weary – Brian Friedl

The Truth About Making Disciples

Brian — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:44:06 +0000

Two weeks ago I handed over lawncare of our 3 acres to one of my sons. A couple of years ago, it felt like I would never get there. I can’t tell you how many times I showed him how to mow around a tree and in a straight line. I even went as far as to draw with permanent marker on the mower hood on where to line up with the previous row cutting line.

I originally started him with the old riding mower we had so if he damaged anything we wouldn’t be out any money. We fixed it together and off he went mowing what looked like wheat circles. Often times I would go back outside after he was in bed and clean up all the missed spots. I have to admit it was tiring and frustrating. Why couldn’t he just now a straight line?

It struck me this morning that making disciples is a similar process. You start with the basics and work your way into more complex territory. There are days in the process where it feels like they will never get it. We must continue to invest in good times and not so good. There will be times when your disciples will completely blow it. What you do in those moments matter!

I’m happy to report that as I look across the lawn, it looks amazing. After two years of investment and praying I’m finally free to trust the task will be completed.

What lessons were learned?

Your investment matters – we all need to be disciples and to disciple others
Don’t give up, your disciple needs you – as tempting as it is to throw in the towel. Stick with it!
We are like this with our Father in heaven. We just can’t seem to walk a straight line and keep away from that sin. He continues to invest and guide us back to the path.

Reflection

Who are you investing in right now?

Keep your eyes on Christ and your heart doing His work in the lives of others.

Prayer

Father help us to not grow weary as we disciple others to disciple others. May Your love compell us to finish what we started. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

His Strength

Brian — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:41:58 +0000

While I grow weary God never does. He never sleeps or slumbers. For He is our strength and everlasting hope.

There are two ways to run in this life; in our strength or His. Those who try to run ahead of God and those who wait on Him. This reminds me of The contrast between Saul and David in 1 Samuel. Saul is impulsive, jealous and short-tempered. Where David, having been annoited already, waits on God for Saul’s removal as king. God is our strength day in and day out in all circumstances.

Archaeology confirms that God brought a flood, led his people out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, defeated Goliath through David, sent His Son to die for our sins, and resurrected Christ. Given thes “impossible” feats, can He not handle the troubles that are facing you today? Can He not provide the strength required to overcome?

There will always be giants before us, but a more powerful God in and beside us!

@brianfriedl

#truthtalk4life

Keep Planting And Watering

Brian — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:49:45 +0000

When we plant, we don’t know the exact time the plant will yield fruit. Plants require weeding, watering and overall care, even before you you can see a sprout. Weeding without seeing fruit can be quite discouraging. We must keep our eyes, and thereby our minds recalling how sweet the fruit is. For in due time, that fruit will be ready to reap, if we continue our care taking.

This verse is applied most for me as a parent of hurting children. There are many days where I plant, and few if any days I see fruit. There are days when I’m tired and don’t do the best job weeding either.

If it was all about my effort, it would make sense that I would lose heart, but thankfully that is not the case. God is doing a work greater than we can see so I press on doing my best, with a trusting heart, that God will do something amazing. There are times when I lose sight. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ that He has given us so we are not doing this life alone!

Personal Reflection

Where are you most at risk of growing weary? Is it parenting, pastoring, sharing with friends? Spend some time thinking about how wonderful the fruit will be in the lives of those you serve. What positive impacts might they experience? How might your relationship with them be blessed?

Prayer Focus

Gracious God, we confess to you that we do lose heart, we forget to trust because we long to see fruit. Help us LORD to rest in you and trust in your perfect plan. Thank you for the challenges we face that you are growing our faith through. Thank you for bearing fruit in us through Jesus. In His Name we pray, Amen.