Be Devoted October 5-11--Read Scripture with us!

Topic: Spiritual Disciplines, or, Strengthening the Muscles of Faith

Monday: Fasting--Luke 3:37 and 5:33, Acts 13:1-4 and 14:23, Deuteronomy 9:15-18
Fasting is a way that people for ages have prepared to come before the Lord in prayer. Have you ever fasted? What would be some ways that something like fasting could be important for you to draw close do God? Why would anyone do this? Think about a time during the week you could fast one meal and use that time to pray.

Tuesday: Another look at Fasting—1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Fasting doesn’t have to be just abstaining from food. This example shows a way a married couple can grow in their relationship with God together. For teenagers, fasting from tv or video games and spending that time in prayer can be valuable spiritually as well. What is something you could give up to spend some more time with the Lord and focusing on your spiritual life?

Wednesday: Holding Vigil—Mark 14:32-42
Sometimes prayer happens when we least anticipate it. Sometimes big things keep us up during the night. Jesus prayed all night on several occasions, keeping vigil while praying to his Father. Staying up all night in worship and/or prayer is called keeping vigil. Times of prayer when the world is asleep is very special, especially in times of great need. What would you stay up all night to pray for?

Thursday: Reading Scripture
As we discussed before, reading the Bible is a great way to draw close to God. Pick anywhere you want to read in the Bible today. Let the Spirit lead. If you aren’t sure where to go, pick something you read last week like Genesis 1 or Psalm 1. Do you hear anything from God? If you don’t, what would you like to hear? What do you need from the Lord today? God’s Holy Spirit will be with you as you pray for what you need.

Friday: Giving—Mark 12:38-44
Every Sunday in church we take up an offering that supports the ministry of our whole congregation. Giving money is a way to be disciplined and grow in obedience to God. Also, it is a way to show your support for the work of the whole church. Read this story and see what God is asking you to give. It may be money to the church or a mission you would like to support, or if you don’t have money, God might be showing you another way to give. And think about the widow—what is her (and your) motivation to give?

Saturday: Serving others, especially the poor and needy—Luke 10:25-37, James 1:27
The parable of the Good Samaritan shows us that God wants us to serve others by taking care of their needs when they are helpless. How is God calling you to do the same?

Sunday: Worship—John 4:7-29 (especially 21-24)
The entire book of Leviticus and most of Deuteronomy details the law of Israel that God gave them—and this law was the idea that worshiping the Lord God (Yahweh) was the most special thing in the world. As Christians we worship the risen Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. What do these words of Jesus say to you about your own times of worship?