| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Deep Discipleship” Our Bible verse for today: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Our thought for today: “We need a guide to take us deep with God” Over the course of his ministry years the Apostle Paul played many important roles including evangelist, exorcist, preacher, teacher, church-planter, and pastor. He was also a mentor to many. That’s what he was referring to in 1 Corinthians 11:1 when he urged his readers to follow his example. I like the way the Amplified Bible translates that verse, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” Paul spent his life studying the ways of Jesus, doing his best to live as Jesus lived, and then he urged others to follow his example just as he followed Christ’s example. When it comes to learning how to live the Christian life well, especially when it comes to going beyond the basics and going deep with God in deep discipleship, we usually need a guide. We need someone older, more mature, and more experienced in the ways of God to guide us and to show us the way. That was an important role that Paul played in many lives – especially in his later years. While it is very helpful to have an in-person mentor we can actually meet with, someone we can spend time with, observe, and emulate, often such mentoring and guiding comes to us in written form as well, rather than in-person. That is, after all, what Paul was doing in 1 Corinthians 11:1. He was guiding and mentoring by means of a letter. This is also why I titled my second book “Walking with Paul: A Journey Through the Lessons of Ephesians.” The cover art depicts Paul walking with a young man down a path, with his arm around the young man’s shoulder, head turned in his direction, and obviously imparting words of wisdom as they walked along together. As was noted in a previous devotional in this series, the Christian life is an adventure. It is a journey through this world towards our real home in heaven. Along the way we need good guides to walk with us – coaching us, teaching us, and helping us to make the journey well. The optimum situation is to have an in-person mentor. But as was noted, many times that guiding takes place through other mediums, such as good Bible studies. Tomorrow I will recommend a few good Bible studies which provide this kind of excellent guidance for the journey to a deeper place with God. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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Oak Hill Baptist Church 
Your book ‘ Getting Along Without Going Along’ was amazing. You covered everything perfectly. It was extremely well written. I would recommend it to any and all as a must-read, especially in today’s generation. I could write a blog letting people know that if you wanted to, you could write a little blurb for me to include about that book and how readers could get one. Just email me that information, and I will definitely publish it through my site here. God bless you, Pastor Jim.
Donna
luckd61@yahoo.com
Thank you so much, Donna. That’s very kind of you. I will send you something later today. You are a blessing and an encouragement!
You are quite welcome. Thank you very much. Great! Looking forward to it. Have a great day.