21 Days of Prayer
The Final Day: 21 • Jordan
Keep On Looking
We did it! 21 days of praying and devoting together! What a blessing and a privilege it has been to continue in this as a whole church fellowship. What do you do now? Keep on looking! Do you see the fruit of setting time aside for Jesus? Do you feel the unity within your family growing as you have led them these 21 days to look to Jesus? Keep it up! Don’t stop! Continue going and seeking Jesus hard together until the day we get to be with Him.
Scripture
Rev 22:1-NIV Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Questions
What has been the biggest lesson or Word God has spoken to you?
Are there habits you have been walking in that you think you should keep doing?
Perhaps there are things you weren’t doing that you should keep not doing?
21 DAYS SCHEDULE
TONIGHT 8/28
Join us at 6:30 for the final night of the 21 Days of Prayer for dedicated worship & prayer in the Chapel Room.
PAST DAYS
Day 20 • Randall
Rooted
We endure best when we are well rooted. How do roots provide support in a storm? How do roots provide sustenance? How do roots enable us to bear fruit? What can we do to grow strong roots?
Let’s continue our 21 days of prayer by hearing the Word and meditating on it, trusting Jesus to give us understanding.
Scripture
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Ephesians 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…
Colossians 2:7
…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Ephesians 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love…
Colossians 2:7
…rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Day 19 • Brett
Hope
Joy and hope are sometimes difficult concepts. How is joy different than happiness? How are we supposed to reasonably have hope for the future when everything is so obviously going downhill? Peter answers this by way of two incredible letters, written to encourage a group of Christians suffering terribly for the faith. He begins, as Jesus often did, with a summary:
“Blessed be God, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God.
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:3, 4, & 13, slightly paraphrased).
Peter’s instruction, which bookends his letters, is simple: have an eternal perspective. Our hope is never to be set in this world, or any goal or desire here. Our ultimate reward and victory was never going to be now. Our hope is fully rested on the grace of God that will be brought at His coming, in the millions, billions, gazillions of years yet to come.
Thus, we know unassailable hope: absolute confidence in what God has in the future. And we know joy: our glad peace in response to this certainty. Sicky gnar gnar.
Scripture
I John 3:1-3
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?
I John 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD [is] the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Questions
How does having your whole hope set on Christ’s coming affect what you value today?
So, how is joy different than happiness?
Extra credit, if you have time: Read I Peter 1 and II Peter 3, the bookend chapters! Do you see this main theme? How do they speak to you?
Day 18 • Brett
Planted
Often, a new believer’s developing walk with Christ follows the pattern of Israel at the Exodus. Through some means, they came to a flashpoint where they decided to put their faith in Christ – the waters parted, and they passed through into salvation. It’s emotional, powerful, dramatic, obvious, life-changing – everything is different and new! And the season after can be so very sweet, with a hunger for the Word and the voice of God.
And then God led Israel into the wilderness. They grew hungry. For the new believer, the feelings and obvious voice of God seem to fade some, and the difficulties of life seem bigger and trust in God harder. Why? What is God doing?
Well, He then began to feed Israel manna. Every morning, they would find this food on the ground, and every night any manna left over would go bad; Israel had to lay down their heads in trust that God would provide again in the morning. And He did! Every time.
And He guided them by a cloud, and by a fire. Off in the distance, but consistent. And they learned to set their direction not by their goal, or any map, but simply oriented at Him.
So is that season. The new believer’s old foundation in the world has been destroyed, a new foundation in Christ laid, but God carefully takes the time to make sure that foundation is not an event or an emotion, but a relationship with God and a trust in His words. The manna? The Word. The orientation? Looking unto Jesus.
And so we should continue learning to be planted in in the Word of God, a lesson that continues for the rest of our lives across all the various squares of our heart, leading ever more to relationship with God, solid peace from trust, and security in God’s Words.
Plant yourself in the Word.
Scripture
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Questions
What does God’s Word tell you about God & His power?What does God’s Word tell you about God’s knowledge?
What does God’s Word tell you about God’s wisdom?
What does God’s Word tell you about God’s view of you?
What do you think God is calling you to believe Him about lately? What verses apply to that idea? Memorize a few 🙂
Day 17 • Brandon
You Have Not Out-Sinned The Cross
Have you ever made a promise to God to stop something, only to do it again in a few hours or days? I think we have all been there as believers. I just want you to be reminded that as a believer your position in Jesus never changes. You can not ever out-sin the cross.
Think of this way. If you have ever bought a used car you may have gotten the Carfax. This is a report of all the wrecks and repairs that have been reported on that vehicle. If you find something bad on the Carfax you may not buy the car. Well, the Word lets us know that Jesus is still buying no matter what He sees on our report. God loves you right where you are at – but He also loves you enough not to leave you there. Let your heart be encouraged that there is nothing that can separate you from His love.
Scripture
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Questions
Is there anything holding you back in running hard after Jesus?
What is the danger in thinking you are not good enough for God?
Is it bad to make promises to God?
Day 16 • Wes
Stand
The Battle Belongs To The Lord!
