40 Days of Commitment
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of March 2, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: 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, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we start a week of focusing on worship, I praise You that You are worthy of my worship and praise. I praise You that You are the one, true and living God and that as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You have shown me not only who You are, but why and how I am to worship You. May my life bring You glory today and everyday! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
19“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. John 4:19 NLT
Read John 4:1-18. Why did the woman think Jesus was a prophet?
What makes you think that Jesus is a prophet?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with the realization that Jesus IS not only a prophet, but the greatest of all prophets and that knowing Him and His will is the surest way for me to live today and tomorrow in victory!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that You have sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in me that I may worship You any time and any place. I pray that today, You will fill me afresh with Your Spirit that I may worship You fully and faithfully. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
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?” John 4:20
Why do you think the woman was so concerned about “where” to worship?
Do you think where a person worships is important? Why or why not?
Today’s Challenge: I will worship the Lord WHEREVER I am today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus made it clear that there was no longer going to be one, single place to worship You. I pray that I will take that truth to heart again today and worship You throughout the day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
21Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. John 4:21 NLT
Why did Jesus say a time was coming when it wouldn’t matter where a person worshiped?
Has that time come?
Today’s Challenge: I will worship God at home, school, work, the community—wherever I am!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that You established salvation through the Jews, and that You have opened the door to salvation for all people! I pray today that You will send out workers into Your harvest field that people of all nations may come to know Jesus! Use me as a worker today! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
22You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. John 4:22 NLT
Why did Jesus tell the woman that Samaritans didn’t know very much about the one they worshiped?
Why would he say that salvation comes through the Jews?
Today’s Challenge: I will worship God through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to worship You in Spirit and in truth today and always. Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit and let me worship You with all I am and all that I have. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
23But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. John 4:23 NLT
What does it mean to worship the Father in spirit and in truth?
Why does the Father need to look for people who will worship Him that way?
Today’s Challenge: I will worship God in Spirit and in truth!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that You are a Spirit. I know that You have come into my spirit by the Holy Spirit. I pray that I will live in such a way today that I will be a witness to those who don’t know You, that they may come to know You, too! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
24For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NLT
Why do you think Jesus repeated this point?
What is one way that you worship God in spirit and in truth?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in such a way as to demonstrate worship in spirit and in truth to others!