church.

One thing that is certain in life is that changes are coming! We have had a few changes this week that will cause a few other changes! Susan's mom fell!

What is the purpose of the church?
evangelism, discipleship, ministry, worship and community

What is the churches mission?
What specific objective is the church devoted to accomplishing through those purposes? In other words, what is the church trying to do through evangelism, discipleship, ministry, worship and community? Fulfill the Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 - Ministry of Reconciliation, Ambassadors for Christ

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It has been said that christianity can be summed up in one word – relationships. Today we look at the relationships that make up the church.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. You have a lot of choices to make every day. Thanks for including me in your journey of following Jesus.

Recently I have been thinking about the church and particularly the relationships that make it up. Regularly I have seen news and info about church relationships that are broken on an almost weekly basis. From pastors and leaders in the church to ,members who are behaving badly, we seem to be struggling to get along and to act like Jesus with each other.

It is really a matter of spiritual growth and maturity at it’s core. Our sin nature aggressively drives us from God and unfortunately wins many of the daily battles. The result is that the church, instead of being the beautiful bride of Christ, is a soiled mess that looks almost identical to the world. The world expects the church to be different and is either surprised and disappointed or overjoyed when it is not.

Our relationships don’t look like God intends for them to look. And the problem begins with the primary relationship that we have, our relationship with God Himself.

Our relationship with God is possible because of the blood of Jesus, applied to our lives, removing our sin, providing us with the righteousness of Jesus Himself. The result of receiving such an underserved gift should be a heart overflowing with Thanksgiving. That thankful heart lifts up the name of Jesus and praises the God from whom all blessings flow. Worship is a natural outflow of the Thankful heart. A heart turned to God glorifies Him through heartfelt obedience and pursuit of holiness. We long to be like Him when we see Him as He is!

This heart, in tune with God, pursuing His righteousness and holiness, is filled with a peace and joy that cannot be explained outside of the work of Jesus. It is incredibly calming to know that God is in control. To know Him is to know His love, His grace, as well as His patience and long-suffering. A true relationship with God requires for us to KNOW Him, not just know ABOUT Him.

Paul challenges Timothy to pursue godliness and righteousness. We are invited to pursue God in all His glory. He invites us into His presence.

A genuine relationship with God changes us in many ways but one of the most important is the way in which it changes our relationship with other people. Our relationship with the church, like our relationship with God Himself, is only healthy or even possible in Christ.

The church is a special group of people who are united by a special bond through the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately this bond doesn’t prevent us from sinning against each other time and time again!

A relationship that should be marked by a deep and abiding love, is severely tested by our selfishness and focus on our own desires. The world looks at the church expecting to see a kindness and grace that is missing in their own lives but instead see a mess that looks a lot like the one they are in. Why is it this way? In part, many in the church struggle to really know God personally. While weekly sermons give information in abundance, a genuine relationship with the True and Living God is more difficult to find. So we struggle.

And we take that struggle to the world. Our relationship with the world, rather than being marked by grace and loving truth, is always tainted by our own sin and make more difficult because we struggle to see God as He is and see His hand at work in the world. And we really struggle to BE His hands at work in the world. Rather than bringing grace and truth to the world and seeing Him change people into His image, we go into the world and take on the characteristics of the world rather than our Savior.

How do we change that?

Release control of your life to God. He bought you with a price! What does it mean to live His life? If you aren’t wrestling with that question, you might not be living the life God intends. It’s not easy though. God isn’t making cookies so there is no cookie cutter approach to following Jesus. My guess is Peter and Matthew were vastly different in their personalities, gifts and ministry. You and I will be different too.
Pursue Jesus. Really seek to get to know Him. This is the path to righteousness, godliness and holiness. To really KNOW Jesus. Not just about Him. Are you wrestling with how to know Him better? You should be, it is one of life’s greatest joys and journeys!
The humility of Jesus asks us to consider others better than ourselves. We are asked to submit to one another. Are you wrestling with how to do that in your home, in your church, and in your community? You should be. It does not come naturally for sinful hearts.

I will stop at these three for today. They are all huge if you take them seriously and really attempt to live them out. Jesus didn’t call us to an easy life. He called us to a meaningful one. You choose every day how you will live. Choose real value that lasts. Choose to follow Jesus and learn from Him. Choose to help His family be what it can be.

Thanks for joining me today. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net with your questions or comments or just to say hi. I would love to hear from you. My prayer is that you reflect the glory of God into the world around you every day. The journey is worth the effort, keep running!

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Today we are thinking about the church and who is responsible for it.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My Name is Norman and m goal is to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. He invites you to follow Him and there is no choice you can make that is more worthwhile.

After a summer of travel and never ending upheaval in our lives, we may have the end of this stage in sight. Part of that transition is working on an office for me to use as a home base for the next year or so. I am in the space I will be using today and it is mostly empty and very large so if you hear an echo, it si the natural reverb of a large space, much like an empty warehouse. But it is a blessing to have access to it so I am not complaining. A room is in the planning stages and a generous supporter is working to make it happen as soon as the next few weeks. More info to come!

The church is something we talk often about and today I wanted to cover a few of the basics.

What is the church? A group of believers. Saved by grace through Faith.

Romans 15: 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Colossians 4: 15Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Ephesians 1:22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. - NKJV

Jesus Builds His Church. - Matthew 16:18 - On this Rock I will build MY church.

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples,“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

The church, as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today, has an important role to play.

Gospel witness, Equipping of more workers ( the process of disciple making), bring worship of the True and Living God to every corner of the globe and every street in every village.

What is your part? Not always easy but always worth it!

Thanks for joining me today! Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net with your questions, comments or just to let me know you are listening. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running after Jesus.

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Every tree is full of acorns, making thousands of them every year. Forests are full of trees that came from similar tiny acorns. Each one making it's way somehow from the branches of the tree to the ground somewhere. Some hit the ground in a great spot, sprouted and grew in to anther massive tree. Others landed in spots with poor soil, little water, too much shade or for any of numerous other reasons, failed to thrive They sprouted and grew, even produced a handful of acorns of their own, but they are a far cry from the big tree that gave them a start.
Why are we talking about trees today? Because like every tree produces the seeds that are needed to produce more trees and every seed has the potential to produce a new tree. Every Church is designed by God to produce disciple makers and every disciple maker has the DNA to produce another church.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My Name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a disciple of Jesus. And today, we want to check your DNA!

The church is to be an acorn producing machine!
Disciple makers are the fruit of a healthy church and the seed of new healthy churches. It' sin their DNA!

That means you are a church planting nut! Right?

What if we aren't? Churches die. Churches decrease in number and health. New churches aren't started.

SO what should I do?
Grow where you are planted! or where you fell. Just grow where you are!
Healthy spiritual growth results in seeds of the gospel taking root in peoples lives. The Gospel changes people. Seed, sprout, seedling, young tree, fruit bearing tree, forest.

How do I grow?
Pursue Jesus yourself and invite others to go with you. Embrace the challenge of living for Jesus in the world today. It isn' t easy and Jesus never said that it would be. He did say that it glorifies God though!

Learn to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. People are lost. They are hurting and looking for something to make life worth living for. People want hope. They want to think that this all means something. See the world with the compassionate eyes of Jesus and recognize that He is the Hope that the world needs. God offers the meaning that we all seek after and He offers healing for the pain we all feel.

Get to know your community and the people who are barely surviving in it. Be a friend to the friendless and a help to those in need. Share your Hope through your life into your relationships and make it clear in your words.

Be an acorn. Don't try to control where you are planted but make the best of the ground you are given. Some soil is hard. Soften it by digging your roots deep into the Word of God and draw life giving water from Him. God is able to grow fruit on trees that are connected to Him wherever they are planted.

Pray for your church to be a tree full of acorns sprouting across your community. Each one carrying the DNA of the church and the potential to change every person in their path.
God is a big God. He is never limited. You may be a small seed, but dream big and trust a bigger God to use you to build His church.

Thanks for joining me today. We serve a Big God. Trust Him to do the work in your life to make you like Him and to use you to work change in others. You may be a small seed in a large field, but God is more than able to use you to build His church. Commit to growing and never stop running after Jesus.

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Today we consider how important it is for us to be preparing today for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goals is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. Your day is a series of choices. Thanks for choosing to make me a part of your day, today!

Life IS ultimately about your choices. All those questions we have, Who, What, When, Where and the big one, WHY, are answered for us in our choices. Who will you encourage today? Who will you marry? Who will you work for? What will you do for lunch? What will you do next year? When will you go to bed? When will you begin that next project? Where will you live? Where will you go on your break? Why?

All of these questions are answered in the choices you make and don't make. Those choices make your life easier or harder. They make up many pieces of your spiritual journey. They are HOW you answer Jesus' call to follow Him.

My question for you to answer today is, "Are your choices preparing you for future ministry and spiritual growth? or are they taking you further away from Jesus and down a path of self-interest and personal desires.

God has given you gifts and daily gives you opportunities to choose Him and His path. How do you respond when you are faced with those decisions?

We live in a time when there is a shortage of leaders. Godly men who consistently choose godliness and holiness above personal pleasure and success. Certainly the world is constantly inviting you to indulge in your desires and gives you a constant stream of things to desire through every possible medium that you can imagine.

Make the choice to put Him first and prepare for the challenges that will be in your path as you follow Him. To be the man or woman of God that you have the potential to be, you will need to make consistent choices that show place a high value on godliness. Your choices will give evidence that your priorities are God's priorities. Your life will reflect Him clearly.

WHY is this so important? Tomorrow gets before you know it! If you don't give intentional effort to your preparation you may miss the opportunity to be a blessing to others. God's intention is for you to grow in Christ-likeness. You have to DO something! God has a ministry prepared for you in the future. You need to be preparing to be the right person for that ministry. There is an expectation of spiritual growth throughout your life.

HOW do you do that? Be quick to volunteer to learn new skills and to take part in challenging projects. Engage with the leaders and ask WHY they make the decisions they do. Take responsibility for a small group, whether it is for a project at work or a home group through your church. Volunteer to be a substitute for teachers in any context that you have available. Ask for a one on one time, lunch maybe?, to go over how the current leader prepares and ask for advice as you begin. Once you have led a class or group, ask for feedback and humbly consider how you can grow in this area. Ask if you can shadow a leader who is doing something you are interested in. Pursue internship opportunities. When classes are offered that will teach you new skills, take advantage of them. Ask someone to mentor you! We grow best in community so be a part and invest in those around you. Make sure you keep in God's Word daily and put in the time to understand what Biblical maturity looks like. Pray for God's work in your life and be open to the Spirit's leading every day.

Keep pursuing Jesus daily and keep on growing your faith. Thanks for joining me today. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net with questions or comments. God is at work in your life and He is preparing you for ministry even as He prepares your future ministry for you. Commit to getting ready and keep running!

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When we were kids and went to mom to complain, she would sometimes say, "Into each life a little rain must fall." Although it is true it wasn't usually what we wanted to hear. What we wanted was an instant solution to our very immediate problem.

We don't really grow out of that temptation to run to someone bigger, God in our case as adults, and complain about our situation hoping for an instant fix. And God often responds just like mom. Sorry, you have to go through this one. But unlike mom, God is working in the trial to accomplish something that can't be done without the trial.

Check this out. "Without the right kind of fire regimes, some trees simply can’t reproduce, and overall forest health can be negatively affected." https://www.nationalforests.org/our-forests/your-national-forests-magazine/how-trees-survive-and-thrive-after-a-fire#:~:text=As%20opposed%20to%20serotinous%20cones,a%20fire%2C%20for%20several%20years.

Some seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to go through the heat in order to germinate. Others require severe cold. On the other side of the trial is new life. I personally believe that some of the gifts that God gives us require fire to be release to us. That fiery trial is a spiritual proving ground.

How does that work? In the same way that a seed covering is changed by the heat or cold. The trial in our life changes us in fundamental ways that make us more sensitive to God's work in our life. The fire helps us orient toward God in a new way. The heat softens the seed covering so that it knows it is time to grow. The trial breaks through spiritual hardness and God's Spirit lets us know that it is time to grow!

The trial is never fun but it is always profitable. Our problem is that we don't see what God is doing so we don't always see the growth until years later when we have had time to process the expierience through the more mature eyes of our future self. When we look back at our struggles, we often see how much we have grown because of the struggle. Many people have a new ministry because of their struggle.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

vs.6 If we are afflicted, it is for you! There is a purpose to all of our trials. Fire in your life leads to growth in yourself and others! So don't give up. You may not see the purpose today. You may not know who will benefit from your trials down the road, but God does. I know we don't process the struggles in our life this way as we are going through them. But when you come out the other side; and you will come out the other side. You will think about it, process it and begin to deal with the ashes and burnt material in your life. That is the time to remember that new growth comes from the fire. Seeds are now prepared to germinate and bring new growth and eventually fruit.

It won't be easy and probably won't be soon, but one day, just maybe, you will be in a position to thank God for the fire.

Thanks for joining me today! If you have come through a fire and recognized God's hand at work once you looked back, I would love to hear your story. Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net and let me rejoice with you! If you are in the fire now, feel free to write and I will pray for God's gracious hand to guide you though the trial. May God bless you as you seek Him during this time. But whatever you do, don't stop pursuing Him!

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today we look at how to maintain motivation over the long haul. I had to record this in a hotel with less than ideal equipment which worked fine until the fridge kicked in toward the end. Enjoy!

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Today we are going over some questions that unbelievers sometimes have about religion in general and Christianity specifically.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. The choices you make every day define you as a person and help you make spiritual progress or make it more difficult. Thanks for making the choice to include me on your spiritual journey.

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are probably at least occasionally asked a question or two about your faith. Sometimes by well intentioned friends who just want to know more about what you believe, other times by people who just want to tear you down.

Today we will look at a few questions that you might have already been asked or might want to think about for the future.

What religion do you believe in?
Do you believe in God or another deity?
When did you choose your faith?
What is your idea of what God looks like?
Is there a heaven?
Is there a hell?
What does heaven look like?
What does hell look like?
Why should someone start believing in God?
What should a believer do before they die?
Does your past play a role when joining a religion?
Does someone need to attend church to be spiritual?
What’s the difference between being spiritual and being religious?
Did you have to change your life before you started following a religion?
How often does someone need to say “amen?”
Should someone start attending a church if he or she doesn't believe in God?
Can someone believe in God but not attend church?
Should someone read a Bible before he or she starts believing in a religion?
What’s the best part of going to church?
What benefits can someone get from going to church?

Thanks for joining me today! If you have questions or would like to make a suggestion for future shows, send me an email at norman@runwithhorses.net or look for the Run With Horses podcast on facebook and leave a message. We all have questions. Keep asking and keep looking to God for answers. And keep running!

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Today I am challenging you to evaluate your life and do one thing to defeat inertia and get your spiritual life moving.

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. It is not always easy to follow Him in this life, but it is always worth it. Thanks for including me on your journey.

Most people at least occasionally get stuck. Maybe it is a rut that you can't get out of or maybe it feels more like a wall that you can't seem to get around, over or through! Either way, for some reason you can't seem to move forward. It can be a problem in your career but it is an even more critical problem when it is in your spiritual life.

A stagnant spiritual life will affect your career, your relationships at work and your relationships at home not to mention your relationships with God and His family! When you are stuck, it is a sign that something needs to change.

There is an expectation in Scripture that we will be growing. We have talked about it before many times. We begin our spiritual life as infants and children but we shouldn't expect to stay that way! God intends for us to move from the milk of the Word to the Meat, doing the Will of the Father.

I have mentioned the definition of insanity before, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. IF you are stuck in your spiritual life, I say it again, something needs to change! God intends for you to be making progress along the path. He provides the resources needed, the power for change through the Holy Spirit and the promise the He will be with you every step of the way.

But HE has also chosen to give us a certain responsibility in this life to put in some effort. Where are you applying effort to your spiritual life now? How is it going? Feeling stuck? Ready to change?

IF that is you today. I want to encourage you to take one step. Be willing to make ONE change in ONE area of life. Often taking the first step is key to unlocking the door to further growth. I know I often find it hard to get moving but once I am doing better in one area, the success seems to pull me to put in more efforts in other areas. What is ONE thing you can work on today?

If you are genuinely stuck and aren't even sure where to begin thinking about making any changes, maybe this list will help. It is not exhaustive and you certainly can't jump in and make changes in every area at once but I truly believe that if you take one or two things and make prayerful efforts to move the needle in your spiritual life, God will meet you there and you will see fruit.

A little caveat. I am making some assumptions with this list. I am assuming that you are already having a meaningful time in the Bible daily and that your prayer life is in order. I am also assuming that you are part of a group of Christ-followers who are regularly meeting for fellowship, encouragement, and time together in God's Word. If any of these are NOT true of you. Start there!

Exercise

Read a book

Do that thing you have been dreading

Take a break from social media

Take a break from TV, Internet, Radio, MP3's, etc.

Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile, be intentional about Spiritual conversation

Start a journal of your spiritual life

Start a prayer journal

Get up 15 minutes early and spend the time with God

Do a spiritual evaluation, what areas are in good shape and what areas need some attention? Evaluate your prayer life, Bible reading, church relationships, service to others, opportunities for the Gospel, Disciple making relationships, etc

Take one of the spiritual disciplines and add it to your life over the next month. Need a refresher list? Here are a few to consider! Solitude, Silence, Journaling, Meditation, Memorization, Fasting, Service -The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard

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Today we consider what we live for. You go to work, you pursue all those things you are told will make you happy, so why aren't you happy?

Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. There are a lot of things you could choose to do with your life but I don't believe that there is anything more worthwhile than joining Jesus on His great mission of reconciliation. Life is an incredible process of spiritual growth. Thanks letting me be part of your journey.

I found a book by LeRoy Eims in the church library this week. I have appreciated another book by him titled The Lost Art of Disciple Making and I highly recommend it. It was one of the books that started me on the path to becoming a disciple maker almost twenty years ago. The book I found this week is called, What Every Christian Should Know About Growing.

One chapter really caught my attention. The first section opens with a discussion of life and meaning. He particularly focused on the fact that many people find life incredibly dull. "Is there life after birth?" some ask. A campus newspaper at the time ran a contest to find a slogan for life. Three honorable mentions were, "Life is a bad joke that's not funny." / "Life is a disease for which there is no cure." / and "Life is a jail sentence you get for being born."

The world tells you over and over again that pursuing temporal, here and now pleasures, will satisfy you. Commercials on every platform tell you how much better your life will be with this product or that one. Each one offers to finally complete you and make you the man or women you were meant to be. Only they don't. And they can't.

Increase in death rates age 25-64 - drug overdose suicide, alcohol related, Deaths of despair. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/

Pg. 90 Financial success paragraph. But people keep climbing the ladder! Definition of insanity! To keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

It is not complicated. God has given us the answer if only we will listen. Man is a spiritual being. Eims points out that we have four key areas of personal development if we are to be healthy, balanced people. Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual and Social. Leave one out and you cannot be a healthy person!

In several key areas, our Faith in the Creator God makes life not only bearable but joyful. First, Many people live in constant fear of death. 1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Second, Many people live in fear of financial problems. Phil. 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Third, many people are in constant fear about the future. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Many people are afraid of being alone and unheard. Hebrews 13: 5-6 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

What is it that makes this life bearable? What gives us joy where the world finds only despair?

Ephesians 3:14-21 - Christ dwells in your heart through faith, you know His love!

Romans 8:14-17 - 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,

To know God and to be known by Him is the greatest joy you can have. This relationship overrides every trial that life brings your way because the trial is temporary and the relationship with God is eternal. Live with eternal values. Live out eternal relationships. There is nothing in this life that can compare or bring you even a fraction of the joy that God offers.

Thanks for joining me today. Write me anytime at norman@runwithhorses.net, I look forward to hearing how God is working in your life. Today's trials won't last forever. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running!

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It seems to me that the discussion of entitlements and rights is very much wrapped up in the discussion of pride and humility. Our pride causes us to believe that we deserve something because of who we are. Humility helps us to give up our rights for the sake of someone else. All of us have an ongoing struggle in our hearts between pride and humility.

It also seems to me that it's wrapped up in the idea of loss. We are afraid that we will lose something if we don't get what we believe we deserve. If we aren't treated as we think we deserve we will lose honor or respect. If we aren't taking care of as we believe we deserve we may not have the comfort or safety that we desire. The problem is, God never promised us comfort, or safety, or honor, or recognition for anything that we can do or have done.

What is your heart answer when you think about the question, "What do you really want?" For most of us and probably all of us the answer is not God. What we want is focused on our creature comforts, our human desires , and mostly on this life, here and now.

We want to have a comfortable house, a nice car, a tasty meal and a lifestyle that we feel we deserve. It seems a far cry from following Jesus, who said that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head, and asks us to deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow him. I'm not sure where we get the idea of safety, comfort and all of these material goods as part of that package. Maybe it was in the fine print?

Why is there such a disconnect between what the Bible teaches and what we say we believe and how we think and live? I think it's the whispering of the serpent in the garden in our ear, telling us that we deserve more. The idea of sacrifice and service to others requires too much. Too much effort, too much sacrifice. We shouldn't have to give up our rights, our comforts, our safety, just because Jesus ask us to follow him.

Spiritual warfare is for others, sacrifice is for others, service is for others. Certainly we understand that the cause of Christ is important, that the world needs to hear the message of the gospel, but that's something that someone else is responsible for, not me.

Because thinking of others is so foreign to us, we can only only see what we want. Our hearts desires control us and drive us. Life is about us. And is life is about us, obviously we deserve a certain kind of treatment.

We feel that we deserve certain things just because we exist, but that's not true. What we deserve is to be eternally separated from God. Fortunately God has reached out and given us so much that we don't deserve. Everything we have is a gift from him. If we understand that we can live a life of Thanksgiving. Humility takes the place of pride, service and sacrifice seem reasonable in light of all we have received. We will have the ability to joyfully approach each day.

To fully follow Jesus means to give up our rights (not hard since we don't have any), accept his gifts, and join Him on a journey of Faith.

You have to give up the right to your time. It is important to understand that you have been given time and energy and a certain degree of health and now you are a steward of all you have received. You were an ignorant steward without Christ, but in Christ, you know what a gift you have. A weight of responsibility is lifted, you no longer have to "succeed", whatever that means. You only have to follow Jesus and use His resources to accomplish His purposes. He will succeed.

You have to give up the right to your relationships. Your relationships are given to you by God although we don't often think if them that way. Your ability to have a relationship is given to you by God. It is part of being made in the image of God. God is relational. He communicates. He desires fellowship.

You don't have the right to have enough, whatever that means. Instead of relying on enough, whether that's time, health or money, we learn to trust God to supply our needs. We don't have a right to have our needs met. But we often have the joy of having our needs met by an awesome God. Along the way He fulfills needs that we didn't know we had. Needs for worship. Needs to know our Creator.

We live in a society that doesn't value humility or self-sacrifice. But we serve a God who not only values it but modeled it for us in the life of Jesus. While most people search for significance and temporary fame in this life. Jesus leads to a path of eternal significance and true value that doesn't fade like the newest Youtube sensation. Youtube fame may be measured in the approval of millions of people. Real value is found in the approval of ONE. It is found following a path that few take. A path of humility and service. A path of sacrifice.

But on this path we meet others who travel with us. Family, united by a bond stronger than DNA, national pride, or culture. We are united by blood. The blood that was shed to remove the barrier of sin and give us access to our heavenly Father. We are united in a family that will be together for eternity. Each member loved and appreciated.

We live is a world that values rights. But I relinquish my rights and claim a promise. The promise of Jesus to never leave me nor forsake me. The promise that His completed work on the cross is sufficient. The promise that His resurrection will be my resurrection one day. The promise that He who started a good work in me will complete it.

I have chosen the ancient path. I want to live with my focus on the footprints of Jesus, leading me home. And I accept the challenge to deny myself, give up whatever rights I have and follow Him. Will you go with me?

Thanks for joining me today. You can always write to norman@runwithhorses.net with questions or comments or suggestions for future topics. All past shows are available at www.runwithhorses.net or rwh.podbean.com and on most platforms where you listen to podcasts.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running!

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Where is your wall?

Today on Run With Horses we are looking at Nehemiah's project to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. I think there is a good challenge there for us to think about today.

My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrice as a Disciple of Jesus. There are a lot of things you could do with your life but none are more important than the call of Jesus to follow Him and be a disciple maker. Thanks for including me on your journey.

I have always been encouraged and challenged by the book of Nehemiah. There are so many lessons that we can learn from how Nehemiah approached the problems in Jerusalem. Quick review for those who haven't been there in awhile. The children of Israel are slowly returning from exile in Babylon. The book of Ezra covers this same time period and gives a more detailed look at the spiritual side of things. Nehemiah is initially focused on the physical wall and civil responsibilities.

Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king when he got the news about Jerusalem that changed his life. Nehemiah 1:3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”

This greatly distressed Nehemiah, he received permission to go to work on the problems.

Our focus today, the wall needed to be rebuilt. First Nehemiah did some reconnaissance. Nehemiah 2:11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. 13 And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire.

Nehemiah gathered the leaders of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

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Today we continue our discussion on How to Invest in someone by exploring some of the options for both one to one and small group meetings.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are a lot of ways you could spend your time so thanks for including me on your journey.

We have covered, lightly, Why you should be investing in people as you make disciples. And we covered Who you should invest in, answering the question about how to select a person to disciple. And finally we covered How you should invest in someone, considering the big picture of Character Development, General Spiritual Growth and Ministry Skills.

Today I want to give some examples of a format for meeting someone as well as some thoughts on materials you might want to use. First, there are three big categories to consider.

Using Book - study guide, book for men, etc

Shepherding a Child's Heart, Running Scared, etc

Going through a Book of the Bible - Mark, Nehemiah, etc
Studying a Topic - parenting, fear, etc

There is no wrong answer for which one should I choose! Over time you will likely use all of these depending on the people involved and the needs that arise. So pick one to get started and feel free to change midstream if it is not working for your group right now.

For a format, I recommend keeping it simple. Here is an example for a 1 hour meeting.

15 minutes - Start with fellowship. Catch up on the week and how things are going. Often a prayer request is first revealed or at least hinted at here.

15 minutes - Prayer. I like to put prayer early because it is too easy to leave it out if we keep it till the end. Sharing a prayer request and a praise or one thing God has taught you recently or even the One Verse One Thought One Minute from Simple Journaling are all great ways to give this time a little structure as well as put some sor fo limit on it.

30 minutes - Bible and Book discussion - It helps if everyone has read the passage or chapter ahead of time. Other than referring to key verses or sections in the book, there is no need to read the passage again during the meeting if time is an issue.

This is a super simple format. It can be expanded to fit longer time by adding things like sharing memory verses, reading the Bible passage together, etc.

For another possible format consider doing a Discovery Bible Study.

This is an example modeled on www.dbsguide.org.

Get Real - Community/ Fellowship

To begin the study, each person answers these questions:

What are you thankful for?

What is causing you stress?

Who needs our help? How can this group help them?

Look Back - A review (on session 2 and following)

Retell story from the previous meeting.

What did you do differently because of this story?

Who did you tell and what was the reaction?

Read & Re-tell - Focus on understanding what the bible says.

One person reads the Bible passage out loud, and the rest follow along.

Someone else retells the passage by memory, if possible. Others can fill in what is missing.

Look - A deeper look at what the passage is teaching.

Read the passage again.

Discuss what this passage says about God, Jesus or his plan.

Look again - A more specific look at the implications of the passage for us.

Read the passage once more

Discuss what this passage says about humans.

Personal Application -Stop and consider what the passage says to me.

According to this study, what am I doing well?

What do I need to change?

Who else?

Who needs to hear this story?

How can I tell them?

Who can I invite to study the Bible?

What do I like about this format? No teacher required! If you don't feel comfortable teaching you can still lead a bible study that aims to look at Scripture and simple explore what it says. No stress required.

What do I not like about this format? No teacher required! There is the potential for one person derailing the whole discussion and trying to teach their opinion about a passage rather than letting the bible speak for itself. The larger the group and the more likely this is to be a probably with a less than forceful leader. But you can use this one on one or in a small group with 3-4 friends and it has the potential to be very profitable for everyone. I think the risks are worth it!

There is no wrong format for a bible study or discipleship meeting. The only failure is the failure to try. Pick a format and try it, if it doesn't work, modify it until it does work. This is something you can do!

Thanks for joining me today! Write me at norman@runwithhorses.net and let me know how your bible study goes. Keep investing in others and keep pursuing Jesus yourself. It is often difficult but it is always worth it! Keep running!

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Welcome to Run With Horses where our goal is to encourage you to pursue Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind and stength. My name is Norman and I really want to see you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. It can be a hard road sometimes but I truly believe it is worth it. Thanks for including me on your journey.

So you are stepping out and wanting to be intentional about helping someone around you grow in their spiritual life. Awesome! But hold on you say, where do I begin? Today I will give you some pointers to help you get started and hopefully make it a little less stressful if you are concerned or a little more structured if you aren't sure how to begin.

As a possibly too long introduction, let me start by saying the relationship is important so taking the time to build a solid relational foundation is worth the time it takes. Some of us are hyper focused and can be too quick to pass over the relationship building to get right to the heart of the discussion. But that may keep us from seeing real progress and growth in our own life as well as the life of those we are investing in if we don't have a foundation to build on. Particularly when the discussion appoaches heart issues and areas that are more central to our image of ourself.

Get to know the person you are working with well. Work, hobbies, family relationships, salvation testimony, etc. Lunch, fishing, anything is fine for your first few times meeting.

Once you build a basic foundation, talking about anything and everything along the way, you are ready to move on to more intentional conversations focused on spiritual growth. There are three big topics you may want to talk though as you get started to help set some expectations and let you know where you might want to head in the future.

One - general character and spiritual life A few questions to ask. 1. Is there any one area in life that you know of now where God is asking you to grow? 2. What trials and temptations are you facing now? 3. How is your character? Are you seeking to grow as a person?

Two - Spiritual Growth 1. Where do you find yourself resisting God now? 2. Are you practicing any spiritual disciplines now, what spiritual disciplines do you need to develop? 3. What actions have you taken recently to make spiritual growth a priority in your life?

Three - Ministry Skills 1. What new ministry skills should you think about developing? 2. In what area should you be reading or studying more? 3. What can you do to improve in ministry right now?

Thanks for joining me today! You can find links to past shows at www.runwithhorses.net. Write me and let me know what you are doing to invest in others today, your questions and comments are always welcome.

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How do you select a person to pour your life into? They are always a lot of people around you who you could choose, so how do you find the right person that's worth the time and energy and effort that it's going to take to invest in them.

Faithful

Availability

A Learner

Willingness on their part.

Where do you find this person? Always keep your eyes open and look around you for those who are ready for next steps. Those who are asking questions. Those who show up early and pitch in to help. Newer believers, younger believers

People who are going through or have recently been though a transition, often see the need to grow. Listen, who is talking about wanting to or needing to grow.

