I C U: 35 Days to Revive My Faith
Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus not only came to redeem us 2000 years ago, but every day pursues us - personally, persistently.
Over the next 5 weeks, we will take a few minutes every day to open the door again to the work of God in our lives.
Outside of the work on the cross and the empty tomb on the third day, God has given us another incredible gift: the gift of His word. It is through His word, the Bible, that God continues to speak, revive, and restore broken lives, dreams, and souls.
I invite you to set aside 15 minutes, 5 days a week to open the door again to the work of God.
Suggested daily outline: read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, pray, read the devotional, write a simple response to the devotional, and work on the weekly memory verse throughout the day ______
Week Five
Sermon -- Making the Broken Pieces Fit: Dinah
This week’s emphasis: Multiplying in Another (Coaching)
Day One
Read Luke 1:1-66
Elizabeth to Mary When you are “greatly troubled” do you have other believers you can open up to? Mary ran to Elizabeth, who was a truth teller in her life: “blessed are you!” Do you have someone in your life that can help you see the blessing through your troubles? It is important to find others who can lovingly walk through life with you, impart wisdom, truth, and remind you of God’s purpose and plan in your life, especially when you are under stress.
It takes risk. Mary, being miraculously pregnant and unwed, was in a risky position in that day and age. But she risked telling Elizabeth. And Elizabeth faithfully walked through it with her.
Additionally, can you be that reliable person for others? Your experience, time in the Word and your own walk with God can sharpen someone else. Look for ways you can open your life up to benefit and bless others - to speak truth and life into those around you.
Who are you?
Write down some names of those you can open your life to (like Mary did):
Write down who you can pour into and share your faith with (like Elizabeth did):
This week’s memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:2 Week Five
Sermon -- Making the Broken Pieces Fit: Dinah
This week’s emphasis: Multiplying in Another (Coaching)
Day Two
Read Philippians 2
Paul highlights the humility of Jesus and as we read through the chapter we see Paul modeling similar traits. Paul seems quite comfortable opening up about his own weaknesses, needs, and inviting others to help him. Sadly, as we grow in Christ, seeking to impact the world around us, we have a tendency to hide our weaknesses or diminish our own needs. However, it’s in our weakness that Christ is glorified. Diminishing or hiding weakness creates tremendous pressure on those we lead as they assume leaders no longer have vulnerabilities. The lack of perceived vulnerability is not only oppressive, it limits space for young leaders to come close, serve alongside and even grow.
Consider a need you have personally, or a need in your ministry. How could you invite a young leader in?
This week’s memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:2 Week Five
Sermon -- Making the Broken Pieces Fit: Dinah
This week’s emphasis: Multiplying in Another (Coaching)
Day Three
Read 2 Samuel 12
David strayed far from God’s intended purpose of his life. Fortunately, David had a friend named Nathan. As you read through this chapter consider the following questions:
Do you think it was a hard decision for Nathan to confront David? Why or why not? What was Nathan’s strategy in confronting his friend the king?
Who had the responsibility to “fix” the problem?
Read verse 25 again. Why do you think God sent Nathan the message to name the child?
Who around you needs a good friend today?
This week’s memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:2 Week Five
Sermon -- Making the Broken Pieces Fit: Dinah
This week’s emphasis: Multiplying in Another (Coaching)
Day Four
Read 1 Samuel 20
The friendship of Jonathan and David is a rich one. One of the many things that make this relationship so interesting is the selflessness of Jonathan. Jonathan is the favored and respected son of the king. David, is a threat to the king, the king’s dynasty, and most specifically to Jonathan. Yet, Jonathan recognizes the call of God on David’s life. Jonathan uses his place in life, position of leadership, and his influence to support this young and growing leader. In chapter 23, Jonathan will have an “I see in you” conversion with David: “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
Is there a leader that needs a selfless “I see in you” conversation this week?
Write their name. Come back later and write how the conversation went.
This week’s memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:2 Week Five
Sermon -- Making the Broken Pieces Fit: Dinah
This week’s emphasis: Multiplying in Another (Coaching)
Day Five
Read John 3
We see two beautiful examples of “passing the baton” in this passage. The first is Jesus meeting with Nicodemus, who has come to Jesus at night to ask the question his soul longs to answer, “How can one be born again?” Jesus passes the baton of the gospel to Nicodemus, while simultaneously showing us how to share the gospel with others.
The second example is of John the Baptist, who’s very ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus. As Jesus’s ministry grew, John’s joy was made complete. John gladly demonstrated passing the baton of ministry when he said, “He must be greater; I must become less.”
Discipleship often starts with us using our influence to teach others about Christ. But it should end with Christ being their ultimate influence, as we pass the baton. At this point, we can send them off to run their own race and make disciples. We will not always be with them, but Jesus will. The best thing we can do is to make Jesus greater, as we become less.
As you pour your life into others, how can you make sure the spotlight is on Jesus & off you?
In what ways has this passage shown you how to pass the baton?
This week’s memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:2