40 Days of Commitment
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of March 30, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 NLT
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, all mission work begins with following Jesus’ commands. I thank You that in today’s Scripture the command the disciples followed was simple: going to a mountain to meet Jesus. That encourages me, because I can do simple things like that. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that when I do my part, Your Spirit working in my will cause others to see that they, too, can follow You! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. NLT
What do you see that’s out of the ordinary about this Scripture?
What does a passage like this call YOU to do?
Today’s Challenge: I will do the simple things today that show my love and obedience for Jesus!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I read that some of the disciples doubted that Jesus was alive when they saw Him with their own two eyes, it reminds me that even with first person evidence faith is still necessary for us to follow You. Give me a fresh anointing of Your Holy Spirit that I may live with bold and confident faith in You today and follow where You lead! This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. NLT
Why do you think some of the disciples doubted?
What doubts do you need to overcome in order to serve Jesus fully today?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust in Jesus and so overcome my doubts!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for coming into the world to rescue us from sin! Thank You that Jesus held ALL authority in heaven and on earth, and that He used that authority not for His own selfish gain, but to empower us to live faithful lives, and to use us to bring others into Your Kingdom. Glorify Yourself in my life today! This I pray in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. NLT
Who gave Jesus the authority?
What benefit is there to us in knowing that Jesus holds ALL authority?
Today’s Challenge: I will live under the authority of Jesus today!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, let me be a bold worker for You! Fill me with Your Oly Spirit that I may think, speak and act in a manner that glorifies You. As I go about this day, show me the people with whom I need to speak, and the ones I need to serve to show them Your good news in practical ways. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, NLT
Which of the commands in the Great Commission is the most important? Why?
What part of the Great Commission do you find the hardest to live out in daily life? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will do my part in making disciples of all nations by witnessing faithfully to Jesus where He puts me each day!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, obedience has always been the litmus test of our love for You! From your command to Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, until our time when You call us to love You with all of our hearts, souls and minds and to love our neighbors as ourselves, Your command and desire is for us to obey You. God let me love You enough that I will trust You enough to obey You today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. NLT
Why must we not only teach people Jesus’ commands, but teach them to OBEY His commands as well?
How are you doing at teaching others to obey Jesus’ commands?
Today’s Challenge: I will teach others, starting with my family to obey Jesus commands!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Jesus’ assurance that He is always with us! I pray that by Your Holy Spirit, I will have an extra measure of assurance that You are with me. Give me boldness to stand up and speak up for you in every arena of life today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” NLT
What assurance does this statement of Jesus give you as you serve Him today?
What does this statement do for your motivation to serve Jesus? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the assurance of Jesus’ presence 24/7!