Be willing to meet them more than half-way. You make the offer. Not as a teacher but as a fellow traveler on the path toward Jesus. Let's go together!

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Today I interview my daughter, Chloe and we learn what she is up to this summer and her plans for the coming months. You can find her music at https://chloejanelle.com/

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Today on Run With Horses, Susan shares a little about her CNA training and a few lessons we can apply to the spiritual life.

Welcome to Run With Horses, My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a Follower of Jesus. I don't believe that there is anything more thrilling or fulfilling than joining Jesus on His mission to the world. Thanks for including me in your journey.

Yesterday I was talking to Susan about her CNA training as we took our evening walk and we came up with some areas that overlap with the goal of being a disciple of Jesus in community with others. She mentioned that they are learning skills that they need to be able to apply to get their certification as a CNA and you use dummies and practice with each other to learn the details of what to do in class, but then you don't always think about it when you show up at the nursing home. The nurses have to remind you, hey, you actually need to do this stuff you learned in class here. The different context throws you off somehow, you know the skill but don't have it connected to a practical situation yet.

So, there's a simile between learning a skill and practicing it in a certain context versus being able to use it in real life, under real circumstances.

Being in this CNA class, I'm learning educational stuff like knowledge of this is what we do, this is why we do it, and then we get a chance to actually practice it in the classroom, on each other, feeding each other, doing certain skills, and trying to remember all the steps.

But then when we go to clinicals, and we actually are in a nursing home, I've found that all my training just kind of goes out the window because that's not how they do it in real life. Or I'm not used to that setting so then I kind of forget. And after we come together and we have sort of a debriefing, I realize oh I'm still supposed to do those same steps in the real world as I've learned in my class. Just trying to figure out what that's like. And I kind of see that as a similarity between the Christian walk and being a disciple.

I mean because there's a lot of things we learn from the Bible -- truths, doctrines, what you're supposed to do, what you're supposed to look like -- and you can practice some of those things or watch other people do it and learn all these kinds of skills. But then in real life when you're in a situation, a lot of those things get left in the dust. You don't even think about how that training and how those truths are supposed to relate now here in this context

* We have small groups or a discipleship relationship with other people to fill in the gaps between understanding theory and application. These relationships give a context where you can discuss these things in a low pressure environment. Part of the purpose is debriefing. "Hey, I was in this situation and I totally didn't think about God. How can I bring God into my thinking, into my practice, in everyday life?"

It's like that as we grow spiritually. We learn the theory in sermons, books and reading the Bible, but small groups really help us to make it concrete. We learn that we need to live out those things and we get our questions answered. We have other people who are walking along doing it too.

Thanks for joining us today! Write us at norman@runwithhorses.net for questions or comments we can read on the show. Life is an adventure of faith and following Jesus. It is a marathon not a sprint, so keep running!

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Today on run with horses we're considering why you should invest in other people.

We have spent some time in the past few shows thinking about our priorities and how we spend our lives. There are lots of things you can invest in but I don't think there's anything that will give you the return of investment that you will get when you invest in people. You can invest in the stock market ,you can invest in your career ,you can invest in your hobbies, you can invest in yourself, but when you invest in other people you change lives and you make a difference for eternity. There is nothing that compares to investing in someone else's life and seeing real life change take place.

Do you want to live a life of value and purpose that makes a difference here and now and an eternity? Then I suggest you look at the people around you and consider how you can use your gifts, talents, and abilities to help them grow in Christ likeness. It will be life changing not only for them but also for you. I believe that there is very little that changes you as much as investing in someone else. You are forced to get outside of your own head, to stop thinking about your own problems, and you really have to consider where someone else is and what they need more than yourself. When you do that you change at a very deep personal level.

Our goal is to walk worthy of Christ. 1 Thess 2: 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

In the past few shows we've spent some time thinking about our priorities and how we spend our lives. But as we think about how we spend our lives, I don't think there's anything more valuable or important than investing in other people.

When you think about what will give you meaning at the end of your life, when you consider your priorities as a follower of Jesus, when you think about your values, if you are a follower of Jesus, I think they will best be represented by really encouraging and investing in other people.

So what does it mean to invest in other people? Go back to 1 Thess. 2, I think this is part of it. Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church, and he says that he did several things. We exhorted you, we comforted you, and we charged every one of you as a father does his own children.

So he's doing three things. He encouraged and comforted and challenged them to follow Christ well, to walk worthy. And along the way that they would put effort in to following Jesus. Not just "hey do well," try your best," or "be encouraged" - but he challenged them for something very specific: That they would walk worthy of God. That they would recognize that God has called them; He's called them to something great; He challenges them to actually apply real effort into following Jesus.

God has called YOU into His Kingdom! He has blessed YOU with every spiritual blessing! He is relating to YOU as a Father relates to His children! He invites YOU take part in HIS ministry!

Let us now walk worthy of THAT!

He goes on later in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 11 and says: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another just as you are also doing." So he again repeats the idea that we need to be comforting each other, but he's also saying edify, build each other up. You want to invest in each other so that all reach maturity, so that you're all built up, so that in the future you're all stronger than you are today. That's part of his vision for the people he's working with - that they grow, they mature, and that they become more like Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews has some similar things to say in Hebrews chapter 3 verse 12 and 13: "Beware lest there be in any of you with an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God." So be careful that you don't get pulled away by your own desires; by unbelief; by the distraction of the world and all those things. But instead of being pulled away - and to make sure that YOU'RE not pulled away - exhort one another daily! Every day look for opportunities to encourage and challenge and exhort and build up and edify one another. It says: "While it is called 'Today,' lest any of YOU be hardened through deceitfulness."

We live in a world where our life really pulls us away from God. And one reason why it's worth investing in each other; really being involved in each others' lives is because it helps us walk this path better; follow Jesus better; more consistently.

We all have distractions! We all have days when we're going to do poorly! But if we are exhorting one another...walking together...encouraging EACH OTHER...if we're living this life together IN COMMUNITY then it's easier for us continue on without being distracted or pulled away!

Proverbs 27:17 is a very familiar passage which says: "As iron sharpens iron, so iron sharpens the countenance of his friend." And it speaks to the idea that we serve a valuable role in each others' lives. We help each other be better because we invest; because we contribute; because we intentionally put in the effort to build up, to sharpen each other. That's what biblical friends do.

Think about an axe: When it's sharp, it works better! If we're investing in someone else's life, then WE'RE helping THEM be better! And that's really our goal as disciples and disciple makers!

I would say it's really important that we invest in others because the result of not investing in others is often selfishness. You know, if you don't invest and think about others...it usually means you're primarily thinking about yourself.

You only have a couple options: You are working towards something - contributing effort and time and energy - either for yourself or for someone else. The life I think is well lived is a life that's lived meaningfully investing IN SOMEONE ELSE!

I think THAT'S where the greatest joy is! It's where the greatest satisfaction is! A lot of personal issues...personal things that we fear or worry about or are concerned about seem much less important when WE'RE investing IN SOMEONE ELSE!

When WE'RE seeking NOT OUR OWN GOOD but THE GOOD OF SOMEONE ELSE! When WE'RE seeking TO SEE THEM CHANGED...TO SEE THEM GROW...

That energy...that focus keeps us from dwelling on our own issues. Our own issues become too big in our eyes when were completely focused ON them. When were thinking ONLY ABOUT this problem THAT WE HAVE, IT becomes SO BIG, THERE SEEMS NO WAY AROUND IT!

But when YOU look at someone else’s life – one reason why WE NEED EACH OTHER – you can see THEIR PROBLEM IN GOD AND THE PERSON, YOU’RE NOT QUITE SO EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO IT…SO YOU’RE IN A BETTER PLACE TO see the real picture and offer needed HELP!

That’s also true when YOU’RE the one that needs help. You need people who are investing IN YOU…who are looking at YOUR issues and helping you see that, “Hey! God's still there! The problem is not as big as it seems like when you're in the middle of the mess!”

So we NEED each other! That's an important part of the spiritual life that we can never get away from.

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!

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

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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!

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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?

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

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Today I interview a missionary with ABWE to Asia.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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!

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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?

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

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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.

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.

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!

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!

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 -

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.

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

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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.

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

All Bible Quotations are NKJV unless otherwise noted.

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Spiritual Sacrifice and Serving Others

INTRO

Today on Run With Horses, we are moving on to stage two of spiritual growth. Thanks for moving forward with me!

Today’s focus – Moving beyond self to thinking about others. Sacrifice and Service as a foundation for Ministry.

I have introduced three stages of Spiritual Growth as they relate to your spiritual life and ministry. Today we will cover the second stage, Sacrifice and Service. Let me know if you have questions or comments as we go along! norman@runwithhorses.net

The First Stage – Spiritual Identity and Foundations, allowed you to build a foundation. Learning who you are in God’s sight and the basics of the Christian life as you develop good spiritual habits for the future.

The Second Stage – Spiritual Sacrifice and Service, builds on that foundation.

Where the beginning of the spiritual life necessarily involve a lot of work on yourself, to continue to grow you have to be properly oriented toward others. One of the lessons I learned years ago is that Christianity can be summarized as a web of relationships. Your relationship with God, Your relationship with His family, the Church, and your relationship with the world, people who aren’t yet following Jesus.

These relationships with other people are built on a right relationship with God and a clear understanding of what God is doing in the world and your part in it. This foundation is started in Stage One and continues in Stage Two.

What are we talking about? Although there is more to it than we will cover today, here are four things that I see us building on the foundation we started when we placed our faith in Jesus.

Learning how to relate in a biblical way to others.

God loves people! How we treat them, in and out of the church, should reflect God’s love for them. We are His hands and feet in the world, carrying out His mission of reconciliation and using our gifts to build up the body. To do that we have to be growing in the character of Jesus. A selfish unregenerate heart can’t treat people as God wants them treated. The foundational heart change of Stage One gives us the new nature that is directed by the Holy Spirit to genuinely love others and consider their needs.

Phil.2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

2 Cor.5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

1 Thess. 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Learn and apply the “one another’s” of the NT.

The “one another’s” give us a real picture of what the family of God should look like! You can’t live these out without a real relationship. It takes time and proximity to build this kind of close personal involved relationship with other people.

Love one another is the most of repeated and is the basis for a lot of the other commands we are to live by. The first and second command are to love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. These are SIMPLE to understand. But so hard to live out consistently!

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Eph. 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph. 4: 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

God is serious about our relationships! Teach, admonish, encourage, pray for, live in harmony with, build up and in every way LOVE each other.

Learn the meaning and value of sacrifice.

Matt. 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Sacrifice is putting God’s eternal plan and purpose above my personal desires and goals. Sacrifice is loving others enough to do what is best for them even when it is not in my best interest.

Find joy in serving.

In this Second Stage of spiritual growth and development we want to answer the question, “What are my spiritual gifts?” As a follower of Jesus, you have been equipped to build up the body of Christ. You have gifts that the church needs. I don’t believe you can mature as a believer without learning to serve others and put your gifts to use. The desire to serve and use your gifts comes from really loving the people God loves and died for.

If in Stage One you are learn who God wants you to Be, in Stage Two you are learning to allow Who you are in Christ to flow through you and to impact those around you. If stage one is a classroom, stage two is a construction site with lots of activity! God is building something great in your life.

Next time: The Third Stage – Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction

What is it? Know and maintain biblical priorities. Maintain healthy spiritual habits and the disciplines that build a strong spiritual life. Intentionally seek out younger people and invest in their spiritual life. Prioritize disciple making activities and relationships.

OUTRO

All bible quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

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INTRO

Today on Run With Horses, I am going into a little more detail about the first stage of spiritual growth that we all should pass through on our journey of faith.

Today’s focus – Stage one spiritual growth.

Last time we covered an overview of the three stages of Spiritual Growth. and then go over each one in detail in the next three shows. Let me know if you have questions or comments as we go along! norman@runwithhorses.net

First Stage – Spiritual Identity and Foundations

What is it? Learning who you are in God’s sight.

Eph.2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. You are loved!

Time of developing our character.

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Galatians 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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

1 Timothy 3: 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

Learning the basics of the Christian life.

The Gospel provides the entry into the Christian life and we never leave that foundation, we build on it. What did Jesus accomplish on the cross? How does that help me live today? What is available to me because of the cross? Power of forgiveness and God’s grace. Prayer – we are able to go to God directly. Fellowship – we have a body of believers who are united by the Holy Spirit. God’s mission – The ministry of reconciliation.

Spiritual warfare, spiritual gifts, ministry to the body of Christ, ministry with the body of Christ. Our testimony – witnesses to His work in us.

Learning about genuine spiritual worship.

How do you learn these?

From who?

Developing good spiritual habits.

Begin developing the habit of bible study and obedience.

Learning the value and importance of prayer.

Learning about the special community, God’s family, the Church. Developing the habit of intentional relationships.

Developing a good view of stewardship in all areas of life. Time, health, relationships, finances, etc.

Why are these so important? They change your mind, immerse yourself in the mind of Christ. Develop discernment, spiritual wisdom and insight.

How do you learn these? From who? How do you maintain consistency?

Next time:

The Second Stage – Spiritual Sacrifice and Service

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INTRO

Today on Run With Horses, I am introducing three stages of spiritual growth that we should all want to pass through on our journey of faith.

Today’s focus - Growing in Ministry – Keep taking steps towards spiritual maturity!

I hope you understand that God wants you to grow. In many ways, in many area of life. God is working in you to grow.

Hebrew 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Col.1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Col.2:6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

2 Peter1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to introduce three stages of Spiritual Growth as they relate to your spiritual ministry. To day we will cover an overview of the three stages and then go over each one in detail in the next three shows. Let me know if you have questions or comments as we go along!

First Stage – Spiritual Identity and Foundations

What is it? Learning who you are in God’s sight. Time of developing our character. Learning the basics of the Christian life. Developing good spiritual habits.

Answering questions like:

Who does God day I am?

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

How do I grow spiritually?

Second Stage – Spiritual Sacrifice and Service

What is it? Learning how to relate in a biblical way to others. Learn and apply the “one another’s” of the NT. Learn the meaning and value of sacrifice. Find joy in serving.

Answering questions like:

What does it mean to serve others?

What is sacrifice in my life? Why is it important?

What are my spiritual gifts?

Third Stage – Spiritual Maturity and Reproduction

Answering questions like:

Who around me needs encouragement today?

How can I help others grow and serve?

What do I need to do to help others become disciple makers?

OUTRO

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Ageless Beauty

Discussion on aging. How th e world views it, how Christians can/should view it

Term – “sandwich generation”

Stereotypes – dementia, frail, bed-ridden, no fun

Loss of autonomy is probably the hardest part of old age to accept. Those ADL’s (Activities of Daily Life) you’ve performed for yourself most of your life must now be done by someone else.

Many benefits to being older – experience, wisdom, able to pass on to next generation

may know how to handle relationships better

Old person’s situation makes a big difference – sickness, family around? Mobility

Compare: tribal environment vs. modern environment

-- elderly are valued; their knowledge is needed; no other resources (youtube, books)

-- most experienced and good at basket weaving (e.g.). Current day knowledge hasn’t changed for centuries. Continues as it has been.

-- In US, old are in the way, not respected, not useful. The knowledge they had (i.e. slide rules) is obsolete now. Technology keeps changing.

Need a purpose for living, feel useful to others, feel needed

-- understand what God wants from you in this chapters

-- You DO have a role if you’re still breathing!

Perspective/Outlook

God provides a basis for seeing the future in a positive light!

You can be thankful every day for something.

You can be a blessing to someone every day if you try.

On what do you base your worth? What makes you valuable?

-- Do you feel valuable because of how you look? (what happens when you get wrinkly, bald, & saggy?)

-- Do you feel valuable because you are productive in society or to your family or church? (what happens when you are no longer able to feel productive?)

-- Is your worth based on your sense of pride?

-- Or is it based on the value God places on you, for being created in His image? He proved how valuable you are!! (sending Jesus to pay your way to belong to His family)

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Grace when you need it . . .Every day!

What is it?

Merriam_Webster – Grace

a: unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b: approval, favor

c: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

From GotQuestions.org (https://www.gotquestions.org/mercy-grace.html)

“Mercy and grace are closely related. While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not exactly the same. Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion; it is often spoken of in the context of God’s not punishing us as our sins deserve. Grace includes kindness and compassion, but also carries the idea of bestowing a gift or favor. It may help to view mercy as a subset of grace. In Scripture, mercy is often equated with a deliverance from judgment , and grace is always the extending of a blessing to the unworthy.”

God’s undeserved favor toward the unworthy.

It’s good news!

Acts 20:24

What does it do?

Romans 3:23

Hebrews 4:16

II Corinthians 12:9

2 Thess. 2:16

Titus 2:11

2 Timothy 2:1

Romans 15:15

1 Cor. 3:9

Eph. 3:1

2 Cor. 8:1

How do I get it? What do I do with it?

Eph. 4:7

Rom. 12:3

1 Peter 4:10

Paul attributes his life and ministry to the grace of God at work in him.

1 Cor. 15:9

How do I respond?

Romans 14:4

Humility, knowing I don’t deserve even a fraction of the grace that God gives.

Confidence that God will do His part in my life. It doesn’t rest on my ability or wisdom. God will make me stand. So never stop pursuing godliness and righteousness because God has promised that you will obtain it!

Courage to attempt great things.

Overflowing Thanksgiving because God has counted me worthy to be part of His family.

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What’s your Next Action? - Ep.214

The last show we talked about being too busy. Today I want to confirm that we do all have a lot to do and would like to get the important things, the big rocks we talked about last time, accomplished or at least worked on. When we talked about the putting the big rocks in first, we were primarily thinking about scheduling. It’s a calendar issue. But once you get to that time, what do you do? That is the topic of today’s show.

Several years ago I was introduced to the book Getting Things Done by David Allen. It is a really good and fairly simple system of organization that I would highly recommend if you have a complicated and busy life like I do. But today I am not going to go over the whole system but only one key aspect that may be enough for you to really take hold of your life and make progress in the really important areas.

For everything in life that you intend to work on or make any progress on, you need a Next Action. It seems almost too obvious but how often do you have a project that needs working on that you aren’t really sure how to move forward with? I am really concerned about my and your spiritual life so let’s look at some examples. Many people feel like they don’t know the bible well enough. That actually probably true for all of us! The problem is that many people leave it there.

You might hear things like. “I don’t know my bible as well as I should. I really should study more. “

But then no actually plans are made to study or learn more. There is no clear Next Action, just a vague feeling that things aren’t quite as good as they could be. Sounds like a recipe for guilt without change!

What does a Next Action look like? How do you find one?

Usually a little planning ahead goes a long way. If the project is important to you, and certainly growing in your ability to understand and apply God’s Word to your life should qualify as an important project it is worth some effort. The higher the priority in your life the more worthwhile it is to spend time praying and planning. The first step is usually brainstorming ideas and options.

For growing in your understanding of the bible, what options do you have? Hopefully you are already a regular member of a good church that teaches the bible, if not, please start there! Be aware that the main service times are probably not the only options through the church, many churches have weekly bible studies of various kinds that might be a great fit for you.

A second option might be asking your pastor for a good recommendation. There are video courses online and numerous books on specific topics as well as overviews of the book of the bible. You might get more out of a book or lesson on how to study the bible, then take notes as you read through the New Testament. Lots of options here!

But this is still too vague for a Next Action. If you are serious about it, you have to make some choices. You have to make some decisions. There are lots of things you could do, but what are you going to do?

Once you pick a path forward, write down the steps needed to make it happen. The first one, the one you have to do to get started, is your next action. Want to start by learning more about how to read and study the bible yourself? First step might be to research book options. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart is one I can recommend. If you choose it your Next Action would be to order it!

Break any project into the smallest steps and make sure you always know what the next step is, that is your Next Action. If you keep working on these, over time any project will make forward progress.

I challenged you last show to write down the big categories of life, the things you really care about. If you did that you should also now have some idea of the things in life that are really important to you. If you went the extra step, you also marked out some time on your calendar to devote to that area of your life. If you put down your spiritual life as a major priority, you still have to answer the question, what do I do with the time I have devoted to spiritual growth? This process of determining Next Actions can ensure that you always have something worthwhile that you are working on, something that is moving you forward in your spiritual life.

Prayer life? What can you do, an action, that might help? Pick a better time, use a notebook, study Paul’s prayers. Church life seem stale? What might help? Spend time praying for your church leadership throughout the week, volunteer to serve in a different way, reach out to people around you during the week. There is always something, however small, that you can do that will help you. Pray about it and look for that opportunities to grow in every area of life.

I understand that it is easy to get stuck. Life is busy, we have lots of distractions, it can be hard to know what to do next. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will eventually get somewhere. Keep pursuing righteousness, don’t give up and don’t quit. Keep going forward, one step at a time.

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Too Busy? Put the Big Rocks in First!

I don't know what it is about our culture but most of us are busy all the time. Or at least we FEEL busy and that turns out to be just as tiring! The problem is that we aren’t necessarily accomplishing a lot of the right things. Have you ever struggled to find time to read your bible or pray for your friends salvation? Do you miss a small group meeting or church gathering regularly because of “life”? Then you are in this category of too busy.

A full discussion of this topic would include lots of details like the average American spends 3.5 hours on their smartphone every day. I am sure the 47 minutes per day spent on YouTube aren’t worth mentioning. The fact that the typical American watched 3 hours of TV every day probably doesn’t really relate to our feeling of being to busy does it? One college group I spoke with admitted that most of them watched a movie a day and often more on the weekends. Are you a gamer? That 2-4 hours that most gamers hit per day probably doesn’t matter when it comes to your struggle to find 15 minutes a day to read your bible. . . no way.

Ok, Ok, Maybe I am hitting this a bit hard but listen to this. You have time to do what you really want to do. Period. Ouch.

Let that rattle around in your head a little. I understand there are , rare, exceptions. I am not talking to you if you are working two jobs as a single mom of three energetic boys with no family around to help. Your life is full, I get it. That is not most people. If you are average, and coincidentally most of us are… you have time to use as you see fit almost every day. How do you choose to spend it?

If you are one of those people who would like to grow spiritually, and if you are listening to this show I would assume that you are, it is in those smaller daily choices that the battle for the day is one or lost. Do you check your FaceBook page before or after your devotion time? Do you call that friend you have been meaning to pray for before or after watching that movie? We often have good intentions but slip up in the details. If that is you, keep listening for some advice on how to manage the chaos of life.

I first heard the story around 15 years ago. A college professor was helping his class see the importance of having clear priorities and then following them. He pulled out a glass jar and put several large rocks in it. “Is it full?” he asked. “Yes!” came the enthusiastic answer. This was back when teachers actually taught in class and students wanted to learn. He pulled out a small box filled with pebbles and proceeded to add them in the spaces around the large rocks in the jar.

“Is the jar full” he asked. “Yes.” came the answer again. This time he pulled out a plastic bin with sand in it and poured it over the rocks and pebbles, letting the sand filter through the cracks to the bottom of the jar.

“Is it full now?” he asked. “No!” came the reply, the students finally realizing something was up. The professor smiled and pulled out a jar of water and poured it over the rocks, pebbles and sand until the jar was completely full. “Now the jar is full. So what is the lesson here?” he asked.

“You can always fit in a little more?” came the tentative reply. After a good laugh and acknowledgement that we all try to do just that the professor gave the lesson.

“Put the big rocks in FIRST.”

That my friends is the key to living the life God intended, that is filled with true purpose and deeper meaning. Put the big rocks in first.

What are the big rocks? Your Priorities and main purpose in life. What is really most important to you? Is it really worth the effort it will take? What will it take to reach that purpose? You need to see both your goals in life and the actions steps it will take to get there.

If you are serious about making some life changes get out a pencil and paper, or live in the modern world and take notes on your phone! But Make a note to answer some questions for yourself.

First, list the big categories that you see in your life right now. Here are some examples.

Spiritual Growth, Career, Family, Local Church, Community Activities, Friends, House Upkeep, Garden, Exercise/ Physical Health, Hobbies, etc

Now identify the most important ones. Hopefully you place your personal relationship with God right at the top. But if YOU don’t place it there from your heart you will not sustain the life that will make ti possible. Your heart will ultimately determine you choices and be reflected in your time management.

Make that list of the big categories in your life that you really care about and are “mission critical” so important that you can’t function without them.

For each category, ask yourself what success in that area of life looks like. Then, list the activities that contribute to being successful in that area of life. You are answering the question, What does it take to do well in this part of my life?

Lay that paper aside and take out a calendar. Put in all the immovable objects in your calendar. Work schedule, church schedule, doctor appointments, etc. Now take your list of top three categories of life and put in the most important activity that contributes to success in that area. If you are a parent that is probably in your top three and time with the family is absolutely required to do well as a parent. Where is it in your daily and weekly schedule? If you follow my advice you time alone with God is THE most important part of your week and is the foundation that gives the rest of the week meaning. Put it in your best time. If you are a morning person, do it first every day. If you are a night person, do it at a time that you will be able to be consistent and protect that time. If your lunch break is best, plan ahead and be ready to give some of that time to God every day.

If you intentionally do this, put the big rocks into your day first, you will find that over time, there are very few things that really matter, that you really care about, that don’t get done. My daughter wants to be a songwriter. She needs to write new songs on a regular basis to do that. One song a year does technically make you a songwriter (Hey, I wrote two songs in the past two weeks but I am NOT a songwriter!) but she would not be happy looking back after 30 years and realizing that she had a gift that wasn’t used to it’s potential. What gifts has God given you? What responsibilities has God given you? What relationships has He given you to shepherd? You are a steward of all of life and much to many people’s dismay, you can’t just float through and be successful.

Put the big rocks in first, review your choices regularly and keep pursing a life of righteous and eternal value. The race before you requires patience, so keep running!

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How do you face your Weaknesses?

Weaknesses. Everybody has them. Nobody likes them in themselves or in others. But there they are, just waiting to embarrass you and make you feel guilty all over again. Weaknesses come in all flavors, mental, physical, emotional, and moral. And all of us have varying degrees of all kinds of limitations and weaknesses.

For most of your weaknesses, you either learn to work around it, as in physical handicaps, or try to find some way to build up that area, apply to a school to boost your job potential. But for a Christian, moral and spiritual limitations are the most critical because they carry a greater weight of eternal consequences. Not that the other limitations don’t have eternal ramifications, but the spiritual limitations are more directly related to our relationship with God and His Church.

What are some examples of spiritual weaknesses? First, let me clarify that much of our spiritual weakness comes from unaddressed sin in our lives. If you call unforgiveness a weakness and leave it at that you may try to shrug it off like the bad knee that keeps you from playing basketball. No need to address it and work to change it. But as a follower of Jesus, everything that hinders us from pursuing Him with our whole heart is a problem. So unforgiveness is suddenly a big deal. It isn’t just a little thing, but a massive stumbling block that threatens our unity with the church and our fellowship with God. It is sin and must be addressed as sin.

Now I am sure many of you will agree with that and already make a regular practice of confessing and repenting of known sin in your life. The problem comes in with areas we continually struggle with, a besetting sin some might call it. Most of us have a spiritual weakness that regularly shows up in our life and leads to sin of some kind. How do you address that weakness? Do you address it or just give up, admit defeat in that area and move on?

My challenge for you today. Don’t accept defeat, fight to the bitter end to be the person God is changing you into. He has already promised to finish the work He started in you. And if you have accepted Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross on you behalf through Faith, God says that He declares you Righteous! And that is amazing! You can’t work for that righteousness (Rom.4:5). It is God’s work on your behalf. And that work is why the battle is worth it. You will not lose this fight. You may lose a battle today, but God is using this fight in your life to build your reliance and trust in Him. He uses your weakness to make you more like Jesus. So don’t give up, ever.

So how do you approach the spiritual weakness in your life that so often leads to sin?

One, Embrace the TRUTH that the ultimate victory is yours, no matter how this battle turns out. God has never lost one yet, you won’t be the first.

Phil. 1:3-6 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ

Two, Prioritize Prayer. Don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit and His ability to work when you have no strength left. Repeat with Paul, when I am weak, then You are strong.

2 Cor. 12:9-10 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong

The next few points are all part of using all of the tools available that God has given you. Don’t try to power your way through weakness, let God work in and through you.

Three, Use Your Mind. It may sound trite to you but spending time reading, meditating on and memorizing scripture is part of the process.

2 Tim.3:16-17 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.

Use all the tools available, God’s Word is an important one!

Four, Stay Connected to God’s Family. The church is an important part of the life of a follower of Jesus. When you are weak, the gifts that God has given the church are there to lift you up.

1 Thess. 5: 8-11 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Some believer you know has the gift of encouragement. Someone has the gift of wisdom and can give you practical pointers to help you see your way forward clearly. You need support. God has give the Holy Spirit and His Church to support you through this life. Don’t leave it out!

Five, Physically Do Something Different. If you have been busy, get some extra rest, go to bed early. Stress makes you more susceptible to temptation. If you are a couch potato, get some exercise. Move you body in a good way. Get out and join people volunteering and serving in the community, do Something different.

Six, Pursue Godliness and Righteousness.

Flee from temptation and pursue righteousness. Be active and intentional in your pursuit and never give up.

1 Tim. 6:11-12 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Seven, Look For Someone Around You Who Needs Help. As a member of the body of Christ you have gifts that the church needs. Don’t let your temporary struggle keep you from looking to serve others.

Phil. 2:4 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Yes take care of yourself. But don’t let the enemy remove you from the war. Your gifts are needed. Others are struggling like you are and we can help each other persevere.

Our struggles are real. Our weakness is real. Our God is Great. If you know someone who needs this message, share it with them and Keep Running!

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How strong are you?

The world is really concerned about at least appearing strong if not actually being strong.

Physically, emotionally, as well as mentally you are challenged to get stronger and, by the way, here is a product that will help you achieve that strength in record time with no effort on your part! Available today only for the special price of $19.99!

Our heros are the winners who overcome incredible odds and win in spite of everything the enemy has to throw against them. Some of our favorite movies are the ones where the hero goes through this amazing mental and physical transformation to succeed in the battle they face. Rocky comes to mind as the model for many movies that followed after. The training scenes are motivational and show the intense desire that leads to intense effort that leads to a transformation that allows our hero to win in the end.

Not surprisingly many of us take this same approach to the spiritual life. If I am struggling it must be because I haven’t put in the hours yet. I need more time in the spiritual gym to build those spiritual muscles so I can defeat the sin in my life. One major flaw in this line of thinking. It isn’t anywhere close to what God has to say!

If you listen to me often you may think this is contradicting what I often say about putting time in reading God’s Word and applying effort to the spiritual life, but the focus is a little different. You don’t grow yourself, you allow God to grow you. You can’t defeat sin on your own no matter what you do. God has already won that battle for you. True spiritual strength is recognizing our weakness and inability to succeed on our own. Any efforts we put in should flow out of a knowledge that we desperately need God to work in us. I don’t read my Bible to gain spiritual insights to make me super spiritual and able to handle sin on my own, I dive into God’s Word to see more of the God who choose me and loves me in spite of my weakness.

