Jun 30-July6, 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 28:19-20)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: OBEDIENCE to God’s Word and His Spirit is essential to following Him. ”You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33) Ponder: In what ways are you NOT walking in obedience? What are your obstacles to obedience? Invite God to remove current obstacles and to help you grow.
Day 2: " Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”" (John 8:12) LIGHT. Things kept in the dark are not privy to the light that Jesus brings. What are the dark areas in your life? What secrets do you keep. Confess the dark areas to the Lord and to a trusted friend/counselor/pastor. What needs to change in your life to maintain light in all areas of your life?
Day 3: " You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4) LISTEN. Distractions interfere in our ability to hear God’s voice. What are the distractions in your life: people, electronics, sports, politics, etc.? What do you need to change to eliminate/minimize current distractions? Ask God to help you, apart from Him we can do nothing.
Day 4: " And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34) PRESENCE. We must spend time with Jesus in order to follow Him. Practically, what does this look like in your life? Spiritual disciplines are our tools. Which ones are you currently practicing? Do you need help? Seek help if needed.
Day 5: SERVE. " If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:26) Jesus says that following Him lends itself to serving Him. What does that look like? Is it simply treating others the way He did: forgiving, healing, helping, and loving? Ask a trusted pastor/friend if you are confused.
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.