The apostle Paul encourages believers to, “be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:2-5 NRSV). The mind and attitude of Christ was revealed in Jesus’ actions and words, “I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will” (John 6:38 NLT).

 

Are you willing to surrender your will to fulfill God’s will?

 

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, words, and actions?

 

Are you looking to see and do what is in the best interest of others within God’s family, the church of Jesus Christ?

 

Are you regarding other Christians as better or more important than you?

 

Are you united with sisters and brothers in Christ by living in harmony as a faith family with one mind?

 

Is the love of God flowing in you and through you to Jesus’ disciples here and now?

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (8/23)

Today I am going to offer God _______________________________________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed _________________________________________________________________________.

 

This week memorize Jesus’ message from Luke 14:33 (NIV):

 

“Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

 

Monday (8/24)

Read Matthew 5:1-16 and pray in response to the verses.

 

 

Tuesday (8/25)

Read Jesus’ message to his disciples in John 15:18-27 and prayerfully wrestle with the questions below:

 

How do you honestly feel knowing that people may hate you because of your commitment to follow Christ?

 

In what ways do the love, acceptance and admiration of people drive your decisions and actions? Why?

 

 

Wednesday (8/26)

Read 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; and Romans 8:5-11 and pray in response to what you read.

 

 

Thursday (8/27)

Read Matthew 10:1-23 and prayerfully wrestle with the questions below:

 

Imagine if you were one of Jesus’ followers hearing his instructions recorded in Matthew 10. What would be going through your mind?

 

What would you want to ask or tell Jesus in response to his instructions and what you heard?

 

 

Friday (8/28)

Read Matthew 16:24-27 and pray in response to what you read.

 

You are invited to watch Woodlawn: ONE episode #3 on YouTube using the link below sometime this weekend or before your group session next week.

 

Woodlawn: ONE episode #3 – “Making a Difference”     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0nur9fxZ7E

 

 

Saturday (8/29)

Read Jesus’ message to the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 and prayerfully wrestle with the questions below:

 

Perhaps death is the biggest and the seemingly final cost of being a disciple of Jesus. How do you feel about death?

 

The apostle Paul wrote about victory in death in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55. It may seem very strange, but imagine that “VICTORIOUS” is etched on your tombstone. What would you want those closest to you to say about the word on your gravestone?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.