God turns the whole idea of strength and weakness on its head. He chooses the weak and opposes the strong. Paul gives a good picture of the attitude we should have in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul realizes that his weakness is a gift from God, meant to help him maintain a proper perspective of life in Christ.

2 Cor. 12: 7And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Weakness is the perfect vehicle to display God’s strength. When we are strong we may be tempted to rely on our own abilities and turn away from God or boast about what we have accomplished. In our weakness, we see god at work everywhere, keeping us upright in the world and using us to accomplish His work.

God chooses not the mighty but the weak, and when they show their dependence on Him by attempting the impossible as He leads them forward, God gets all the glory. The story is told of a report who went to one of DL Moody’s meetings in England. He reported that there was nothing he could see that could account for the marvelous work that was seen as a result of Moody’s preaching. Moody was shown the article and replied, “Why that is the very secret of the movement. There is nothing in it that can explain it but the power of God. The work is God’s, not mine.”

So how strong are you? When considered in light of God’s work in and through us, that is really the wrong question isn’t it? The real question is how strong is God! With that fully answered and convinced in your own heart and mind, there is nothing you need to fear when you are following in Jesus’ footsteps. Because when you are at your weakest, He is able to reveal His strength in it’s fullest.

Pursue God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and trust in His strength to keep you going until the day He calls you home.

Keep running in His strength!

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Everyone has a story that they use to explain their life and the world around them. You may not think of it as a story but it is the larger context that you place your life in to explain to yourself and others who you are and what your actions mean. It is how you interpret the world around you.

You may play the victim in your story or you may be the hero. The world exists to keep you down or it is an adventure in which you act and react on the way to some meaningful goal.

Your story is how you give meaning to life. It is how you interpret trials as well as blessings.

You likely view life with one primary purpose and group of people that everything else revolves around. Many men keep career and work firmly at the center. They have meaning and purpose as long as they have work that is engaging, pays the bills, gives them coworkers to commiserate with or just takes so much of their time and energy that they don’t have anything left for other interests.

Maybe for you, your story revolves around family. If your children are taken care of, happy and productive, not trouble makers, etc, you may have a sense of wellbeing and contentment with life whatever personal trials come your way.

Sports fan, outdoorsman, baker, gardener, runner, artist or volunteer. You have a story and you have a role that you fill in your mind. These stories, unexamined by most of us, are in the background running our lives and directly influencing our motivations and interpretations of life.

Often we let the world around us define us and the meaning that our lives have. When we do that, the world is telling the story. There is one big problem with the story that the world tells, it is based on a lie told by the prince of liars!

Satan wants you to listen to the story he tells about you. He doesn’t want you to hear the message of God’s love and redemption. He doesn’t want you to know that God’s story is still unfolding and you are a big part of it. The story the world tells is godless and meaningless. You are only able to make sense out of things vaguely and with no confidence.

But these stories are powerful. They are traps that keep us from reaching our God-given potential and blind us to the reality of His work in the world and in our lives or they are anchored firmly in reality and help us see God at work behind the curtain that is the theater of life. If you want to see life change in a person’s life, help them change their story.

Most of us are deeply entrenched in a story that is only partially based in the real world. Our desires, tainted by the flesh and opposed to God, lead us to interpret life with a throne in the center that we sit on. Life revolves around us and the world owes us. The constant clash of this dream with the reality that the world cares nothing for you leads to depression, fear, internal crisis of all kinds and often keeps us stuck in situations with no way out that we can see clearly. We need a better story. One with God at the center, Jesus on the throne and all of life seen for what it is. A battle ground with men’s souls at stake. God is drawing you to Himself, preparing you for eternity with Him and He uses His mission of reaching the world as the vehicle for your life change. You have meaning and purpose, a life that matters, and a family of believers who are on the Way with you. You are not alone in the world with everything against you. You are part of a family with a purpose on a mission that cannot fail.

You walk through life with your story. God’s purpose is to draw you into His story.

Keep running!

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What do you do when you see God?

Many people say they want to know God better and even have a vision of God. But do they really know what they are asking? Look at some of the people throughout the Bible who have seen God clearly and note their response.

Job –At the beginning - innocent , no iniquity in me – self-view

1:8 – Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”– God’s declaration

42:5-6 – “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.” -when confronted with God

Moses – all the training of Pharaoh's court, Exod. 3:2-6 – Burning bush - Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

Isaiah – 6:1-5 – Saw God and then - “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips,

And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

Ezekiel – 1;1 saw vision of God – 1:26-28 – This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.

Peter – Luke 5:8 – But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Paul – overwhelmed Acts 9;3-6As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

When confronted with God throughout the Bible there is a common pattern. Theme – self-abhorrence, self-abasement, averted face, sense of own uncleanness, blindness, prostration, falling as dead. Do you still want to see God?

But that is not the end of the story. God wants us to see ourselves as we really are, and we can only do that if we see Him as He really is, not in the image we have created of Him in our minds. When we see Him as He is and see ourselves as we are, we are freed from thinking we have any standing on our own. Pride is gone, abject humility takes its place. With forgiveness and the love of God come the commission from God to serve Him.

God does not aim to humiliate us but to change us.

2 Cor. 4:6 – shown the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in our hearts in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Cor. 3:4-6 4And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Cor 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 Cor. 4:5-6 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Really seeing the face of Jesus for who He is takes away our petty desires to succeed in this life. We lose our fear of death because we see life in His face. With a proper view of God and ourself, we are in the best place to be His messengers to the world. Keep Running!

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Life Lessons from the Garden

1) Commit to the process of gardening.

Commit to the work of the Christian life. It is not all cake and ice cream!

2) Know what you will grow before you begin.

What is the work God is preforming in you? What does it mean to follow Jesus?

3) Plan your garden space – row spacing, trellis, etc.

Live an Intentional Life!

4) Know what tools you will need.

What resources has God given you to succeed in Life and Spiritual Growth?

5) Prep the soil.

a. know what kind of soil you have.

b. know what kind of soil you need

Who are you? What does God say about who you are and what you need?

6) Pick a day and plant according to the season and type of vegetables you are growing.

Choose to follow Jesus and confirm it daily. It is worth it. Begin and continue till the end!

7) Water and wait.

Plant and water the seeds of the Gospel in your life as well as the life of those around you. Develop patience as you do your part and wait for God’s timing.

8) Weed.

Flee temptation. Keep a close eye on your spiritual life and choices. Be proactive in fighting sin.

9) Harvest when veggies are ready!

You will reap a bountiful harvest of righteousness in this life and the life to come!

Summary: Gardening can be hard. But the rewards of struggling through the difficulties are tasty!

A Life of following Jesus WILL be hard. But the rewards of standing before Him justified will be eternally worth it!

Keep Running!

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Your Life is a Message – What does it say?

First, How does it speak?

1) Word of Mouth

a) Yours – what do you say?

b) Other People – What do they say about your life?

2) Actions

a) What do you do?

b) Why? What is your purpose? Do you live intentionally?

c) What do your actions say about who you are and what you believe and value?

3) Personality/ Character

a) This is both the sum of your words and action and MORE than that. It is HOW you speak and Act.

b) Your attitude, emotions, etc all play a part in how your message is perceived and received.

Second, What is your life’s message?

1) Is your message important enough to be worth a life?

a) Have you thought about what you want your life to communicate?

b) Is your message intentional?

c) Is your message worth it? Life can be hard. Some things of value will cost you a LOT.

d) Are you committed to your message?

2) Your life is saying something.

a) Is your message clear?

b) Are you making life choices that muddy the message?

c) Are you allowing others to determine your message, going along with the crowd?

3) Who is listening/ watching?

a) Family

b) Friends

c) Neighbors, coworkers

d) Strangers

e) God

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“Seek to be today, what you want to be known for tomorrow.” - Legacy

The Road Not Taken BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, . ..

And looked down one as far as I could ...

Then took the other, as just as fair, . . .

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

This poem is both like and unlike life. You make choices not knowing the outcome, true. Those choices change you, also true. But in the poem, there is no goal or purpose. No end destination. The author isn’t trying to get somewhere. If there is a destination in mind, suddenly the roads aren’t equally inviting, I need to know which one takes me where I want to be.

Life is like that. If you are aimless and have no real purpose or even worse, have the wrong purpose, you will struggle to make meaningful evaluations of your choices.

Choices define us. Consistent choices identify us. Good choices give us opportunities to grow personally and in our relationships. Poor choices limit us in the same way.

Matthew 7:13-14

Choose Life. Sounds simple. And it is. It is simple but hard. Easy to understand but difficult to live out. The distractions and temptations of the world around you are Wide Gate and Broad Way invitations. Follow the crowd, join us. The invitation to allow others to choose for you is persistent and dangerous. The glossy images and HD video ads of shiny new toys being used by healthy smiling people obviously means that is the best path for EVERYONE, Yes?

No. Satan is able to disguise himself and his agenda in bright appealing colors and styles. But Poison will kill you even if it is sweet and tastes good going down.

So if you shouldn’t allow others to choose for you, How do you choose what path to take in life?

Again, Simple but hard. Easy to understand but difficult to live out consistently. Answer this question.

What would I do if I truly loved God with all my heart, soul mind, and strength?

Simple right? Small words, clear idea. Easy to understand.

Need help? Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” So do that.

And while you are at it there is one more.

What would I do if I truly loved my neighbor as myself?

Again, simple and easy to understand. But oh, so hard to do consistently.

Both of these questions are answered in our daily choices.

You will become what you are becoming. You will be shaped by your choices. You will be know by the pattern your choices make. Every choices adds a piece to the patchwork quilt of your life and has the potential to be a beautiful, meaningful design that warms others and glorifies God or equally has the potential to be a mismatched jumble of rags that are useless to anyone. In reality most of us live lives somewhere in between. We occasionally make good choices and often make poor ones. We seek God at times and take the Narrow path but other times are drawn to the lights and sounds of the Broad path.

This daily struggle is why we need each other. You need friends who will lovingly tell you that you took a wrong turn. You need to be that friend who loves those around them enough to speak truth to them and help them get back on the Narrow path.

It is simple, but hard. And always worth it. Keep Running!

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Are you Content or Complacent?

I Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

What is it?

What is contentment?

Merriam Webster

1: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation

Satisfied

1: pleased or content with what has been experienced or received

What is complacency?

Merriam Webster

1: self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies

2: an instance of usually unaware or uninformed self-satisfaction

Why does it matter?

You can be content with the wrong things. (spiritual growth vs. stuff)

You can be discontent with the wrong things. (stuff in this life, not measuring up to others)

What makes the biggest difference? Your perspective! Eternal or temporal. God’s or man’s.

Is contentment with the right things your goal Or is it your goal to “succeed” in life, whatever that means.

How does death figure in your future plans and your ability to be content?

It affects work, family, hobbies, etc in the here and now.

It really affects your eternity!

Satisfied in Christ – What is this? Why is it worth pursuing?

Only path to real JOY!

You can never really be satisfied with anything less than God.

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How do I Walk in the Spirit?

Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Galatians 3:1–3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Before we look at Walking in the Spirit, What is the flesh and what does it mean to live according to the flesh?

The Bible indicates that the flesh is human nature as it is now, tainted by sin. Sin has affected our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, desires, actions, relationships and physical being. Out total being is influenced by our sin nature.

“The Holy Spirit produces in us desires for God’s way that are stronger than our fleshly desires, and thus he causes us to walk in God’s statutes.” - John Piper [https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/let-us-walk-by-the-spirit]

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

How do we Walk in the Spirit?

Here are some ideas to help you down that path.

1) Accept God’s judgment of your nature -- lost, confused, and unable to make it right.

2) Spend time with God on a daily basis. Time in God’s Word and in Prayer helps you recognize the pull of the flesh and gives the Holy Spirit ammunition to fight it. The Holy Spirit brings passages back to your mind when you need them and gives you strength and wisdom to turn from destructive choices.

3) Develop honest, transparent relationships with mature followers of Jesus. Look for opportunities to encourage each other in the fight against sin and the hold it has on us.

4) Investigate the Spiritual disciplines. Fasting, solitude, and the like can be valuable tools in the struggle against the flesh.

5) Intentionally join others who are on mission with Jesus. Carrying out the work of making disciples is a worthy goal and is capable of taking all of the energy and focus you can give it. You will not find a more worthy way to spend this life than carrying out the commands of Jesus in a disiciple-making community.

It can be hard. It can seem like an eternal uphill climb. But the journey is worth it.

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netWho do you resent?I came across a small old book in the church library today. The Prison of Resentment by Bob Mumford.Subtitled: The Greatest Hindrance to Spiritual MaturityFirst a foundation to build on. From Galatians 5:13-26. A quick summary- you are called to freedom. Love your neighbor as yourself to fulfill the law. Walk by the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit.An unfortunate truth - it is easier to love God than to love people! Surprise!But Mumford says, "Righteousness is relational. If you want to be righteous before God, you must get all your relationships clear."If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are righteous before God. So NOW what are you going to do? Living out your faith in the world today is primarily about your relationships with those people around you. Six of the ten commandments are about our relationships with people. The beatitudes tell us about our attitude, heart focus and often relate it to people.How important is our relationship with others? Check out Matthew 5: 23-26. It is so important that you should put reconciliation with another believer above your own worship of God. Relationships in the church, unity in the church, is important to God!Mumford takes a slight curve and gives some good insight on why our relationships are such a mess. "When sin entered, it affected three areas: (1) it affected our relationship between us and God. (2) It affected the relationship between us and ourselves. (3) It affected the relationship between us and others."God wants you to know and experience forgiveness from both ends. He has forgiven you, you can now forgive others. Merriam-Webster defines resentment as a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury. Oh, yeah it's personal!Remember Naaman, captain of the Syrian army who went to Elisha to be healed. He was offended because he was told to go dip in the Jordan river seven times, by Elisha's servant! That is resentment. He felt slighted by Elisha.Mumford tells us that resentment starts as a subjective thought known only to you and God. No one else can see how you feel or what you are thinking. But you dwell on it and begin to wallow in the mire of your own making, building up resentment that turns into a grudge against someone. Now you are stuck in the rut and we all tend to keep on going over it and making it deeper.Mumford gives four things that help us as we think about resentment, both avoiding it and getting out of the trap.First, Testing is a real thing. You will be tested in life in many small and large ways and God often brings the test through people you know.Second, We all really need a large dose of the sovereignty of God! Nothing comes into your life that will hinder God's work in and through your life. Embrace the work He is doing as well as the method He uses to bring the spiritual growth you need.Third, if you understand God's sovereignty, it is a little easier to accept the test with joy. This is where the rubber meets the road. Accepting with joy doesn't mean that someone else wasn't in the wrong or that you weren't hurt by them. It just mean you are learning to handle life by trusting God with the details.Fourth, If you don't get a handle on your thoughts and emotions, resentment imprisons you and robs your relationships of the joy and value God intends. Little things become big things, are spiritual life suffers and we become bitter."Resentment comes when God, or another, doesn't do what you think He should." - MumfordOur expectations of God and other people put us in the position of being disappointed often. The sin nature we struggle with causes us to desire things and believe we deserve them. We want attention, praise and recognition for every little thing we do and we want others to always treat us with respect and honor. It makes sense when you think that we all see ourselves as the authority in our life. It is difficult to surrender to God's authority. We don't want to serve others or be treated like a servant. Humility is low on our list of traits we value in ourselves. And then there is Jesus.Love Go with all your heart, soul mind and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself and really try to serve them. Resentment hurts you more than the one you resent. Ask God to release you and forgive you joy in Him today.

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Living an Intentional Marriage

How does your view of marriage reflect your family upbringing?
How does God play a part in your relationship?
Questions for you to ask yourself or each other.

a. How are we doing as a couple?

The idea if not the actual question needs to be addressed. Commit to staying close.

b. In this season of life, what is our focus and where is our joy?

c. How am I honoring my spouse?

d. Are you dealing with anything that I can help you with in this stage of life?

e. What are a few ways I can be more understanding of your current struggles/ life challenges?

f. What do I need to know most about where you are spiritually, emotionally , etc right now?

g. Are you satisfied with the amount of time we spend together?

h. What ways can we be building our friendship more?

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NDMF2023 Random Thoughts on Making Disciples – Part 2

Don’t count people out or pre-judge who is capable or will respond. Discipleship is not just for the most mature believers.
Who is around you now that might respond if you asked them about getting together?
Are you a disciple worth reproducing?
Where are you in the basics? Are you intentionally pursuing Jesus? What are your strengths and weaknesses spiritually? Are you asking these kinds of questions?
Don’t pre-filter. Train everyone and then coach those who put it into practice.
Do your best to encourage and equip everyone around you. When people respond by applying Scripture to their lives and pursuing Jesus themselves, be their biggest fan and help coach them as they grow.
Every generation has a new great commission.
Be on mission. Jesus came to this earth with a purpose. He shared that purpose with His disciples and ultimately the church. Be clear about your purpose.
Empower, Equip, Release.
Don’t seek or hold on to power. Give those around you freedom to grow, serve, and use their gifts.
Don’t be a savior. Lead people to Jesus.
People don’t need you, they need Jesus. You can’t fix everyone’s problems. That isn’t your role and shouldn’t be your goal.
Keys to disciple making; close proximity, relationship, life together. Know God’s Word, read all of it, and share it together.
Keep God at the center. Be focused on your own spiritual growth and invite those around you to grow with you.

The life of a disciple isn’t necessarily complicated, but it is often hard. You make choices every day that make following Jesus easier or harder. You make choices every day that draw you closer to people or pull you away.

Be intentional. Put Jesus first. Love those around you. Choose Joy!

And keep running. . .

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And Here We Are! Episode #200! Many thanks to our listeners, take a moment and let someone else know about us to help us find the people we try to encourage and support as disciple makers and followers of Jesus in the world today.

Always Rejoicing!

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NDMF2023 Random Thoughts on Making Disciples

Remove unnecessary barriers that keep people from Jesus.
We need three spaces to be in the best position to grow spiritually.
crowds – the Big Sunday gathering
small groups – think of the 12 disciples walking through life together with Jesus.
microgroup – consider the three closest disciples to Jesus. These are intentionally organic, personal, require an invitation from an individual and are focused on multiplication.
Discipleship is messy. No tools are perfect. Do something.
Disciple thrives when four things are intentionally present.

*transparency

*accountability in relationships

*God’s Word is the curriculum

the goal is reproduction
Simple is best. Up, In, Out - God, Disciples, World
Invest in someone. Eliminate distractions, DO something.

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What do you want for your children? Are your goals hindering spiritual growth?

Many people have goals for themselves and for their children that fall short of God’s plan and purpose for their lives. Where do you stand?

Where do you get your goals for your children? Do you have clear goals for your children?

At the National Disciple Makers Forum ,#NDMF2023, Renae Sprouls talked about the culture problem facing the church. As she and her husband mentor young parents, they often hear variations on the same themes when they ask about goals for children:

“We want them to think for themselves. We want them to be successful. We want them to question authority. We want them to be happy.”

While those are not all awful things, they are built on a few dangerous assumptions:

There is no authority outside of self.
Self is the moral authority.

There is no longer a general knowledge and acceptance of the Bible as an authority for life.

Renae challenged parents to keep two things in mind if they want to be raising children who are not swept along with the winds of culture.

Be really clear about Jesus.
Jesus had a high view of Scripture
Jesus came to fulfill the law
The Bible is God’s Word; there is no higher authority.
Man shall not live by bread alone. The spiritual life matters. Scripture is the foundation.
Teach your children to feed themselves.
Parents are responsible for teaching life skills. Handling God’s Word is an important one!
Many people don’t know where to start with the Bible. Encourage and teach everyone – you can and must feed yourself from God’s Word. Give them freedom and confidence to try.

*Children can do it too! Learn to eat like an adult! What is modeled and expected becomes normal.

TV, movies, music, SM, are all like junk food; they kill our taste for real truth.
Teach your kids, “If you don’t like it, keep trying it.” You will learn to appreciate your vegetables and your Bible as you grow up. If you find truth you don’t like, don’t ask what is wrong with the truth, but what is wrong with me that I don’t like the truth. God changes us over time as we grow in Him.

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Family Discipleship 101

What?

There is a family discipleship crisis! How do we know? Look at the church culture and compare it to the world culture. Do you see a difference? No? There is a family discipleship crisis!

Parents are often overwhelmed with their own spiritual issues and have trouble finding the time and spiritual energy to help their children navigate life biblically.

So what is family discipleship? It is simply parents taking responsibility for their own and their children’s spiritual growth. Instead of leaving it up to the church to disciple your children, it is taking initiative to know and grow your kids! And it all starts with your personal walk with Jesus.

Why?

First, it is your role a parent. It is in the job description! Deut. 6.

My understanding is that in the past, maybe even through the 1960’s, parents were much more involved and aware of the need to be involved in their kids’ lives. Today, many expect the church and Christian schools to do it and even choose a church based on what is available for their kids!

Second, you are in the best place to work with your kids throughout the formative years of their life. You are with them most often and should be in a place to know them best.

Third, no one but God loves them more than you do!

How-To?

Keep it simple and build a foundation you can add to as they grow.

My personal belief is that all disciple making is relational, and this is even more important with your kids. Really get to know them, not just tell them what to do.

Two keys are time and communication.

Talk about spiritual things with your children as you face things. You might not be able to share everything, but you can share general thoughts about where you are and the struggle and victories in your spiritual life. As you go through life, help your kids see God at work around you and in your family. Point out the blessings and teach them to be thankful. Having this as a goal is a great challenge for those of us who might not be naturally as thankful as we should be. Knowing your kids are watching you helps motivate you to be intentional about giving thanks!

Encourage your children to read the bible themselves and learn to look for God at work. Help them see what obedience looks like.

Keep your children engaged with the church family and help them learn to see God at work in the greater church family.

Take baby steps and build on the foundation you make! It is worth the effort so keep going! You can do it!

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Single Christian Parent – Tips for Spiritually Supporting Your Children

Things not to do –

--Don’t badmouth the unsaved parent or the divorced parent. “Don’t listen to your mom.” Better way to approach that. “What does God say?” You can pray together for the unbelieving person.

--Don’t give in to depression, hopelessness, fear over ruining the kid because it’s just you. Don’t give up!

Trust God – He will do His part

Though it’s not ideal for both parents not to be Christians, God can work in spite of that.

Example: Timothy (with solid faith of mom and grandma)

Not ideal to be raised by one parent, God does amazing things there too!

You do your part – Be intentional

Work to build the relationship.

Be honest about your own limitations (time, work hours, expectations). God will provide.

Help child to learn to trust God as you trust Him, too.

Spend time in the Word of God together. Take child to church (if can).

Share your own spiritual testimony with them, apply Bible truths to daily life, pray together, etc. Make sure your spiritual life is open to your children, invite them into your relationship with God.

Try to provide good alternatives for your child if you have to be working and gone. -- library, creative outlets. Not just leaving them to video games, movies, etc.

Your attitude is so important! Don’t let regrets, past mistakes, etc. weigh you down and color how you move forward.

You, as the parent, can do a lot to encourage spiritual growth

Look for and Rely on the Christians around you

-- Christians in your own family (role models)

-- Christian role models in your church family

Connect your child with those who can assist in the gaps of your own parenting.

Pull in your church family – If you have no Christian wife, look for Christian women in your church who could meet some of those needs, be a good role model for your daughter. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Look for the man who can be a dad to your son or the woman who can be a mom to your daughter. Encourage those relationships with healthy couples. Encourage friendships with girls (or boys if sons) who have healthy relationships with their parents.

Expect and trust your child to do his/her part, too. They must choose and respond.

Sometimes we feel bad for our kids, so we as parents try to overprotect them. It’s difficult, but God uses difficulties to grow people, too!

It is difficult. It’s not what you chose necessarily, but God can still do great things in you and your children!

Be patient over time, do the best you can, be open with your kids, understand that God is at work. Be in it for the long haul.

It is one day at a time. God is doing His part, you do yours and trust Him with the results!

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What is a self-feeding Christian?

What is it?

A self-feeding Christian is a believer who can open God’s Word himself, read it, understand the context sufficiently, and be able to apply principles to his own life. He doesn’t need someone else to explain everything to him, being “spoon-fed” like a newborn.

Why is this important?

You need to eat at least once or twice a day, but you go to church only once or twice a week. How will you be fed spiritually if you can’t feed yourself? If you wait to be fed by the pastor, you will become malnourished.
If you can’t read the Bible for yourself, you must rely on others to interpret and explain it to you, causing you to run into the possibility of being deceived by those who misinterpret the Bible. How will you know if they are leading you accurately?
Our goal is to become a disciple-maker. If you can’t feed yourself, how can you help someone else?
The Bible is written for the common person to be able to learn and grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Anyone can read and do this! It is a huge joy to discover truths for yourself! God wants to reveal Himself to you, and He wants you to grow by reading His Word and sharing it with others.

How do I become a self-feeding Christian?

Start reading the Bible every day! You can follow a Bible reading plan, or simply read through a book of the Bible at a time.
You can begin by reading a short devotional and observing how someone else reads and interprets the Bible, applying it to everyday life.
You can read the Bible together with a friend.
Attend church weekly, pay specific attention to the Bible being shared. Do you agree? If not, why not? Know your Bible!
Memorize Scripture. Even when you can’t read, the Bible can speak to you.

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What do you expect from church?

What are your expectations of other people in the church? Are they different than what you expect from yourself?

(https://research.lifeway.com/2019/10/14/8-unrealistic-expectations-of-church-leaders-and-how-to-navigate-them/) By Joe McKeever

Some unrealistic expectations of leaders and church members adapted from Lifeway Research:

Every sermon will be a winner.
Every church member will be happy and kind all the time.
Every doctrinal question will be answered in the sermons.
Every church program or event will be successful.
Every worship service will meet everyone's needs, felt and actual.
The church is solely responsible for all children's spiritual development.
The pastor should be available to everyone at all times.
Every church leader should be superhuman, never tired, grumpy, needing a raise, etc.

The answer as presented in the article is pretty good.

Get people praying. Particularly about real spiritual heart change and the spiritual condition of the church and community.
Address issues in small groups. Perfectionism, the role of the church in life and ministry, the mission of Jesus and every Believers responsibility are good topics for small group study and discussion.
Focus on discipleship. If every Believer is dedicated to intentionally applying efforts to growing in the character of Jesus and making real intentional efforts to be engaged in the mission of Jesus to the world, real spiritual growth and heart change results.

I would add to that, encourage and develop a church culture that is pro Scripture. Encourage reading daily, not just a verse or two but multiple chapters. Share good audio Bibles, and encourage listening to Scripture. Develop a church culture that is hungry for God's Word and mature enough to be directly engaged in reading and studying it themselves , not just relying on pastors and teachers in the church for their spiritual growth. Hear, Obey and Share.

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Prayer, Fasting and Disciple Making - PT. 2

One clear point that struck me as important. In DMM around the world, there is a clear focus on prayer and fasting over leadership and strategy.

Biblical foundations are the goals but churches and groups can use the Bible to justify drastically different methodologies.

This conference focused on Scripture and DM. The churches I have been a part of my whole life also focus on Scripture but seem more concerned with correct teaching than obedience. Not that a call to obedience isn't there, it just isn't support well in the church structure and systems. Heart issues aren't addressed to the extent that truth is taught.

Is that just my experience or would you agree?

We rely more on a better program or event, really focusing on doing it well, instead of really focusing on relying on God to do the work. At least a lack of prayer would seem to indicate our focus.

"Be obedient, good luck, there will be a lesson on the work of the HS as it relates to the justification of the Saints next week. See you then." I am asking if we can do better at supporting a life of obedience without leaving Biblical doctrine behind. I think the answer is yes.

Jesus seems to have spent consistent regular time in prayer. He was marked by it to the point that His disciples, who would have been familiar with prayer in their culture as Jews, asked Jesus to teach them to pray. They saw a difference in His prayers and the prayers of the spiritual leaders in the temple.

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Prayer, Fasting and Disciple Making - PT. 1

Just returned from National Disciple Makers Forum 2023 in Indianapolis, IN.

Today, we want to give an overview of Prayer and Fasting from the conference and add some of our thoughts and experiences.

Shodankeh Johnson - West Africa - God's Word can Change a Country
Although the focus of the conference was on God's Word, Prayer was a parallel theme over the two days.
"We talk prayer, without praying". Shodankeh Ouch.
In the Disciple Making Movement in Africa, they teach people to pray as they walk as they sit down and as they stand up. From Deut 6:7 but applied to the prayer life of the church.

Prayer in America: A Detailed Analysis of the Various Dimensions of Prayer
by Paul Froese, Jeremy E. Uecker
(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jssr.12810)

Does prayer with others matter?
Does time in prayer matter?

NDMF2023

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Why is Community so Important? (in the life of a follower of Jesus)

We aren't meant to walk through this life alone. From beginning to end you see humanity living in a close relationship with others.

Genesis 2:18 - It isn't good that man should be alone.
True for all of us!

Why?
1.We all have a tendency to put ourselves at the center of the universe. Being around other people causes us to see that we are NOT the center. Arguments and fights in society are usually caused or made worse by the selfish nature of all people.
Philippians 2:3
Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:18
We learn about ourselves because we are forced to learn to get along with other people!

2.We will all need help at some time or another.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Ephesians 4:11-16
The church is uniquely equipped to build up each other!

3.In some little ways we learn about forgiveness. It makes what God did more understandable and awesome! It is difficult for us to forgive little things.
Ephesians 4:32

4.God has chosen to use as the vehicles for His message of reconciliation to the world.
2 Corinthians 5:20
It is crazy to know that God invites us in to be a part of His mission to the world.

Conclusion
So what do we do with the knowledge that God has called us to be in the world but not of the world? Light bringers united in His marvelous body, the Church?
Ephesians 4:1

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The Untouchables. . .Who are they in your life?

Everyone sins. Sorry if this is news to you, but it's true. What is sin you ask? Sin is defined as missing the mark.
From Merriam-Webster sin is an offense against religious or moral law or an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible. Good old Merriam-Webster let us down on this one!
A more Biblical definition would agree with th at definition and add that sin is a missing of a standard, mark, or goal; or the breach of a relationship, rebellion.

Dart board - bullseye is not sin, everything else is. Sin is not always bad stuff!
For example?

But that isn't our topic today! Today I want to think about our attitude toward sin. Particularly someone else's sin.
If people struggle with a sin you don't, how do you view them?

Do you look down on people who sin in a way you don't think you would?

What kind of person do you look at and want to run the other way? Ignore, look down on, judge, criticize, shun, attack even.
What are the sins you find especially reprehensible? The ones you don't think you would ever do? Do you believe those sins are somehow worse than your own?

Is there ever a person we should intentionally stay away from?

The idea that sometimes we are so against a particular sin (lifestyle) that we forget that this is not their biggest problem. What IS their biggest problem?

