What Jesus Did! 'The Nourishment to Continue' — John 4:34

Friday, March 18, 2022

Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work."
— John 4:34 NLT

Key Thought

Where do you find the strength to continue your service to the Father? Clearly, some things in which we invest our time prove futile. Still, others are worse than futile; they are depleting as well as futile. However, consciously doing what we do to honor the Father, to follow his will, enables us to experience his empowering presence. [1] Rather than leaving us depleted, we find new strength and vitality. Accomplishing the will of God and doing the work he created us to do [2] blesses us as we bless others. That's why Jesus reprimanded the evil one with the truth that God's word nourishes more than bread. [3] So we need to ask ourselves each day, "What do I need to obey? What will help me live in God's will for my life today?" Then, as we do that, we too can rejoice in the nourishing presence and power of heaven.
[1] John 14:19-23.
[2] cf. Ephesians 2:10.
[3] Matthew 4:1-4.

Today's Prayer

Majestic and awesome God, mighty in power and gracious in mercy, please give me the eyes to see what I most need to do today and each day to live in your will and do the work you have prepared for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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10 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Work of My Father
Article by Lisa Mikitarian
What is my Father trying to teach me about his work? Lisa Mikitarian reminds us that our Father in heaven has invited us into his work just like our earthly parents have sometimes invited us, and taken pride in us, working in their world.
Finish!
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As long as there is life, we have a mission and purpose to complete. Phil Ware reminds us that we are called to accomplish the mission God has called us to do so that when our days on earth are over we can say we have finished the work he has given us to do.
I Doubt It: Real Food
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Can we really find genuine nourishment and satisfaction in Jesus? Phil Ware continues his series on doubt focusing on Jesus' statement that doing the Father's will was the basis of finding fullness in life.
Sharing in the Joy!
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O God, please, will you let me see a little harvest... Please! Phil Ware takes into John 4 and Samaria with Jesus and let's Jesus speak to us about the sower and the harvester rejoicing together.
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Illustration

Illustration of John 4:34 NLT — Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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