Daily Devotional Guide
Consider these questions to enrich the message on 9.12.10 SERVANTS OF JOY
Joy's Address
Day 1 What is the only command in the familiar passage John 15:1-10? What relevance would you say this teaching has for those of us who want to serve God? According to the text, what was Jesus' aim in sharing this teaching with his disciples (see verse 11)? Think about one of the last times you acted as a servant of God. Rate your experience of joy in that act of service 1-10. How does your experience compare to what Jesus hopes for you as his servant? What would you change if you made significant progress in living as the follower Jesus describes?
Day 2 What is Joy's address according to John 12:26? What is the joyful one doing? Who is the joyful one with? Can God be with us (see Matt. 28:20) and yet we miss that joy that is always available to us? Explain. How did the father's older son do just that in the parable related in Luke 15:11-32? How or whe hav ryou been that way? What could you do not to miss the joy in your next opportunity as a servant of God? In what "next opportunity" could you intentionally open yourself to the joy of God with you? How will you do it?
Day 3 What awareness did Jesus himself say marked his every act of service (see John 5:17-20)? What effect do you think that would have on other would-be servants of God like you ad me? You may already be in the habit of praying before a meal. That's good. Concentrate on it being an awareness exercise in the next days. What other times could you habitually acknowledge God? Before you start your car? Before you do the first thing at work? Before any appointment? Before walking in the house after a day's activity? Before leaving your dorm room? Before__________?
Day 4 What joy did the "goats" miss of Matthew 25:31-46? What joy did the "sheep" miss of Matthew 25:31-46? What opportunity are you seizing to do for others in order to bless your Lord and Savior, Jesus? Note that Jesus' words were not, "those who were sick, you healed" or "those who were in prison you emancipated." Serving with acts of mercy or kindness are usually simple, doable things. You visit. You offer something to drink. You deliver the pot roast. You send the card. You notice and respond as you can. Determine to do a simple thing each day just to soak in the joy of your Master. What did those miss who did even greater things in Jesus' name (see Matthew 7:20-23)? How will you do what you are already doing for your Lord in ways that tap into the joy of them being a fellowship opportunity with the living Christ?
Day 5 What did the faithful servants of the parable told by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30 enter into? If a faithful servant knows what's coming, how do you think that affects him/her as they anticipate it? How did it affect God's servants in Acts 5:38-41? Do you know this anticipatory joy? Why or why not?
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