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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. John 17:4

Read: John 17:4
Listen: John 17

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Needs surrounded Jesus. People with diseases, ailments, demons and life-threatening situations mobbed him. He healed copious amounts of people, cast out hundreds of demons, and fed huge crowds. But he didn’t heal everyone, cast out all the demons, or feed everyone. We don’t know his exact criteria, but we know Jesus spent much time alone praying with God. We also know he did what the Father asked and glorified God by finishing the work he was given to do.

If Jesus didn’t meet every need while on this earth, then we probably should consider that. That doesn’t mean ignoring the needs around us. But we can follow Jesus’s example and know our purpose is to glorify God. We need to spend time in prayer too so we can give as God’s Spirit leads us. That aids us as we reward positive movement, discern well and are careful. Spending time with God in prayer can help us receive his wisdom as we determine where, when and how to help others in need.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

The first week of the series, Pastor Jeff Manion challenged us to pray for 30 days. As you pray, ask God to help you better understand where, when and how to help those around you. Journal about what God reveals to you and consider how you can take one step towards that this weekend.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

August is PRAYER. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.