July 28-August 3, 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 Him, and does what He did. Over the next few weeks, let’s prayerfully ponder how we can follow Him daily to 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: Hopefully you have read the previous prompts in this series. If not, it is worth taking a look back in order to continue forward. I hope you are convinced that DISCIPLE MAKING is our job. And, God has provided everything we need to carry out this assignment. Do you feel equipped? Why or why not? What do you think you need?
Day 2: When are asked to give your testimony (WITNESS), how do you feel? Do you think you don’t have one? If we are followers of Jesus, we definitely have a testimony. Actually, we probably have lots. Ask God to show you a testimony of your life with Him, then take time to write it down. Review it often so it is available to be easily recalled and shared.
Day 3: Do you feel chronically exhausted? Is SABBATH woven into the rhythms of your life? Jesus modeled time to stop and rest. What needs to change for you to add Sabbath rest to your daily and weekly plans? Are you aware that Sabbath often includes time with others?
Day 4: Do you have a dedicated time set aside daily to PRAY? This time is vital to deepen your relationship with God so you become more like Him as you are transformed into the likeness of His Son. What needs to change to become more consistent and intentional about prayer?
Day 5: FAST. To fast is to hunger for more of God. Jesus showed us how as he fasted from food. Today, we extend fasting to relationships, electronics, etc. anything we can put aside for more time with God. Ask God to guide you in this important discipline. It should be practiced privately and in community. Who can you invite to join you in a fast for your family, nation, community, or church?
Challenge: Who is your one? If you are not currently discipling at least one person, ask God to show you someone you can nurture in practicing the Way of Jesus. There is a plethora of resources. Ask your church leadership or a fellow student of the Way what they might suggest to get started.
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.