Jesus' interactions with "untouchables"
-- Samaritan woman
-- Woman who wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. "If you knew what kind of woman this is..."
-- Zaccheus
-- Matthew, the tax collector
-- Lepers -- the unclean
-- Woman caught in adultery Jn. 8

Behavior versus Heart issues (similar with child rearing. You shouldn't merely address the behavior, but the motives behind it, the heart sin.)

What was Jesus' attitude toward these? He was kind, truthful about sin, but compassionate. He calls ALL to come to Him. Did Jesus die only for good people?

How do you develop and maintain Jesus' view? That is the hard part! To see people as God does!

How do you develop and maintain relationships with the untouchables? What does that mean? What does it look like? What doesn't it look like?

Why is it important?

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What is the "work of the ministry"?

If I asked you to tell me what ministry is, what would you say? Who does it? If it is "work" does it only count if you get paid to do it?
Just what is the work of the ministry and who is responsible for it?

Where do we typically get our image of what the work of the ministry is?

What does the Bible say?

Eph.4:11-16

If you've grown up in the church, you may have the tendency to view ministry as doing certain, pre-decided ministries within the church (pastor, deacon, nursery worker, Sunday school teacher, usher). Breaking away from considering ministry as ONLY these can be tough!

Ministry is all of that and more! Ministry is lived out in the relationships of every follower of Jesus.
Ministry can also be reaching out to those who are around you, when you see a need you can fill, a person you could invest in, a relationship you could build.

Life phases -- changes personal ministry. What you once did may need to change.

What is most important when all is said and done? Where is the value? Where do we see God at work, lives impacted, eternal fruit realized?

How do we evaluate where to best use our time, efforts, and spiritual gifts?

How to break out of the BOX other Christians (or you yourself) try to put you in...
Ministry equals ...WHAT?

It's not merely what makes me feel good about myself! I can feel productive without doing anything of eternal value.

Ministry is found whenever I submit my will to God's and surrender my life to be used by Him in the lives of others.

If you think about the "one anothers," how does that affect your view of the ministry? Where do we live out the one anothers throughout the week? Are we fulfilling these in practical ways?

Homework: Write down a list of people you'd like to build relationships with in order to invest in their lives. Then choose the top three. Reach out to each of these; put out "feelers" to see if they respond to you and your invitation to interact with each other (meet regularly, talk spiritually, grow together)

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Can You Disciple Yourself?

Good question! Everyone is in a different situation in life. You may be in the place where you don't have someone who is discipling you now even though you would benefit from it. Can you disciple yourself?

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 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.

II Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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.

Colossians 1:28-29 NKJV
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Ephesians 4:11-16
11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that 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, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from 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.

Clearly this is something that Jesus expected His followers to intentionally do! It is investing in the life of another, I would go so far to say that this is the heart of the church.
But the question remains, if no one is available to help you, can you disciple yourself?

Luke 9:23-24 NKJV
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

John 8:31
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

John 13:12-17
12So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

If you are a genuine follower of Jesus, you are His disciple. He gives you all that you need to grow in grace and to be changed into His image. So I believe that the answer is a qualified "sort of". What do I mean by that?
You are never left to your own devices as a follower of Jesus. You have the Bible and the example of Jesus. He gives you His teaching directly for you to follow. You have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide you to understand and live out the truth you learn from His example and Word. You also have resources in the form of all the past books, sermons online, podcasts, videos, etc of the church from the past 2000 years. You will need discernment and to be constantly diligent, comparing what you read or hear to what the Bible actually says. It is my intention to always be true to God's Word but you shouldn't believe me either. Listen and look to the Bible. If what I say doesn't align with Scripture, follow Scripture (and let me know where I went off the rails so I can grow too!)

So you can grow without much direct help from another believer BUT I understand the Bible to teach that we should be involved in and with His church. He loves the church and has given it gifts that you need to reach your full potential. The church also needs you. If your church isn't making disciples, be the first to intentionally invest in someone. Lead the way. You see the need. Be part of the solution. And never stop growing and helping those around you to grow to be more like Jesus.

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How Do I Grow Spiritual Roots?

Luke 8:4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: 5“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was21 trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Luke 8:13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

1)Your foundation is important. Roots need good soil not concrete.
-soil provides anchor, physical support for plant - light pots in wind
-soil provides water retention, water dries up before roots can absorb it on concrete
-soil holds nutrients, vital components for healthy growth

Our Spiritual Life also requires a solid foundation. Where do you get your information about what is important in Life? How do you evaluate your words and actions? If you use the world's standard, you are trying to build a spiritual life on constantly shifting sand. Culture changes, opinions shift overnight. There is nothing solid to anchor to.
God's Word provides truth to shape our worldview and guidance to direct our choices. God IS Truth. Being firmly committed to Him means never having to worry about the foundation failing to support your spiritual growth.

2) Farmers work the soil. Preparation for the growth of plants.
- till, remove rocks and weeds
- some weeds have deep roots, all must be removed so they don't come back quickly
-farmers plan the year out according to the natural growth of the plants, best time and location for crops.

Cleaning up a patch of ground to become a field takes hard work. Learning to use the Bible also takes effort. Time is required, but the benefits are eternal.
Pulling out the deep roots of sin in your life is a never ending fight in this life. But it is work worth doing! Just as there is something satisfying about pulling out a weed, there is joy in seeing sin relinquish it's hold on you in one area of life.

3) Farmers plant the seed and then Trust God to make them grow. But, there is still work to do!
- weeding
- fertilizer
- trellis when needed, support for future growth

Getting started on your spiritual journey is just the beginning. Salvation is the start of a beautiful journey. Don't ever forget that the spiritual life is a process. Just as you must prep the soil and plant the seeds again year after year, spiritual growth is an ongoing work throughout your lifetime.

4) Remember, you don't Cause growth, but your choices support healthy growth or hinder healthy growth.

God is at work! Know what He is purposing in you and get with the program!

5) Eventually, in the time God has determined for each crop, you harvest.

There will be a harvest of righteousness. God has promised to complete His work. There is no need for discouragement or fear in the spiritual life. God will accomplish the work He started. He uses all of our life to move us toward the goal and we can be confident the once He has finished His work in us, we will be like Him!

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Self-discipline has become a dirty word. Along with self-control, patience, endurance and many more concepts that are vital for a growing believer to develop.
The life of a disciple is a life of change. We are invited by Jesus to follow Him and when we do we begin a journey of change through trials. Trials actually come whether you follow Jesus or not, the only question is whether you have surrendered them to God to use as vehicles for spiritual growth.

Self-discipline is making the commitment to getting up in the morning and giving God first place, even when it costs you dearly. Surrendering your time to God, pursuing Him in your quiet time takes discipline and persistence. And it is worth it!

How does self-control, self-discipline and the like relate to surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit?

We like to do it ourselves.
At heart most of us are loners when it comes to the spiritual life. We may love people and love being around people all the time, but we don't want them to see us as we really are, as we know ourselves to be. It feels safer to be alone on our journey, even though God lets us know it's not. We need the ministry of the church family. The church family needs our gifts to be all that it can be. There is no getting around it, as a follower of Jesus, you are on the journey with other people and we need each other.

We do we resist so hard? What would make it easier for us?

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Why is it so difficult to consistently follow Jesus?

We like the easy road.
Creature comforts are comfortable!
Do Hard Things is the name of a book, not the desire of most people.
Alex and Brett Harris wrote the book, very few of us want to live the life.
In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Why are trials necessary for our faith?

Our priorities are vague and shift over time.
Many start out well, following Jesus, learning and growing; but something happens as life intrudes and pressure from others to conform overwhelm us. The culture around you is against Christ and it is overwhelming in the volume of mixed messages it sends. Any of them will lead you on a path away from Jesus and the enemy is happy with that.

Why is it so difficult to clarify and keep Biblical priorities?

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How Do You Identify True Spiritual Leaders?
inspired by J. Oswald Chambers, A Spiritual Clinic

What is spiritual leadership? Sanders wrote, " If we are to become leaders it will be because we can show the way to others, the way which we have successfully trodden ourselves. We can lead others only so far as we ourselves have gone, and we are leaders only to the extent that we inspire others to follow us."

Before we begin, I came across the American Bible Societies State of the Bible report.
https://sotb.research.bible/

Spiritual Leadership. What is a leader? Two areas where we see a lot of talk about leadership are in the military and in sports. A coach is an important leader for a team, leading in training and during the game decision making. Military leaders are similar in their responsibility for mission readiness and in carrying out the battle plans.

Both sports and the military have produced mountains of information about leadership.
Sanders refers to Operation Victory and seven qualities of a military leader by Field Marshall Montgomery.
1. He should be able to avoid drowning in the details.
2. He should not be petty.
3. He must not be pompous.
4. He must be a good picker of men.
5. He should trust those under him and let them do their job without hindrance. Hey, no micromanaging!
6. He must have a clear decision making skills.
7. He should inspire confidence.

John R. Mott has a similar list of questions to ask about potential Christian leaders.
1. Does he do little things well?
2. Has he learned the meaning of priorities?
3. How does he use his leisure?
4. Has he intensity?
5. has he learned to take advantage of momentum?
6. Has he the power of growth?
7. What is his attitude to discouragement?
8. How does he face impossible situations?
9. What are his weakest points?

Spiritual leadership is dependent upon several characteristics. We see some but not all embodied in these two lists.
1.A true spiritual life
2. Genuine humility
3. Self-discipline
4. A Vision for what could be
5. Ability to make decisions

How do you stack up? Are you growing? What can you do to intentionally change and grow in these areas? The world needs more spiritually mature , godly leaders. Be one of them!

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Is it wrong? Thinking about gray areas in life.
inspired by J. Oswald Sanders in A Spiritual Clinic

Sanders gives six questions that help guide us as we consider our choices.

Will it bring glory to God?
Admittedly we don’t always know exactly how God will use our choices to glorify Himself, but if it is our intention to lift Him up and honor Him in all things it is much easier to eliminate some choices.
Is it profitable?
Not financially but eternally. Is there spiritual value in my actions? Am I considering how my choices will reflect on the cause of Christ, my Church or the Gospel? It is worth spending time meditating on where real value lies.
Does it edify?
Does this action build up the body of Christ? Is it part of my ongoing growth in Christlikeness? Does it make following Jesus easier or more difficult? Too often we don’t think through the ramifications until we are dealing with the consequences.
Does it tend to enslave?
This is a tricky one in today’s world! Advertising dollars are spent to influence you toward things you don’t need and often wouldn’t want if you really stopped to think about it. Social Media is intentionally designed to keep you engaged and paying attention so that advertising dollars will continue to flow. You are the product that Social Media sells to make money.
Will it strengthen me against temptation?
Our choices, if they are consistent, make it easier or harder to resist temptation. Am I preparing to resist and planning to follow Jesus or am I mindlessly wandering through life hoping I recognize the dangers before I am trapped? Put on the whole armor of God and be prepared to stand your ground!
Is it characteristic of the world or of the Father?
Some things are obvious. This is the kind of thing God loves. This is the kind of thing God hates. Others may take a little more effort to think through to recognize.

These questions may clear up all of your doubts but Paul gives us a few principles in Romans 14 that also help when we think about doubtful things.
Liberty of Judgement, Romans 14:1-2 - there are many choices to be made! one eats, one doesn’t. You may be a vegetarian and I love hamburgers hot off the grill. Most are not worth arguing about so be careful.
Right of Personal Conviction, Romans 14:5 - as part of our many choices we need to make them based on personal conviction which has hopefully developed through careful study of God’ sWord and time in prayer along with conversation with the church family. You don’t live in a vacuum. Use the resources God gives you.
Accountability to God Alone, Romans 14:4 - God is the final judge of our actions and choices. That should give some gravitas to our decision making!
No Attitude of Judgement when others make different choices, Romans 14:10 - refer back one, God is the judge, not me or you. Leave that role to God and instead of judging, try to build up others, strengthen their faith and encourage a closer walk with God. If they are mistaken in their choices, a closer walk with Jesus can only help!
Abstinence in the Interests of Others, Romans 14:21- be willing to give up your ‘rights’ for the sake of others. Not easy, but it is part of considering others better than yourself. Remember that whole humility thing Jesus taught?
Abstinence from Things Doubtful, Romans 14:23
If you aren’t sure, leave it alone. Pursue the things you know God loves and grow in your ability to keep your focus on the clear things of God.

These questions and principles are helpful to us, particularly when we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us as we think through our actions and choices in life. God works on our heart to draw us to Him, making our choices not legalistic and condemning, but a heartfelt song of praise in the form of a life of sacrificial worship to our Great God!

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Whose work is it anyway? Sanctification changes things.
inspired by A Spiritual Clinic by J. Oswald Sanders

Complete In Thee by Ben Everson,
Yea, justified, oh, blessed thought,
And sanctified, salvation wrought.
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And glorified I, too, shall be.

Justified - declared righteous in God's sight
Sanctified - set apart from sin, holy
Glorified - finally eternally separated from sin and it's stain, our eternal state of being remade in the image of Jesus

Paul and paradox go hand in hand. Merriam-Webster defines paradox as: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true. Sanders list a few of them at the start of his chapter on sanctification.

"Paul asserts that we have died, and yet we live. He claimed to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. Having nothing, he yet possessed all things; he was poor, but made many rich." Now all of those are worth exploring on their own but the one related to today connects us to God.
Phil. 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Sanctification is an interesting topic of study but it carries three aspects. We have been positionally sanctified. God right now sees you as righteous and holy because of the blood of Jesus applied to you though faith. You will be eternally righteous, forever separated from sin. But right now you are in the process of being sanctified, growing in obedience to the Word of God and being release from the stranglehold of sin in your life.

It is this last one that gives us the most problems, being firmly rooted in the here and now. One is done, one is future, but I'm stuck in today in a real battle with sin. God has promised to accomplish his work in our life, we are expected to be the vessels He uses to do that.

Sanders points out that it is difficult to find the point where God's work ends and out begins. I think they overlap considerably. God does the work in unison with us, using our lives as the workshop for eternal change. We are both the object being changed and the tool the master creator is using to change us. It is the work of a lifetime to submit to the Creator's awesome work of making us what He always intended for us to be. It is a shame that we are too often distracted by lesser goals and focus on temporary projects with no eternal value when God is doing something glorious in us and in our church family.

The mission of Jesus to take the message of reconciliation to every person and to build His church is both the worthwhile end and the difficult process that He uses. Broken people helping broken people is the plan A of a disciple making Savior. The Holy Spirit provides power, wisdom, a uniting bond that ties us together in the storm and a constant presence in trouble. We surrender to His work and His will, being changed from day to day into His likeness.

Sanders gives a good example of the work in that of the farmer. God provides the sun, water, created the seed and soil, but the crop also requires the farmer to plow, sow, weed and reap. God supplies what we need but provides it in such a way that our labor is part of the gift.

Sanders writes, " On on occasion that shrewd saint, George Mueller, was approached by a somnolent young man who asked his prayers that he might be able to rise in the morning for a quiet time. 'Young man, 'he replied. 'if you will get one leg out of bed, I will ask the Lord to help you get the other leg out.'

God works in our will and through out action to change us. Our obedience is often the vehicle for real change. God is sure to do His part, but He invites us to apply genuine effort to do our part.

So why is it so hard? The Bible clearly tells us that God is preparing an eternal home for us, He promises to be with us in the here and now and to provide strength and wisdom for every trial along the way, and yet we resist full surrender to Him. Preferring to struggling along trying to change ourselves, avoiding investing our gifts in His family, pursuing the empty promises of the world with all our might. Why?

I think in part we have accepted the lies of the enemy. Bigger is better, more will make you happy, you are too busy to sacrifice any time for real spiritual exploration and your friends are all just like you so you don't see the disconnect with what you say you believe and what you live every day.

Or maybe that's just me. . .
The end is worth the journey. Don't take your eyes off of the prize. Encourage each other and never stop pursuing the Savior who bought you with His blood.

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Back episodes are available at rwh.podbean.com and www.runwithhorses.net
The Run With Horses Radio Show is also on KRRB Revelalation Radio (https://www.revelationradio.net)

How is your Conscience?
inspired by J. Oswald Sanders in his book, A Spiritual Clinic

Sanders calls conscience "an apparent special activity of the intellect and feelings which enables a man to judge between good and evil, to perceive moral distinctions."
Interestingly knowledge and emotions are both included there.

Another interesting thought from Sanders. He says, "The word signifies a knowledge held in conjunction with another - in this instance with God - and carries the idea of man being co-witness with God for or against himself according to his own estimate of his actions."

Where does the conscience come from? Sanders says that it is part of our essential nature. What does it do? He says nothing originates in the conscience but that it is like a thermometer, which detects the temperature but doesn't act to change it. Paul tells us that even natural, unregenerate men have a conscience in Romans 2. Conscience points out sin but has no power to make a man do right or wrong. It "delivers its judgment, produces the appropriate emotion, but leaves it to the will of man to act in light of its verdict."

So conscience gives you information about your own actions, a built in feedback loop to help you train yourself to live right. But your conscience isn't infallible.
I have heard people say that they live by their conscience. But what if your conscience is wrong? Is that even possible? Check out 1 Corinthians 4:4. Paul says, "I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." So Paul acknowledged that his conscience was clear but that didn't make him sinless in God's sight. Conscience can miss something.

You conscience operates by a standard of some kind. The standard can be wrong which cause your conscience to lead you astray. Sanders tells the story of a Hindu who once told an British officer, " 'Our conscience tells us it is right to burn our widows on the pyre of their husbands.' 'Yes,' replied the officer, 'and our conscience tells us it is right to hang you if you do.'" The two men each had a conscience that operated by a different standard!

A faulty standard will allow flagrant abuse without protest. Your conscience requires training to a standard to operate as God intends. This is seen in many new believers as their former way of life becomes detestable to them and they change as they conform to a new standard, the standard of Christ.

Sanders gives a great illustration of how this works. If you have ever used a rifle with open sights, you quickly learn that you can't hit your target unless the front and rear sights are in alignment. In the same way, unless your conscience is in alignment with the Word of God, you won't be able to rely on your conscience to be a reliable guide. Here we once again find ourselves in the place of saying we really have to be immersed in God's Word on a daily basis. The combination of Bible reading, study and meditation combined with the work of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of the church body combine to be powerful teachers for our conscience.

I can't say it often enough, we need the body of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit and the constant encouragement and correction of the Bible to grow in Christ-likeness. How are you doing? Is your conscience being pricked a little? I know mine is.

Your conscience can either condemn your actions or commend them.
Your conscience can be weak, like any muscle seldom used. A weak conscience my waver between to points without a clear judgment, floating on the breeze of public opinion and waiting on others to decide on a course of action. This might be another good argument for hanging around with strong Christians who can direct you as you develop your own convictions and conscience!
It is worthwhile noting that your conscience could be weak because it is untrained, too little knowledge of God's Word and work in the world; or because it is not surrendered to Christ at all, leaving you an enemy of God with a conscience who constantly fights against Him.

You can progress down the path of the weak conscience and end up with a defiled conscience. One where the conscience has been injured and no longer works properly, like a compass with a broken needle that is always a little off. If you continue down this path it will eventually lead to a conscience that is seared and no longer functions at all. Not a good place to be.

But our goal and hope is to have a pure conscience. One that does not condemn us but that is sensitive to the leading fo the Holy Spirit in our lives and constantly monitors our heart for signs of wandering.

Ultimately we will have a perfect conscience, cleansed eternally by the blood of Christ. In the meantime, as Paul challenged the Corinthians, "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)
There is work that we can and should do in training and maintaining a pure conscience. Quick confession and repentance of sin and asking forgiveness when we wrong another go a long way toward helping us. But, ultimately, the blood of Christ cleanses us and frees us from the tyranny of sin.

You might struggle with your conscience in this life, but in eternity God promises you release from the struggle and will give you the mind of Christ. What a great hope we have! And great motivation to keep on keeping on throughout the journey of faith that is the Christian Life.

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Back episodes are available at rwh.podbean.com and www.runwithhorses.net
The Run With Horses Radio Show is also on KRRB Revelalation Radio (https://www.revelationradio.net)

Can a Spiritually Mature Christian Be Depressed?
inspired by J. Oswald Sanders book, A Spiritual Clinic

Depression and mental breakdowns are seemingly more common than ever before. I don't know if that is because they are more common or because people are more willing to talk about them and admit it than ever before. But, I do know that this is not a new thing! Even some of the giants of the Biblical record were knocked down by depression occasionally. We should all be aware that we have a very real enemy who is working to drag us down and discouragement and depression are frequent weapons in the spiritual battle.

If you are one who is or has struggled with the twin monsters of despair and depressions, I hope today's show will give you hope. At the least, you should know that you are not alone and that is isn't necessarily a sign of spiritual immaturity (though it could be, sometimes, sorry...).

Sanders gives us some thoughts on both the cause of depression in an otherwise healthy mature believer as well as some ideas on where to look for help in our time of need.

First lets look at three men in the Bible. Here are there words to God.

Moses - Numbers11:14-15 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”

Elijah - 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Jonah - Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”

Wow, three great men of God who were so beaten down that they all three prayed for death! Sanders mentions that it is probably significant that these three men are great prophets and yet God reveals their weakness. How much more can a nobody like me be subject to feelings of despair and insignificance. They are example of the reality of this kind of pain, even in the midst of a successful ministry, as well as examples of God's provision for our weakness. His grace is sufficient.

Moses had lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and and seen God work astounding miracles on their behalf. And yet, after suffering long with their continued complaints and rebellion against him and against God, Moses was tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Moses had tried to carry the burden of leadership alone and crumbled under the pressure. Moses was carrying a weight that he wasn't meant to bear.

Elijah was hot off of one of the most dramatic victories against the prophets of Baal in the Old Testament. He had just received fresh confirmation of God's hand on him and God's faithfulness to His Word. And yet, in an instant, his courage fled and he ended up hiding under a juniper tree as Jezebel threatened his life. From the highest of highest to the lowest of lows so quickly. Does that sound familiar to you? And yet, God's grace is sufficient.

Jonah, after fleeing from God, being traumatized by an ocean voyage and it's abrupt end, finished well. Sharing God's message and seeing the whole city of Nineveh repent! One of the biggest celebrations in history, right? Not exactly. Jonah had other ideas and they were thwarted by God's grace. He ended up sitting alone and complaining, eventually succumbing to the temptation of self-pity and praying for death.

Why did each of these men turn so easily from God's marvelous hand at work in, through and around them? Here are four potential reasons that you may be able to relate to as well.

First, they were in a very real spiritual battle with a very real enemy.

Second, they were physically tired from the battle.

Third, they judged success by what they could see and know about their part of the spiritual battle and felt defeated.

Fourth, they took their eyes off of God for just an instant, and the temptation to selfishness and defeatism took hold.

How did God work in each man's life?
Moses received the help of 70 men who would share in his burden of leadership.
Elijah received solitude and refreshment form God along with the news that 7,000 others had not bowed to Baal. He was not alone!
Jonah received a lesson on God's mercy in the form of a plant.

What are our takeaways?
Depression can follow spiritual success or spiritual failure.
Our physical condition can open us up to spiritual attack.
Taking our eyes off of God, even for an instant, can be devastating to our faith.
Take solace in the Jethros and thousands of others who are in the fight with you.
God cares. His grace is with you even in the depths of despair,

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The Blessings of Suffering
inspired by and largely taken from J. Oswald Sanders, A Spiritual Clinic

Did you ever wonder why there is pain and suffering in the world? If you haven't, then you haven't really lives yet! Everyone experiences pain and suffering. It goes along with life.

I have been reading Providence by John Piper. One thought he shares that I had not considered is that in a world without suffering, Jesus could not have gone to the cross. Without Jesus and his accomplished work on the cross, made possible because suffering exists, I would be forever separated from God. God's eternal plan was to redeem us through the suffering of Jesus. Let that sink in. Suffering is a necessary component of salvation.
Does that put your suffering in a different light?

But, we still want to know why WE need to suffer, right? That's not so easy for us to take.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Paul gives us a glimpse of his own growth regarding how to view suffering in this life. His lesson centered around a specific "thorn in the flesh" that God had given him.

Paul pleaded with God for release but God left that prayer unanswered. Have you ever been in that position? Sure that God needs to grant your request for the good of your ministry, your health, your sanity maybe. I like the way Sanders talks about this aspect.

Paul "had not yet learned that there is no such thing as purposeless pain to God's children."
This is part of our issue with God, right? We want to know WHY. And we want to know now. It is hard for us to see how any pain or discomfort is justifiable.

"Although He did not answer the specific words of his request, He did respond to the cry of His heart. Paul's deepest desire of his heart was that his ministry would not be hindered by this thorn. God answered by assuring him that his ministry would be enriched if the thorn remained."

Maybe our struggle with the thorns in life is that we are often more concerned about our comfort than our ministry. Our heart is not aligned with the heart of God so we pray at cross purposes. Augustine wrote,:
"We ask for strength that we might achieve; we are made weak that we might obey. We ask for health that we might do greater things; we are given infirmity that we may do things better. We ask for power that we may win the praise of men; we are given weaknesses that we may feel our need for God. We ask for all things that we may enjoy life; we ar given life that we may enjoy all things."

What did God give Paul in order to balance out the thorn in his life? God gave His all-sufficient grace. Sanders writes that our thorns " are blessings in disguise if they cause us to lay hold on God's sufficient grace." Where the world will tell you that you must endure those things that can't be taken away or cured, Paul states that he will boast in his infirmities, understanding God's all sufficient grace and the glory that God receives through them.

God promises that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Not in our strength. Not in our success in life. Not in the praise we receive from men. But in our weakness.

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Developing and Sustaining the Mind of Christ

Simple summary - Garbage in, garbage out. . .
The goal is to fill you mind with the thoughts of Jesus. The world's goal is to fill your mind. . .with ANYTHING else.

God's Part and Our Part
God's part - The work of the Holy Spirit
What is it?

Isaiah 11:1-2 ; John 14:26
God's people, we aren't in this alone! - the gifts and relationships in the local church - God uses others in your life.
Who? fellow followers of Jesus
How? using their gifts in an ongoing relationship. Living out the One Another's of the NT in a close, Chris-centered relationship.
Eph. 4:11

God's plan - God's Word at work in our lives
How? Get in it and stay in it!
Read - have a daily Bible reading plan and plan a time to follow it.
Set yourself up for success. Prepare ahead of time. Know the time and place, have your Bible, pen and notebook ready to go, clear your schedule for the most important part of your day with the most important person in your day.
Study - look up words you don't know, write down questions you have and loo up the answers and/or talk to people in your church about the passage. Be ready to put in some work, it is worth it!
Meditate - think long and deep about what God has to say. Consider how the original reader felt and reacted to the text. What did they learn from it? What does it tell you about God, Man, Sin, etc? Is there a command to follow or a sin to avoid? What should you do because this is true?
Journal - write out the lessons you are learning and what you plan to do with them. Make an intentional effort to live out what you learn.
Simply Journal can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/author/j.norman.smith
Memorize - select key verses that are especially significant to you or important in helping you follow Jesus and commit them to memory. Make a plan to learn and remember them. Verselocker (https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/app/)
Talk about - initiate spiritual conversations with your friends and family. Look for opportunities to share with others what you are learning. Pray! - talk to God about what He has to say.
Listen to it - mp3 Bible, sermons, good Christian music, etc

Bottom line? Spend as much time in and with God's Word as possible! It is worth the effort!
Homepage and all episodes can be found at:
www.runwithhorses.net
rwh.podbean.com

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A Transformed Mind - The Mind of Christ

taken largely from J. Oswald Sanders, A Spiritual Clinic (1958)

The mind of Christ can be summarized as His thoughts, desires, motives and all of the governing impulses of His life. - Sanders

Sanders said that the reason we have so little influence in the world today is because we Christians manifest so little of the mind of Christ. "Men see little in our lives which would make it worth while sacrificing what they already have."

He goes on to list three essential qualities, or attitudes of mind, that mark the mind of Christ, Moses and Paul, that we seldom possess in any great quantity today.

First, in their counting. Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Phil. 2:6-7
Moses choose the ill-treatment of the Israelites to the pleasures of Pharaoh's palace. Heb. 11:25-26
Paul counted all things loss for the sake of Christ. Phil. 3:7-9

They did not cling to their "rights" but gladly renounced them in the interests of others. That sounds a lot like the exact opposite of what we often hear from people today, in and out of the church!

Second in their self-abasement. Merriam-Webster defines abasement as: to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem. The word we would typically think of is humble.
Jesus humbled Himself taking on the form of a servant. Phil. 2:7
Moses humbled himself, choosing to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Heb. 11:25
Paul called himself a bondslave of Christ. Romans 1:1

No matter how you look at it, humility is to be a mark of a follower of Jesus. It is no surprise then that the world promotes the exact opposite at every turn.

Third, in their self-oblation. Again Merriam-Webster defines oblation as 1. the act of making a religious offering or 2.something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine.
Jesus choose death, even death on a cross, as a sacrifice for all mankind. Phil. 2:7-11.
Moses asked God to blot him out His book if rather than not forgive Israel's sin. Exodus 32:31-32.
Paul showed his love for Israel as well when he wished that he could be accursed instead of Israel. Rom. 9:3.

All three men showed their love for others in their willingness to sacrifice their own lives. Jesus did offer His life as a sacrifice and both Moses and Paul were willing to offer their lives and did in many ways.

Our attitude, our mind, is seen clearly in the things that we run after. Position, Power and Money seem to be at the top of many people and unfortunately the church is not immune to the temptation to follow self. Sanders mention that when one "influential and worthy" pulpit fell vacant there were 250 applicants! And yet there are many small churches around the world without a pastor willing to serve. What were those 250 men seeking? Surely not humble, self-sacrificial service.

Today, our desire is to be served by others. Often wealth is seen as a means of securing the praise, adulation and service of others. Jesus came to serve.
The mind of Christ is usually the opposite of the mind of the world. The two are at battle and only a complete transformation of our mind will change us. Jesus' mind led him to the cross. Where will the mind of Christ lead you?

"There is no other spiritual law of fruitfulness. We musts prepare to die once and for all to do the things which appear indispensable to the earthly mind. Only as we consent to die will we live again in others. To take up the cross daily and follow our master in self-abasement and self oblation may not seem an alluding prospect, but when we dare to do it we will find, with Samuel Rutherford, that the cross will be to us just such a burden as wings to a bird."

So how do we develop, promote and sustain the mind of Christ in the midst of a broken world that fights against the things of God at every turn? That my friends, will be the topic of our next show. Until then, Keep Running!

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Living an Authentic Life

authentic: of undisputed origin; genuine.

authenticity: means you're true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise. You're honest with yourself and with others, and you take responsibility for your mistakes. Your values, ideals, and actions align.

Knowledgeable - know God, know God's Word, know yourself and what God says about you and the world.

Honest - with yourself and others

Intentional - Know your values and priorities and make steps to live them out.

Humble - recognize our inability to succeed on our own. Admit your mistakes.

