July 14-20, 2024
Follow me. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Confession of sin and profession of faith are just the beginning. The next step is practicing the Way, following Him. We notice the pattern that Jesus demonstrated to His 12 disciples: I do, we do, you do. Following Jesus means that one hangs out with Him, is transformed to be like Jesus and does the things that Jesus did. Over the next few weeks, let’s prayerfully ponder how we can daily follow Him and be formed into His likeness.
This week's Bible reading: Matthew 28:18-20
Focus Verse: "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 28:20)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: GIVING. “Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.””(Matthew 19:21) What are the things that you have given to the poor? What things do you need to surrender in order to increase your giving?
Day 2: RIGHTEOUSNESS is the fruit born out of resisting evil and staying focused on God. “Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27) What kinds of things distract you from God? Ask Him to help you stay focused.
Day 3: As a Believer, you are entered into a COVENANT relationship with the Trinity. You have agreed to partner with God to be transformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21) In what ways are you partnering with God? What do you need to surrender to better cooperate with the Spirit?
Day 4: As a Follower of Christ, we are commissioned to GO TELL the Gospel to others. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) LOVE is expressed through evangelism and the way we treat one another. Do you find it easy to tell others the Gospel? What would make it easier for you? Do your actions communicate love? If not, what are the obstacles?
Day 5: Followers SERVE God in obedience and worship. They also serve others in practical ways of helps. “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Service is a decision: conscious or unconscious, we are all serving someone or something. Does your service align with your profession to follow Jesus? Why or why not? What actions do you need to take?
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.