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Being A Disciple

The year is quickly ending, and I find myself contemplating and reflecting.  Reviewing my blog, I ended last year with the thought that it was time to push off into deep water.  Life is not lived in a harbor or upon the shore. It's not avoiding or denying, but rather accepting the depths of trials and hardships.  In this process, I've discovered the buoyancy of God's grace enabling me to live with joy and peace, despite my circumstances.  I have come to know the meaning of being a disciple.  It's not about outcomes, it's not about manipulating and control, it's being . . . 


In my ordinary life, I need to only be seeking after Christ . . . 
Be silent . . . be still before God . . .
Be sensitive for His Spirit for guidance and wisdom . . . 
Be obedient to His Word . . . 
Be filled with His Love . . . 
Be genuinely caring for others . . . 
Be a vessel of hope . . . 
Be a light . . .
Be . . .

"The way to liberation and rest lies through a decision and a practice.  The decision is to release the world and your fate--including your reputation and 'success'--into the hands of God . . . you will act always in dependence with God.  You will not take charge of outcomes. You will do your part, of course, but 'your part' will always be chastened by a sense of who is God--not you!"
(The Great Omission, Dallas Willard, p. 211)

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