We are to stand in the Lord, in His Strength and Might! We fight from victory. When Jesus cried out at the cross “It is finished” that was a battle cry of victory. We can pray and put on our daily armor to stand boldly in Christ our victor!
Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 1:19
And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength
Joshua 1:6-9
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 1:19
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Joshua 1:6-9
“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Romans 8:37-39
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Questions
Why is each part of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:14-18 important? How do we see Jesus in each?
Day 15 • Wes
Abide
(Read John 15:1-8) What an amazing picture of what it means to abide! The branch draws its stability and life from the Vine as we draw ours from Jesus. Abide means to stay, reman as one, continue, endure, dwell, and be present. Oh, to truly remain resting, looking to Jesus and His complete work of the cross and resurrection, as He bears fruit through our lives!
Scripture
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
John 12:24
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Romans 7:4
So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every [branch] that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
John 12:24
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another–to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.
Questions
Jesus said apart from Him we can do nothing. How do we let His life live through us? Is there things that need to be pruned in our lives, like weights or sins (Heb 12:1)?
Day 14 • Jordan
Endurance & Perspective
We are 14 days into our time of prayer and fasting. Perhaps we need some endurance! We know that it is God who will supply it on our behalf. Let’s trust Him to continue to move in our lives and cause us to know Him and love Him more! Remember that we are called to know Him and to make Him known.
Scripture
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 8:2
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
II Peter 1:5-11
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:3-5
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
II Peter 1:5-11
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Questions
What has been the hardest part of the 14 days of prayer so far? What has been a joy to do during this time?
Day 13 • Paul
Gentleness & Faithfulness
The word for gentleness (praotes in Greek) is difficult to find an exact English equivalent for. It can mean being submissive to the will of God. Or being teachable. Or being considerate. Aristotle defines it as “the midpoint between excessive anger and excessive angerlessness”. Overall it implies a humility that is not weak in power, but is able to show just the right authority, grace, will and yieldedness for each situation. It is never out of control. A Clydesdale work-horse can be this gentle: it’s tamed, under control and teachable, but it can give immense power as the master wills for it for the needed situation. Jesus showed gentleness when He forgave the woman caught in adultery in John 8 and when He drove out the money changers in the Temple with a whip. He was never out of control, but showed the right heart and authority for the given situation.
Scripture
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
I Thessalonians 4:1-7
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…
I Thessalonians 4:1-7
Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
Questions
Are you known to be a person under control and showing the gentleness of the Spirit for the situations of your life? Are you frequently out of control showing hostility or power under constraint to the people around you?
Day 12 • Paul
Kindness & Goodness
The Father has shown us His kindness as Titus says by the appearing of Jesus. To see Jesus is to see the expression of God’s kindness to us. It says in Ephesians 2:7 that God is will use all eternity to show us the greatness of His grace by the kindness He will continue to show us. Life and this world can be unkind, but know that God’s heart is tenderness and kindness to you. Kindness reveals His grace (unmerited favor) to us, especially when we see Jesus.
Scripture
Psalms 143:9
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.
Titus 3:4
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared…
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Romans 12:4
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…
II Peter 1:5-11
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Psalm 143:9
Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.
Titus 3:4
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared…
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Romans 12:4
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…
II Peter 1:5-11
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Questions
Since the Lord is kind to us, and it reveals His grace, how can we show kindness to the people around us? Do we only show it when others are kind to us? What are some practical ways we can show kindness to people around us?
Day 10 • Randall
Peace
We look to Jesus for peace. He Himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14). His peace, which is beyond our understanding, guards our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:5-7).
Let’s continue our 21 days of prayer by staying our minds on God, and trusting Him to keep us in perfect peace.
Scripture
For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast on You,
because they trust in You.
Phil 4:5-7
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Phil 4:5-7
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Questions
How can we experience more of this peace?
What does Is. 26:3 tell us is the result of trusting in the Lord?
How do we keep our mind stayed on Him?
Day 9 • Randall
Joy
We look to Jesus for Joy, the second fruit of the Holy Spirit! Jesus experienced Joy even as He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). How is that possible? How could He see grace at work, even in His own pain and death? Jesus wants His joy to remain in us and He desires that our joy be full (John 15:11)!
Let’s continue our 21 days of prayer by asking God to reveal more of His grace in our lives so that we can rejoice in Him, in our good times and in our challenging times.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:2
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 15:11
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Questions
How do we experience more of Jesus’ joy in our lives?
Day 8 • Tracy
Love
Jesus is more than our Substitutionary Sacrifice, He is also our example for how to live in this life. And the Gospel has now reclaimed our ability to be the image-bearers of God which sin took from us. Remember, Christ is not just an outward example to watch and imitate, but the inward power we need to love as He has loved us!
Scripture
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Romans 5:6-8
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I Corinthians 13
Read online here
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Romans 5:6-8
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
I Corinthians 13
Read online here
Questions
How has God loved us first? Discuss how the attributes of God can be found in the 1 Cor. 13 “love” passage.
