Follow Me | Discipleship: Character | Devotionals
Day 1: The Source of Our Values
Devotional
In today's world, many believe that values are personal and subjective, something we can invent for ourselves. However, Jesus teaches us that true values are grounded in God's Word. These values are not just personal preferences but universal truths that guide our lives. When we align our values with God's Word, we find purpose and direction. Reflect on where your values come from and how they align with Jesus' teachings.
Bible Verse: 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' - Matthew 22:37
Reflection Question: Where do your values come from, and how do they align with the teachings of Jesus?
Quote: "Modern people believe they can invent their own values. It really gets down to this question. Where do values come from?"
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand that true values come from You. Guide me to align my values with Your Word and live a life that reflects Your teachings. Amen.
Day 2: The Greatest Commandments
Devotional
Jesus summarized the essence of godly values in two commandments: loving God and loving others. These commandments are the foundation of all moral and ethical teachings. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill God's law. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to act in ways that honor God and serve others.
Bible Verse: And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' - Matthew 22:39
Reflection Question: How can you demonstrate your love for God and others in your daily actions?
Quote: "Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to love my neighbors as myself. Help me to live out these commandments in my daily life. Amen.
Day 3: Obedience Through Love
Devotional
Obedience to God's commandments is a way to show our love for Him. When we love someone, we naturally want to please them and follow their guidance. Similarly, our obedience to God should stem from our love for Him. This love-driven obedience transforms our character and aligns our actions with God's will. Reflect on how your love for God influences your obedience to His commandments.
Bible Verse: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." - Romans 12:1
Reflection Question: In what ways does your love for God influence your obedience to His commandments?
Quote: "Obedience is founded on love. You obey the ones you love. Because you want to. You have a desire to please them, or to care for them, or to adore them, or simply to enjoy them."
Prayer: Lord, help me to obey Your commandments out of love for You. Transform my heart and actions to reflect Your will. Amen.
Day 4: Avoiding Worldly Distractions
Devotional
In our journey of faith, it's easy to get distracted by worldly desires and temptations. These distractions can lead us away from God's path. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate life's challenges and avoid falling into traps. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Focus on Him and let His teachings guide you through difficult times.
Bible Verse: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Reflection Question: What worldly distractions are keeping you from focusing on Jesus, and how can you overcome them?
Quote: "Keep my eyes on you or I'm going to hit some trees. And if you're in here this morning, you've hit some trees, there's recovery for you, there's grace for you, but the encouragement to you is keep your eyes on Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and avoid the distractions of this world. Guide me to follow Your path and live according to Your will. Amen.
Day 5: Taking Responsibility for Your Beliefs
Devotional
As we focus on Jesus and align our values with His teachings, we are transformed into His likeness. This transformation is a work that God does in us, shaping our character to reflect His. By valuing what Jesus values and living according to His commandments, we grow in godly character and faith. Reflect on how you can allow God to transform you into the likeness of Christ.
Bible Verse: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." - Matthew 22:37
Reflection Question: How can you allow God to transform you into the likeness of Christ in your daily life?
Quote: "As we are formed into his likeness, as we take on the attributes and the characteristics of Christ, as we value what he values, this is a work that he has to do in us."
Prayer: Lord, transform me into the likeness of Christ. Help me to value what He values and live according to His teachings. Amen.