Discipline Yourself

The women of Jesus’ circle
Greetings

In thinking about the women of Jesus’ interaction, causes me to reflect on the qualities of the women who have crossed my paths over the years-- part of a larger discussion I had with someone where the name of some prominent women in our common circles surfaced. And not only that, I’m Reminded of that again in the women responsible for bringing many of the details of missions conference together— All of this in the context of a culture in John 11, that largely downplayed the role of women. Notice what we discover about these two women: They are:
• Bold in their approach John 11:20-21;
• Personal in their relationships: John 11:3,5; Genuine in their love for him, His love divine in its character
• Distinctive in their personalities
• Competent in their doctrinal understanding John 11:24;
• Orthodox in her belief John 11.27; See quote: Metaxas- Bonhoeffer (forward)
• Authentic in their worship: John 11:2; 32;
• Practical in her views: John 11:3,39;

Close
Any ministry, this ministry, needs its share of strong, godly, competent, and relational women.

MJC

Intro
Lessons from a model Rocketeer—propulsion— powerless flight— ejection charge push

WHAT TO DO TO ENSURE MISSIONS IMPACTS US.
Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11
1. Look within— what buildings and walls have been torn down? What’s wrong out there, what’s missing in here? Is there some recent demolition that says to you, wait a minute, what am I missing?

2. Look up: where is the real answer to my need?
Text: 2 Peter 3:1-11
Washington, Lansing, even Zeeland can’t help you.
We long for a day when righteousness won’t be forced! Come easily.

3. Look out!
Acts 4:13; 5:22
Our task is to discern the Lord the Lord’s course for us and pursue it
Two phrases important here.
A well, we have a choice to make and so do you— we can only tell the truth about what we see.
B. 5:32-29 | we must obey God rather than men
Don’t be surprised when there is a cost to that!

Prayer

Why Shepherding matters
Text: John 10:1-11
Intro thought—: The image of the local pastor, in the film, “The Patriot “, who reasons he must now leave his flock and comfort of his sheepfold, to fend off the wolves.
Why shepherding matters?

BECAUSE EVIL SHEPHERDS ABOUND
The poor shepherds of Israel: Ezekiel.34:4
In need of rescue (34:10-16)
Context: work of religious leaders more interested in fleecing the sheep than guiding, nurturing, and guarding them.

GOOD SHEPHERDS ESTABLISH FAMILIARITY
The shepherd calls them by name— recognizes them

THE GOOD SHEPHERD LEADS, NOT DRIVES
By their voice— in view here the Master-disciple relationship
A change in metaphor

GOOD SHEPHERDS CARE
The motives of thieves and robbers vs the Shepherd who offers security and plenty. All those who came before could not lead them into true freedom. Only the cross could achieve that… and then,

SHEPHERDS PROMOTE LIFE
To its fullest— life abundant, suggests fat, contented and flourishing.
The contrast here not to be construed as mere time to fill, (everlasting), but life as its scarcely imagined best. (Ps.118:20)

SHEPHERDS BOTH COURAGEOUS AND NOBLE
(10:11)- not the picture of some sentimental, almost effeminate, man carrying an arm full of lambs but a job found to be tiring, manly, and dangerous.
Kalos= noble, worth. The contrast here between hired hands who have no attachment to the sheep (self interest), and Jesus whose attachment stems from his willingness to lay down his life for the sheep. Not merely risking his life, but laying it down. (10:17-18), see also Heb.13:20.
Far from exposing his flock to to further ravaging, he draws them to himself (Heb.12:32)

Intro:
Conversion as of late has fallen on hard times— from what should be viewed as the biblical model to merely a transaction that affords no worship or growth.
Text: John 9

Opening thought:
What exactly happens at conversion and why is the worship that should accompany it, important?
I’m fascinated by the world shift involved in the belief system of this man.

THE INTERCHANGE
Jesus— Finding him… Wow, that Jesus would go back and pursue him… Question: Do you believe in the son of God? A Messianic claim for sure and well beyond the scope of his limited knowledge.

Response: Well, “sir”, I’m not fully aware, but I wish to believe.

Jesus: The guy who is talking to you is the Lord… Similar in approach to the woman at the well: (John 4:26)

Man: “Lord, (not sir), I believe. AT Robertson, “ A short creed but to the point.”

THE RESULTS:
Notice: His first reaction to his salvation was worship. It means, to fall down in reverence. In John’s Gospel, it is always used to express Divine worship. Jesus accepted worship from this man as he would later do from Thomas (John 20:28) Peter, Paul and Barnabas all rejected such worship but not the case with Jesus.

SO, NOTE THE PROGRESSION HERE.
We encounter
We experience
We are changed (See Ephesians 1 for all that is involved here.)
We Worship— or at least we ought to…
We testify— It cost this man his membership in the synagogue, it cost the woman at the well, her pride

AN EXAMPLE:
Paul the apostle… What was his earliest days like for him?
There was salvation— Acts 9…He finds himself at Damascus, Galatians 1

There was those forgotten years in Arabia: How long? Years (Galatians 1)What was happening here? He was growing at the feet of Jesus. (See Ephesians 3). The quote from John Polluck. ( pg. 27)

Back to Damascus: See Acts 9:19

And finally, Jerusalem. Acts 9 and Galatians 1

Ponder:
What happens at our conversion, is to set in motion, a life of worship.

