10 Suggestions for Discipleship Training

Daily Cross

“Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NIV)

Today’s letter is a reminder for your discipleship journey. We have promised to accompany you on this journey and remind you as often as possible so you may not lose heart. Our Lord commanded His disciples to deny themselves and pick up the cross daily. It is to deny one’s evil desires and all sinful thoughts so that we can stop them much earlier, and the evil acts won’t even have a chance to form.

Our Lord said:

“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Matthew 15:17-20 (NIV)

It can be difficult to know what evil thoughts are if we listen to the world too often. Many thoughts are no longer evil by today’s standards, and our Lord’s standard is very high. Every thought that is not pure and honorable is considered an evil thought. This standard may sound impossible for many, but all things are possible with our Lord. We often say that the discipleship training cannot be done in a day or merely a few weeks. It is a marathon race carrying a cross on The Narrow Road. There will be no cash prizes or trophies. There will be no new cars or boats. There are guaranteed trials and tribulations, and it can be unappealing and look foolish to the world. But this discipleship journey will produce by-products that are heavenly treasures referred to by our Lord Jesus Christ. They are peace, joy, faith, hope and love. No thief can break in to steal; they are more valuable than gold.

These are suggestions for discipleship training used in the Daily Cross. Someone practices them daily. Remember that it is never about the destination. We do our parts as disciples and let our Lord decide when the time comes.

1. Keep thoughts captive and stay away from the self-pity pit at all times.

2. Reject lies of fear and self-doubt from the enemy.

3. Forgive. Remove all resentment daily and leave no roots for entitlement.

4. Make a covenant with your eyes. The eyes are the lamps of the body, so your body will be full of light. If the shows are unsuitable for kids, they are not for you to watch either. Become like little children for the Kingdom of Heaven.

5. Be courageous and pray for salves for your eyes and wisdom to see the truth.

6. Stop mocking and unwholesome talk

7. Humble yourself always and pray without ceasing.

8. Memorize our Lord’s commands in the tablets of our hearts. They are the swords for your defence against the enemy’s attacks.

9. Acknowledge our Lord often and ask Him to fight with you in your daily battles.

10. Love is a decision. Imitate our Lord to love and expect nothing in return.

May our Lord bless you with strength and wisdom for your journey.

Becomelects Ministry