Day 32: Look In

Word:

When we say "Look Up" in discipleship, we mean helping disciples pursue a lifestyle of knowing and loving the Lord. When we say "Look In," we mean helping disciples pursue growth in Christlike character and love for others. This inward dimension of discipleship finds its foundation in three key passages: Mark 12:31, which calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves; Galatians 5:13-26, which illustrates how the Spirit produces Christlike fruit in our character; and John 13:12-16, which challenges us to follow Jesus' example of love in how we live our lives.

Scriptures For Today:

As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.

Mark 12.31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Galatians 5.13-26 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

John 13.12-16 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Worship:

Prayer:

Jesus, would You give me wisdom and grace to help the people I am discipling to grow in living and loving like You do! Help us to be more like You, Lord!

Listen & Obey:

Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Here are some prompts to assist you:

Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?

How do You want me to apply this truth today?

Who do I need to share this with today?