Day 34 | Changed by Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20
Devotion
Change can be hard. If we’re honest, most of us dig our heels in when we feel change on the horizon. It’s in our nature to resist anything other than the status quo, the routine, or what feels “controllable.” But the reality is this: The backdrop of every salvation story—our story—is change. The first dramatic change occurred in a very singular moment when Jesus pierced through the darkness of our soul and called us into His glorious light as a new believer in Him. The second layer of change is different: this stroke is broader and takes place for the rest of our lives. We call this kind of change “sanctification,” the slow and gradual process of becoming more like Jesus.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus changes the trajectory of the remaining 11 disciples’ lives when He presents a new purpose and goal. Go, make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them—it’s what we call The Great Commission. It’s something we do with Him, not for Him, through the power of His Holy Spirit. The change He brought to His disciples in this passage is the change He has called us to. Yes, He has changed our eternal identity and destination forever. He’s also working to change us here daily to be more like Him. Whether you’ve been a believer for 50 years or 50 days, are you still allowing Him to change you? As we’ve just read, He changed our life’s purpose and wants to continue changing us from the inside out. So, as you sit in these moments, allow the end of Matthew 28 to challenge you: how are you being changed by Jesus today?
A Personal Prayer
- Thank God for salvation, recognizing His work in saving you from your past, sanctifying you in your present, and the hope of future salvation that awaits you. Ask that the love of God the Father, the life of Christ the Son, and the breath of the Holy Spirit would ignite within you a deeper affection for Him, His Word, His will, and His way—always.
Pray for Our Community: Waverly Belmont Elementary School
- Waverly Belmont Elementary receives support through mentorship, prayer, and resources to help meet the needs of its students, families, and staff. Volunteers from our church invest in the school community by providing mentorship, food distribution, and practical support, creating meaningful opportunities to share Christ’s love.
- Pray for each student to feel supported, safe, and encouraged, fostering academic success and personal growth.
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- Ask God to give strength, wisdom, and encouragement to the school staff that they may feel valued and equipped to care for their students.
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- Pray for meaningful relationships between church volunteers and families, opening doors for spiritual conversations and gospel-centered encouragement.
Prayer for the Nations: IMB Jewish Cluster
- The IMB Jewish Cluster seeks to equip Jewish people of all ages with evangelism and discipleship skills, creating a foundation for leadership and ministry within their communities. Through training camps and retreats, the Jewish Cluster empowers youth and adults to grow in their faith and become leaders who share the hope of the Messiah with others.
- Pray that Jewish camp participants will experience transformation, develop leadership skills, and feel empowered to disciple others, sharing the love of the Messiah.
- Ask God to strengthen partnerships and provide resources, enabling the Jewish Cluster to expand its outreach and deepen its impact among Jewish communities globally.
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