1.In your relationship with God

Knowledgeable- Pursue godliness. Spend time in His Word daily. Practice the presence of God.

Honest- Don't try to hide from Him, one- you can't, two- it isn't necessary or helpful

Intentional-Make plans to spend time with God, include Him in all activities of life, really make Him the center in action not just in word.

Humble- recognize that you need God daily, hourly

2.In your relationship with the church, God's family

Knowledgeable- Get to know what God says about His family generally, then really get to know your local church family.

Honest- Practice transparency and accountability with your church family. Be real, don't try to hide your struggle but don't feel that you need to share them with everyone publicly either. You need close relationships within the church.

Intentional- Seek out times to be with your church family outside of the official scheduled service times.

Humble- Don't judge or compare yourself. Love them all and try to help them all take a step toward Jesus.

3.In your relationship with the world

Knowledgeable- Know the enemy. Be wise in your dealings with the world. Be ready to give an answer for your hope.

Honest- Don't pretend you are perfect because unbelievers are around, acknowledge your struggles.

Intentional- Bring Jesus with you into every relationship and situation

Humble- Remember that without the grace of God you would be no different than the worst person you meet.

4.With yourself.

Knowledgeable- Know what God says about you. get to know your spiritual gifts. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

Honest- Don't fool yourself and try to ignore either your sin or your spiritual fruit!

Intentional- Have a plan to grow!

Humble- Keep your eyes on Jesus. Remember that you need Him every day and every hour.

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Incarnational Living

I always talk about need to be Intentional in our life. But what are we intentionally living out? Today I want to look at one aspect of Intentionally living as a follower of Jesus.

In the theology of Christ, the incarnation is where Jesus took on human nature.
Read Millard Erickson.

As a disciple we use it to mean taking on the life of Christ, to living out Christ-like attitudes, behaviors, conversations and relationships in the world today. As Erickson said, God is in the world. As the church, we are his representatives taking His message wherever we go.

We are not really talking about local church ministry that happens when your church family meets for worship. We are talking about the work of the ministry from Ephesians 4 that builds up the body of Christ toward maturity and shines the light of Jesus in a dark world.

It is being responsible for others. Caring about their spiritual walk and willing to take a risk to be part of it.

What does it look like to live out Christ-likeness in your relationships?
What networks of relationships do you have?
Home
Work
Friends
Church Family
Neighborhood
A good way to think about it is to consider how you model Christ in each of these webs of relationships. There are different needs in each context. how can you be what is needed in each relationship?
NT Examples:
Jesus saw needs and met them.
Barnabas helping Paul get accepted by other believers.
Dorcas good works and acts of charity, making clothes etc.
Aquilla and Priscilla helping Apollos with his understanding of the gospel.

A good question to ask yourself, What does this person or group need to take a step toward Jesus. How do they get closer to glorifying God in their actions, words, and relationships? How can you help? Do you have a role you can take in helping them take the next step?

Praying for others with the expectation that God will use you in their life. What is that right now?

If you have a need that someone has, are you willing to help meet it? Just pointing it out is not always helpful if you aren't willing to be part of the solution.

Susan - seeing needs on mission field, if you see need, you can't expect others to do it.
Having hope, maintaining the faith that God can and will change people. Keep that hope in front of those around you. God is at work, point it out and keep Him in focus.

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We finish up Ruth 4 today and consider some of the applications for caregivers and followers of Jesus.

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Chapter 3 of Ruth

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Today we look at some applications so far from the book of Ruth!

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Characteristics of Ruth:
– Respectful (2:1) “Let me go...(glean).” Sought Naomi’s approval or assent.
Also (v. 7), “Please let me glean..” Then, to Boaz later (v. 10), she bowed low to him when he showed her favor.
– Showed initiative. She saw a need (food!) and thought of a way to meet the need.
– Industrious. She was not lazy. Worked all day – gleaned, beat barley, carried home
– Hopeful and optimistic. “I’ll glean in the field of the one in whose sight I’ll find favor.”
– Grateful. 2:10 When Boaz showed kindness, she noted that and thanked him.
– Humble. Didn’t expect everyone to go the extra mile or help her. Saw herself humbly. Didn’t expect good treatment.
– Woman of character. Her life showed her integrity and faith in Israel’s God. Actions matched belief.
– Self-controlled. (v. 14) She ate until she was satisfied!
– Kind and generous. She shared the food with Naomi. Gave detailed explanation to her even though must have been exhausted.
– Dependable. Didn’t just work one day and quit. She saw it through the end of barley harvest AND wheat harvest!
– Dependent on God. “refuge under God’s wings.” (v. 12)
– Accepted help and offers of help (v. 14).

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Ruth - Lessons for Caregivers - Part 2

Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their people, their Moabite families, their gods. Naomi can’t promise them a future husband or any support. “Please go! Leave me, too!” Orpah does, but not Ruth. She “clung” to her mother-in-law, begging her to quit urging her to leave. She gives her now-famous words: “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” I can almost see Naomi’s face. She understood that Ruth was “DETERMINED to go with her, so she said no more” (1:18).

RUTH – A closer look1:14 Ruth “clung” to Naomi. She would not leave. This speaks of a deep commitment, a not running away to an easier, more comfortable, more familiar life. What motivated her? It doesn’t say, but in chapter four, the Israelite women said that Ruth’s love for Naomi was proven.

1:16 Ruth communicated well. Not only was she determined to stay, she verbalized this commitment to her mother-in-law. – Do not urge me to leave you or to return– Where you go, I’ll go; where you live, I’ll live.– Your people are my people; your God is mine, too.– Declares emphatically, “May death part us!”– Naomi understood her determination and quit talking about Ruth’s leaving.

Applications1. I must be committed to this life, this calling from the Lord.

I must verbalize my commitment to the people involved.
I must beware of the untruths of my emotions, filling my mind with God’s Word instead. Part of this involves stepping back from the situation, and seeing how God might be working in the big picture. Why do bad things happen? What is God’s purpose in the world as He has revealed it in the Bible? How do we fit into this plan?
Nurture your faith in God. Remind yourself of His character traits. Is He really vindictive? Mean? Hateful? Or is He loving, full of grace and mercy, just, and kind? Remind yourself that God is always working. Most of the time, we don’t see how. We need eyes of faith.
Compare: “I went away full, and God has brought me home empty.” When I compare Philippians 2:7-8, I see that same word: Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant….He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” My situation does not compare with what Jesus endured! He is my model, my perfect example. He totally understands my life and feelings and outcomes. And really, compared to eternity, this time is extremely short. Yet the dividends are out of this world. Literally! And look at Phil. 3:8b! “For his sake (Jesus’s) I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.. Lord, help me to forget what lies behind (the hopeful expectation of nicer living arrangements, in this case) and strain forward to what lies ahead – the goal, which is “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). ---- Lyrics to “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick ----
Where is HOME?I’ve been remembering Cameron’s testimony on “HOME” and where that is. It’s speaking to me in a real way. I don’t want to have my mind set on earthly things, because my citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:19-20). This world is not my home! This domicile at 305 N. Liberty Street is not really my home. My true home is in heaven, and it’s definitely not a dump! My name is in the book of life. My eternal future is secure! Nothing can steal it away from me, not death, not a terrorist, not a conspirator, not my government, not even the devil. It won’t rust, fade, or wither away. My reservation is secure. It won’t be long until I see my Savior face to face! Then this will all have been worth it.
My attitude is my choice.“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. (This is a perfect backdrop to let this be seen!) The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:4-7). This is so encouraging to me! Rejoicing is my choice. I can be reasonable. The Lord is with me! I have no reason to fear or be upset or worried about anything. What I can do is bring every worry, concern, and sadness to my Lord, making requests of Him, telling Him my fears, leaning on His strength, and being thankful for how His hand is at work, both in me and in those around me. The resulting unbelievable peace is what I long for! Peace that doesn’t make human sense! This peace will guard my heart and mind! What a security promise! Nothing can breach that! This section ends with this command: “..whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy, think about these things!” (Phil. 4:8).As icing on the cake, Phil. 4:11 relays Paul’s testimony: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

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RUTH Thoughts on caregiving

Intro: We were on the airplane, leaving Japan, the country where my husband and I have been missionaries for 20 years, heading back to the United States in order to live with my mother and provide her with extra care. I pulled my kindle out of my backpack and considered where to read in the Bible that day. The Holy Spirit drew me toward the book of Ruth. As I read through the four chapters, I realized that Ruth and I share some similarities in our situations! That led me to look more closely at the story as God laid it out centuries ago. I am finding it to be relevant for me today!

BACKGROUND:Elimelech and Naomi, with sons Mahlon and Chilion, left Israel due to famine to move to Moab, a foreign land. While there, Elimelech died. Naomi’s two sons took wives from that country, and perhaps 10 years later, these sons died, too, leaving Naomi with no living immediate family. Unless you count her daughters-in-law. Which apparently she didn’t! Naomi makes the huge decision to leave Moab – her home for at least a decade – and to go back to her home country of Israel.

What we see in this story so far is a lot of stress for Naomi.– Famine (an unstable food source)– Huge move from familiar to foreign (Israel to Moab). This could also have the stigma of leaving God’s umbrella of provision. Guilt feelings? Anger? Naomi might not have had a say in it.– Death of a spouse– Death of two (and only) children– Learning to accept new family members (daughters-in-law, at that!)– Huge relocation to “back home” (reverse culture shock), without her husband’s help this time.– A personal load of bitterness, directed toward God– Had to deal with all the questions and attention when she returned home.

NAOMI – A closer lookLeft Bethlehem, her home, her friends, her people, her God?Left the difficulty of famine behindHer husband “left” her in death; 1:3 “she was left with her two sons.”Her sons left her, too; 1:5 “the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.”Perhaps she felt “left” by God, too; she felt “that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me” 1:13. Here’s how she felt:1:13 “It is extremely bitter to me for your sake (daughters-in-law) that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” Felt jinxed? Cursed?1:19 “The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”1:21 “the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me.”She told her old friends not to call her Naomi (pleasant) but Mara (bitter).

She is obviously speaking out of her emotions. This is what it felt like to Naomi – that God was against her, had it in for her, was her enemy. Yet, the truth was that God was setting the scene to honor her in a way that few women would! Today, we know the end of her story, that she would become the great-great-grandmother of King David!

The lesson I learn from this is this:** Though our feelings present themselves as FACTS, they aren’t reliable as truth. We can’t let our minds be controlled by our emotions. We must refocus on truth within every situation. Naomi didn’t know that God was against her. She assumed this, because life wasn’t going the way she though it should. It felt to her like God was against her.

(Chloe’s song – We believe something’s real, but it’s only believing “real lies.” That’s one of Satan’s methods. Ask Eve! We feel something’s true, so we believe it is.)

1:21 Naomi said, “I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty.”First, she didn’t go away full. It was a famine! She left starving! But she did leave “full” of family.Sometimes we glorify the past, and vilify the present or future. “I used to have it so good; I’ll never have it that good again.” Are you God? Do you know that for certain?!

“I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty.” I wonder if Ruth heard Naomi say this, and what she thought? Naomi’s basically saying, “God’s brought me back with NOTHING.” What a slap in Ruth’s face! But we’ll see later that even this attitude didn’t affect Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law.

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Jesus and parables : Man who found treasure in a field , reburied it , IN HIS JOY sold all that he had, and then bought the field. Which one is most meaningful to you? Why? Let me know at talk@runwithhorses.net Is it possible you could have a chance to share it with someone this week?

Spiritual leadership is not what you think it is!

What?

What do you think of when someone says, “leadership” or “leader”?

Where does that c ome from? Maybe the business world? Military? Sports?

Characteristics of a worldly leader – commanding presence, big personality, has the answers, limits their focus to the big picture and important work, is out front, seen in action by others, the face of the organization.

How does that image compare with the life of Jesus, He was definitely a leader!

Where traditional leaders are expected to lead from a position of strength, Jesus lead from a position of truth, cushioned with grace and humility. Don’t mistake that for weakness!

He always did the right thing at the right time in the right way. He looked for where the Father was working and joined Him there. He lead with a heart of compassion that never avoided the difficult conversations because they were uncomfortable.

Why?

Biblical spiritual leadership is important! And it is missing from many of our homes, churches and communities.

A spiritual leader is a beacon of light in any environment, bringing God into every situation. All of life has a spiritual component, even if many refuse to acknowledge it.

God gives us all a degree of spiritual influence that we should intentionally use in the mission of Christ on earth. That is the purpose of the church and ultimately our lives. Using our influence to lead people towards reconciliation with God is the way that we glorify Him. Our gifts serve the purpose of building up His church so that it can accomplish this great task. The Holy Spirit works in us towards maturity so that we will not remain infants but mature in the Word and our ability to apply it to our own life and lead others to understand and apply it to their lives. This is spiritual leadership. This is the life of every follower of Jesus. This is what it means to be a disciple maker.

How to?

Bring the attitude of Jesus into every relationship. Mercy, grace, and humility mark the life of a Biblical leader.

Keep the main thing the main thing. We can easily get distracted by arguments that lead nowhere. Learn to lean on the spirit and recognize where God is working. Love others first. Be quick to repent and confess your own mistakes. Go the extra mile to put others first. Serving others is the path to influence in their lives and will open doors for the big conversations.

Don’t be afraid to lose face or to fail. Ultimately God wins! Live like you believe that.

If you have biblical priorities and your life and conversations reflect that, you will have a chance to speak to those around you because of the difference in your life and theirs. Be ready to give an answer. (NOTE: The questions only come if you actually live different than those around you!)

Where do you have spiritual influence? How are you using it now? How can you use it better?

There is value and meaning in every relationship that God gives you. Be a spiritual leader in every area of life and give God the glory.

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How is your Influence?

If Christianity is about relationships, maybe you can say that disciple making is about influence.

How is yours?

Start at home.

Spouse

Kids

Extended family

Friends

Neighbors

Co-workers

What are we talking about?

Living a life of intentional relationships. Like all else in the life of a disciple, the focus is to glorify God in all we do and say. Disciple making is to a large extent about conversations. Relationships are built on both life experience together and what we talk about as we go through them with others. To glorify God is to be intentional in our conversations. What do you usually talk about with those around you in the many different contexts of your life? What would it take to include your spiritual life in those relationships?

Get to know people and consider how to spur them on toward love and good works.

Why is this so important?

You have a network of relationships that God has given you. What are you doing with them?

To be a disciple maker is to be intentional with our relationships. To Love people is to want their best. Their best is to be a devoted follower of Jesus engaged in His mission to reconcile the world to God.

This is God’s plan for the world and for the church. People investing in people for the glory of God. People using their gifts to build up His church. This is God’s plan A to reach the world and there is no plan B.

If you aren’t willing to have a spiritual conversation with others who will?

How do you life a life of intentional relationships?

Like just about everything else in life start with prayer.

Begin praying specifically for the people around you. Who are you near each day? How can you use your gifts to encourage and help them to follow Jesus? What does that look like?

From Praying move on to considering specific actions and conversations that will move you both toward Jesus. Being intentional means planning and preparing to have those valuable conversations.

It might be an invitation to read the bible together or a light conversation about something God has been teaching you recently.

Talk to other believers around you about your desire to grow spiritually. Often this can be the catalyst for others to consider their own spiritual life and habits. Be the spark plug who energizes others toward spiritual change. Refuse to accept stagnation in yourself and you will encourage others to grow as well.

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Life has a purpose – To glorify God. God gives us a LOT of information about how we can do that as we live a life in relationship with His church and attempt to carry out His command to make disciples.

Practically living out your purpose has three main parts, Believing, ,Being and Doing.

What you believe will impact how you understand your purpose and how you view yourself in the world. Who you are will impact your ability to live out what you believe about your purpose. What you do each day is the result of your beliefs carried out through the filter of your personality and gifts.

Believe -

How do you determine truth?

What is your theology? Foundation for thinking about God, Life, Purpose, Truth

This is your thinking – intentional, deep consideration of truth as well as the beliefs that you pick up from pop culture, things you assume to be true even though you haven’t examined them yourself.

Be -

Who are you? What kind of person are you? Character traits and personality as well as practical skills.

You are changing over time. Are you growing and intentionally applying yourself to be a better person, however you define it (belief system)? Are you stagnant, the same person you were 10 years ago, just older? How will you be remembered when you are gone?

Do -

What are you doing? What actions characterize your life? What habits have you developed over time? Are they mostly intentional or just the result of defaulting to the easy path?

You will do something with your life. How will it be talked about at your funeral? How will God judge your life’s actions?

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23_03_02_wed show notes

What are you aiming for?

As a Christian we are on a journey. Do you know where you are going? Who is leading the way?How do you determine what to do? Who are you becoming?

What?

Direction, aim, purpose, goal – Everyone in world talk about this – meaning to life, goals, etc.

Why?

It’s valuable to think about who you’re becoming. You make choices, and your understanding of your goal or purpose affects your decisions. If you don’t have a goal, your choices will be random. If you have a clear understanding of why you’re here, you can make decisions easier. It gives you a reason how to evaluate this choice over that one. Are you moving closer to your aim or not? Choices are related to your purpose. Does this choice move me closer to my goal or farther away?

How to?

What does the Bible say?

Clear goal of becoming like Jesus. Master and disciple. What kind of person to become.

Who to BE – character traits – patience, kindness, love

-- You could take the Bible out of context, use it to justify what you want to do, make a lesser issue into a major one and lose sight of what’s really important.

How did God make you?

God has given you concrete gifts – Musical? Not? If not, you won’t be an effective singer! This helps determine how your purpose is played out. Still should be humble, patient, etc., but your path is different.

-- Understanding this can help you not to compare yourself with others (I’m better; I’m worse.)

The church family – around you. You don’t exist in a vacuum. God gave you abilities, your church family has needs. Depending on who you’re around affects your understanding of your purpose. Practical application of what God has given you, to meet needs around you.

-- Depending on your church, you may be called to help in a totally different way than if you attended a different church with different needs or ministries or members. (lots of foreigners? Elderly? Children? Special needs?)

Examples:

-- Norman didn’t let kids go to Japanese preschool, saw bigger picture. Won’t help us in our parenting endeavor.

-- Random choices can lead you into a corner… feel lost. Have no way to evaluate what’s good, better, or best.

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Foundational Relationships for a Disciple Maker

Christianity is about relationships.

We need to be around people on the same journey. Co-workers in the harvest field.

Why? Encouragement and support.

Where do you find them? Hopefully in your church family!

What kind of relationship do you have? Deep friendship based on mutual foundation of Christ and commitment to His mission.

We need to be around people who are new to the journey and those who haven’t started it yet.

Why? These are disciples and future disciples of Jesus. These are the two groups of people we focus on pouring our lives into.

What do we mean by people new to the journey?

How do we connect with them?Where do we meet them? What do we do with them? Teach them to do what you do!

Goal is to help them be disciple makers.

What about those who haven’t started yet?

Where do we meet them?

What do we do with them?

We need to be around people who are more mature and further along the road to Christ-likeness than we are.

Why? We see area that we need to address in our own lives and are challenged to grow.

Humilty.

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Serving Others – A Key for Spiritual Growth

Why?Part of spiritual maturity is considering others better than ourselves. Serving them is one way that that is done. It requires humility.Serving others uses our spiritual gifts to build up the church.Serving requires some degree of sacrifice on your part. You build new patterns and behavi ors that aren’t natural to the flesh. Who?All believers! If you are a follower of Jesus you have the opportunity and responsibility to serve His church.

How?Be early when the church meets. Showing up late is disrespectful to others as well as often misses crucial times of fellowship and connecting with people.

Smith Family return to USA!

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Why The Church?

God knows we need each other.

. For Fellowship

. For Encouragement

. For Direction . For Spiritual Growth – we challenge each other

. For Physical Support/ Help

. For a Testimony To The World – they see our relationship

. For the Mission

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Prepare your mind for church

Church = a diverse group of people at various stages along the way in their spiritual journey toward Christ-likeness.

We often have different ideas about what it means to get together with the church. Some of us just want to sing and lift our voice in praise. Others are hurting and just want God’s comfort. Some come just for the time to talk to other believers and share how God is working in their lives. There are as many reasons and ways to show up as there are people in the building!

You want to show up to fellowship with your church and focus your heart and mind on Christ as you worship Him. In reality, if you are a mature disciple of Jesus, committed to His church and the mission take the Gospel to all people, your church gathering is a time to use your gifts to encourage, build up and support your church family.

Worship? Absolutely! By humbly submitting ourselves to serving the people that Jesus died to save.

Worship? Absolutely? By submitting our needs to God and turning our thoughts to helping others who are wandering, hurting and needing a friend.

Our worship is not hindered by others but magnified as we have the opportunity to live out the truth we believe and practice the unity that the Holy Spirit gives.

Good questions to ask about your church family

Who are these people? Background, education, skills, struggles, family life, work and hobbies

How well do you know them?

Where are these people on the journey? Spiritual maturity, awareness and use of spiritual gifts, how well do they serve each other? How do they connect with the surrounding community and love their neighbors?
Is the church on Mission? How aware are they of the call to be and make disciples? Are most people involved in disciple making ministry? Is the church unified around Jesus and what He is doing to reconcile man with God? Is there an outward focus?
What is your role in this church? What are your spiritual gifts? How can you use them to build up this group of believers as they carry out the Great Commission? Who can you serve?

If you ask and answer these kinds of questions, you can now pray specifically about your unique fellowship with your church. You are called and equipped to serve HERE with these people. Pray about the details! Focus and what you can do to live out the life of Christ in this fellowship.

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How do you go to church?

Your attitude makes a difference!Many people go to church to be refreshed from the challenges of the week. For fellowship and encouragement, for a good bible challenge and inspiration to make it through another week. All good.

But there is more to it than that. The church family is not about you. God uses it to change you and to carry out his mission of reconciliation with the world. He is at the center. He leads His church.

Humility is important. Part of having the mind of Christ.Give up trying to control God’s church and let Him lead it. Surrender your will to Him and pursue becoming the person He is making you.

Humility is needed to prepare out heart to be changed by the Holy Spirit.From reading the NT is obvious that unity is important to God. The goal of the church is to have unity as we carry out the mission of Christ.

We should daily be approaching God and His Word with a desire to be changed. That means seeing ourselves as He does. Letting go of our wants and desires and submitting ourselves to His will. This is a life of denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him. Not pursue your passion until you get what you want. Surrender your passion to Jesus and let Him change it to worship. How do you go to church?Other people are there, surprise surprise! What do you do with that fact? How do you approach them? The church gathering IS NOT ABOUT YOU.It is foremost about God. Give Him first place on that day at that time along with every day and all your time.But people are there. Inconvenient I know. But what do you do with the fact that these are people God loves, Jesus died for and He has gifted you to serve?

Consider others better than yourselves. Phil 2:3

Genuinely strive to love the church. People are not always/usually easy to love. They have bad habits, many are immature, hypocrites abound – and that is just in the leadership of the church!But God calls you to love them and gifts you to serve them.

Pray for a real desire to help your church family grow. Really consider how you can serve the people in your church. Prayer is great, always pray for them, but you need a real relationship and time with them to get to know them and their struggles. Care about them, care for them.

Real humility will allow you to get together with your church family and serve them as you worship God. Serving His family is PART of worshiping Him.

This week, examine your heart first. Approach God with humility and a desire to be like Him. Get together with His family joyfully, with a heart to serve and love these people God is changing to be like Jesus, one day at a time.And give thanks!

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You CAN Lead A Bible Study - A small group of people studying and learning together provide encouragement and accountability.

How to?Pray. Specifically for yourself – humble, teachable, Spirit’s leading you, motives.Pray for wisdom for who to invite, what mix of people.Pray for the timing of when to start.Pray for the first passages you’ll study. (https://www.dbsguide.org/ for a guide and some recommended passages)Ask your church family, Christian friends to pray for you as you prepare.Pray about the length of time for this initial study. Goal is 6 months to a year.Pray about other leaders who will grasp the vision of every church member being a disciple-maker and leading Bible studies.

Pick a date to begin. Invite friend(s). Determine the location. Determine how often you’ll meet. Weekly or biweekly is best. Pick an easy spot to use based on who will be part of the study.

If you’re more of an introvert, you’ll have different issues to deal with than if you’re an extrovert.(here is an overview of the DiSC profiles; https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc/disc-styles). Know yourself, your tendencies, and the value of engaging each person directly with God’s Word themselves.

Discovery Bible study gathering format

I. Welcome and Introductions – How are you and how was your week?Use questions like these to build relationship and get to know each other: • What are you thankful for this week? • What are you concerned or worried about? • Who needs our help? How do we help them? II. Review Last Meeting • Have someone retell the lesson from the previous meeting. • What did you do differently because of this lesson? • Who did you tell and how did they respond? III. Read & Re-tell the new passage • Have one person reads the Bible passage out loud. • Have someone else retell the passage by memory. Once they finish or get stuck others can help fill in the details. IV.. Look and Understand – What is God telling us here? • Read the passage again. • Discuss what this passage says about God, Jesus, or His work in the world. V. Look again and dig deeper. • Read the passage once more. • Discuss what this passage says about or to humans. VI. Respond • According to this passage, what am I doing right? • What do I need to change? VII. Who can I share this with? • Who else needs to hear this lesson? • How and when can I tell them? • Who can I invite to study the Bible? A similar format along with recommended first Bible passages to start with can be found here: Discovery Bible Study Guide - https://www.dbsguide.org/

You can do it!

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Can You Lead a Bible Study?

Hopefully most of you answer that question with a resounding YES!

It’s not that hard but it is extremely important.

Basic Bible study, for beginners.

What?What do we mean by a Bible study? What we don’t mean:-- You don’t have to have all the answers.-- You don’t have to go through a devotional book.-- You don’t have to be a seminary graduate or pro.-- You don’t have to have an extensive library of resources.-- It doesn’t mean guessing at the meaning of the Bible passage.

What we do mean:-- You have a group of friends you enjoy being around and are willing to have spiritual conversations with.-- You are reading your Bible and growing. You have learned something from the Bible that has helped you in the past.-- Willing to invest time and energy in other people with the Bible as the center. The Holy Spirit is the teacher.-- Basically, it’s reading the Bible with other people and talking together about what God has to say.-- Being willing to say, “I don’t know. Let’s look into that.”-- Accepting that God doesn’t give you every answer for every question you ask in as much detail as you might want.

Who?Everyone!Everyone who wants to grow in Christ-likeness. Everyone who has Christian friends who you want to see grow.Everyone who has unsaved friends who you’d like to meet Jesus.

How do you define a mature Christian? Certainly being able to talk about God’s Word to others would be a requirement.-- Example: How Dottie Hatfield passed the opportunity on to me, though I didn’t feel ready, was clueless.

Why?The church needs more mature Christians. Having more people to lead Bible studies means more people are actively growing from both sides, as teachers and as students. You grow more when you are the teacher than as a student. It helps you learn to put biblical truth into your own words.

Everyone will benefit from being part of a small group of people who are actively discussing the Word of God.

Often understanding the personal application requires some discussion and thought.

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Building a Biblical Foundation

If the Gospel is our foundation that we never leave and prayer is a foundational activity of a disciple maker, certainly biblical knowledge and pursuit of obedience to God’s Word is right up there in importance.

We know the Gospel from time in God’s Word

We Know about prayer, that we can and that we do through the name of Jesus because God has revealed it in His Word.

We know who God is

We know God’s love of us

We know God’s will for our lives. It’s not hidden!

Ephesians 5:15-20

2 Peter 3:9

1 Timothy 2:3-4

1 Thessalonians 5:18

1 Thessalonians 4:3

1 Peter 2:15

Hebrews 13:20-21

The Bible reveals God to us, as well as reveals God’s plan for us. He wants what is best for us. Trust Him and read His word to know what that will is.

He gives us a glimpse of the future in His presence, without suffering, without pain, in a relationship with the creator that we were intended to have with Him.

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The Prayer of a Disciple Maker

Personal

God help me grow.

Recognize how much I need you.

Be sensitive to the work you are doing in me.

Be sensitive to the work you are doing through me.

Outward Prayer.

The Church Family

That I will be an encourager.

That I will grow in my ability to live out the one another’s in my church family.

That I will be a servant to my local church and the universal church, wherever we connect.

The World.

That I will be salt and light.

That I will be sensitive and aware of those God is working in around me.

That I will bring glory to the name of Jesus by my life. Actions, Words, Relationships, and Attitudes.

That I will be a good ambassador for Jesus.

Pray for specific people.

Men in your church. Men in your community who are believers but part of other fellowships.

Men in your life who don’s yet know Jesus. At work, in your neighborhood, those you exercise with or enjoy your hobbies with.

Pray for specific things in their life.

Spiritual growth and maturity but what does that look like in their life? What is their next step? Look up the Engel’s scale. Consider each person in your life and prayerfully consider how you can help them make steps toward Christlikeness.

Pray for the salvation of the unbelievers in your life. Where are they in their understanding of who Jesus is? What is the conversation that they need to have next? Pray you are ready for it!

Pray that you will be ready and willing to do your part! Put feet on your prayers!

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Prayer

Jesus is the foundation for prayer.We talk to God and and heard and answered because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. God wants to hear and answer the prayers of His children!

Prayer is talking to God. The Holy Spirit helps us prayer when we don’t know what or how to pray.Prayer is natural, just talking to God, but there is also the opportunity to practice and improve in our prayer life. Study the prayers of Paul and David!

We pray in His name.We are able to pray because He opened the way, tore the temple veil. We pray because He offers us help and comfort.We pray because He calls us friends.We pray because He offers us forgiveness.We pray because He offers us strength.We pray because He gives our lives meaning and purpose.We pray because often there is nothing else we can do!

Practical Tips:Keep a prayer journal.Write out key things you want to pray about before you start.Read a Psalm and pray along with it. Works with other passages too!Pray with a friend.Pray through the attributes of God.

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Jesus IS Our Firm Foundation

Who Jesus IS matters most!

God!

Creator!

Savior!

Friend!

What Jesus has done in the past:

Creation.

Lived life as an example to all believers.

Called and trained disciples – gave us the priority and the method.

Taught biblical truth in the context of life.

Took our sins on Himself and died in our place, purchasing our freedom from sin!

He went to the grave and rose again 3 days later, proving once and for all that our Hope in Him is not in vain. He won the victory over death and the grave.

He sent His Spirit to be in us and live with us forever.

He gave us His righteousness.

He accepted us as His bride, the body of Christ, the church.

He gave us a purpose for life – joining Him on this fantastic work of reconciling people to God.

Blessed us in the heavenly places will all spiritual blessings, given us all we need for life and godliness.

What Jesus is doing in the present:

Interceding on our behalf.

Preparing a place for us for eternity.

Mediator between God and man

What Jesus will do in the future:

Come to take us home!

Reign over all the earth with us.

Be praised and exalted forever.

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The Gospel is Our Strong Foundation

What is the Gospel?

First, the Bad News… We are broken, separated from God and His design for our lives by sin.

