Sitting with Jesus - 7 Day Devotional
Wrap up 2021 by following the “Sitting with Jesus" 7 day devotional by Pastor Matt Doan.
Sunday, December 26
The story of Mary & Martha’s dinner with Jesus
Read: Read Luke 10:38-42
Reflect: Is my service for God enhancing or interfering with my relationship with Jesus?
Respond: Calendar some specific times in this coming week where you will sit with Jesus
Pray: Thank God for coming into our world to “sit” with us (Immanuel, “God with us!”). Ask the Lord to give you time to sit with Him this week and simply enjoy your relationship with Him.
Monday, December 27
Jesus’ invitation to the weary
Read: Matthew 11:28-30
Reflect: What is making you weary this Christmas season? What burdens do you need to bring to Jesus?
Respond: Grab a piece of paper and write out the circumstances you need Jesus to provide you rest in/from.
Pray: Ask God to grow you in your confidence to come to Him with your burdens. Ask Him to help you see Jesus as the One you can find true rest in.
Tuesday, December 28
Jesus is the Bread of Life
Read: John 8:35
Reflect: Christmas time is a fun time to bake (and eat!) special cookies and breads. Jesus calls Himself the “bread of life.” How does Jesus satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst?
Respond: Go eat a piece of toast or cracker from the kitchen and spend time thanking Jesus for being our “bread of life.”
Pray: Confess times this year that you have looked to other things to satisfy what only Jesus can satisfy. Ask the Lord to forgive you and renew your spiritual appetite for Him.
Wednesday, December 29
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Read: John 10:1-18
Reflect: You may not be too familiar with sheep and shepherding, but how does it comfort you to hear that Jesus calls Himself, the “Good Shepherd?” Jesus says that He knows His sheep and the sheep know Him. How does it comfort you to know that Jesus knows you?
Respond: How have you gotten to know Jesus in 2021? Say out loud some of the attributes and qualities of Jesus that you have gotten to know or be reminded of this year.
Pray: Thank God for providing you with a good shepherd. Ask the Lord for a growing heart to follow your good shepherd where He leads you.
Thursday, December 30
Jesus Calls You to Follow Him
Read: Matthew 4:18-22
Reflect: How did Peter, Andrew, James and John respond to Jesus’ calling? When did Jesus first call you to follow Him? Was your response immediate or did it take time to say yes to Jesus’ calling?
Respond: Write out your story of deciding to follow Jesus. Look for an opportunity to share your story with someone today.
Pray: Thank God for calling you to follow Jesus. Ask God for opportunities to share your story with others. Ask God How He may be calling you to serve Him in 2022.
Friday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve!)
Jesus’ Throne of Grace
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
Reflect: As you look back on 2021, when and how did you experience the grace and mercy of Jesus?
Respond: If you are able, get on your knees as an act of humility and reverence and picture yourself before the graceful throne of Jesus, receiving his mercy.
Pray: Thank God for his overflowing grace in your life. Ask the Lord to give you the strength to demonstrate God’s grace to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors.
Saturday, January 1 (New Year’s Day!)
Jesus Hold All Things Together
Read: Read Colossians 1:15-20
Reflect: What a passage to read to begin 2022! Jesus “holds all things together.” How does this truth encourage you as you begin a new year?
Respond: Make a list of the truths about Jesus that you see listed in Colossians 1:15-20. Circle the ones that have particular meaning to you right now.
Pray: Ask God to make these truths about Jesus from Colossians 1, not only things that reach your mind, but also shape your heart and how you live in 2022.