July 21-27, 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: “I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60) IMMEDIATE. I could be mistaken, but it seems that each of the twelve disciples were immediate in their decision to follow Jesus. Following Him leads to doing what He says and does. Meditate today on IMMEDIATE. This seems to translate to being immediate in our response to His word and His ways. Are you immediate in your obedience to His voice, His written word?
Day 2: Following Jesus is a FRUITFUL life. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (John 15:8) Our actions tell the story of our discipleship. In what ways are you bearing fruit that proves that you are a Follower of Christ?
Day 3: EVANGELISM. “And He *said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Followers of Christ take the Gospel message wherever they go. When the Gospel is shared (checkout line, work, etc.), the Holy Spirit works through our sharing to draw others to him. Who are you sharing the Gospel with? Who are you failing to share the Gospel with? Ask God to help you grow in this area.
Day 4: “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” (Ezekiel 36:27) We are enabled to follow by the HOLY SPIRIT. When we yield, He works. What are the areas that you resist the power of the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: Followers EMULATE Jesus. “Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deuteronomy 8:6) Jesus taught that if we have seen Him then we have seen the Father. That’s what it should be like for us. When others see us, they should see Jesus, because we only do what Jesus did and say what Jesus would say. Ouch! Such a reminder of the work still to be done in me. How about you? Are you saying what Jesus would say and do? Probably not perfectly, but Jesus left us a helper praise God. Let Him flow through you and transform you more and more into the likeness of Jesus.
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.