Jesus's discipleship

When you love someone, you want to talk about them the most; they're the first thing on your mind. This is how I feel about Jesus, my one true love. How do you remain loyal to something you can't see? Spend time alone with Jesus and He will give you a greater revelation of who He is. Discipline isn't easy but it's good for you. Don't confuse condemnation with conviction. God brings conviction to help you grow, but condemnation is not from God. Have no shame, God forgives right away. Being uncomfortable brings growth. Don't run away, talk to Him. Let go of any pride or stubbornness. Rather yell at God than someone else. He sees you.

You don't deserve anything but you are worthy. As soon as you start hearing compliments, thank God. Thanksgiving matters more than sacrifice. I am Holy because God made me Holy. God heals your heart. Don't lose your awe in God. (Psalm 77:11-12) Be willing and ready to say yes whenever He speaks; He's worth it! Recognize where God moves at just the right time. Even when it doesn't hit, be thankful for the prayer, and don't be hard-hearted. For someone who acts upon their feelings, God is not a feeling. Whether or not we feel God, He still exists. He gives nudges but doesn't control your emotions. Be aware if you are a people pleaser with too much compassion. Stand strong in your beliefs but still don't judge.

Don't expect God to prove Himself, that's not faith. Be real with yourself if you want to grow deeper with God. He is right there not some religion, cult, or invisible thing. Whatever people say about you, let it uplift you not bring you down. God is evident through others' words but don't let others' actions affect you, stay self-aware. Invite Jesus into everything. Be in constant communication with Him. It's Jesus only, not Jesus first. Die to self, be crucified with Christ. (Mark 8:34-35)

Don't ever be embarrassed before God, He already knew what you would do. He intends for it to happen one way but knows it'll happen the way it happens. A Christophany is an appearance or non-physical manifestation of Christ which is how Jesus is present in the Old Testament. Jesus was present, ready, excited, and waiting to fully reveal Himself to us in the Old Testament; just as He wants to reveal Himself to us now. If you trusted your parents as a child you can trust your Heavenly Father as an adult. We have all been made in His image, but we are not all children of God. We must become an orphan to be adopted. (1 John 2:3-6)

What we believe affects how we feel about ourselves and how we live. When a community gets rejected by the church they only have worldly things left to turn to. No sin is worse than another. The root problem is not finding comfort in Jesus and looking elsewhere yet Jesus's comfort is better. Better is a neighbor close by than a brother far away. Not trusting the people He put in your life is not trusting God. It helps when things are brought to light. (Philippians 2:3-11) Get over yourself if they're not easy to get along with; pray for them so you can get God's heart for them! Don't ever assume. (Matthew 14:13-18) Don't send them away to get food, give them your food. Do not think He does not want to be with you, He does! He is not too busy. (Luke 22:49-51) We are called to His level of love. Consider others better than yourself. When others wrong you, be humble and show kindness.

Turning away is like saying "Stuff you!" to God. (1 Samuel 8:7) The Israelites didn't want Him they wanted what He could give them. The Pharisees wanted to take advantage of the flock rather than tend to them. We need to give people time because that's what Jesus did. We need to be like Jesus no matter our agendas. (John 8:1-12) Jesus hung around the sinners because He didn't care about keeping up a reputation. Jesus didn't sin because that reputation was more important. We don't have it all together because we are human and we need Him.

Notes from Tammy Ellis's lecture