Transformation Journal. Carolyn Slaughter
While Jesus was on Earth he represented God's words, character, and work. Among Jesus' last instructions to his followers was the challenge to continue this work. Jesus also promised to empower his followers for serving beyond what even Jesus himself did, according to what you ask.
John 14:1-14
• What promises did Jesus give his followers in today's reading?
• Write a prayer naming which promise you need most today, and claim it with confidence!
tuesday
What Will Serving Jesus Require Of Me?
Jesus got a variety of responses to his invitation to follow him. Not everyone liked or accepted the cost involved in total commitment, yet Jesus commissioned seventy-two who were willing to be totally involved in his work of harvesting, healing, and spreading the gospel. The results of their serving were miraculous.
Luke 9:51–10:20
• How did Jesus respond to the excuses offered in Luke 9:57-62? To the rejection found in Luke 10:8-16?
• What excuse do you need to eliminate when it comes to serving others?
wednesday
Is Everyone Supposed To Be Involved In Service For Jesus?
The Holy Spirit gives supernatural abilities (spiritual gifts) to every follower of Jesus to do ministry. Each follower is uniquely gifted by God and is equally valuable in God's service. If God has equipped you for ministry, God will hold you accountable for managing your gifts wisely and using them cheerfully for God's purpose.
Romans 12:1-8 and 2 Timothy 2:20-26
• What do today's Scriptures say about how to prepare yourself for God's use in serving?
• According to the Timothy reading, what attitudes are the ones that please God as you serve?
thursday
How Did Jesus Define "Greatness"?
Even Jesus' closest companions didn't understand the selflessness required to complete Jesus' mission. True service is not about the benefits you receive or positioning yourself for greater power and influence. True service is about emptying yourself for others.
Matthew 20:20-28 and Philippians 2:3-11
• What lesson(s) from Jesus' response to the other ten disciples (Matthew 20:24-28) did James and John need to learn?
• In what particular situation do you need to choose humility and service over the desire to have power and control?
friday
What Mind- Set Does God Expect Me To Have While Serving?
When you name Jesus as Lord (absolute authority, Master), you acknowledge yourself as his servant. A servant's role is to obey the master; complete obedience is nothing out of the ordinary for a servant. Servants of Jesus do what the Master asks without complaint, and serve others as if serving him.
Luke 17:7-10 and Colossians 3:18–4:1
• Describe the mind-set for godly serving represented in these Scriptures. What challenges you?
• How could things be different today if you treated others the way you would treat Jesus?
saturday
What Problems Might I Face As A Result Of Serving Jesus?
In a world where the message of Jesus can be unpopular and divisive, Jesus' followers can expect conflict, even within their own families. Yet serving the least and the lost will bring Christ's followers great reward.
Matthew 5:38-41 and 10:32-42
• What do Jesus' followers (then and now) face as a result of serving him?
• Has your family been divided or united because of Jesus? Would your willingness to "go the second mile" to serve them help create unity?
sunday
What Does It Mean To Practice “Stewardship”?
Stewardship is the management of and accountability for something that belongs to someone else, especially the human management of God's resources. When Jesus left Earth, he entrusted us all with his mission and the resources to fulfill it. Your choices of what to do here and now must be done in light of Jesus' return and your accountability to God.
Luke 12:35-48
• What characterizes a good and faithful manager of God's resources (12:42-45)? What will be the good manager's reward?
• List those things you believe God has entrusted you personally to manage on God's behalf. How seriously are you taking these responsibilities?
monday
What Is The Connection Between The Ability To Handle Financial Responsibilities And The Ability To Handle Spiritual Responsibilities?
Integrity is a cornerstone of stewardship. One who is trustworthy and competent is promoted in the business world; those who have proved to be trustworthy in the spiritual arena are also given greater responsibility.
Luke 16:1-15
• In Matthew 16:13 Jesus named the tension between loving God and loving money. From verse 15, what is the outcome of loving money? Of loving God?
• Honoring God with your money and possessions demonstrates that you value true spiritual wealth. In what use of your money could you give God greater honor?
tuesday
What Am I Supposed To Do With God's Resources?
Jesus recognized that God's resources would be entrusted to a variety of people, representing different levels of commitment and willingness to follow through with their God-honoring use. Using your gifts, talents, financial resources, and time appropriately may be costly, but in the end it costs much more to choose not to obey.
Luke 19:1-27
• The third servant (verses 20-21) operated under a faulty perception of the master. How did that influence his actions and reward?
• In what way do you think your perception of God is influencing your investment of the talents and resources Jesus has given you? Which servant are you most like?
wednesday
How Can I Best Manage The Servant Responsibilities