The Good News!

God IS!

God is INTENTIONALLY working in the world.

He loves us!

Jesus lived as an example for us, died as a sacrifice for us, was buried in a grave and rose again – victorious over death and offering us LIFE and HOPE.

Why is it so important?

What makes this foundation, so foundational for a Christian?

It recognizes God’s work in our lives and in the world. It points the glory to God and gives us a purpose for our pain and trials. It gives our lives meaning and hope.

How do we maintain it?

A foundation needs to be maintained to prevent corrosion and decay.

Spiritual growth is a result of God’s work in our lives.

How do we build on it?

A foundation is meant to support a structure. In this case a life.

Practice. Follow Jesus in the little things to learn to follow Him in the big ones. The practice of obedience grows our faith.

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Why Do We Resist Change?

Change is scary for most people. “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me” carries the implied need for change. You have to make different choices. Denying yourself in anything is a big change for most of us. Choosing to serve in any way is another change. Following Jesus is giving the reigns of your life to someone else is a life of constant change. There are some good reasons why we make it more difficult than it has to be though. If you want to grow, to become the person God intends for you to be, you need to change. Here are some things to be aware of as you pursue the change that God is working in your life.

Too much too soon.

It is easy to see our failures and jump in to change everything at once. That usually doesn’t work.

It helps to prioritize the needs you see in your life and attack one at a time. At least commit to one and develop new routines or habits in one area before adding too many others. Don’t make it harder on yourself than you need to!

Not connecting related problems or not attacking the root issue.

If we make a change in an area that is influenced heavily by other decisions we make, we may find ourselves fighting a loosing battle to change something that is an uphill battle.

IE. trying to address your financial problems without addressing your spending habits.

All people tend to seek out the easy route naturally. That is usually the way we are familiar with already, no change or learning required.

You already know how to do things one way. Change means learning a new way and developing a new way of looking at life and responding to difficulties. Everyone prefers level ground, no one wants to run uphill. But the view is better from there!

Not sure why we need to change. If you don’t understand the goal clearly, or believe in it, you may find yourself lacking motivation when faced with a difficult change.

Why is this change important for you? If you can’t answer that you will struggle to make the change. Spend time thinking through and examining your life, identify meaningful change areas and make sure you understand why it is necessary before you begin.

Not having SMART goals.

Specific. Measurable. Actionable. Realistic. Time-specific.

Vague thoughts about doing better don’t usually work.

We often give up to soon. Deep, meaningful life change takes time and effort.

Anything worth doing will take time and effort. Don’t give up just because you don’t see results overnight. If you have thought through your WHY, stick with it when times get tough. There is a reason you are going through the trial.

We often try to change other people. That isn’t in your control.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone did the right thing all the time? Sorry, we don't live in that world yet. Encourage people to change, help them when they will let you, but don’t let others inability to change keep you from being the person God intends for you to be!

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Many people are worried about the end of the world with wars, climate issues, moral decay and the general decay of things around us. God says trust Him, He is working!

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Spiritual Growth should be a goal for every believer. Today we look at a few verses that help us think through what that means in the life of a follower of Jesus.

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Thinking through some common questions parents have about life as a family with children.

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Providence

How is this different from Fatalism? What is will be vs. What God purposes will be The key is God has a goal, moving all toward His purpose Fatalism has no point

How does my sin, choices affect God’s plan?

A.How should this information change my Thinking? 1.All my trials have meaning. No reason to say, “Woe is me.” Purpose in it.(Rom. 8:28)How I interpret life’s happenings

My sin is included in God’s plan
What God is doing is so much bigger than me. Spurgeon sermon on God’s providence – even the dust in the air is moving according to God’s purpose.God is working on an eternal scale, we only see what is right in front of us, and often don’t see that!
Knowing God is working should affect my attitude. Joy and Peace are the result of resting in Him. (illus. Norman’s truck) – Fear and worry have no place.

B.How should this change my Conversations?Word usage – accident, tragedy, Conversations about life’s troubles will be different if you see God’s hand working vs. if you don’t see it.

C. How should this affect my Decision making?You can trust God without worrying about making the “right” choice. You can’t make a choice that can ruin God’s plan.We take too much responsibility for God’s plan. “If I don’t share the gospel, this person won’t get saved.”

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The choices we make can really affect our spiritual lives. Thinking through the process of how we make those decisions can really help us keep on track.

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Questions To Ask Yourself (and then your spouse) About Your Marriage

What kind of husband/ wife am I?What is the best part of our relationship in this time of life?What ways can I honor my spouse more?What is my spouse dealing with in life that I can help with right now?How can I be more understanding with my spouse right now?What strengths do I have? How do they benefit my marriage and my spouse?How can we spend more time together? What should we do or talk about?What would grow our friendship right now?How can I improve as a husband/wife?Am I growing in Christ-likeness? What will help me do so?

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Do You Have Goals For Your Family?

What are your goals for your family?What kind of family do you want to have?What are your family priorities? Do your spouse and children know them?What place does God have in your family? What place should He have?What will it take to be that family? What is your role?

For your children?What do you want for your children?Do you have spiritual goals for them?How are you preparing them for independence?What relationship do want to have with your children when they are adults? What will it take to get there?How are you passing your values on to your children? Hint: Be intentional!

For your marriage?What kind of marriage do you want to have? What changes do you need to make to be the person who you seen in that ideal relationship?How can you help your spouse be the person they were meant to be?Have you communicated any of this to your spouse? Why not?

For yourself?What kind of parent do you want to be?What kind of spouse?What will it take to be that person?

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Do A Self-Evaluation!

Evaluate your current life in each of the following six categories. From 1 to 10, how are you doing? Why did you give yourself that rating? What could you do to improve in this area? Write down one CLEAR ACTION that you can do this week to improve in this area.

Prayer, Bible Reading, Outreach, Discipleship of Believers, Time Management, Exercise, Personal Spiritual Growth

1) What are 2-3 areas where God is challenging me to grow spiritually?

2)What sins am I actively struggling with right now?

3)What am I studying/learning with the intent of applying it to my life?

4)If married, what am I doing to consistently help my spouse to grow spiritually? Kids?

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We have talked about journaling as a way to improve your consistency in reading the bible, today we share some of our journal entries with you.

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Opportunities in Marriage;

Spiritual growth-- difficult circumstances provide motivation for growth; points out need for it!-- Example to spouse, encourages them to grow, too.-- Provides chances to practice trusting God, obedience-- Points out spiritual truth every day. Not about me. God-centered relationship needed

Service-- Serve spouse-- Practice sacrificial giving, humility-- Considering others better than yourself-- Learn to take responsibility

Disciple making-- Practice discipling (spouse, children) before trying it out on other people-- Opportunity to live every day with someone else’s spiritual interest in mind

Support, Barnabus-- Sounding board-- Accountability-- Sharing lessons-- Serve together; not alone

Help in time of need-- Shares your burden-- Face challenges/trials together-- Someone who prays for you knowledgeably

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Disciple Making Goals for 2023

Do you have a Paul, Barnabas and Timothy?

Evaluate yourself, are you growing? What would help you grow this year? Are you ready to take on a challenge?
Who do you know that might be willing to serve with you in ministry, committing to grow together?
Are there people in your church family you could encourage and challenge in their spiritual walk this year? Who will you be discipling in 2023?

How do you identify someone to work with?

F.A.T. - Faithful, Available and Teachable
Who has time? Who is showing the motivation to learn and grow?

What are the tools and resources you need?

Do you have topics identified to invest time in learning more about?

What do you do with someone you are discipling?

Relational time together
Prayer together
Read the bible together
Look for opportunities to serve together

Will you commit to looking for those around you who are spiritually minded and invest in them for the glory of God?

You will grow more than those you disciple!

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The Smith Family reflects over almost a year of Run With Horses!

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New Years Resolutions to Improve Your Marriage relationship

What? How do we normally view resolutions. How is this different?

What are changes you can make in the next year to improve things?Recognize an area that could use growth/change

Why?Ideas of growth need areas:1. communication2. personal spiritual growth – let this be a connection point; communicate about this. Dealing with anxiety, fear, weak areas Dealing with sin issues: anger, responding wrongly, bitterness, grudges3. invest in each other’s spiritual lives4. time together (quantity, quality)5. forgiveness

How to? SMART goals S pecific M easurable A chievable R Relevant T imeframe

Specific examples. Clear goal you’re shooting for. Specific steps toward reaching the goal.

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The Smith Family has a special round table to discuss Christmas traditions and why Christmas matters.

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Our Possessions Own Us!

We always ask kids at Christmas, “What do you want for Christmas?” We set them up from early on to desire stuff!

We let our stuff define us, weigh us down, hold us back, cause us stress, drive us insane, cause us worry, dissatisfy us (in a quest for more), and divide our attention from what’s really important in life. It’s deceptive!

What place does stuff have in our life?

What affects your view of possessions?-- Your family background (had money or not)-- Your friends-- Your financial situation

What place should it have?

Why do we have Stuff?

Why is it important?

Can’t serve God and money. -- Matthew 6:24Parable of man who tore down barns to build bigger ones, not knowing he would die that day.The life consists of more than what a man owns. -- Luke 12:15

Stuff causes fights – 1 Corinthians 6:1, 7 Why not rather suffer wrong? Be defrauded?Stuff causes greed and covetousnessStuff causes anxiety – someone might steal; I might lose it. Mt. 6:19-20Stuff steals our focus. Mt. 6:21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.We worry about a lack of stuff in the future. (What will we wear? Eat? Mt. 6:25ff)

Stewardship vs. priority

What’s the reason for having stuff?When is enough enough?Why do we compare our stuff with that of others?What drives us to buy more?Why do we let stuff become so important to us, when we can’t take any of it with us when we die?

It’s so easy to acquire more things; and it’s so difficult to get rid of things. It’s so easy to acquire bad habits/sins; and it’s so difficult to get rid of them and replace with good.

If possessions have a high place in your life, they compete with God for your highest priority. We make decisions based on protecting our things instead of honoring God.

How do we change?

ID right attitude towards things/ possessions. Heart’s desires. Must desire God first.

Give your stuff to God.

Find people who deal well with their stuff/money. Spend time learning from them.

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Keep up with the news and ask your questions at www.runwithhorses.net

Today's Listener Question:"I have a question! This is related, I believe, to all three areas of your podcast, Biblical Discipleship, a Healthy Marriage, and a Godly Family. What do you believe the Bible says about spankings, both in the Old and New Testaments? Should we or shouldn't we based on what we read in the Scriptures? At my stage in life, I do not think I need to ponder how, though I am wondering if we should and what are the implications (theological, mental, cultural) of physical discipline of one's children. What are your thoughts?" - from email

corporal punishment -noun: punishment that involves hitting someone : physical punishment

A corporal punishment or a physical punishment is a punishment which is intended to cause physical pain to a person. - No! No! No!

Problems: 1. Punishment – this is not a biblical goal for parents. Punishment does not equal correction. Many people equate the two, Do NOT punish your children!2. Intended to cause pain – again, this is not the purpose or intention of any biblical parent! The purpose of biblical parenting is shepherding a child’s heart toward Jesus. For example, the slight emotional pain of being deprived of a toy only helps with focus and communicating the seriousness of the correction, the purpose is not to cause pain, but to encourage heart change.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthy forms of discipline, such as positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, limit setting, redirecting, and setting future expectations. The AAP recommends that parents do not use spanking, hitting, slapping, threatening, insulting, humiliating, or shaming. - https://www.verywellfamily.com/facts-about-corporal-punishment-1094806, (accessed 12/15/2022)

Criticism of CP:1. It Makes Behavior Worse -can cause aggression in future2. It Is Ineffective – no better than a time out3. It Hurts Relationships – particularly between parent and child4. It Is Linked to Mental Illness – depression, anxiety, etc

“Discipline shouldn't be about controlling kids. Instead, it should be about teaching them to control themselves. As a result, it is best to use strategies that will help your children learn from their mistakes while also cultivating better decision-making skills. “ (cited above)

Proverbs 23:13-14 KJV13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest (discipline) him with the rod, he shall not die.14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 13:24

Proverbs 29:15

Proverbs 19:18

Proverbs 22:15

Ephesians 6:4

Keys to Correction1. Your attitudeYou can NOT correct your child properly if YOU are angry.

God’s Word is the Foundation. He is the ultimate judge and one we obey. Point your child to what God has to say about their behavior, but more importantly, their heart.
Child’s attitudeYou are correcting a heart condition. Help your child see their own heart and motives for behavior.Pray with them and for them.
Correction should be matched to the child and their needs, there is no universal “method” that works with all children at all stages of their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. MOST children can probably be corrected without spanking or other physical means most of the time. But it is more difficult, and there are some children who will be almost impossible to reach without serious effort if those tools are removed.
Consistency is King. Yes means Yes and No means No. ALL THE TIME! Consistency from an early age means less effort is required later, when children’s rebellion is more difficult to handle. Let your children learn that you always mean what you say while they are young and DO NOT change that. If you must error, err toward Yes. Protect your NO. It has to mean something.
If the parents do not agree or have different rules, all parenting for both parents is more challenging than it is supposed to be. Talk about and agree on the rules you will enforce. You weaken your spouses role in the home if you don’t back them up. Kids will play parents off of each other and try to manipulate you. Stick together!
Time with your children, playing, talking, working, serving, etc will make parenting easier. The better you know your children the better you are able to shepherd them toward Jesus.

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Moving Tips from Norman and Susan

After 24 years as missionaries, 4 years of prefield and 20 years in Japan, we have had a lot of experience with moving! Here are a few tips and tricks we have picked up on the way.

Make a list – stuff you need to do before leaving

Set short goals – “I will sort/pack until 4 PM today.” Gives you a sense of accomplishment and focused purpose. After that time, you can relax.

Wear old clothes you hate the final day before leaving. Throw them away instead of taking dirty clothes! If you have other old stuff, wear that, too, so you can toss it along the way. (2-day drive)

Think through your itinerary. (Leave Grandma’s; visit supporting church; drive half-way to AL; drive rest of the way.) Pack stuff deep that you don’t need.

Clean out your car before packing day.

Pack small bags to fit in the car. Remember spaces under seats.

Vacuum-sealed bags are great, but they get heavy fast. Cause suitcase (cartop) get heavy!

Soft bags pack space easier than hard ones (boxes).

Plan your clothes carefully, to be used multi-purposefully (Sunday pants turned travel)

Make sure everyone has stuff to do on long trips. Kindles, audio books, etc.

Have snacks (granola bars, cereal bars, trail mix, thermos of water). Cheaper!

Stopping every 2 hours is better than going longer during stops. You feel better.

Going overseas, have a library card from overseas to borrow e-books. Especially for kids!

If you are stressed, your family will be stressed. Try to find ways to relax together.

If moving from house, if you can sleep elsewhere for even a week before moving, it’s hugely helpful. Don’t cook, either. Order in, eat out, etc, to save Mom’s nerves!

Other people helping is not always helpful.

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December and January is Travel Time for the Smith Family. Back to Japan. Bear with us!Send questions and ideas for shows we can do in the next few weeks, will help a lot. Tell a friend about Run With Horses, we want to be an encouragement to you and to everyone who is serious about following Jesus.

What is Goodness?“Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It’s a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated “goodness,” is defined as "uprightness of heart and life." It is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.” (accessed Dec.9,2022 - https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-goodness.html)

Mark 10:18 – No one is good except God alone.

Are you good? Not a chance! But as a Christ-follower you can be a good in the life of someone else as the Spirit of God works in you, You bear spiritual fruit that is not of your own making.

Doing the right thing because it is the right thing. Because it helps someone else.

Why is it important?

The world is looking at you! Friends, Family, co-workers, strangers.One of the things that gives us an opportunity to share Jesus with others is our actions and attitudes. We should want Goodness to mark them clearly.

The testimony of the church at large is influenced by our actions, attitudes and words. Goodness should mark the life of every believer. Titus 2:6-8 “ ...encourage the young men to be self-controlled... set them an example by doing what is good... In your teaching show integrity, ... and soundness of speech ... so that those who oppose you ... have nothing bad to say about us.”

Intentionally considering our actions and desiring that they be good is part of our fight against selfishness. We are self-centered at our core. Goodness is contrary to that self-centered attitude.

It is part of a life of obedience in following Jesus. Gal. 6:10 – Do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith.

God meets the needs of the church family as we practice acts of goodness in community.

As your spiritual fruit is expressed in acts of Goodness that benefit others, your service results in joy in your life that can be found in no other way.

How do we live it out?

Start with prayer. Ask God to give you spiritual strength and the courage to fight against the natural selfishness and desire to protect yourself. Our natural desire is to take care of ourselves. Goodness takes care of others.

Fill your mind and heart with the promises and words of God. Recognizing His hand at work in you and around you can give you the confidence in Him to trust Him to take care of you, freeing you to take care of others. Particularly consider how God sees people. Do you have the compassion that Jesus expressed? How do we do Good to those Jesus loves?

Make it a point to spend time each week with people who love Jesus. The church is really important to Him if you haven’t noticed. How can you do Good to them?

Spend time with people who are not like you. It really stretches you to see how others live and think about life. There is no context in which you cannot find Good to do. Look for it. Surrender to it.

In the end, Goodness is the overflow of a heart that is changed by God. You can’t just choose to be Good. You can surrender your life to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to control your mind, heart and actions resulting in the Goodness of God flowing through you and blessing those around you.

It’s not easy to follow Jesus. But then, He never said that it would be!

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Discipling Your Children PART 2

Why not leave it to the church?

Why should you do it?

They are your responsibility. Proverbs, Eph. 6, examples in Bible (kings/parents’ examples)

You are in the best position to help them. You know them best. -- You are the one spending most time with them (unless you choose differently) -- Beware of who spends more time with them than you do (worldly voices, TV, video games, friends, unsaved teachers -- You have the most influence in their life while they’re young. Use it wisely, intentionally

You care about them the most. (John 10 – the underling doesn’t care for the sheep like the shepherd)

We are to be making disciples – These are your prime ones!

It aids in your own spiritual growth!

It helps you mature as an adult, to care for your child, invest in them, see potential dangers ahead

Somebody WILL “disciple” your children.

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Want Patience Now? : ) - Who doesn't!

Recognize the Realities of Life

Life Is Not Fair

It’s Not All About You

You Don’t Always Get What You Want

Money Will Never Solve Your Real Problems

Nothing Lasts Forever In This Lifetime

Positive Mindset

Live in The Now/ Today

You Need to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Learn to Be Flexible

Be Thankful

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Today I read the first chapter of my book on prayer, Simply Pray. If you are interested in purchasing it, it is available on Amazon for $6. There is a kindle version and a paperback available.

You can also find links at www.runwithhorses.net on the resources page.

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Colossians is one of my favorite books. Every chapter encourages us to be truly thankful!

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Ten-Gai-Nai (Upward-Outward-Inward)

Ten- Everything starts with God – Joy and Obedience

Luke6:22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Romans5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 1:22-25 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Gai- Our relationship to others is marked by service and evangelism

Service and Evangelism are difficult for us, not natural to the flesh. Trials and suffering can result from a life of service. Trials and persecution lead to endurance and growth in our character.

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Peter 4:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Nai- We change inside. Character growth and heart change help us view ourselves in light of our Savior.

We have fellowship with God and grow in humility and faith

Our changed lives send us back Out (Gai) with a testimony of God’s grace and work in us.

God works through us to change others.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Colossians2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

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God calls us to be thankful in and for our trials!

How are you doing at keeping your attitude right when life throws you a curve?

God says rejoice, HE is doing something in your struggle.

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Discipling your children

Importance of discipling your children.

What do we mean by discipling?

Were you discipled? By Who? How?

Shared resources. Encouragement.

Helping them follow Jesus, to be a disciple themselves.

What do they need to know? Age-appropriate

What have you learned along the way that has helped you_

How can you find out if you don’t know? Forces you to grow yourself.

You can’t teach something you don’t know, do.

Basis is life on life. Life together. Intentionally share your journey of following Jesus with your children.

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Listen

What?

Definitions

Listen vs. Understand vs Hearing

Engaged listening

What hinders it?

Distracted, not focused.

Poor timing. Environment noisy, distracting.

Physical pain, sickness

Assumptions, assuming you know without actually listening, preconceived ideas

Critical spirit kills people talking

Should we ever not listen?

Gossip/slander

Listen to heart/message behind the words (problem, whining, speaking untruths); address the main issue, not condemn result of illness, real problem, etc. Goal is help them deal with it better way.

What if someone never quits talking?! Depends on who it is. Able to set some boundaries; encourage spouse to hang out with friends. Help them see your need for quiet and mental health

What if spouse won’t talk? Figure out why … not a talker? Critical of spouse? Interrupt? Make difficult for them to talk; some unresolved issue between you?

What about when someone is attacking you? Listen to understand. Legitimate? Their problem?

Why?

Listening is the foundation for communication. Communication is foundation to relationship

God tells us – quick to hear, slow to speak; His example of hearing our cry

Shows respect

Good for the relationship!

Need to communicate to live peaceably together; get things done

Not being understood is frustrating!!!!!!!!

How To?

Focus

Set aside time for important discussions, topics

Set aside time for non-important stuff

Limit distractions – choose location, time (more important for critical topics)

Refuse to think ahead to your response; focus on listening first.

Be okay with quiet, and give each other time to think.

Try rewording spouse’s point of view

Be patient – understanding is worth the effort

Body language (Don Trott)

Understand the value the other person brings to the table

Don’t let stuff build up; talk before there are issues!

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Group size and Disciple Making – Does It Matter?

Faith Communities Today Research 2020

“Our best estimates are there are between 350,000 and 375,000 congregations of all faith traditions

within the nation. The trends around size will be addressed in a bit, but the vast majority of the country’s congregations are small. 70% of these faith communities have 100 or fewer weekly attendees. Only 10% of them have more than 250 in weekly services. However, far more people attend these larger congregations – roughly 70% of all attendees – than the many smaller ones. Those smallest communities of 100 or less are home to only 14% of all weekly attendees. “ (1)

Most churches have fewer than 100 people on Sunday mornings.

Most People go to a church of over 250 people on Sunday mornings.

“I’ve heard that churches with 30 percent of their adult worship attendance in small groups are in the top one half of one percent of all churches in the U.S.” -

Congregation – Large Group – whole church, 100 people {1500}

Sunday School - Mid-size Group – a subset of the church, 10-20 people {100}

Bible Study - Small Group – 8-12 people {20-30}

A Table – Micro Group – 3-5 people

One-to-one - 2 people

What is Important for Spiritual Growth and Maturity?

Personal invitations are important.

Prayer – with and for each other.

Commitment to each other – we miss you when you aren’t here.

Transparency – we all struggle.

Reading the Bible together. Not just a sermon, but reading passages together.

Bible Memorization – encouraged, supported and checked on.

Resources:

(1)https://faithcommunitiestoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Faith-Communities-Today-2020-Summary-Report.pdf

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Developing Strong Character

William Straton Bruce, The Formation of Christian Character Character is nature and nurture. It is nature cultured and disciplined, so that natural tendencies are brought under the sway of the moral motive. His natural individuality marks off a man from his fellows by clear and specific differences. But this individuality may be non-moral. To produce character it must be brought under discipline, and organized into the structure of a true moral being . . .Above all, [character] includes a choice, a settled habit or bent of will, so that it can be seen in its outcome in conduct.

Historian Warren Susman During the 1800s, “character was a key word in the vocabulary of Englishmen and Americans,” and men were spoken of as having strong or weak character, good or bad character, a great deal of character or no character at all. Young people were admonished to cultivate real character, high character, and noble character and told that character was the most priceless thing they could ever attain. Starting at the beginning of the 20th century, however, Susman found that the ideal of character began to be replaced by that of personality.

What is it? We all know it when we see it. Honesty Integrity Courage Loyalty Work ethic Self-Control Discipline Kindness Mercy Patience

Why should you care? Who you are is important. Your character affects every relationship, job and experience that you have. Your family, your community, your church all need men and women of character. Your choices create your character. Choices matter. Intentional choices create intentional character. Who do you want to be? More importantly, Who does God want you to be? What kind of person are you as you walk through the world?

How do you develop your character? · Develop awareness - Recognize good character • Know God’s standards and ideal for you • Meditate on God's Word – particularly men like David and Paul • Pray for growth, wisdom, and courage to be the person you can be • Beware of your weak areas. Avoid temptation ... flee... • Choose friends w/ strong character

learn to Serve others • Learn patience, make thoughtful choices, not rash, too quick decisions.

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A Kingdom Focus for Your Marriage

WHAT

choices

priorities, focus

values

relationships

WHY

temporal vs. eternal

Too easy to get distracted by world/life

value

gives purpose, clarity of purpose

guides decision making, use of resources/time/energy

makes life simpler, narrows choices/options

Relieves fear for future, needs

adds stability; foundation, solid basis for life

HOW TO

Remember!

Talk together about it; decide together on values, priorities

Serve together

Filter choices through this lens

Keep in the Word of God; discuss together

Prayer

Church community

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Looking for questions and topics for future shows! Calling for requests and suggestions! Write us at talk@runwithhorses.net or the Run With Horses Podcast Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

If what we are doing is helpful to you, we want to know about it. Our goal is to encourage and equip you to be more like Jesus as you walk through the journey of life. We are in this together. Let’s encourage each other. If there is someone you believe would benefit from the things we talk about, let them know how to find us. Www.runwithhorses.net is the best place for information and links to all previous shows. Thanks for your prayers and support!

Why I don't disciple... Excuses.

1) No Time - Too Busy

2) Don't Know How

3) Don't know who

4) Don't have good materials.

5) It's the pastor's Job.

6) Not my role

7) I need to grow more first.

8) It's not important

9) My church has a class

10) Don't know where to start

11) I was never discipled /No experience

12) Tried before & failed

13) Can't find someone who will

14) Not my spiritual gift

15) I don't want to!

16) Too hard, too messy.

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The Smith family is in the midwest on a 7 month furlough before returning to Japan. If you want to follow along with the ministry side of things, Susan manages www.smithlife.net to let people know more about life and ministry in Japan.

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Joy! Where do you find yours?

Joy of knowing you have a companion for the long haul (as far as we know); togetherness.

Joy of misunderstanding . . . and finding humor in it afterward.

Joy in growing to know each other better – and be known better than by anyone else in the world.

Joy in finding ways to please him/her.

Joy of serving together.

Joy of seeing fruit in ministry and in our family.

Joy of shared interests.

Joy of spending time together, enjoying each other’s company.

Joy in shared history, memories, challenges, triumphs.

Joy of growing spiritually and seeing it in each other; encouraging, uplifting, helping. You for them, them for you.

Joy of sharing with other couples the things you’ve learned.

Joy of learning sacrifice, unselfishness, and humility.

Joy of multiplying strengths (and weaknesses!)

Jesus

Others

You

Sometimes there is joy in the circumstance. Most of the time joy comes outside of the circumstance. Because of who you’re doing it with or for. In the short run, it may not be what you’d choose; but if you see the purpose (and it’s not YOU), you can find joy.

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Questions and Answers! Send your questions to talk@runwithhorses.net to be included in the next listener Q&A.

Is discipleship just for new Christians?

What if my church is not doing anything intentional to make disciples now?

How long does it take?

What materials should I use?

How do you know where a person should start?

How do we define a “win” when it comes to making disciples?

What about training leaders?

How do you start a discipling relationship? What do you say to invite someone into this? What approach?

What kind of person is worth discipling? Who needs it?

How do you know when training is completed? What do I do next?

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For resources we recommend on making disciples, check out the resources page of our website, www.runwithhorses.net

Roles of a Disciple Maker

Each role emphases a different aspect of making disciples.

Teacher – facts, transmit information, can do in a group of most any size.

Coach – includes evaluation as well as practical instruction, application of truth

Mentor – most often seen in an more mature disciple sharing their experience and lessons learned through practice.

Counselor – helping work through problems or issues that hinder spiritual growth.

Advisor – walking through potential decisions coming up, brainstorming, working through options

Model – Live out biblical principles with them. Explaining the WHY as well as modeling the WHAT.

Librarian - resource person, sharing books, websites, even contacts with the goal of helping people grow

Cheerleader – encouragement and motivation

Co-worker – serve together, come alongside

Tools of a Disciple Maker

Prayer – pray with and for others

Questions – using quesitons to guide the person you are discipling to understand the truth you study in scripture makes it sink in more than telling them the answer.

Listening – really pay attention to what is being said as well as how it is said.

Truth - Bible knowledge

Your Example - Model

Experience – share what you have learned, through successes and failures. Remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness.

Encouragement - It's ok, try again.

Motivation - You can do it.

Time Together – more than training and ministry, just being, life together is important and provides the context for disciple making.

The Church Family!

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Check out https://runwithhorses.net/ The Resource page has books we recommend for helping you make disciples!

Foundations for Making Disciples PART 2

Third Step– Make Growth a Priority. Change is natural and necessary.

http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/The-5-Stages-Of-Spiritual-Growth-1.pdf

Dead to Life- life begins as an infant.

An infant is dependent on another person 100% for life needs.

Infant to child to Young Adult →Parent to Spiritual Grand parent.

The eventual aim is a mature self-feeding Disciple maker who is capable of replicating himself.

Fourth Step – Keep the focus on growing in obedience, not just knowledge!

Three questions that will help us keep our focus right. Ask these every time we talk about the application of Scripture to our lives.

Do you understand the meaning of the passage?
Do you agree with what God is saying?

3.Do you see how to apply it in your daily life?

The answer to these questions guides your conversation and prayer together.

Regularly follow-up with; How can I help you live out what you are learning?

Fifth Step – Encourage them to reach out to others.

It doesn’t stop with them. The clear message must be Pass on what you have received.

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Check out https://runwithhorses.net/ The Resource page has books we recommend for helping you make disciples!

Foundations for Making Disciples PART 1

-Time

-Conversation

-Do life and ministry Together

First Step – Evaluation, Where am I at on the journey towards Christ? Where is the person I am helping on their journey towards Christ?

Engel's Scale - http://docs.abwe.org/CEIM/good-soil/miscellaneous/GS-scale.pdf

Evaluate a persons spiritual location with intentional questions

Goal is to help people make one or two steps forward.

We are always making steps toward Christ-likeness.

Intentional Conversation is the method.

The Goal is a self-feeding Christian who is able to sustain their own spiritual growth through daily time in God’s Word, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and in fellowship with the church.

Second Step – Nail Down the Basics

Very familiar, but many if not most Christians still struggle in one or more areas.

-Prayer - pray with them often!

Bible Study – check out my book on journaling for a simple way to get someone started. https://runwithhorses.net/ - go the resources page for the Amazon link to the book, Simply Journal.
Community (Church) – ideally go to church with them.

Conversations w/ new believes are about Why and How.

Ask: Where is this person? In their Prayer Life. In There Bible Time, In their relationship with the Church.

