MONDAY
Jonah was sent on a mission that told a bigger story about who God is. Likewise, God can use your life and everyday footsteps to point people to a bigger story of grace, hope, redemption, and love. As you walk about today, make intentional stops along the way and pray for the people around you to see Jesus in and through you. Read over Psalm 86:11 today and reflect on God’s faithfulness as you believe Him for bigger things in the world around you. Walk confidently through the day, knowing that God is, has always been and always will be FOR you and others!
TUESDAY
The portrait of God in Jonah is closer to what God is like, in that God does not rejoice in wiping people out, but desires to commune with people of every tribe and nation. Take a moment today to think of a specific spot on the globe outside of the United States. It could be a town, city, a country, or a whole continent. Read over 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and reflect on that spot that you chose. Make some time today to spend in focused prayer over that location and seek God for the people in that land. Pray for the local leaders and people in that area to be open to hearing and understanding the Good News of Jesus Christ.
WEDNESDAY
Our diverse Bible demands we employ wisdom when we read it. It keeps reminding us that we too need to accept our sacred responsibility to sense how God is present in our here and now. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God to reveal His truth every step of the way. Write down some questions you have about who God is and what He is like. Then, go to the Lord in prayer and ask for wisdom. Take some time this week to sit down with a trusted friend or mentor and also present those questions to them and encourage them to pray for you as you seek wisdom to know God more.
THURSDAY
The story of Jonah reflects the heart of a compassionate God who wants to extend hope and healing to a people lost in a broken world. He is continually leading us to reconciliation and redemption when we find ourselves lost in hopelessness and defeat. Is there a situation you’re facing right now where you don’t see any path towards redemption? Read over and pray through the scriptures found in Psalm 145:8-9. Allow yourself to receive and walk in God’s great love. Write down some ways that God has proven himself to be faithful in your life and place that list in a spot where you can review it over and over again.
FRIDAY
Throughout our lives, we need to continually allow ourselves to imagine and re-imagine what God is like. Though He never changes, our seasons and stages of life do change and allow us to turn the diamond of God’s truth to see another facet that will help us embrace His love and follow in His footsteps in a greater way. As you reflect on Ephesians 3:14-21 today, take time out to kneel and pray through that passage for yourself and the others that you encounter today or over the weekend. Encourage someone else today with the hope and truths of that passage!
TALK IT OVER
- What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
- What was the worst vacation you’ve ever been on?
- If you were trapped inside the belly of a whale and could only have 3 items with you while you’re in there, what would they be?
- Share about a time that you were in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation and God made a way for redemption/rescue when there seemed to be no way out.
- The story of Jonah challenged the people of ancient Israel to ask themselves: What is God like? So, for you, what is God like?
- How do you see the fruits of the Spirit growing in your own life?
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