Monday, August 14 The Path is Jesus We are people who spend our lives going some place, going to God, and whose path for getting there is the way, Jesus Christ. We realize that this world is not my home and set out for the Father s house. -Eugene Peterson We are making our way to God through the person of Jesus Christ. As Jesus begins to tell his disciples of his departure, that he must return to his Father s house in order to prepare a place for all those who will follow after him, Thomas asks a pointed question; Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way? John 14:1-7 Jesus response shatters Philip s preconceived ideas and narrow understanding. The way to God is not a path to follow, not a list of rules to adhere to, not instructions to memorize, or a destination on a map. The way to God is a person, the person of Jesus Christ. I am the way, truth, and life 1. Where are you in your journey of knowing and following Jesus? 2. How do you experience fellowship with God? 3. What obstacles keep you knowing Jesus more fully? John 14:6 4. In what ways is Jesus calling you to follow and obey? 5. What steps can you take this week to move toward Jesus? John 6:47-51 John 4:13-14 Matthew 11:25-30 1 John 2:28-3:3
Tuesday, August 15 The Presence of Jesus You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until it rests in you. -St. Augustine John 15:1-11 Our souls are starved and our hearts are left wanting without the abiding presence of Jesus Christ, the great lover of our souls. Jesus called himself living water, the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the true vine in order that we might find that which truly nourishes our inner being. Jesus invites us to know and be known by him in such a way that we can be daily captivated, assured, and at peace in his presence, power, and love. Abide in me 1. What do you think it means to abide in Christ? 2. Where do you turn to feel refreshed, at peace, comforted, satisfied, content? 3. What are you trying to accomplish in your own strength without Jesus? John 15:5 4. What keeps you from the presence of Jesus? 5. What is one way you can be in God's presence today? John 6:47-51 John 4:13-14 Matthew 11:25-30 1 John 2:28-3:3
Wednesday, August 16 The Priority of God s Word The more you read the Bible; and the more you meditate on it, the more you will be astonished with it. -Charles Spurgeon God has revealed himself through his Word and continues to speak, instruct, and transform us through Scripture. Followers of Jesus are people of the Book. We know God, ourselves, and the reality of the world through God's holy Word. The Bible is God's instruction for our entire life and is central to how we define what is true, right, and good. 1 Timothy 3:16 Training in righteousness 1. What has been your experience with the Bible? 2. What do you love about God's Word? 3. What makes reading the Bible difficult for you? 4. How is God's Word shaping you today? 5. What plan can you set (or continue) in order to make reading the Bible a more regular practice in your life? Psalm 119:11 Additional Scripture/Resources: Psalm 119:15-16 Joshua 1:8 Read Scripture App
Thursday, August 17 The Power of Prayer Prayer is the spiritual pulse. -JC Ryle Matthew 6:5-15 Prayer is communion with God. It is the place where we submit to God as God and grow in our intimacy with him. The purpose of prayer is not ultimately to get things from God but rather to acquire God himself. In prayer we strive to take hold of God (Is 64:7). As Christians it is our privilege and gift through Christ to pray to our Father who hears and responds. Prayer is not always easy, but it leads us to a place of awe, wonder and worship of our good and gracious loving Father. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you 1. What did Jesus teach his disciples about prayer? 2. What role has prayer played in your life? 3. What do you find difficult about prayer? 4. What do you need to bring to God in prayer today? Philippians 4:6-7 5. How will you grow in your prayer life this year? Ephesians 1:18-19 Deuteronomy 4:7 Hebrews 7:25
Friday, August 18 The Purpose of the Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. -Saint Augustine If you are in Christ you are not alone. You are one in Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the evidence, seal, and guarantee that you belong to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity who has taken up residency in your heart in order to bring about God's renovation project of creating you into the likeness of his Son. The Spirit convicts, helps, comforts, empowers, reminds, keeps, and fills us with the love of God for the glory of Christ. Romans 8:1-17 The Sprit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus 1. How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? 2. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? 3. How should those who are filled with the Holy Spirit live? 4. In what ways have you resisted the Holy Spirit's work in your life? Romans 8:1-2 5. What are some steps you can take to be more open to the Holy Spirit's work in your life and in the world around you? John 16:13-15. Galatians 5:16-26. Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30
Saturday, August 19 The Place of Spiritual Helpers If you feel quite weak and ordinary if you feel like a mess but have the Spirit you have the right credentials. You are one of the ordinary people God uses to help others. -Edward Welch When we are adopted into God s family through faith in Jesus Christ we are welcomed into God s community with God s people. The Christian life is designed to be lived with others who help guide, encourage, challenge, and love us toward greater unity with Christ and the church. You were never meant to follow Jesus alone God has called you to walk with others on this journey for the purpose of making disciples who make disciples. As you follow Jesus, follow those who have gone before you and bring up others who will come behind. The best leaders of people are followers of Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:2 Be imitators of me as I am of Christ 1. What people has God used to help encourage and influence your faith? 2. What does it mean to be a disciple? 3. How does Jesus teach us to make disciples? 4. Are you being discipled and making disciples? Matthew 28:18-20 5. What steps can you take to grow as a disciple of Jesus and as a disciple maker? 1 Corinthians 11:1 Matthew 4:19 Matthew 28:16-20