“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB)
Talking and listening to God. It started simple enough, and it evolved and then took on a life of its own. If God does indeed speak to us, it makes sense that listening to God is most important.
So, after two years of listening to God and journaling my notes, I realized that this could become a book to introduce this tool to others. What started as an exercise then became a priority each day. I found this quiet time in the morning led to listening for God to speak. I loved the quest to be able to hear from God each day, and not only hear but also respond to what He may say.
Our Links Players ministry friend, Tim Philpot, once told me, “I only read great authors who are dead, and when you die, I am going to read all your stuff.” He then said, “To read you now, I will have to apologize to Oswald Chambers.” I am honored that he made an exception and is now reading What God May Say. And he did apologize to Mr. Oswald Chambers.
I still believe that we all have a calling to teach others what we have been taught and make disciples of all those in our sphere of influence. Jesus’ last words to us were for us to make disciples so that they may also make disciples of others. Don’t we want to share what is best with those whom we love the most?
The recent Links Players study guide on the importance of mentoring and learning hit home. Last words are so very important, especially those of Jesus. Jesus always means what He says. In Matthew 28, He says, “Go therefore and make disciples.” A disciple learns. You make disciples by teaching others with the goal in mind that those others who are taught will also in turn disciple and teach others. Jesus knew we needed to be taught, but He also knew that it does not stop with our learning. 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
So, we know what to do. As we are taught and learn, it is our responsibility to also teach others. This may seem overwhelming, but Jesus also told us in His last words, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” He sent a helper in the person of the Holy Spirit to facilitate not only what we learn but also how to teach others.
In light of this calling, I share this book, What God May Say, in hopes that it will not only teach you something about building a relationship with God but also be helpful as you teach others. My first mentor once told me, “Learning without teaching others is selfish.” I also know we all want to get better. This simple book may just be a tool to help us do just that.
Prayer – Jesus, help us to teach others.