Picture Scripture - Body 5.1

Monday

Picture: Body (the Head/the mind)

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:16-18; Colossians 2:8-10; Romans 12:1-2;

1 Corinthians 2:16

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

Today’s focus is both on the Head and the mind. First think about the knowledge and power of a any king or president over his country and people. He is the head of state, but it is the people’s choice to follow his rule or to rebel. Likewise, Christ has sovereign control over each of His children individually and also His church collectively; however He gives each on of us a free will to make decision to obey or disobey His love-based rulership. Jesus, the Head and the perfect Ruler implores us to transform our minds to think like Him, and as a result, behave like Him.

When you make decisions, both small and big, do you take it to the Lord your Ruler in prayer? Explain a time in which you did or did not take this route.

Does God’s word dictate the things you say and do? Give an example in which a particular Bible verse (or biblically-based thought) came to mind and you choose to obey/disobey.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

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Friday, March 9, 2018
By Chris Baxter

Picture Scripture - Body 5.5

Friday

Picture: Body (a mouth to proclaim)

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-3; Acts 8:25-40; Romans 10:11-17

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

Close your eyes and see yourself explaining something to someone, whether it’s how to change a tire or how to fix a special recipe. In the same way, we have the great privilege of sharing the Good News of Christ. In the presence of one or many, we can praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives, and we can proclaim Him by speaking about His truths found in Scripture.

Did you come to know Christ through someone who shared the gospel with you? Explain.

How does this person and his or her witness challenge you?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

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Thursday, March 8, 2018
By Chris Baxter

Picture Scripture - Body 5.2

Tuesday

Picture: Body (a heart to beat)

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 32:38-41; Psalm 86:11-13

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

When the Bible speaks of “the heart” it encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and desires of an individual, not just his or her emotions. With this truth in mind, close your eyes and think of your own heart. Today’s focus is twofold: 1. the heart of man, left to himself, is deceitful, BUT, 2. we are not left without hope! God can transform any repentant heart into something beautiful. It is important to note, that when our individual hearts beat for Him, they collectively beat as one.

Do your thoughts, feelings, and desires line up with God’s thoughts, feelings, and desires found in His word? Explain.

What has God recently laid on your heart and how have you responded to His nudging?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

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Thursday, March 8, 2018
By Chris Baxter

Picture Scripture - Body 5.4

Thursday

Picture: Body (feet to walk)

Scripture: Acts 3:6-9: Ephesians 4:1-7; Colossians 1:9-12; Hebrews 12:1-3; Isaiah 52:7

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

Envision taking a long new and unfamiliar trail walk with a map in hand. The idea of course is stay on the trail and follow the directions to the final destination. Similarly, because of our faith in Christ, we “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The challenge is to resist our old life of the flesh. Every day, He has a path for us to follow in which His word is our guide and His Spirit is our help. He promises to be with us every twist and turn.

What are some recent praises or challenges in your faith walk?

Do you have a favorite life verse(s) and/or song(s) that helps your faith walk? Write them here and then consider sharing them with a friend who may need encouragement in his/her own walk.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.

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Thursday, March 8, 2018
By Chris Baxter

Picture Scripture - Body 5.3

Wednesday

Picture: Body (hands/gifts to serve)

Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-11; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Corinthians 12:11-20

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

Close your eyes and see someone serving in some way, whether it’s helping to build a building or volunteering at a nursing home or making a meal for a family in need. The focus today is using our many different gifts to be the “hands of Christ” in our service to the orphan, the widow, our neighbor, or anyone the Lord puts in our personal path. Quiet service might get overlooked by our culture, but it never gets overlooked by God. He is so pleased when we love one another through acts of mercy.

Can you recall a time when the body of Christ, whether it was one person or many, came to your side and served you in time of need? Explain.

 

Is there a specific people-group in which you feel God has called you to serve? What are ways in which you do so?

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Thursday, March 8, 2018
By Chris Baxter

Daily Prayer

The Seed

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.  Luke 8:11

Dear Lord,

You compare your word to a seed. A seed contains LIFE. May we consider your word in this same way...reading it, trusting it, obeying it...so we can have LIFE to the greatest measure.  Amen.