What is one small way you like to show someone you care about them?
What helps a friendship or family bond grow stronger over time?
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
What might loving God with all you are look like right now for you?
John 6:35 (NLT)
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
What have you learned about God or what he has done that makes you want to know him more?
Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
This is no big secret, is it? Of course, all of us know that being in the WORD will help cultivate a real passion for God. Often, though, reading the Bible feels more like an obligation than a privilege. What could help Bible reading feel more like listening to God rather than checking off a task?
What might honest prayer look like on an ordinary day, not only when you need help? What could help make it part of your life?
Matthew 6:21 (NLT)
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
What do our time and attention show we value? What kinds of things crowd out time with Jesus?
God’s Revelation message to the church at Ephesus included this complaint:
Revelation 2:4–5 (NLT)
“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
Is it possible that he feels that way about us as well?
If someone feels distant from God, what simple practices might help them turn back toward him?
What is one small step you could take this week—through prayer, Scripture, a needed change, or an act of care—to know and love Jesus more, not just seek his gifts?