Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 6:34

What can keep you from serving God?
If you put “wealth” then you have misread the verse. Look closely; “serving money” will keep you from following God and serving Him. The problem isn’t wealth. There are many people who follow God who have wealth. The problem comes when you serve wealth. In other words, when what you do to get money is more important than serving God. Is making or getting money more important to you than serving God?
Do your actions reflect your answer?
Read Matthew 6:19-21
What does Jesus ask His disciples to do?
How does being a disciple of Jesus help you store up treasures in heaven?

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Peter 2:24. The cost of following Jesus is great. Giving up your life as you know it is no easy thing on your own strength. It’s impossible to do on your own. Remember, the cost to save you was greater. And Jesus paid that bill on the cross so you could have true life.

Day 2 – READ JOHN 3:26-30

What did John the Baptist say when his disciples asked why Jesus was now baptizing? What was John the Baptist’s attitude towards Jesus? Do you think a disciple of Christ will have the same attitude?
What are some practical ways you can “decrease” and Jesus can “increase” in your life?

Day 3 – READ MATTHEW 4:18-20

What did Jesus say to His disciples? How did they respond?
You have read much about the cost of discipleship and what you must leave behind. You must know that God never asks you to leave something or give up something just because. He wants you to exchange it for something better. James, John, Peter and Andrew had a good life as a fishermen. It was their livelihood. They left it because offered them something better in return.
What would the disciples’ new life mission be? Did the disciples fully understand what Jesus meant? Did the disciples know in the beginning what the plan was? Do you trust that what Jesus is offering you as His disciple is better?

Day 4 – READ TITUS 1:16

What is the opposite of a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
What type of faith is one who claims to know God but doesn’t act out his faith?
What types of sacrifice does it take to follow God in our actions?
Is the saying “easier said than done” mean anything when it comes to following God? Why is it easier to say it? When you say something you are claiming your beliefs. When you do it, you become what you believe. True disciples take action. Are you ready to put your words and beliefs to action?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 28:20

What does God promise you? If you choose to be His disciple do you believe He will stick with you? When Jesus asks you to follow Him, He promises to stick with you forever. His commitment to be your teacher, Savior, and friend is never-ending.
Read 2 Timothy 2:13
What happens in our periods of unfaithfulness? How does this encourage you?
Read Luke 22:54-62
How was Peter unfaithful?
Read John 21:1-14
How did Jesus show Himself faithful even after Peter was faithless?
Did Jesus take it out on Peter? Did Peter’s denial keep Jesus from dying on the cross?