Discipleship Isn't Mimicry

Trip Kimball
Discipleship, God's Word, Personal Faith

Discipleship isn’t about mimicking others, but following the example of those who follow Jesus.

If a person’s example doesn’t match that of the Lord, then don’t follow it or them. But if it does, it’s the wise path. This is how the Lord Jesus trained His disciples to be disciple-makers.

How do we know if it's the right example and path? We need both discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit that lines up with the truth of God's Word (1 Cor 2:12-14).

No spiritual leader, pastor, or teacher has all the answers, and no denomination or church has a corner on the truth. We are called to follow Jesus, not personalities or policies or pet theologies.

A Trustworthy Man

Trip Kimball
Devos, God's Word, Personal Faith, Leadership, Discipleship

The same year President Obama and his family went to Hawaii for the holidays, Susan and I celebrated Christmas and New Years in the Philippines. No white Christmas for us! But living there for fifteen years, we're familiar with celebrating Christmas in a tropical setting.

However, when we travel and the president travels, it's very different. We pass through various security checks. He and his family have a security team to protect them.

Why all the security? We live in a time when trust is scarce.

Pour Out Your Heart

Trip Kimball
God's Word, Personal Faith, Psalms Devos_Studies

My soul waits calmly for God alone. My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be severely shaken.

How long will all of you attack a person? How long will you try to murder him, as though he were a leaning wall or a sagging fence?

They plan to force him out of his high position. They are happy to lie. They bless with their mouths, but in their hearts they curse. Selah [vss 1-4]

Wait calmly for God alone, my soul, because my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be shaken.

Does God Have Wings?

Trip Kimball
Devos and Studies, God's Word, Personal Faith

Listen to my cry for help, O God. Pay attention to my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I call to you when I begin to lose heart.

Lead me to the rock that is high above me. You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.

I would like to be a guest in your tent forever and to take refuge under the protection of your wings. Selah [vss 1-4]

Thankfulness and Contentment

Trip Kimball
Culture, Personal Faith

Thanksgiving Day is an American holiday set aside for remembrance. A time to reflect on God's goodness and be thankful. This was its original purpose as a holiday as designated by Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Aside from the commercialism of our day, it can still be just that. People can wring their hands and lament the degradation of the holiday as a time of gluttony, drunkenness, and consumerism, or simply be thankful and content.

Our nation still affords us the opportunity of free choice and many other freedoms.

More Than a Holiday

Trip Kimball
God's Word, Personal Faith

Thanksgiving holiday is an American tradition. It's been set aside as a national holiday by a few presidents as a time of reflection and gratitude. 

Of course, as with other things, the significance of Thanksgiving is lost for many.

Many times it's referred to as "Turkey Day," and for some, it's an excuse to eat and drink excessively while sitting in front of a TV.

It's also become a great marketing season that changes the focus of giving thanks to getting things.

Betrayed by a Friend

Trip Kimball
Psalms Devos_Studies, God's Word

Open your ears to my prayer, O God. Do not hide from my plea for mercy. Pay attention to me, and answer me.

My thoughts are restless, and I am confused because my enemy shouts at me and a wicked person persecutes me.

They bring misery crashing down on me, and they attack me out of anger.

My heart is in turmoil. The terrors of death have seized me. Fear and trembling have overcome me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

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