Wednesday Wonders
09/17/2025
Why is it that we make life so complicated? Why do we demand control over our lives when God is prepared to do so much for us.

What I see
The Question from the disciples suggests that they struggled with the question too (Job)?
Jesus’ crimes: kneading of clay and spittle.
The neighbors? — too afraid of Pharisees to think clearly—
To be put out— 30 days- forever—our audience is seldom just limited to the event at hand
The miracle here involves “spittle” — but not necessary… why, Mark 8:23; Mt.20:30

What it means
Compelling— beggar turns teacher
Clear, you don’t know
We know- God does not hear sinners ( good theology)
Historical— no one heard of anyone opening eyes of blind
Conclusion- If he were not from God, he could do nothing:(9:33)

What I do about it
A great question
A better reply
And the best of outcomes
Where our responsibility lies— (41) moral blindness, but not Pharisees… they are culpable

Excited for the Brenner-Zoschke Reunion this July! Don't miss out on family fun!
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Your final update for the B-Z Reunion 2025 Email from Mark Congrove My bags are packed, and I'm ready to go...     Brenner-Zoschke Reunion July 25- 27, 2025 The final word July 14, 2025 I'm packing my bags, are you?   Hi B-Z Family Some last m

The Brenner-Zoschke family reunion is set for July 25-27, 2025, at Rock Springs Ranch, Junction City, Kansas. This gathering promises to be a time of reflection, gratitude, and connection as we celebrate our family's legacy and look forward to future generations. We encourage all family members to register individually and assist those without internet access. Your participation is vital for a successful reunion.

This is your update for The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion. Vol.5 Email from Mark Congrove It's going to be a blast... and a real attempt to encourage "family"   The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion 2025   The 2025 Brenner-Zoschke Reunion July 25- 27, 2025. (update) Vol. 5.0

The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion is set for July 25-27, 2025, at Rock Springs Ranch, Junction City, Kansas. This gathering will celebrate our family's legacy and God's faithfulness across generations. Register individually and share your dietary needs. Participate in our brief survey to help us secure additional funding for scholarships. Join us in creating lasting memories.

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Make sure you open this !!! This is your update The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion. Vol.2.0 Email from Mark Congrove Encouraging you to get excited about our next reunion   The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion 2025   The 2025 Brenner-Zoschke Reunion July 25- 27, 2025. (update) Vol. 3.0   Greetings to

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Make sure you open this !!! This is your update The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion. Vol.2.0 Email from Mark Congrove Encouraging you to get excited about our next reunion   The Brenner-Zoschke Reunion 2025   The 2025 Brenner-Zoschke Reunion July 25- 27, 2025. (update) Vol. 2.0   Greetings to

Intro: My dad loved Bob Ross-- before your eyes a painting emerges, that mountain peak he’s added initially, becomes all the more impressive, once the valley- with key elements added to provide perspective!

Review: those He chose to remove in the absence of death: Enoch- Elijah
--
BIG: We finish well when we can remain faithful as the process of God’s bigger picture is being painted!
WHAT HAPPENS ONE MINUTE AFTER OUR BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT?
--
In spite of God’s “no”, to build the temple, David still charts a course toward CONTENTMENT and contribution
Alan Redpath--suggests that work such as this is vital to our spiritual success, permanent in nature, and effective in outcome
--
How this works out?
BY ACCEPTING A LESSER BUT NECESSARY ROLE
He couldn’t build it but he secured the site I Chronicles 22:1
Couldn’t build it-- secured it materials
Couldn’t build it but became its chief cheerleader (encourager). I Chronicles 28:20
In God’s “No”, he learned truths about himself and His God, that success could never have taught him.
--

BY FOCUSING ON WHAT GOD HAS ENTRUSTED WITH US
He was chosen to be king-- proved to be Israel’s greatest human king, and privileged to see Solomon inherit throne. (28:4)

He was gifted through Direct revelation to see the plans:| 28:19| Knows the layout in painstakingly minute detail | Peterson: The Lord gave me understanding in writing |Ex.25:40 unlike Moses|

He was able to give of his resources, offered their sacrifices and advanced God’s cause in prayer: I Chronicles 29:10-20
I Chronicles 29:1-5
If God has entrusted you with resources, they become your tool for ministry
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BY COMMENDING TO OTHERS A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

The Goal: that he might more fully understand the mind of God| 1 Chronicles 28:9 | KNOW THE GOD OF YOUR FATHER |
Serve Him / loyal heart- willing mind| Lord searches hearts...
There is an awful lot of living necessary to even begin to really know our God...
THIS WILL TAKE SOME DOING, GIVEN LIFE--
I Chronicles 29:30| Circumstances which came on him--
Psalms 31:15 | Psalms 42:7 |My times have been in his hands
David in the process of moving from one plane of Christian life to another.
[Boice copied| Peterson copied |

APPS/ CLOSE
1. This might be a good time to unpack some of those resources God has entrusted to you!

2. This might be a good time to rediscover your connection with God: How is it that you know him?

3. This might be a great time to improve your communion/ fellowship with your Heavenly Father. We call him Abba/ Father Do we treat him as distant relative or intimate friend?

CLOSE
IF I CANT GO TO NIGERIA, HOW CAN I STILL BE USED? | Copied: VOM|-- Pregnancy center work: Carolyn