As a person grows in the basics, they are more comfortable in them and begin to develop Godly habits that sustain a spiritual life. Eventually they are able to feed themselves and begin to help others. A self- focused believer is an immature believer.

22_11_2_wed

Foundations for Making Disciples PART 2

Third Step– Make Growth a Priority. Change is natural and necessary.

http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/The-5-Stages-Of-Spiritual-Growth-1.pdf

Dead to Life- life begins as an infant.

An infant is dependent on another person 100% for life needs.

Infant to child to Young Adult →Parent to Spiritual Grand parent.

The eventual aim is a mature self-feeding Disciple maker who is capable of replicating himself.

Fourth Step – Keep the focus on growing in obedience, not just knowledge!

Three questions that will help us keep our focus right. Ask these every time we talk about the application of Scripture to our lives.

Do you understand the meaning of the passage?
Do you agree with what God is saying?

3.Do you see how to apply it in your daily life?

The answer to these questions guides your conversation and prayer together.

Regularly follow-up with; How can I help you live out what you are learning?

Fifth Step – Encourage them to reach out to others.

It doesn’t stop with them. The clear message must be Pass on what you have received.

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Today we talk about helping others grow in their spiritual life. We all have the responsibility to make disciples, do you have a plan?

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Independence & Interdependence

WHAT: Define: Dependence: requiring someone or something for financial, emotional, or other support. Independence: free from outside control; not depending on another's authority. not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence. capable of thinking or acting for oneself. not connected with another or with each other; separate. not depending on something else for strength or effectiveness; freestanding. Interdependence: dependent upon one another : mutually dependent Co-dependent It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive.

Infants: extremely dependent. But as grow, they learn independence. This is normal.

As single adult, you become very independent. Make own plans, own decisions, schedule. You have to change when get married. This can be a challenge!

Balance needed: You can’t become TOO independent, but you can’t become TOO dependent either.

Interdependence --- -- On God, your spouse, the church family Your part and their part.

WHY important? * Dependence – Builds connection. Like infant. Draw from the other; part of the whole. * Independence – Freedom, individuality, able to support others; without it, you can’t fully develop into the person you’re supposed to be * Interdependence – foundation for relationships; united; in it together; rely on each other; can’t have a healthy relationship without being tied together. You have to open up part of your life. Being closed keeps you from becoming interdependent. Suffer alone; keep help out. Church family, relationships in general can provide support.

HOW TO Foundation is the connector – Holy Spirit and faith. You don’t just work it out and make it happen.

Together, you rely on the Spirit. Being connected to spouse isn’t the goal, but mutually depending on the Lord.

Shock absorbers/rubber band image. 3-cord strand.

Contrast – we together stand on the foundation of God/faith, not standing on foundation of OUR relationship. This can be shaky or have problems. But if God is the foundation for each of us, and for us together, we can better face storms.

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Summary of thoughts from Steve Gault a BMM missionary who spoke at the Faith Baptist Bible College Global Reach Conference,October 21, 2022.

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Today Cameron and Norman review a workshop by Scott Owen at the Global Reach Conference at Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, Iowa.

Reconciliation is a big part of the Christian life, let's get better at it!

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HEALTH

Physical, Spiritual, and Mental/Emotional Health

What? (in relation to marriage) Physical: Diet/Exercise/Rest

Why? (the importance of it in marriage) Physical:

-- Discipline (or lack thereof) spills over into other parts of life.

-- Exercise and eating right makes dealing with stress and challenges easier.

-- Stewardship issue – (illus. US 60-yr.old vs. Japan 80 yr.old)

How To? (Contribute to the health of marriage)

-- Talk about it some. Role together is to motivate, support, encourage depending on things. “I see you’re struggling with Oreos. Maybe we shouldn’t buy them anymore.” Ways to help yourself and your spouse achieve success.

What? (in relation to marriage) Mental/Emotional

-- Thoughts -

-- Recognizing and addressing emotions (can’t control necessarily, but work to not let them control YOU!)

Why? (the importance of it in marriage)

-- Stagnant if not learning

-- Emotionally driven if you don’t approach things right

-- Learning and growing, using mental faculties for God’s glory

Take every thought captive, practice is needed

How To? (Contribute to the health of marriage)

-- Mental: Be intentional about learning. Be a life-long learner. Learn things that are useful!

-- Emotion: Recognize them; address. Don’t make decisions based on that. Encourage each other in these. Don’t need to downplay emotions, but help each other see you can’t let them drive and control you.

-- Pray for (and with) each other. One way to address this.

What? (in relation to marriage) Spiritual:

-- Growing in Christlikeness. Directional growth toward maturity.

-- ability to minister, focus outward, discipling others, etc.

Why? (the importance of it in marriage)

-- Because it’s God’s plan for us to be mature!

-- Because this affects all the other parts of your marriage! Foundational

How To? (Contribute to the health of marriage)

-- Talk about things like this. Meaning, value, purpose, spiritual life. Where you are, what your struggles are, areas you need to grow. Ask, share.

-- Practical ways – watch the kids so spouse can have Bible time, spend time with Christian friends

-- Minister together, talk about ministry, priorities together

-- Share about what you’re learning; teach each other to grow in this way.

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It snowed today! Can you believe it! Mid October! Beautiful but cold. Not ready for Winter!

If you haven’t seen it yet, we have the runwithhorses.net website up and running. Particularly of note, on the resources page there are Amazon links to books by me and Susan as well as many other books that we have found worthwhile in our spiritual life and growth as disciple makers. The website is runwithhorses.net. If you would like to send us an email, we would love to know where you are listening from, reach us at talk@runwithhorses.net.

Today some thoughts from the Renew Conference - October 4, 2022, Nashville, TN - David Young One day learned he had cancer and his life changed. Makes you consider your priorities.

• Life is lived and spent. One day all of it will be gone. Speaks to the purpose and value of life. How are you spending the valuable resource that you have? What activities are worth your very life? God’s work of redemption and reconciliation. Be and make disciples.

• Your best theology is done on your butt. When trials come you face the Truth. Do you know God now? Every trial is an opportunity to pressure test your faith. Faith only in good times isn’t faith. Life will bring trials, see that as a blessing from God. He loves you too much to let you live the delusion that you are OK without Him. He uses the testing of life to sanctify you.

• Convinced in truth - live it now! Yesterday was the best time to begin ministry. Second best is today. Live your convictions daily. Do you believe there is nothing more important than knowing God and sharing His message of salvation with the world? Would I know that if I looked at your choices? Our calendar and bank records tell us where our heart lies.

• There are a lot of Kind people in this world. Be one of them. - Everybody you meet is Fighting a battle. You can’t look at someone and know where they are in life or what they have been through. Meditate on Mercy and Grace. Remember the grace the you have received. Plan to show the same kind of grace to everyone around you.

• Spiritual warfare is Real. Courage is refusing to get discouraged. There is an enemy and he is fighting on all fronts. Cultural shifts more and more away from any biblical or even reasonable standard. Depression and anxiety are at all time highs. Any temptation you can imagine and a lot more you can’t are only a click away. Fewer people are interested in spiritual matters and those who are follow after man-made pleasure seeking gurus.

When life gets you down, real faith, real courage, is not giving up but continuing to trust the TRUTH and the Savior who bought you,

• Gratitude is the language of Heaven. Paul continually challenges us to be THANKFUL. In the war for victory in your spiritual life, Thankfulness is a powerful weapon. Keep a blessing journal and flip through it when you are tempted to throw a pity party. The children of Israel were constantly reminded to remember what God has done. We need the same reminder because we so quickly forget.

These are all good lessons but what about you? When you face tragedy, how will you respond? When your friends face life’s worst, how will you help them cope? Build your faith now, commit to follow Jesus today, help your friends to do the same. If you do that, At the end of your time here on earth you will find it to be a life well spent.

Had some great conversations about making disciples today.

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Susan and Norman look back at a few of the lessons they have learned as parents over the years.

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Today Susan shares some of her first thoughts from the Disciple Makers Forum.

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National Disciple Makers Forum – Nashville, TN Oct 4-5, 2022

“undiscipled but educated" pastors are too common. Church has given information often w/o transformation. Rules of the game = Doctrine Methodology - how to live it out well Pastor - His purpose, his role is equipping & unleashing an army of disciple makers on a community. Success - disciples who can make disciples. Jesus- Teachings, Methods, tied together in a relationship Use both hands L+R, Doctrine & Method * Never leave Doctrine, but we need to life it out in our Methodology. • We have allowed culture to make us deemphasize Truth / Doctrine & only seek relationships. God's Word is our standard. The Foundation we never leave. Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

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Keep up to date and get access to all the shows at www.runwithhorses.net

This week the family considers life in America after three months on the road. The kids are still learning what it means to be a nomad in life and God is definitely growing them in many ways!

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Gratitude

What? Definition: Appreciate the value of, be grateful for, thankful, see the need for Mindset, attitude, It’s an attitude, but it also involves actions. Gratitude for and to person and toward God (to God) Paul says, “Be thankful.” It’s a choice, just like complaining is. Feelings are there, but you can choose it. Thankfulness is not only an emotion.

Why? It affects your outlook on life – in midst of trials (better able to endure) It affects relationships. If you’re thankful for the person, it places the focus on positive things, rather than the things you’re NOT thankful for!

Filter – Look at a person, look at them through a filter of gratefulness. When dating, it comes more naturally to do this! But over the years, our “lens” gets clogged!

We tend toward complaining, griping, and negative thoughts about everything! Our flesh has this tendency.. and we make things all about ourselves. Thankfulness puts someone else in the spotlight.

How to? Paul says, “Be thankful.” It’s a choice, just like complaining is. Feelings are there, but you can choose it. Thankfulness is not only an emotion.

With God, dwell on who God is – His attributes and character. Consider what you know about Him, and be thankful for the fact that He is that way.

Make a list of what you’re thankful for regarding your spouse.

Many of the negative things you struggle with your spouse, see the good side of those things. For example, a strong-willed person can cause problems, but in the right setting, this type of person is invaluable! Pray that spouse will use his strengths for God.

See the potential in your spouse. What God can do in and through him/her.

Remember all the little things spouse does to benefit you. It’s easy to overlook little things – laundry, car upkeep, taking out the trash, vacuuming, paying bills.

Choosing thankfulness for spouse inserts a buffer for when times are tough.

Focus on Scripture – see how God has blessed you. If you’re overall thankful, it’ll be easier to be thankful for specifics.

Beware of things that seek to steal your gratefulness – friends who complain about spouse, inward focus on your needs and desires, putting others before yourself, remembering this life is short.

Summary: Ultimately, gratitude is about YOU, not the situation or relationships around you. It’s your choice!

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Swimming upstream against culture

What is culture? Merriam-Webster defines culture as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire society." As such, it includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art. - Boston University

Culture includes what we do and why we do it. Church culture. Surrounding society culture. Culture changes over time.

What is our relationship with culture? We live in it. We practice it. We think about it (or don’t). We learn from it. Or are trained by it depending on how you think about it. Brain-washed would bot be far off. GRITers – movie time vs bible time – which shapes you the most?

How does culture relate to our relationship with other people? Culture determines how people relate to each other. There are ways that people interact that are determined by the culture they live in. We learn from our family, church, bible, movies, music, books, friends. Which has the most influence on your life?

What does a healthy marriage look like? Do you find examples in movies, tv, books, etc? What about parenting? You learn all these things from somewhere and it is often the culture you are immersed in.

Why does it matter how we think about culture? You can choose to be immersed in a culture without thinking or consider what is wrong in culture and choose not to follow it. That makes you different. You stand out if you don’t live in lockstep with the surrounding culture.

The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.

Culture changes over time. God’s standards don’t change over time. He is consistent. If you don’t think about the culture, you will be overrun by it and never realize it. The classic frog in hot water.

How do you stand up against culture when it is against God? Swim upstream. Be a revolutionary. How do you know how to live if you don’t get your information from culture? Seek wisdom while it may be found! Read God’s Word, think about what is important to God, talk to His family, spend time praying about your life and your choices.

Live with eternity in view and you are automatically different than the world around you. Choose Life. Choose Hope. Choose to Intentionally Follow Jesus.

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Life 101: What are your NEXT ACTIONS?

Purpose – The Big WHY of Life

Most important that this is clear and firmly committed!

Vision – What does it look like when you live out your values and aspirations? 3-5 years down the road where do you want to be?

Dream Big and in line with your God- given purpose! Use your gifts boldly!

Goals – What do you need to do to realize your vision? 1-2 years out.

Brainstorm often and check the details. Are you planning to make progress? Then Plan!

Areas of Focus – What area do you need to focus on to succeed?

Are you active in the most important areas of life? Stuck in unimportant rat race? Looking too closely at the neighbors?

Projects – Everything that you have committed to accomplish. Personal and professional.

What is on your plate now? What should be on your plate now?

NEXT ACTIONS – For every project, what is the next thing that needs to be done to move it forward today? Clear, specific, actionable.

If you don’t have a next action, you aren’t working on it.

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Are You Forward-Thinking?

What:

Not getting wrapped up in today; need to spend a little effort to think ahead.

Not reactionary only.

Be pro-active – marriage When spouse has busy stuff ahead; how to support?

-- kids Before they have issues, how can I prepare them ahead of time for what’s coming?

Example: Help kids think about college; how to help them think through paying for it, order, timing

Example: Nathan: making rash decisions – quit job to follow God’s path, but not have another path in place. Puts whole family on edge.

Why:

If you’re not planning ahead, then you’re just reacting. Can’t spiritually or emotionally respond as well. Even little things – If spouse works late today and you know he’ll be tired, you can plan ahead to be supportive; make life a little easier for him to recover.

This is one way to show love and support by thinking about the spouse’s schedule and needs. Not just thinking of your own life and schedule. My choices and help can make things easier for him. “Consider others better than yourself.”

If you plan ahead, you make better choices/decisions. You can address it with more thought, get advice, etc. Example: Move living space to one floor before you are too aged to do it; before you are forced to need it.

Good stewardship. If not prepared, you could end up wasting money. Which causes stress and conflict with spouse! Financial problems! Reduces future stress if you plan ahead!

How:

Plan time together to think and talk about upcoming schedules, life events, options, changes, the future. Your future together, your kids’ futures, preparation needed, ministry changes, church stuff. Spend time practically thinking about the future. Help set yourself up for facing things in the future.

Categories:

Kids to college – you can help out on multiple levels; prepare couple for empty nest, different challenges – mow grass when older.

Changes coming up in kids’ lives and how it affects us.

Health

Finances

Relationship changes – moves, kids getting married/accepting new in-laws,

Idea:

Same with a church. When pastor is old and thinking of retiring, the church can think ahead and prepare for next steps. How to help old pastor ease out, how to look for new pastor, how to aid church in unified decision-making. Forward-thinking is helpful for all aspects of life.

If one spouse changes jobs/ministries, loses jobs; if start new ministry, takes up extra time; how does this affect spouse?

Scripture: You wouldn’t build a tower without counting the cost. Live wisely. Wisdom. Make most use of your time, resources; 10 virgins didn’t plan ahead. Faithful steward.

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Are you settling for Better in your spiritual life?

Quote of the Day:

“When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.”— Dr. Seuss

James 1 teaches that God is using trials in your life to strengthen your faith. You need trials to be the person God is making you.

Understanding the purpose of a trial can help you go through it without being defeated.

God offers us His view of life, trials, pain, suffering, relationships, priorities, values and Himself.

To know what He says is Good. To follow it is Better. To pursue it with your heart, mind and soul is Best. Choose the Life He intends for you. Surrender control and put everything into being the person God says you are.

Consider Good, Better, Best

Pastor challenged me to pursue the best.

Good to avoid overt sin.

Better to follow righteousness, make choices that glorify God.

Best to surrender all to Him and give all your energy to be the person God intends for you to be. Heart, soul, mind and strength. Accept His goals for your life. Accept His direction. Work to build His family.

Mary and Martha - serving

Rich young Ruler – obedience to rules

What are you putting in front of living with God? Have you surrendered your all?

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This week we are putting all of life's projects in order!

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Keep up with Norman and Susan at www.runwithhorses.net and www.smithlife.net

Encourage One Another Define: the act of giving someone support, confidence or hope

Why? It’s a command in the Bible. We all need encouragement. Life is hard. You’re in the best position to encourage. (closest to them, know them best) Part of what builds the relationship – foundational, maintenance-type You benefit from this, too! By trying to do this, you learn what encouragement is, what gifts you might have, grow in your ability to do this in family and to others.

What is encouragement? Intentional (There is an unintentional encouragement. Being a growing Christian, etc.) Underlying theme/goal is to BE an encourager – apply thought and effort into what it looks like. May be different depending on the person – * words – affirming, gratefulness, expressing love/care, * actions – serving, meeting a need, put them first, physical touch (hug), listen well, * being there – be present.

How do I encourage my spouse? Clearly make them a priority. Write a note. Remind them of promises in Scripture. Commit time to them. A date, a walk, available Pray together. Personal experience – how I’ve been encouraged; etc. Know what they like/enjoy; provide it. (If you don’t know, ask!) - day at spa Be growing spiritually, studying. It will provide a reservoir to draw from. Outflow

-- General info versus Specific to you– Communicate to each other about what is most encouraging to you. Specifically ask, “What is most helpful from me when you’re feeling down, etc.”

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Keep up with what is going on at www.runwithhorses.net !

Let us know where you are listening from and what God is teaching you.

Where does your motivation for Life come from? - Surrender / Trust God's Plan

Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of Self- satisfaction in Knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable. -John Wooden Tension / Paradox - Surrender Your Will to Gods - Give up control to the Holy Spirit • Commit to the mission of Jesus

Your Life has tremendous value. God gave it that value. Your Life has tremendous potential. God gives it that potential. What does it mean to live as an image-bearer? Life of Purpose Life of Influence Life of Relationships Life of Sacrifice - Love God / Love God's people

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The Smith family goes over our progress applying intentional planning to life.

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Don’t Drip! Don’t Complain/ Nag

Are you a complainer?

What is nagging? Complaining?

We get so used to it that we don’t notice it!

Is nagging ever good?

Our words have tremendous power for good or evil. Complaining or nagging will not get the result you hope for in your marriage!

Why do we complain or nag?

You want something to be different. You hope for a different circumstance or action from someone else.

Sin nature.

Selfishness.

Proverbs 27:15-17 ;

Proverbs 21:9 ;

Philippians 2:14

Biblical Examples

Job 2:10 ;Samson and Delilah

BUT….

Live the Spiritual nature.

Consider others best interest, especially your spouse.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 rejoice and give thanks!

Ephesians 4:29 – build up

How to change our conversation?

It is often a learned behavior. From parents or from friends.

Recognize the heart issues involved.

Communication is key. Put others above yourself. Micah 6:8 – Justly, Kindly, Humbly

Eph 4:32

Three cases:

1.Legitimate concern that needs to be addressed.

Health concerns, legit but the way you address it is important.

Pray about it first.

Plan a good time to talk. Spouse not tired from work, bad mood, etc.

Be clear, be kind, be willing to compromise and work TOGETHER for a solution AND for unity.

Share your love and concern.

What if your spouse won’t address problem?

May have to do it yourself.

Find another way to help your spouse understand the need.

2.Personal preference.

Pray about it. Ask God to change you both.

Talk about it, understanding there may be different opinions.

One person feels strongly about one thing, can be ANYTHING. Masks, new car, etc.

3.Sin.

Your sin.

Confess and repent. Actively work on changing your habits.

Their sin.

Pray for them.

Gal. 6:2 – gentle, loving attitude is necessary.

Pick a time to talk, be careful of how to talk about the issues.

In the end recognize that only God can change people.

Examples of Destructive attitudes:

Control issues, micromanaging.

Pride.

Entitlement mentality, I deserve this.

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Quote of the Day: If you know the Why, you can live any How

Friedrich Nietzsche

As a Christian, we have the best Ultimate Why! But we have to

remind ourselves regularly why we make the choices we do. Know

your purpose, look for God at work in your daily life and be thankful.

Today I want to focus on Why You should live Intentionally.

Intent = with purpose, direction

God works intentionally. History is going somewhere, Not random.
God chose You. You!
God prepares you for good things.
relationship w/ Himself
- fellowship w/ church
- light in the community
God prepares good works for you to do!
He goes with you
He strengthens you
He prepared this work for you!
He gave you great people to work with The Church!
You are not alone
Let others know your strussles
Let others know your victories.
Look for opportunities to serve together.
what other options do you have?
Life of random, aimless choices?
- Work that has no value beyond payday? Life of meangless entertainment and shallow relationships?Q: Why would you choose those things?

A: You didn't. They are the result of not choosing a life of Following Jesus.

Chin up!

No matter where you are in life, You can make better choices

today. It is NEVER too late to live with purpose.

Glorify God Today.

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You focus on something in life. What areas are you focusing on? Where do you spend your time and energy?

There are at least five areas you should be focusing on.

Spiritual Life >Relationships >Education >Health >Career What are your Responsibilities ? Roles? Separate Personal + Professional and list your areas of focus.

These are arenas where you live out your life. Which ones are high priority? How do you evaluate them? ie. what are the criteria?

Some questions that will help.

Does this help me as I follow Jesus? Does it hinder me as I grow Spiritually? Does God have something to say about it? What does He say?

Which ones do you enjoy more? Less? Do you right now, have goals for each of these areas? Do you see how God is working in each area?

Where do you receive tasks/ jobs from others? Where do you have freedom to choose? Do you need to clarify any roles w/ someone else?

Go back to your Purpose Statement. How does each role or focus are, you have relate to it?

Do you have a mission or can you envision how your values, gifts and aspirations can be lived out in each Area of Focus or Responsibility?

Homework: Review your Purpose Statement, Vision of the future and current Goals and objectives. Make a list of your Areas of Focus or Responsibility.

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Commitment in Marriage

Commit to God – The foundation for a healthy marriage and relationship. We stand or fall here first. * God is at work in your life; He’s working in your spouse’s. -- takes conviction of own identity in Christ

Commit to the Marriage - The concept, key principles of love and submission to one another. Goal of unity. Principles like these help us steer the ship.

Commitment defined - a: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future b: the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled a commitment to a cause c: an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.

Commit to your Spouse – Relationship is lived out together. We have to put it all into practice in the relationship.

Commit to the Process -- takes patience (like farmer has to wait for harvest). -- takes humility -- takes faith and hope – 2 Cor. 4:16-18 - in light of eternity -- takes diligence, persistence -- takes dependence on God -- takes claiming God’s promises (Gal. 5:16; Phil. 4:6-8; Phil. 1:6)

God’s goal for us is our sanctification. Marriage is one of the tools of this. His goal isn’t my happiness or for everything to go smoothly. Spiritual growth, deeper relationships, maturity

NOTE: We may sound like we’ve got it all together; but we’re in the process, too!

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Goals move you toward your Mission and help you accomplish your Purpose.

Quote of the Day: “The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”– Michelangelo

God’s goal for you is Christ-likeness. Don’t aim for less!

A goal so high you know you need God every day.

Where do you get your goals? Advisors and Bible, your bent, interests, talents, abilities

Living Intentionally:

Make Life decisions based on your Big WHY.

If you have no purpose you need no goals!

Purpose – Glorify God

Mission – Disciple of Jesus

Stewardship of life demands that you take responsibility of your choices.

Physical- take care of what God has giving you

Educational – be a life long learner, set learning goals, reading goals, etc

Spiritual- intentionally follow Jesus, what would it look like to grow toward Him

Relational- take responsibility for your relationships

Living Theology:

Psalm 20:4

Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 15:22

Proverbs 16:9

1 Corinthians 10:31

Ephesians 2:10

Colossians 3:23

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Setting your Goals and Objectives

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REVIEW: Purpose – definition The Why 1:the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. "the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee"

To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it’s journey to fulfill the Great Commission.

3-5 Years – Mission/ Vision:Mission – definition - The What 1: a specific task with which a person or a group is charged Their mission was to help victims of the disaster. 2: a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose statement of the company's mission, why does company exist 3: CALLING, VOCATION Her mission was to be a teacher. Vision – definition - 1: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination 2:envision - to picture to oneself envisions a career dedicated to promoting peace

Question to ask yourself: What does it look like when I live out my Purpose, Principles, and Values?

Big picture not the details.

================= Goals/ Objectives – 1-2 Years

Goals – definition - the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. - an objective or target that someone is trying to reach or achieve

Objectives – definition - a thing aimed at or sought; - : a strategic position to be attained or a purpose to be achieved

What goals do you need to fulfill your vision? What do you need to accomplish in the next 1-2 years to make your vision happen?

S.M.A.R.T. Goals - Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Timed

Homework: Write out your goals/ objectives for the next 1-2 years.

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Take a BREAK - Together

Why? The Need: Divorce rate for even Christians is 50%+

Lots of stress in life; busyness; lives lived apart from each other – separate paths

Danger of a disconnect; lack of unity; independent spirits;

So other people/things don’t become the main thing – child-centered; or when kids go away, the couple says, “Who are you?”

Anxiety – we develop wrong perspectives, and focus on wrong areas of life

What is it? Difference between date night and a break; vacation vs. break. A date: shorter time frame, eat a meal or an event (concert, movie, play); not necessarily meeting of the minds.

Vacation: could include family, very filled with activity; could include together time; read books/relax time

BREAK: more intentional focused on the two of you; not based on an activity, but spending time together. Can be longer than a date, but shorter than vacation.

How to? Examples: Susan visits a friend.

Eye doctor visits, errands. Intentional getaway for a couple nights during a stressful time.

What Benefits? how does this meet the need?

Infuses new life into the relationship

Reminds the two of you you’re a team; in it together

Take a step back from craziness to reset

Relieve stress

When spouse suggests an idea, it shows he wants to spend time with you. Encouraging!

Gives time to talk, catch up on spouse’s life/thoughts, have fun; be together without a purpose!

Refocus perspectives; reaffirm priorities

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Find all our episodes at www.runwithhorses.net

Quote of the Day: Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't. - Richard Bach, wrote Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Purpose – definition ie. The Why

1:the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

"the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee"

God Is. That is the ultimate WHY for life.

Mission – definition - ie. The What

1: a specific task with which a person or a group is charged

Their mission was to help victims of the disaster.

2: a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose

statement of the company's mission, why does company exist

3: CALLING, VOCATION

Her mission was to be a teacher.

Vision – definition – What drives you to live and be in the world?

1: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination

2:envision - to picture to oneself

envisions a career dedicated to promoting peace

News and Culture: Top Thing to Know: Generation Z Cares About Making a Difference

Unlike earlier generations that matured into social good causes, Gen Z is socially focused. It’s All About the Community and the Collective Good

You wouldn't expect the first generation immersed in social networking not to be community-focused, would you?

Gen Z cares about the collective good and well-being. But they also care about everyone having the chance to be who they are in their lives. In other words, freedom of expression is vital to Gen Z.

Living Theology:

Matthew 28:19-20 – a vision for a task worth committing your life to. A WHAT that is worthy of my life.

Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

Colossians 1:28-29 KJV

whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

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A Vision for Life, What is your mission?

REVIEW: Purpose – definition "The Why" 1:the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. "the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee"

Was this hard, easy? Why?

Q. Why do people have trouble identifying their purpose?

Do you want to share your purpose?

To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it’s journey to fulfill the Great Commission.

Mission – definition - "The What" 1: a specific task with which a person or a group is charged Their mission was to help victims of the disaster. 2: a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose statement of the company's mission, why does company exist 3: CALLING, VOCATION Her mission was to be a teacher. Vision – definition - 1: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination 2:envision - to picture to oneself envisions a career dedicated to promoting peace

Question to ask yourself: What does it look like when I live out my Purpose, Principles, and Values?

Big picture not the details. If you are living out your purpose, what might your life look like in 5 years? Where would you be in your spiritual life? What kind of person would you be? Who would be around you, friends, partners in life and ministry?

How would you know you are on track in 3-5 years? What would be part of your life?

Who will you be in 5 years if you are actively making progress in following your purpose?

Homework: Write out a mission statement for the next five years.

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Find all our episodes and resources we recommend at www.runwithhorses.net

Marriage - Affirm Each Other

A. What do we mean? Definition , Affirm - offer (someone) emotional support or encouragement.

What to affirm -- Your acceptance, love, small victories or steps in right direction. Not affirm negative behaviors, sin, etc.

For every negative thing you say, you need to say 7 positives, otherwise, all they hear is the criticism.

B. Why affirm each other? important, in general, for relationships/couples. People need to know that they are accepted, loved. First, and most importantly by God, then by spouse.

C. How do we affirm each other? What is affirming? using encouraging, supportive words to show support of the other person in their difficulty. But also, ongoing affirmation in the relationship. Saying "I love you" even when there are no problems! Should be a natural part of the relationship

When? -- when spouse is unsure of himself -- whenever you notice something you enjoy about him/her, something that pleases you -- Not only to spouse, but in describing spouse to friends -- using affirming words.

examples

Susan share struggle about dealing with friend. Not sure how to respond, how to deal with stuff. By listening and providing support, Norman helped Susan see things clearer, affirm the good she is doing, gently suggest ways to go forward.
When one is depressed, the other can encourage, physically loving, speaking words of love, speaking words of truth (identity in Christ).
(Not only problem-based!) "Thank you for ...." Little, ongoing words and actions in life! Noticing the other person's contributions, efforts, character -- and voicing it.
Example of Paul to church at Corinth. Though they had some major problems and sins, Paul encouraged and affirmed them by saying, "You are saints! You are loved by God! You have all you need to do God's work!" (Later, he addressed their needs.)

D. Benefits of applying this in your marriage - build relationship by building spouse's confidence, security, sense of acceptance. By blessing spouse, the blessing will most likely return to you, too!

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Are you ready for Life 101?

Purpose definition-”the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.”

Quote of the Day: Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. -John F. Kennedy

News and Culture: How does our culture today view life’s purpose? Easy there is none. Life is what you make it and purpose is something you create. People who are thoughtful and not completely given over to pursuit of pleasing themselves will usually pick one of several options.

Make the world a better place

Be kind and help others.

Create beauty

Follow your passion

Figure out how you want to be remembered and live that way

Chloe’s Corner: If I Knew The Why

Living Theology: What does God say about your purpose?

Created for good works. Ephesians 2:8-10

Saved to make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20

Saved to humbly serve others. Philippians 2:1-8

Saved to love one another. John 13:31-35

Most people agree that are purpose is ultimately to glorify God.

Psalm 100: 2-3 Serve the Lord with gladness

1 Corinthians 10:31 do all to the glory of God.

Tony Reinke puts it this way, we are to be “spreaders of God’s glory”

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-do-i-exist

With so much information in the Bible about our purpose, why do so many people still struggle to answer basic questions about life’s meaning?

We often don’t know how to attach the bigger purpose that God has for us with the details of our daily like. The big purpose, glorify God, seems unattached with why I go to work on Monday morning. Follow along with our family as we talk about Life 101, and I try to guide our kids as they ask and hopefully learn how to answer these questions! If things work as planned, one show a week will include the whole family and we will work through Life Planning. We started last week so check out that podcast on our website www.runwithhorses.net

Subscribe to the podcast to get all the shows and see how well we do at pursuing God’s purpose for our lives.

