Friday

Picture: Vessel (pouring out)

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Philippians 2:16-18

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

‍

‍

Meditate on the act of someone pouring refreshing purified water from a pitcher into several different drinking glasses. This idea illustrates God’s beautiful work being manifested through us towards others. As a Christian (like Paul in the above verses), we have a continual life-long privilege of filling up and then pouring out.

What are differing factors that might keep you from being a life-giving vessels to others?

‍

‍

In what way is God using you to be His vessel of sacrificial love: in your family, in your job, in your witness to the lost?

‍

‍

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

Tuesday

Picture: Sheep (downcast, dispirited)

Scripture: Psalm 38:6-10; Matthew 9:36; Psalm 42:5-11

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Read and meditate on this excerpt from Daily Bread: “In his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller gives a striking picture of the care and gentleness of a shepherd. In verse 3 when David says, “He restores my soul,” he uses language every shepherd would understand. Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a “cast down” position. When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium. What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.”

Have you ever been, or are you currently, downcast or dispirited? Explain.

Do you know others who are downcast? Write their names here and pray for them, as well as consider writing them an encouraging note.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Thursday

Picture: House (Rebuilder/ Restorer)

Scripture: Isaiah 57:14-15; Isaiah 58:12; Isaiah 61:4; Jeremiah 31:3-4; Ezekiel 36:33-36

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Visualize for a minute a house either being built or remolded. With this picture in mind, a message of hope comes to us. Not only do we have a Builder, we also have a Rebuilder. Sometimes the chaos of sin or circumstance enters and reeks havoc in our lives; BUT, no mess is too big for our Savior. He can redeem anything, causing all things to be even more beautiful than before.

Is there something that God has placed on your heart “to build” that is based on His foundational truths?

Is there a time in your life that you have experienced “beauty from ashes” due to God’s redeeming love? Explain.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Monday

Picture: Sheep (the Good Shepherd)

Scripture: Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; 1 Peter 5:7

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Imagine a modern day shepherd tending to his sheep. See him leading, protecting, grooming, and feeding all his sheep. Just as this guardian has many roles in caring for his flock, so does our Good Shepherd concerning His people.

In Psalm 23, what verse speaks to you most concerning the Lord as your Shepherd?

In what ways do you personally feel the Lord’s care for you in your current life circumstances?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Wednesday

Picture: Sheep (going astray, scattered)

Scripture: Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 119:176; Matthew 26:31; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Matthew 18:10-13

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Close your eyes and envision a sheep wandering off far away from the flock only to get caught on a dangerous sloping hillside. Now see the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit in both finding and rescuing this lost sheep. So often, we get ourselves into our self-created messes, but thankfully our Savior comes to the rescue when we cry out with a repentant heart.

In what way have you felt your Shepherd come to you rescue you from a precarious situation?

After your rescue by your Good Shepherd, what was your reaction?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

Friday

Picture: House (living with lights on!)

Scripture: Psalm 36:8-9; Psalm 40:8-10; Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Envision a house on a hilltop at night with all the lights on and many people visiting inside. Much like this picture, our faith in God is not only a strong refuge for us, but it is also a place for others to draw near so they can experience the light and love of Christ in the things we say and do.

What are reasons that might keep you from shining your light for Him (ex. busyness, fear, discomfort…)?

Who are some people in your daily life in which you want to shine your light for the Lord? Name them and write practical ways in which you can do so.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.