S E E K W E E K D A Y O N E // M O N D A Y A U G U S T 2 1

Luke 15: 1-2 // Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Today, we are intentionally leaning in to the opening of the Luke 15 and the heart posture of Jesus. In the Amplified Bible, this verse reads, “Now all the tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews] were coming near Jesus to listen to him. Both the Pharisees and the tribes began muttering and complaining, saying, “This man accepts and welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Read these verses slowly a few times. What words or images jump out at you? Write them in your journal or on your printed version of these devotionals, and spend a few moments thinking about them.

Notice the differences in heart posture described in these two short verses. The tax collectors and sinners draw near to Jesus in order to hear and listen to him — a posture of hunger and humility. Jesus welcomes them and accepts them — a posture of wholeheartedness and hospitality. The religious leaders mutter and complain — a posture of pride and criticism.

As a carryover from our time of prayer and preparing our hearts yesterday, take a few moments to open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to gently show you any place in your attitude or perception where He wants to show you His grace and mercy. Bring any places of frustration, disappointment, complaint, criticism, or hurt to Jesus and allow Him to speak peace, promise, joy, and comfort into you. We are believing for a powerful move of God’s Spirit this week, and we long to enter into His presence with tender hearts.

Community practice: Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood.

If you have never taken a prayer walk before, today is a perfect opportunity to start. It’s a simple practice. Just head out into your neighborhood, or even a nearby walking trail, and spend some time praying as you walk. You can pray for the neighborhood you travel through, you can express your gratitude for the beauty you encounter, or you can pray for whatever comes to mind. You can go with your family, or spend some time in solitude; you can go in the early morning before it gets too hot, or you can take a slow walk after dinner. Whatever you choose to do, know that many others in our community are joining you in this practice today, and the Chino Valley is being covered in footsteps and prayer.

Scripture:  Psalm 51:10-17, Ezekiel 36:25-28, Matthew 22:34-40

Prayer: In whatever time you are able, spend time in prayer with Jesus, who welcomes us as we draw near to hear him. Remember that Hebrews 10:19-22 assures us that we can walk straight into His presence, full of belief, confident that we are presentable because of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, with full faith in God’s promises.

Father God — your Word says that as we draw near to you, you draw near to us. Let that be my experience today. Jesus, I am choosing to trust you more deeply and experience you more fully as my Savior, my Teacher, and my Lord — one who chooses me, loves me, and has a plan and a purpose for me. As I go about my day, will you speak words of promise and joy into my spirit? Will you whisper to my heart who I am in your eyes, and who You long to be for me? Bring to mind all the ways that you have forgiven me, so that I can walk in confidence, gratitude, and humility. Help me to release any complaint I am carrying that keeps me from fully experiencing the joy you have for me. Thank you for loving me — and all those around me. Amen.

Devotional time // journaling questions:

1. What image from the suggested Scripture verses struck you today? Press in to that image and spend some time with Jesus asking why that particular moment is so important to you right now.

2. How has Jesus accepted and welcomed you? Call to mind all the ways He has shown you His love, faithfulness, guidance, and wisdom. If you are able, write those things down and thank God for them. Ask Him to continue to move in your life in the same ways.

3. Where do you need Jesus’ welcoming and acceptance to show up in your life today? Craft a prayer or a simple statement inviting Him into that place.