When did God love us (Rom. 5:6-8) and how does it guide us in how we are to love others?
How does the Gal. 5 passage help us when it’s hard to love like this?
Day 7 • Jordan
Baptism & Fruit of the Spirit
With God, all things are possible. God, in His abundant wisdom has chosen to indwell His people when they are born again. If you are saved, God lives in you, you are His temple. God also promises to empower us in a special way to accomplish His will in our lives.
Scripture
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Questions
What do you find most amazing about the fact that God lives in us? After reading the Word, what would you say is the key to living out a surrendered and useful life?
Day 6 • Tracy
Cease From Works
In order to find the rest which God has provided for us, we must stop striving for it. In order to reap the full benefit from God’s work on the Cross, we must cease from our working. Salvation is not “by works of righteousness which we have done’, but “according to His mercy”. It is only by our firm belief in what God has promised will we be “established”, and “prosper” in the salvation which He has provided.
Scripture
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
2 Chronicles 20:18-20
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
Hebrews 4:9-10
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
2 Chronicles 20:18-20
And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
Questions
Why do you think God made salvation by grace alone through faith alone?
Describe what this “rest” means to you.
Why did they worship in 2 Chon 20 (see v.17-20) How does all of this lead us to worship?
Day 5 • Jason
Biblical Accountability
Biblical accountability is crucial in the life of a believer and in the health of the church. There is healing and restoration when we confess our sins to one another and ask for God’s forgiveness and strength to live righteously. Consider finding an accountability partner and pray for one another regularly.
Scripture
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Matthew 18:15-19
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Proverbs 27:6 & 17
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Matthew 18:15-19
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
Proverbs 27:6 & 17
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Questions
Do you have an accountability partner? Who do you have in your life that holds you accountable and sharpens your life to make you more like Jesus Christ?
According to Matthew 18, is there someone you need to go to one and one and seek reconciliation? Have you sinned against someone else and need to go and apologize to them to make things right?
Day 4 • Jason
The Confession of Sin
To have a close and intimate relationship with God, it is important that we confess our sins to Him often and ask for His forgiveness whenever we sin against Him and others. Having a pure heart before God involves confessing our sins, repenting of them, and returning to putting God first in our lives.
Scripture
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 51:10-13,17
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
I John 1:9-2:2
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 51:10-13,17
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
I John 1:9-2:2
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Questions
What are some sins that you need to confess to God and repent of today?
What sins are hurting your progress in your Christian walk and what sins are hurting the lives of others around you?
Are there people you have wronged? Have you asked for their forgiveness and gone to make things right with them?
Day 3 • Jason
The Preeminence of Christ
Jesus is the firstborn of all creation meaning He was before all created things and all things were made through and for Him. Jesus was not created, but rather He is supreme and transcendent over all created things. Jesus is I AM, the ever existent One, in Who all things consist. We are complete and whole through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As we look to Jesus, place Him as supreme and first in your heart, life, schedule, and family! Give Jesus His rightful place in your heart and home!
Scripture
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Questions
How do you place Jesus as preeminent and supreme in your heart and life?
How do you find yourself complete and full through your personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
What are some things you need to change and do today to put Him first and to be complete in Him?
Day 2 • Jordan
The Author & Finisher of Our Faith
Jesus has created and will finish your faith. Think of His power and majesty and then the fact that He made your faith and not only that but HE will finish it. It means that He is awesome and you can rest! It is one of the many reasons that we look to Him. There is no one like Him!
Scripture
II Chronicles 20:6
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.”
John 1:1-6, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
II Chronicles 20:6
“O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?”
John 1:1-6, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend [overcome] it.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Questions
After reading the Word, how is your faith encouraged by knowing God is the one who is author? How can you live different knowing who He is and His power?
Day 1 • Aug 8
Looking Unto Jesus
We set the theme for our three weeks on a simple idea: the foundational act of a life of faith is looking unto Jesus. We pursue, above all, not the will of God, or the works of God, but the face of God – to know and love Him, and then to serve Him.
Let’s start our 21 days of prayer by setting our hearts simply on looking unto Jesus, and asking Him to meet with us.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Colossians 3:1-3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
II Chronicles 20:12
“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Colossians 3:1-3
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
II Chronicles 20:12
“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Questions
We can’t literally look at Jesus. Not yet, anyway. So what does it look like to live life “looking unto Jesus”?
What’s different between a life that pursues the face of God above all, and one that pursues the works of God above all?
Day 0 • Aug 7
A Pattern for Pursuing Jesus for 21 Days
We know that God answers prayer, and that His Word never returns void. We’ve been through a big transition as a body and are in the first steps of what God is doing next; it’s the perfect time to depend on these promises. Let’s take twenty-one days to simply seek the face of God, knowing “He will be found”.
Grab your family, read the short devo and Scriptures, and think and talk and pray on it together! There’s a new one here every day, but no one’s checking; enjoy Jesus!
Scripture
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Questions
There will be questions here! Feel free to use them in your discussion, or take it whatever direction you want.