Make Disciples (like Ripples of Heaven)

Go into all the world and make disciples; baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all I have commanded you. And I will be with you always.” Mat.28: 19-20

We’ve heard the Great Commission so many times, we sometimes no longer hear it! Or it sounds so overwhelming and impossible to DO, that we assume that command was meant for the Evangelists and pastors in the crowd!

But what if it’s NOT overwhelming? What if every command Jesus gives us is not a heavy burden, but a ‘burden that’s easy, a yoke that is light’ when we are ‘yoked’ to Him.. because He promises, “I will be with you always!” What if the Great Commission is just that: a Great CO-MISSION, one in which we CO-LABOR with Holy Spirit in us to do the work as we abide in Jesus and let His love just flow through us like sap through a Vine/branch!

Jesus didn’t just command us to make disciples; He MODELED for us HOW to do it: “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3: 14-15

“When Jesus made disciples, he didn’t just invite them to a six-week class. He didn’t toss the Torah to Thomas and tell him to read it. He didn’t ask them to write a summary of his last sermon so that when he came back into town they could get together and debrief. Instead, he said three of the most powerful words to ever be spoken in relationship: “Come with Me, ” Mark 6:31. To Simon and Andrew, he said it this way, “Come, follow me,” Mark 1: 16.

Jesus didn’t just invite them to a lecture or a church service, he invited them to be WITH Him. He invited them into His very life. He invited them to JOIN Him, to learn from Him, to travel with Him, and to KNOW Him. He invited them into RELATIONSHIP.

There is no shortage of information in this world. There IS a shortage of relationship. Face to face relationships. Close enough to look into another’s eyes or hold another’s hand. We need hearts that care enough to spend time and invest in the heart of another.

This all began in the heart of our good Father. From heaven, he didn’t just send commandments, He sent His Son, who came to BE WITH us, to seek and save the lost, and to love the ones in front of Him. Then the ones in front of Him were so transformed that they naturally turned and loved the ones in front of them. Ripples that began in heaven. Became waves of love that changed the world. One mentoring discipleship relationship at a time.”

Today – whom can you just invite into relationship – or to go get coffee – or work with you on a project? Could it be that mentoring and disciple making is as simple as “Come With Me?” and I’ll show you Jesus!

>Today’s excerpt taken from my new book, RIPPLES OF HEAVEN. Available now at Amazon and B& N. OR locally in Indianapolis/Fishers at Gratitude Boutique and Gifts.

BRAND NEW BOOK! LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD!

Friends! I am so excited to announce the release of a brand new book entitled, RIPPLES OF HEAVEN: Changing the World Through Mentoring – One Discipleship Relationship at a Time!!

I’ve been mentoring younger women, teen girls, moms raising kids, premarital, and married women for over three decades. I often have people come to me and say they would like to mentor someone, but they don’t know where to start, how to go about it, what materials to use. This equipping book will answer these questions and more!

I share personal testimonies of my experiences mentoring others, practical steps to equip you, and stories from those I have mentored. We believe this book of testimonies will INSPIRE you to step out and begin to mentor.

This world needs spiritual mothers and fathers. This world needs mentors.

This world needs you.

There is no shortage of information in the world; there IS a shortage of loving relationships.

JESUS made disciples by inviting the 12 not just to a class or a lecture, but into his very life.

These men got more than his teachings; they got the Teacher himself

These 12 men changed the world.

THIS is mentoring: “Come With Me.” Let’s go change the world.

-Available wherever books are sold. In Indianapolis, visit The Gratitude Boutique for great deals on the book and other gifts galore!