— DAY 4 —

Thursday 6 February, 2025



NOURISHMENT



SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

John 4:31-38 (NLT)
Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”


SCRIPTURE FOCUS FOR TODAY

John 4:34 (NLT)
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment…

John 4:34 (NIV)
“My food,” said Jesus…

 

COMMENT
In subsequent days we will focus on doing his will, being sent and finishing his work, the other things Jesus mentions, but today is all about reflecting on the source of our nourishment. The life of Jesus embodied “nothing is impossible” and he got his nourishment directly from God…a coincidence? I don’t think so.

Food is awesome! And all food lovers said…..amen. Most of us eat three meals a day plus snacks. Outside of tasting great though, food is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Good nutrition improves our health, boosts our immune system and lowers our risk of disease. Not to mention that eating healthy foods helps us to feel good physically, increases energy and improves our overall mood.

In the lead-up to this scripture the disciples express their concern about not seeing Jesus eat for a while. Basically, they thought he needed a good feed. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach his disciples an important truth. As important as physical food is to our bodies, he was teaching them that spiritual nourishment is far more important. Given how much focus we as people give to food, this a pretty big call. He was also teaching them the significance and importance of the mission….we will talk more about this in the next few days.

Every day we have a choice about how we are gong to nourish ourselves, from the world or directly from God. When we have the revelation that’s all about him and live in a way that’s sold out for him, we will willingly eat from his vine and receive Godly nourishment. He is the source of our nourishment!

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. In general, do you try to get your nourishment from the world or from God?

  2. Based on Jesus’ words, how important do you think it is to nourish your soul?
    3. When you aren’t spending time to nourish your soul how does it impact your life?
    4. What is the greatest hinderance to you nourishing your soul and how can you improve this area?
    5. When you nourish your soul how does it impact your life?

 

MAIN QUESTION (SELF REFLECTION)

What is God speaking to you about concerning your own spiritual nourishment?


Encourage others by sharing your revelation in the group chat on Planning Center!
This is a self-reflection about what God is speaking directly to you about in YOUR life.
Words like “I” and “Me” are encouraged, “we” and “us” less so.

 

PERSONAL PRAYER STARTER
Lord, my heart’s desire is build my life on you. If needed, help me to make changes in my life to spend more time with you nourishing my soul. Speak to me! In Jesus name.

 

14 DAYS OF PRAYER (Corporate Prayer)
We are praying for our OASIS YOUTH and the YOUTH OF OUR CITY.
Possible prayer areas: That they would encounter God in a real way. That God would give them wisdom beyond their years and help them to stay on the narrow road.