From Believers to Disciples
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Heavenly Father, my prayer focus today is my own heart when it comes to worship! I pray, Lord, for a pure heart, for a heart that worships You in Spirit and in truth, a heart that isn’t concerned about style, but substance in worship, a heart that isn’t concerned about where I worship, but that is devoted to worshiping You 24/7! Heavenly Father, fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit that all that I am and all that I do may be worship unto You. Empower me to see that every thought, word and action may be offered to You as an act of worship, when committed with the intention of giving You my ultimate love and allegiance. Let my worship be pleasing to You, today and every day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today: John 4:19-24
19“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”
21Jesus replied, “Believe me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans know so little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. 24For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
Jesus’ reply tells us a number of things about worship. It tells us that a believer will worship God --- in spirit and in truth.
What does it mean to you to worship God in spirit and in truth?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
What one specific action will you take in order to worship God in spirit and in truth TODAY?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
If Jesus told you directly (and He actually has through today’s Scripture) to worship Him in spirit and in truth, what long-term changes would it take for you to respond to His command? List them below and start to live them today!
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
The Homework Connection at the Bridge resumes next week! This is a practical mission opportunity available to anyone who loves children, and can help with school work. Homework helpers work in teams of two, and your commitment is one hour each week. For more information contact Mission Facilitator Karen Schiebel at the Bridge: 724-586-2241.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
In Spirit and In Truth!
Jesus tells us that those who worship Him truly, worship in spirit and in truth. At the very least that means that our spirits are connected with the Holy Spirit in order that our thoughts, words and actions may be transformed into thoughts, words and actions God can accept. Left to our own devices our worship we will develop into rituals and traditions that will ultimately become nothing more than that—rituals and traditions. When the Holy Spirit breathes the breath of life into our worship in becomes so much deeper and significant. We will still have certain rituals and traditions, but we will hold to them lightly, because they are merely the “container” in which our worship is held as we “pour it out” to the Lord. Let’s remember that true worship is not about how, when, or where, it’s about WHO—Jesus! As we worship Him, our worship becomes real and vital!