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How do you decide what to do each day? Life is a series of choices. How do you make them? Join us for a series of lessons on life. purpose - the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

Examples: "the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee" deciding they will start saving 10% of their income.

principle - a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.

Examples: Don't complain, be proactive. Character Is More Important Than Reputation

Value - a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

Examples: integrity , honesty, courage, hard-work

I will _________for__________by__________.

What is most important to you? What do you value most? What are your most important goals? What legacy do you want to leave? What qualities to you possess?

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Humor is important in all relationship and especially your marriage!

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Find us online at www.runwithhorses.net

Quote of the Day: Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters. - Albert Einstein

The little things matter! To be trustworthy is to pay attention to the details and follow through so other people can rely on you.

Culture and News: About three-in-four Americans (79%) think that a lack of trust is a big problem today.

Accessed Aug. 12, 2022 - https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/the-state-of-personal-trust/

Why is this such an issue?

Trust is important to us. I want to know that I am safe with you, can I share my true self.

Trust is lacking when I don’t believe you are going to do what you say, or that you have goals or purposes that might hurt me.

The distance between people today is greater than in the past even though we have greater technology and the ability to connect in unprecedented ways, we know each other less well and trust each other even less.

Less time together, no neutral ground to work out relationships details.

Living Theology:

Trust is defined as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something

Like so many things in life, our ability to trust God is closely tied to our understanding of Who God is. Do you see God as kind, loving, working to make you complete and whole? Is God powerful, sovereign and ever vigilant?

Or do you see God as a slightly bigger version of yourself? Distracted, selfish and out to achieve his own purposes with not thought to others?

It is hard to trust a God made in our own image!

The key, like so many times,is to know God well. Spend time in His Word and get to know Him as He reveals Himself. What does He promise? Does He keep His promises?

When you see Him as He is, you see that He is not like us and that He keeps His promises, He has your best interest at heart and to genuinely know Him is to trust Him.

So get to know Him!

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Why should you consider it your primary responsibility to disciple your children? You are in the best position to do so! You grow through the process, build a better relationship with your children and become a better disciple maker.

How do you disciple your children? Take advantage of every opportunity that God gives in the midst of a busy life. Make opportunities happen by being intentional as you teach your kids.

Run With Horses is one of the Top 100 Christian Podcast according to Feedspot! https://blog.feedspot.com/christian_podcasts/

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We usually focus on the things we need to do to build a healthy marriage, but today Norman runs through a list of things NOT to do if you want a great relationship.

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For more information and to contact us, visit https://runwithhorses.net/

Quote of the Day: “In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first ahead of personal glory.” ~ Bear Bryant

How do we build unity in the church? Communication – prayer, talking about real issues in life and the church Time together, accomplishing things together – training, ministry Recognizing common goals

How do we put the team first in the church? What does that look like in your church?

Support others ministry in prayer. Consider if your gifts could be used to help someone else.

News and Culture: Where do we see examples of support and encouragement happening in the world?

Sports teams - if there are no “superstar” attitudes.

Joint goal ties team together. Short term – move the ball down the field. Current outreach program – Christmas, VBS Long term – score more points than the opposing team. Spiritual maturity, grow community influence, impact We need each other to win in team sports. See value in all positions.

Chloe’s Corner: We Are Born

Living Theology: Encourage and build up one another (1 Th 5:11) Stimulate one another to love and good deeds (He 10:24) What does it mean to build up one another?

Contribute to strengthening each others faith. Strong faith – patient, unmoving in trials, bold, mature Support weaknesses in others. Support when others have problems, trials.

How do you do that?

Spend good relational time together. Insert deeper spiritual topics into the conversation and be open with your struggles and questions.

Pray together, pray for each other. Let others know you are praying.

Look for opportunities to serve each other. Learn together – study the Bible together and talk through the application.

Share what you are learning with others. Shows you are reading your Bible, evidence you are growing, encourages others that they can read and apply Scripture to their own life.

Attend church together, start a small group with others who want to grow.

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Chloe and Cameron share some of the things they have learned from the MK lifestyle. Travel, Moving and living in a different culture gives us a different view of people and things! Sometimes it feels like we don't fit in anywhere!

Keep in touch at https://runwithhorses.net/

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We have resources we use and recommend listed on https://runwithhorses.net/, check it out!

Today we are talking about being united, yoked together, in marriage. This in an important image for a married couple that emphasizes the unity in life and purpose that God gives us as a couple.

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NEWS The Run With Horses podcast is on the list of Top 100 Christian podcast on Feedspot! Find the full list here - https://blog.feedspot.com/christian_podcasts/

While you are at it, have a look at our new website, www.runwithhorses.net !

Quote of the Day: Revenge, lust, ambition, pride, and self-will are too often exalted as the gods of man's idolatry; while holiness, peace, contentment, and humility are viewed as unworthy of a serious thought. - Charles Spurgeon

News and Culture: HOW LEADERSHIP HUMILITY IS DEFINED IN THE EAST AND IN THE WEST

Nine dimensions of leadership humility. Note: Four of the dimensions were present in the major Western studies and theories of leadership humility:

1.Being be self-aware and honest about one’s own weaknesses

2.Recognizing strengths and achievements of followers

3.Modelling ‘teachability’ and being correctable — that is, modelling the behaviour of not always being right

4;Treating others with respect

Note:Five dimensions, were unique to Singapore/Asia:

1.Leading by example — that is, being willing to do the things that others do such as creating PowerPoint slides

2.Showing modesty — that is, someone who doesn’t have to be in the limelight all the time and is willing to step back and let someone else be the focus

3.Working together for the collective good — for example, a humble leader would stay late with the staff to achieve a goal

4.Showing empathy and being approachable — that is, having a high emotional quotient and being available for the staff when they need support

5.Mentoring and coaching — humble leaders are focused on the personal development of their followers.

https://www.ideasforleaders.com/ideas/how-leadership-humility-is-defined-in-the-east-and-in-the-west (accessed July 25,2022)

Chloe’s Corner: Release

Living Theology: God loves humble people!

James 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:5; Psalm 25:9

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We finish up a list of questions we have been asking the kids. Today's topics include leadership, creatives vs consumers and how media promotes a worldview.

Check out our new website -- runwithhorses.net ---

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Everyone has expectations for their marriage. True. Everyone has unmet expectations in their marriage. Also true. How you deal with those unmet expectations makes a difference in your relationship over the long haul.

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We have a website! Check out www.runwithhorses.net for information about Norman and Susan as well as current and upcoming projects and living a live of following Jesus.

Quote of the Day: I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Henry Drummond, Scottish evangelist from 1800’s

You get one shot at life. What will you do with it?

So often the question is one that we answer by considering what we will do to try and improve our lot in life. Today is the focus, my best interest and my future in this life takes precedent.

That is not the way that Jesus lived and it is certainly not what He taught.

To be a disciple of Jesus is to serve others. Jesus said deny yourself and most of us want to get off the boat there!

Why is it so difficult? The sin nature me first.

One life to life. What will you be known for? Who’s life is better because you are in it?

Real Joy is found in serving others.

News and Culture: “Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself,”by Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli and Dr. Stephen Trzeciak

“Historically, the “self-help” books have been full of instructions to focus on ourselves. But the scientific evidence demonstrates the opposite. “It is better to give than to receive,” the guiding principle we may have been taught when we were very young, is actually supported by science.”

Do you need extra motivation to serve others? How about this.. turns out that it is actually good for you! People who serve others have lower stress, are happy and live longer.

Crazy to think that God actually knew what He was doing when He told us to serve one another!

Chloe’s Corner: .

Living Theology:

Galatians 5:13 called to be free but . . . by love serve one another!

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

The heartbeat of Christianity is service. Jesus paved the way by serving all of mankind and putting our salvation above His own comfort.

But we live in the comfort generation! Why should I sacrifice my comfort, wants or desires for other ungrateful people who don’t deserve it?

Jesus set us free from the need to make our own way in the world. He taught us a better way and in the process paved the path for us to be reconciled with God.

You are Free!

Now what? That is the question if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. Now what?

Choose to put others first and serve those who don’t deserve it.

That is the path to joy, peace and real value in life.

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This week we consider the difference between smart and wise before discussing friends, always a challenge for missionary kids, and peer pressure.

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Your worldview is important for making good decisions. It is a foundation for setting priorities in life and marriage.

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Quote of the Day: Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass. - Confucious

News and Culture: Jose Alba asks for forgiveness. Winona Judd gives a simple way to ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Chloe's Corner: Live With The Broken

Find her online at chloejanelle.com

Living Theology: To forgive is to wipe the slate clean, releasing someone else from your need to punish them for their sin against you.

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What is it like with siblings? Any benefits? We think so!

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What are our values?

Where do they come from?

Why are they important?

How you answer these questions will have a great impact on your marriage!

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Quote of the Day: "In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first — ahead of personal glory." - Paul 'Bear' Bryant

If you don't know who Paul 'Bear' Bryant is, we can't be friends.

One of the best football coaches of all time. A genuine great man. He laid a foundation for Alabama football that continues till today. He sought to make his players better people.

To the quote. A team must have unity to reach it's potential and it is the same with a church.

One key aspect is putting the good of the team, the church, above your own personal glory and rights. Team first. In the context of the church, put God's glory first. Be OK with having other people receive credit. Embrace humility.

News and Culture: Unity is a little like exercise: A great idea, a noble idea, but hard, and all too easy to forego. Yet history tells us that America works best when just enough of us see politics as a mediation of differences rather than as total, unrelenting warfare. From the article- Want Unity For Real? Then America Needs to Get Back to Facts

https://time.com/5936862/america-unity-evidence-reason/

Exercise is hard work! Weight lifting, running. Takes time and effort to up to a good level.

But you only reap the benefits if you persist and keep working on it. You lose ground if you stop going forward. Your health requires ongoing effort just to maintain. Unity requires ongoing effort to maintain. Without maintenance it begins to deteriorate.

Working through differences is a real chore. Not fun but necessary.

Chloe's Corner: What You Can't Say

Living Theology: Why is Unity so Important?

God is one, we are one. Unity is the eternal reality that we strive for in the now.

The relationship between people in the church is part of what draws others to God. We have a special, supernatural love that connects us and motivates us to work on our differences with grace.

Why so hard? Sin! Selfishness, self-centeredness, thinking about our own needs and desires first. Too many of us live as if this life is all there is and all that matters. The family of God doesn't have the place in our hearts and minds that it does in the heart and mind of God. We aren't willing to sacrifice and work for the church the way that Jesus did and still does.

How do we live it?

Genuinely put God first.

Make real efforts to consider others better than yourself.

Serve others. Don't fight for your rights but give them to God.

Live with eternal values. Not for today but for eternity.

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Another Family Friday and this time we struggle with the after effects of Covid but manage to have a good conversation about what makes a happy family. The idea of submission to each other, in a marriage and in a family and the rebellion of teens also made an appearance.

Leave a question or comment on our Facebook page! Search for the Run With Horses Podcast!

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A good marriage requires understanding.

First, understand yourself. Second, Understand your spouse. Then we both need to understand the temptations and trials that can destroy your marriage. And last, Understand what builds your marriage up.

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Quote of the Day:

Be an Encourager: When you encourage others, you boost their self-esteem, enhance their self-confidence, make them work harder, lift their spirits and make them successful in their endeavors. Encouragement goes straight to the heart and is always available. Be an encourager. Always.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

A key thought here, encouragement is always available. You can always find a way to be an encourager if you want to. Want to! Work at it! Grow in it.

News and Culture:

goodnewsnetwork.org; www.positive.news; sunnyskyz.com

People are tired of depressing, distressing news!

A lot has been written about how too much bad news can lead to poor mental and physical health. Why does it have such an impact? It strongly influeces what you think about and how you think about it.

Many people spend hours a day under the influence of social media, current news (mostly the negative news), and local gossip. It is no wonder that mental health is such a huge problem in America today. Take all of the negatives of SM and news and add in a large dose of the idealize life portrayed in movies and music and you too will soon be on your way to the funny farm!

How do you maintain a healthy mental state? Well, how about turning to the One who offers rest? Who offers peace that passes understanding? The problem for us is that we have a knowledge of Jesus and the rest only He offers but we are too distracted by the burdens of this life to pursue Him beyond a fraction of our day on Sunday. 6 days filling your mind with garbage and expecting 1 hour of cleaning on Sunday to balance you out should seem a little strange.

Fill your mind with His truth, His promises and His thoughts. Limit the influx of garbage and fight lies with truth.

Chloe's Corner: I Just Gotta Wonder

Living Theology: Encourage One Another

1 Thess. 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another/

Heb.3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today”

It is clearly a Biblical command that we encourage each other. What does that mean?

Encourage: 1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope 2. to spur on, stimulate

That gives us something to work with.

To Inspire, to spur on. When someone is dragging, to help them along the way. I like that it includes the phrase "with courage, spirit, or hope" we all face times we lack the courage to go forward. Maybe in making changes in our personal life, maybe in reaching out in one of our relationships with the intention of bringing Jesus in. Fear can freeze us in place, encouragement spurs us onward. We have all face time when we lack hope that our current situation will ever end. Encouragement brings hope for the future.

How do you encourage others?

Words

From "you can do it" to "you are not alone"

From "I"m praying for you" to " how can I help?"

Tell others about needs and invite them to help. Maybe you can"t help but you know someone who can, be a go between and ask for the person who can't.

Actions

Jump in and serve when you see a need!

Pray (and let others know you are praying for them)

Be there

Some are gifted in this area, a real natural. Others of us have to work at it a bit harder but we are all commanded to do it! It is so important for the church to live out lives of encouragement.

The world is a hard place to be a Christian today. Make it a little easier for those who know you.

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Norman and Susan are learning a lot about how their kids view the world through this podcast! Join us as we explore our family for another Family Friday.

Stay up to date on Run With Horses podcast news as well as ask questions and make comments at www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

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Marriage is one of the tools that God uses to transform us into the image of Jesus. It forces us to confront our sin and selfishness and gives us opportunities to help our spouse and children grow.

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Quote of the Day: "Theology is only thought applied to religion.” – The New Jerusalem , GK Chesterton

How often, how much do you think about your spiritual life? Why is the most important thing, eternity, such an afterthought? This life and it's worries choke out what really matters.

News and Culture: The Osaka court has upheld the Japanese law that defines marriage as between one man and one women. Three same-sex couples claimed that their rights to free union and equality were violated by Japan’s marriage law. Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven major industrial nations that doesn’t recognize same-sex unions. Group of Seven (G7)is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. My question has always been, marriage has always been between a man and a woman. If the world's governments are going to allow other types of relationships, give them a different name. These relationships can be officially recognized and given legal standing without calling them marriages. They are distinctly different in nature. Marriage should be clearly identified as different at it's core. Japan recognizes the role of the marriage in producing children and in being a stabilizing influence on society.

Chloe's Corner: "One" For more of Chloe's music check out her website, chloejanelle.com, or find her on itunes, amazon music, youtube music and most of the major streaming platforms,

Living Theology: Deut 32:4 - God's work is perfect. We may not understand what God is doing, but we can trust the One doing it. His intentions are good, His knowledge is complete, His purposes will be accomplished. Trust Him. Why do we doubt? Our knowledge is incomplete, our strength is limited, our purposes are usually selfish. We see God as a weak, selfish, immature being . . . like us. Having made God in our image - we don't trust Him. We need to know God as He describes Himself, and accept Him as He IS.

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Part 2 of the family discussion about our move to the USA for ' months of furlough.

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There are lots of things we share in our marriage. Experiences, joys, sorrows, ministry and all parts of life. This helps build a solid foundation for the future.

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Quote of the Day: “He knew that in order for his mission to succeed, much would depend on the dedication, loyalty, courage, and faith of the men whom He had chosen and trained.” The Lost Art of Disciple Making, Leroy Eims

This is true for leaders in the church today. The future of your church will rest in the hands of those your chose and train to carry the work into the future. Pastors and deacons need to take their role as disciple makers seriously as they intentionally spend time with the younger men in the church.

News and Culture: Identity crisis

Broadly speaking it is questioning who your are how you fit into the world.

Depends a lot on how you view the world - good place, bad place?

How do you view people - people basically good, basically bad?

How do you view God? Distant and uninvolved? Personal and caring?

Includes life purpose, core beliefs, thoughts about yourself

Truth matters. Who do you trust? What do people say about you? What does God say about you? Which is more important to you?

How do you gain approval from God? work harder? What about Grace? Can you work hard enough.

Living Theology: Patience - Wait on the Lord

Right now generation. Fed by fast paced video games, mini commercials, instant access to information.

Availability of social media 24 hours a day in the palm of your hand.

Is this healthy? Ar you a better person because you don’t ever have to wait?

God seems to value patience and endurance. Long suffering and self control!

James 1 faith is tested and endurance grows.

Can you be a mature person without patience and self control?

Children are marked by impatience, they are the center of the world. Cute in a 2 year old. Not so much in a 30 year old.

Try hard things. Make efforts to live out Scripture. Practice the “one another’s” of the NT. It will take effort. Persist in it.

It will be worth it in the end.

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The Smith family is on the way to America! Seven months of traveling throughout the heartland of America visiting supporting churches and family. Here are our thoughts on the coming adventure.

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A patchwork quilt is a good picture of marriage. Many small pieces fit together to make a beautiful work of art!

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Quote of the Day: John F. Kennedy’s famous words, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Is this spirit totally dead in the world today? Where do you see it in the country? In your church? In your life?

It is a call to action to do what is right for the greater good.

We too often are serving only our own interests in the world today.

Trying to make yourself happy will only end up with you miserable. You can not satisfy yourself. but you can make someone else’s life better.

News and Culture: Growing Older -

How do I view life and my place in it? Joy should grow with age. Greater understanding of God’s plan and my place it it.

Chance to invest in others, particularly the next generation.

Wisdom learned from life’s hard lessons.

Improved social skills from when we were more self-centered as a child and young adult.

Hopefully a chance to reflect on accomplishments and God’s work in my life to this point.

Young people - appreciate your parent’s and grandparents if you have them. you may not agree with everything they say, they grew up in a different time with different hardships and opportunities. But there are lessons you can learn from them if you are willing. be humble and teachable. Love them while you have the chance.

Living Theology: Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23 - love, joy, peace, longsuffering/ patient, gentleness/kindness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control.

Attributes of spiritual fruit you can actually work on and make intentional effort to apply.

There are things you can do to apply your self to the work of sanctification that God is working out in your life. Apply yourself to growing in your faith and in your character.

Practice patience. Learn to listen to others well. Look for opportunities to serve people, even those you don’t know.

Prayerfully ask God to change you and at the same time, apply yourself to change.

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All three of our children have taken Shinkyokushin karate for the past 5 years. Cameron and Chloe received their black belt this past week. We talk about the lessons they have learned through the difficulties of full contact karate.

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A couple has several roles that each take on throughout the life of the relationship. Some never change, some change over time and in different circumstances. Communication is the key to maintaining a great relationship through the many changes that life brings our way.

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Leave your questions and comments on our facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast

Quote of the Day: Roland Allen - Missionary Methods, St. Paul’s or Ours?

“It is not enough for the church to be established in a place where many are coming and going unless the people who come and go not only learn the gospel but learn it in such a way that they can propagate it.”

Three points flow from this. 1. The church needs to know the gospel. 2. the church needs to know how to spread the gospel. 3. The church needs to understand that the gospel was entrusted to them for the purpose of spreading.

How are we doing at those?

News/Culture:

https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS (accessed June 6, 2022)

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

*1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

*1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.

*On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

We struggle to have healthy relationships. At work, in the community, at home.

All people are broken and looking for affirmation and support from other people. You will never find it there.

Only God can satisfy your longing for purpose and meaning. Only He can give you peace.

Living Theology: What is Theology?

Theology is defined most simply as the study of God.

Everyone has a theology. Even atheist have a theology. When you ask the question, “Does God exist?” You are practicing theology.

What is the church? You are practicing theology.

Why am I here? You are practicing theology.

Why do bad things happen? You are practicing theology.

The question is not, do I have a theology? The question is, How much effort have I put into having a theology based on reality and truth? Have I intentionally asked and answered life’s important questions or have I just gone along with whatever the culture around me is currently saying?

Ultimately the goal is for the theology that I stand on to be God’s theology. I want to accurately understand God as He IS, not as I want Him to be. I want to see the world as it IS, not how I wish it was. It is easy to approach God, the Bible and theology with an agenda - to justify my thoughts and behavior. Instead, I want to approach God with a desire to know Him. He reveals Himself in His Creation and in the Bible. I want to approach the Bible with a desire to understand it and God as He is revealed in it. I wan to approach theology humble, looking to be changed through my relationship with God and His Word.

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Marriage is like a quest. It has a goal. It is a long and often arduous journey. It takes preparation and effort along the way. And it is worth it!

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Two of the kids, Chloe and Cameron, join Susan and me as we talk about our homeschooling experience.

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Quote of the Day: If I am to wholly follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I must forsake everything that is contrary to Him. - A W Tozer

News and Culture: Christians encouraged to 'get uncomfortable' in solidarity with persecuted Christians

Chloe’s Corner: He Painted the Universe

Living Theology: The Church - Small, Focused, and Agile

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A marriage goes through many phases, all are temporary but many require patience to work through together. Every phase is an opportunity to serve your spouse and grow together!

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We had a question about finding God's will for ministry come up on Sunday. The first part of this episode is my answer, the second part is a continuation recorded later.

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Quote of the Day: Skye Jethani , With, Reimagining the Way you relate to God

“For many of the younger men and women I have counseled, a relationship with God means little more than reading the Bible for fifteen minutes a day, asking Him for help with your struggles and attending church with some regularity. They have no greater vision.”

News and Culture:

Generation Z Is Sinking in a Post-pandemic Mental Health Crisis by Josh Packard and Jamieson Taylor - May 16, 2022 Christianity Today.com

Chloe’s Corner: There is beauty

Living Theology: Repentance

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Each new marriage is the creation of a new, unique, original family. What does yours look like?

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Excerpts from our Sunday night bible study at New Life International in Kumamoto, Japan

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Quote of the Day: Francis Chan, Crazy Love - “Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.”

News and Culture: article - - THE THREE WORLDS OF EVANGELICALISM by Aaron M. Renn , February 2022 - on firstthings.com

Living Theology: Clean hearts - Confession , Repentance and Forgiveness

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A marriage needs several things to thrive. A good foundation, an input of resources and good old fashioned work.

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Lessons from BJJ

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Quote of the Day: Most people’s natural inclination is to judge themselves according to their best qualities while they measure others by their worst. As a result, they point to areas where their teammates need to grow. But the truth is that everyone is responsible for his own growth first. from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell

News and Culture: Pastors thinking about quitting due to stress, loneliness and politics

Living Theology: The Names of God

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Money may not be the root of all evil but it is certainly at the bottom of a lot of marriage problems!

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Hope and faith are important for finding peace and contentment in life. What do you hope for? Who do you have faith in?

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Quote of the Day: Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear. - Charles Stanley

News and Culture: Will Sunday School Return?

Chloe’s Corner: God and Pepper Spray

Living Theology: The Church

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It's important to keep learning about your spouse throughout your marriage!

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We have three big resources that help us look at life; the bible, the Holy Spirit and the church.

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Quote of the Day:

News and Culture: Voices on the left are loud and proud, why are Christians so quiet?

Chloe's Corner: Sundown

Living Theology: God or money? Who do you serve?

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Today we talk about the importance of kindness in a relationship.

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Quote:

C. S. Lewis: “Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.”

News and Culture: 50% of people are open to learning more about Jesus

Chloe's Corner: Feel Your Pain

Living Theology: Who gets to define sin?

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A marriage is about two people who join together with a common goal.

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Jesus said to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. Do your choices reflect an intention to follow Him?

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Quote of the Day: "Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight." - Matthew Henry.

News and Culture: What is nuance and why it is not always a good thing.

Chloe's Corner: The Stars are Singing

Living Theology: Journaling

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A marriage is a close personal relationship between two people.That relationship requires effort to protect the time needed to develop.

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Today we look at the relationships we have in the church. You should be a mentor (Paul), co-worker, (Barnabas) and learner (Timothy).

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Quote of the Day : Conflict always provides an opportunity to glorify God, that is, to show him honor and bring him praise. In particular, conflict gives you a chance to show god that you love, respect, and trust him. At the same time, it allows you to show others that God is loving, wise, powerful, and faithful.

New and Culture: Gratitude has long lasting effects according to researchers

Chloe's Corner : Collide

Living Theology: A.C.T.S. as an outline for prayer.

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Marriage is a relationship that requires a lot of humility to work. Today Norman and Susan discuss humility, humbly. . .

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Everybody has to have them. That conversation that makes you tense and you just know it will go bad. There are issues in the public eye today that make it even worse with vague definitions and issues that weren't there for your grandparents to deal with. How do you approach those conversations and keep them form turning into fights and destructive arguments?

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Quote of the Day: There is a price to pay for Godliness, and Godliness is never on sale. It never comes cheaply or easily. The verb train, which Paul deliberately chose, implies persevering, painstaking diligent effort. - Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness

Culture and News: Authority in Education

Chloe's Corner: Good Enough to Be True

Living Theology: Jesus: Prophet, Priest and King

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A marriage with God at the center has a strong foundation to deal with all of life's problems!

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Philippians 4:9 - What we Do!

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Quote of the day: Dan Allendar, The Wounded Heart - "To love is to be more committed to the other than we are to the relationship. To be more concerned about his walk with God than the comfort or benefits of his walk with us."

Culture/ News: Entitlement

Chloe Corner: Broken Ears

Living Theology: A God who knows

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Today Susan and I look at the importance forgiveness in our marriage.

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Relationships with Christians who are not like us help us to examine our own beliefs and move ever closer to a biblical perspective. How we talk about those issues is vital.

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Quote of the Day:

"The Will of soldiers is three times more important than their weapons." - Col. Dandridge M. Malone, US Army - Small Unit Leadership, A commonsense approach

News and Culture: Are we in a cultural decline?

Chloe's Corner: Don't Hold On

Living Theology: A Living, Growing Faith

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A marriage takes work! No matter who you are or how easy to get along with your spouse is, effort is required.

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Today we think about the church family. This network of relationships is a big part of our spiritual life. We give and receive as we journey together.

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Quote of the Day: from Roland Allen, Missionary Methods

News and Culture: China has put new measures in place to restrict religious activity online. Is that the future?

Chloe' Corner: Be My Eyes

Living Theology: Missing the mark - defining sin.

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Everyone has desires, wants and needs. When we enter a marriage relationship we often look to our spouse to satisfy all of them and the relationship suffers.

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Today the focus in on prayer and talking to God one on one.

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Quote of the Day: Franz Delitzsch, Old Testament History of Redemption - "Even war, which arises from the selfish character for nationalities, is better than the idle peace of universal estrangement from God. For the demon of war arouses the peoples and drives them to God."

News and Culture: The war in Ukraine challenges even those far removed from the battlefield to consider what is truly important in life.

Song From Chloe: Reason to Praise

Living Theology: Is man basically good?

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Norman and Susan talk about the importance of good communication in marriage and relationships in general.

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The Bible is one of the foundations necessary for a Christian spiritual life. Today we think about how to begin reading and understanding the Bible.

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NHK is a public TV station in Japan that goes to extremes to collect their fees and people respond with just as much effort to avoid them. We also consider that Jesus is Savior but also Lord.

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It is a struggle to accept the little things that drive you crazy about your spouse but turning a blind eye to some things is key to a solid relationship. Love covers a multiple of sins!

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Today I answer some questions that we often get about living in Japan as missionaries. Where does our support come from? Is it hard to live in Japan? How do you educate your children?

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I talk about how social media and the news seem to influence anxiety and worry in most people, we hear a new song from Chloe - "Home", and I consider the truth that the Holy Spirit places us into a special relationship we call the Church.

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Norman and Susan talk marriage. Our actions build a foundation for a healthy marriage or make it intolerable.

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I have lots of time to think while walking the dog. Recently I am also carrying a 10kg pack while walking so a recorder was easy to stick on top! Lots of huffing and puffing as I start the ascent to Mt. Kuradake, but if you can look past that, I share some thoughts on getting ready for a return to the USA and go over our weekly schedule.

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Recent polls have shown that people are more unhappy than ever before. Why is that? What makes us happy and satisfied?

Chloe Janelle plays her song, "She Could Have Been My Sister", live for us.

In a segment on living theology we consider God's holiness and how that should challenge us to live life better.

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A preview of what to expect and when to expect it from RWH. A few thoughts about our title, subject matter in the future and planned segments that will be included in future podcasts.

Run With Horses: Recent Episodes

Norman Smith

1. Stewardship of our Time: “Redeeming the Time”

2. Wisdom in Planning: “The Plans of the Diligent”

3. Counting Our Days: “Teach Us to Number Our Days”

4. Purposeful Living: “Doing All to the Glory of God”

5. Prioritizing Prayer & Communion: “Jesus Prayed Early”

6. Eternal Urgency: “For What Is Your Life?”

7. Single-Mindfulness: “Deny Yourself”

8. Balance Work & Rest: “Six Days You Shall Labor…”

9. Investing in Others: “Do Not Steal” (as Stealing Time)

10. The Great Commission as First Priority

Part 2: Practical Advice for Using Time to Be and Make Disciples

1. Begin with a Paradigm Shift: Time is Kingdom Currency

2. Build Life Around Jesus’s Priorities, Not Just Adding Him In

3. Combine Your Calling With Your Calendar

4. Create a Disciple-Making Weekly Rhythm

5. Say No to Say Yes

6. Use Tools with Intentionality

7. Don’t Go Alone—Form a Band of Disciple-Makers

8. Encouragement: Grace Over Guilt, Progress Over Perfection

Challenge

- 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Podcast Segment Outline: Solitude as a Spiritual Discipline

2. Biblical Examples of Solitude (1 minute)

3. Benefits of Practicing Solitude (1 minute)

2. Humanity Was Created to Glorify God (1 minute)

3. Humanity Was Created for Fellowship with God (1 minute)

4. Humanity Was Created to Serve and Steward Creation (1 minute)

5. Humanity Was Created to Enjoy God Forever (30 seconds)

3. Breaking Down the Vision Statement: Purpose and Action Steps

4. Maintaining Focus and Adaptability

5. Conclusion and Challenge

Key Goals in Disciple-Maker Training:

The Church needs an Intentional Process

Examples of Disciple-Making in Action:

- Identify Local Needs and Engage Culturally: For the church to be effective, we must first understand the needs and concerns of our local community.

- Provide ongoing Evangelism and Discipleship Training:

NDMF2023 Random Thoughts on Making Disciples – Part 2

NDMF2023 Random Thoughts on Making Disciples

NDMF2023