GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU AND YOURS TO HIM…
…WRITE IT DOWN!
BIBLE READINGS
Read the Bible together:
Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Sadly while God was faithful to his people the people seemed unable to stay faithful to the story of God’s Covenant. Many prophets were sent by God to note this point. (Isaiah 65: 1-3a, Jeremiah 11: 6-8a.) The amazing thing is that God has never abandoned the human race. Instead, as the prophet Jeremiah reminds us, God chose to begin a new Covenant Story with humankind. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31).
For reflection and discussion:
Tell a story of feeling abandoned by God and of recovering your experience of God’s presence.
Romans 2:17 – 24, Romans 3: 19-20
God sent Jesus to initiate a new Covenant relationship. This is no longer a Covenant based on knowledge of the law. Instead the new Covenant story is a relationship based on a willingness to get to know God through faith in Jesus.
For reflection and discussion:
Describe a moment when God closed one chapter in your life – to open a new one that was richer, deeper and more fulfilling.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Re-read the above passages by yourself and re-frame your life’s story.
QUESTIONS
- What do we learn about God in this story?
- What do you learn about people in this story?
- What application / adjustment do you need to make in your life due to the truth discovered in this story?
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Day 1 Matthew 5: 14-17 (NKJV)
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men and women, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
How is the story of your life reflecting the light of Jesus?
Day 2 Matthew 5: 21-24 (NKJV)
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother or sister without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother or sister, ‘Rascal!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to them, and then come and offer your gift.”
Who is in your life’s story that you need to forgive?
Day 3 Matthew 5: 33-37 (NKJV)
“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
Do you keep your promises?
Reflect on the Covenant Promise at the end of this booklet.
Day 4 Matthew 5: 38-39 (NKJV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
Rid your life’s story of the desire to take revenge.
Day 5 Matthew 5: 43-45 (NKJV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in heaven.
Identify people who have been ‘enemies’ to you.
Pray that God might bless them.
Day 6 Matthew 6:1-7 (NKJV)
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before people, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men and women. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret.”
The day will come when we will have to stand accountable to God for our actions and promises.
Are you ready?
Day 7 Matthew 6: 5-8. (NKJV)
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”
For thought: God is well pleased with you – and wants to bless you.
On Covenant Sunday we renew our Covenant with God! Are you ready? Please read the Covenant Prayer carefully so that you can commit to each line.
Lord God, Holy Father, since you have called us through Christ to share in this gracious Covenant, we take upon ourselves with joy the yoke of obedience and, for love of you, engage ourselves to seek and do your perfect will. We are no longer our own but yours.
Resources:
http://considerthegospel.org/blog www.dictionary.com
Google Images
Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible
Serendipity Bible Life
Application Study Bible
This book was produced and printed by the Grace of God, and with contributions from:
Pete Grassow – Editor, Nadja Atkinson – Writer, Kerry Wetton – Cover design, Carol Roodt – Proofreader and Shakes Mashinini – Printer. Bryanston Methodist Church January / February 2017