From Believers to Disciples
Friday, February 16, 2007
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for God’s special blessings on husbands and wives this week, and for the strengthening of families!
If you have a spouse, pray for him or her three times today – in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Pray for your family members twice today: at 9am and 9pm. (If you missed these times, select two that work for you!).
God’s Word Today
Since Sunday was a children and youth Sunday at New Life, we will be taking a break from a specific teaching Scripture. We are going to look at our hearts (Valentine’s Day is on February 14th in the U.S.A.) this week.
Luke 24:13-32, NIV
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
From today’s reading, what type of heart do believers have? (See verse 32).
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
God wants to set our hearts on fire. He wants to give us a burning passion in life. At times, we tend to go through the motions with no plan or purpose.
Many people are dealing with hearts that are breaking instead of hearts that are burning. In today’s Bible reading, two followers of Jesus are experiencing the first Easter Sunday – only they don’t know it! They were depressed, discouraged and disillusioned – heartbroken. Read verse 21 – some of the saddest words in the Bible.
What happens when hope dies?
What happens when we walk by sight and not by faith?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
Read verses 28-31. What takes place?
Disciples will invite Jesus to be with them as they journey each day. Disciples will recognize Jesus through thanksgiving and the breaking of bread (Lord’s Supper).
Heartbreak comes from walking by sight; “heart burn” comes from walking with Jesus. The source of a burning heart is a walk – prayer and Bible reading – with Jesus.
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
Helping hands and hearts full of love are needed to assist in rebuilding the Gulf area. Here is one mission to consider:
Hurricane Rita Recovery Teams – Mercy Ships
Hurricane Rita blew through southeast Texas a year ago September. The hurricane caused major damage to many homes. There is still a great deal of work to be done and teams of 2-30 are needed to work on the many projects. Mercy Ships (one of New Life’s partner missions) is serving with Rita Recovery, the on-site organization managing the reconstruction efforts in the Beaumont, Texas area. There are more than 800 uninsured/underinsured homes needing immediate attention. The work consists of repairing roofs and walls. Ken and Janet Winebark (New Life missionaries) invite anyone from New Life who would like to serve on a team, to contact them at 903-939-7111 or Janet at mercyteams@mercyships.org.
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
Growing and Going!
When John Wesley got past the law and began his personal relationship with Jesus, he said that his heart was “strangely warmed.” Later, when asked the secret of his ministry, he said “I ask God to set me on fire and let people watch me burn.” His whole life was one of “heart burn” – a burning heart for Jesus, a passion to live for Him. Are you ready to let people watch you burn?