Patiently Working for God

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
2 Timothy 2:22-26

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,  correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
2 Timothy 2:24,25 ESV

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  • As a worker for God what are you called to flee?
  • What are the characteristics you are directed to pursue?
  • Here Timothy differentiates between situations to avoid and useful events in the lives of the unbeliever. What does Timothy instruct you to avoid?
  • List the qualities Timothy shares that you should nurture as a servant of the Lord?
  • Timothy then concludes with the purpose of your gentle and patient behavior. Share how God can use you.
  • Think of the example you give. Are your quarrelsome? Do you get involved in little spats that mean nothing just to prove your point?  Do you share the truth with gentleness? Ask God to reveal to you which trait in you needs some Holy Spirit work.  Begin to pray each day about the growth of that characteristic in your life.

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Jesus IS…Servant

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Matthew 20:20-28


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I just love the way The Message tells the story. Put yourself in the disciple’s place. Jesus says…

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.
Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.
That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—
and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.”

Matthew 20:25-28 The Message

  • What makes the argument that takes place at the beginning of this passage relevant to you?
  • In Jesus’ kingdom what makes someone great?
  • As stated in this passage what was Jesus’ purpose?
  • Jesus’ attitude is very different from  that of our human nature (and he’s actually worthy of the title Master). I know just tonight I was feeling a little weary of serving. But, we are called to serve where we are! What does Jesus’ precept about greatness call you to in your own life?

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Jesus IS…Lord of Nature

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Matthew 14:22-36

Mark 4:35-41
John 21:1-14


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He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:2-4NIV

  • Reflect on what these passages reveal to you about Jesus’ rightful place as Lord over nature.
  • Note any verses that particularly struck you & why.

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Jesus IS…Healer

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Mark 5:24b-34

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This story grips my heart. Though they are in the midst of a crowd, Jesus and this fragile woman have a very personal interaction. He feels her…He knows her …

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith  has healed you.
Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:34 NIV

  • Write what strikes you most about the woman we meet in this passage.
  • Write what moves you about how Jesus interacts with her.
  • Where do you need healing? Pour yourself out before your healer.  Jesus is there, just reach out and grab onto His cloak…

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Jesus IS…Provider

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Mark 6:30-44

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A story I’m sure you all know very well. Look at it with fresh eyes, and open heart. Jesus can provide

And taking the five loaves and the two fish
he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves
and gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
Mark 6:41ESV

  • Do you ever feel weary? Jesus understands the need for rest. Where did He take the disciples?
  • He desired to provide them rest by giving them quiet time with Him. What does this speak to you about setting aside quiet time where you can rest in Jesus?
  • Jesus is so loved that the people follow Him.Still, even though the “great crowd” ruined His quiet time how did he react?
  • I don’t know about you, by my “great crowd” often disturbs my quiet time – I don’t always have the same compassion. Write a prayer asking for patience and love in dealing with the unexpected.
  • The people are both physically and spiritually hungry. How does Jesus meet both needs of the people?
  • After they collect the loaves and fish what example does Jesus give us as he prepares to set the food before the people?
  • I love this… note Mark 6:41-44 – What does this tell you about how Jesus is able to provide for our every need?

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This miracle blessed many as they were nourished by Jesus’ teaching and by the bread He provided. They ate and were satisfied and there was still more left! That is so Jesus!

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Jesus IS…Teacher

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Matthew 5:1-12

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Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain,
and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
And he opened his mouth and taught them…
Matthew 5:1,2ESV

  • For an interesting perspective try reading the Beatitudes in several different translations.
  • From a world-view the state of those who are blessed does not appear to be desirable. However, from a spiritual perspective they are close to God. Write each state and its spiritual blessing (example: Poor in spirit = kingdom of heaven).
  • Note how EVERY spiritual need is met in Christ.
  • You are told in Matthew 5:11 that you are blessed if you are hated for the sake of Christ. There are times I find it a great challenge to speak the truth in love. Write a prayer asking God to give you wisdom, strength and discernment to know when HE is calling you to share His truth.

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Day Four – Jesus said, “I AM…

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 14:1-14

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There are many rooms in His Father’s House . He wants to share one with you!
Listen to His invitation…

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV

  • Freedom from worry is a common theme in Jesus’ ministry. What does Jesus share with the disciples in John 14:1? Copy the verse.
  • What is the key  to avoiding a troubled heart?
  • If you know Him, Jesus assures you that He will prepare a place for you in His Father’s house. What does He also promise?
  • Still Thomas doubts! Many people, like Thomas, wonder, “How can we know the way?” What is Jesus’ answer?
  • Again, Jesus goes on to emphasize His relationship to the Father. What do verses 9-12 explain about this connection?
  • Jesus explains why it is important to pray in His name. He also relays his purpose in answering prayer – what is it?
  • What can you do today to bring glory to God the Father (it can be as simple as pointing out His blessings, His creation, His provision in this day – or whatever He moves in your heart)?

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Day Three – Jesus said, “I AM…

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 11:17-44

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Jesus shows His humanity and love in these verses while also exhibiting His divine power.
Jesus said, …

“I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25,26 ESV

  • What does Jesus say is the key to the resurrection and the life?
  • How does Jesus explain resurrection?
  • Jesus shows His humanity as they are going to Lazarus’ tomb, what does he do?
  • Jesus experienced a human existence including emotions (Hebrews 4:14-16). Share what it means to you to have a Savior who can sympathize with your thoughts and emotions and loves you unconditionally?
  • Christ exhibits His power over death! He first thanks God and then says, “Lazarus come out.” What happens next?
  • Before Christ raises Lazarus, He asks Martha if she believes that He is “the resurrection and the life”. Jesus asks you the same question, “Do you believe this?” Write Him an answer…

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Day Two – Jesus said, “I AM…

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 10:1-20

Do you hear it…do you hear His voice. He knows your name and He is calling you today!

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“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14,15 ESV

  • Jesus not only calls himself the Good Shepherd in this passage He also labels himself _______.
  • What happens to all who enter through the door (gate)?
  • Explain the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand. What does that show you about His faithfulness to you?
  • How is the relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His sheep like that of the relationship of Jesus and the Father (think about the intimacy that is available to you in Christ)?
  • In this passage Jesus expresses His willingness to die for YOU. Write down what he says …

Jesus’ life was not taken – HE GAVE IT UP – that we might have life in him (Romans 6:23)

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Jesus said, “I AM…

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 8:12-30

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In this passage in John, Jesus proclaims exactly who He is, where He came from and where He’s going. He validates His testimony and proclaims…

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

  • Think about what it’s like to walk in a dark house – especially an unfamiliar one. This is life without Jesus. Write about the difference between living life in the dark or in the light of Christ.
  • Jesus is accused of bearing false witness about himself. Who are the two witnesses that prove His testimony?
  • The Pharisees then ask Jesus, “Where is your Father?” (John 8:19). What is His reply to them?
  • Later they ask, “Who are you?” (John 8:25) What is Jesus’ explanation of the relationship between Father and Son?
  • Jesus explains to them exactly what they need to do so that they will not die in their sins.
    What is it (see also Acts 2:37,38)?
  • Think of the connection between Jesus, the Father, and you. Meditate on this and write down whatever the Spirit stirs in you.

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