Week of July 16, 2023
Monday | Luke 13:18-30
In this passage, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast. Oftentimes, God's work begins with seemingly small things that grow through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an encouragement to us that God can use the things we do and say to create a big impact on the Kingdom of God. How has God worked through something small in a big way in your life? Why is it significant that the Kingdom depends not on our "bigness", but on God's power? What is the "mustard seed" that God is calling you to plant so that He can grow it?
Tuesday | Luke 13:31-35
We see in this passage that Jesus is in danger from Herod and the Pharisees. Yet, He is confident in God's plan. Jesus responds to their threats in faith that God's will would be done! What is your response to threats and stressors in your life? Do you find it easy or hard to trust in God's plan when things don't go your way? What would it look like for you to trust in Him in a new way this week?
Wednesday | Ezekiel 17:22-24
These verses remind us that God has a plan and always follows through on His promises. It describes God planting a shoot and it growing to bear much fruit. This metaphor is used to describe God's plans for Israel and how its future fruitfulness is found in God alone. How can this concept be applied to the Christian church? How can this concept be applied to your own life? Where has God planted you, and what fruit of the Kingdom is He calling you to bear?
Thursday | Luke 4:42-44 & 10:8-12
In the first passage, Jesus says that the reason He was sent is to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God. In the second passage, we see instructions for believers to proclaim the Kingdom to the people around us. What does it look like in today's world to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God? Is that something that comes easily for you, or is it more difficult? What is one next step you can take this week to proclaim God's Kingdom?
Friday | Romans 14:13-19 & 1 Corinthians 4:19-20
These verses give us some basic instructions on how to live as a part of God's Kingdom while here on earth. Out of all the instructions, which one stands out to you the most? How can you apply these ways of living to your own life? We read that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. Sometimes we can be "all talk", but the Kingdom of God is different—it has a genuine impact. How can we as a Christian church make it a priority to display the power of God rather than just talking about it? How can you do the same in your own life?
