We are glad you are joining with the people of ST. JOHN’S METHODIST CHURCH in Greenwood, MS as we read through the NT together guided by the reading plan and supporting podcast of The Bible Recap hosted by Tara-Leigh Cobble. This site is called “Read. Pray. Love. Daily.” because of the indispensable role of reading Scripture and prayer to have a growing walk with Christ. The goal of our walk with Jesus, as He defined it, is to LOVE God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as our self. That’s why we say our mission at St. John’s, based on the Great Commandments (Matthew 22) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28), is to “Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.”

Begin by REACHING UP IN PRAYER:

Before you read God’s Word today, ask for His help by praying these 5 prayers:

1. God, give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
2. Let any knowledge I gain help me love You and others more, and not puff me up.
3. Help me see something new about You that I’ve never seen before.
4. Correct any lies I believe about You or anything I misunderstand.
5. Direct my steps according to Your Word. Amen.

Now, RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

MATTHEW 17 (READ HERE – LISTEN HERE)

MARK 9 (READ HERE – LISTEN HERE)

The Bible Recap Video:

Then, RESPOND in PRAYER & LOVE TODAY:

Consider responding to God and His Word and to Love God & People in one or more of the following ways as the Holy Spirit leads you:

1. Today’s Prayer Focus:
   • Prayer Verse – He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV)
   • Special Prayer Focus – For the Father to reveal who Jesus is to us and for us to boldly live out that revelation as we trust and follow Christ no matter the cost
   • Praying for Our Church Family: Church Directory (Ox-Pee)
2. Will You and I Be a “B.L.E.S.S.ing” to Our Neighbors?: Let’s continue to grow in a life of love for people and practical witness as we BEGIN with prayer, LISTEN, EAT together, SERVE, and share our STORY…
   • Pray for Laborers & Be Willing to Be the Answer to Your Prayer – Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV)
   • Pray for Your Neighbors to Come to Know Christ through Your Witness – Remember Matthew 6:10 and how Matt Friedeman and Ray Easley said to pray “Thy kingdom come” means “God is our King.  We want everyone in the whole world to know Him as King” (The New Discipleship in the Home, p. 151). Make a private list of persons in your life who need to know Christ and pray for them by name.
3. Prayer of the Week (A Prayer to Remember):
   • Lord, I worry because I forget your wisdom. I resent because I forget your mercy. I covet because I forget your beauty. I sin because I forget your holiness. I fear because I forget your sovereignty. You always remember me. Help me to remember you. Amen.
4. H.E.A.R. from God: As I prayerfully read this passage, what verse(s) is the Holy Spirit wanting to Highlight to write down and/or reflect on? How would I Explain in my own words what this passage/highlight means? How is the Holy Spirit leading me to faithfully and specifically Apply what I hear (in Adoration, Confession and Change, Thanksgiving and Testimony)? How should I specifically Respond to God in prayer, repentance, faith, love, worship, and obedience to what has been heard? To others in love?