Here is a list of scripture readings you can use for discipling people to Jesus using the Bible Dsicovery Method.

OLD TESTAMENT:

Genesis 1:1-5 First day of creation

Genesis 1:27-31 God makes man and woman

Genesis 3:1-9 Adam and Eve sin

Exodus 3:1-6 Moses and the burning bush

1 Samuel 16:2-13 Samuel annoints David

1 Samuel 17: 32-37 David kills Goliath

1 Kings 18:30-39 Elijah calls on God

Psalms 23:1-6 God as our good shepherd

Psalms 139:1-10 God’s knowledge of us

Psalms 139:13-18 God was there before our birth

Isaiah 53:3-9 Jesus sacrifice and death foretold

NEW TESTAMENT:

Luke 1:26-38 The birth of Jesus

Matthew 3:11-16 The baptism of Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus is tempted

Matthew 6:9-15 Jesus teaches us how to pray

Matthew 26:27-30 Jesus and His disciples – last supper

Mark 4: 35-41 Jesus calms the storm

Luke 5:17-26 Jesus heals a paralysed man

Luke 10:30-37 Parable of the good Samaritan

Luke 15:11-31 The story of the lost sons

Luke 18:35-42 Jesus heals a blind beggar

Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus meets Jesus

John 1:1-14 Jesus coming to earth

John 3:1-8 Jesus and Nicodemus

John 3:16-21 God’s incredible love for us

John 5:1-9 Healing at the pool of Bethesda

John 6:5-13 Jesus feeds the 5000

John 18:1-11 Jesus arrested

Luke 23:44-56 Jesus death and burial

John 19:16-24 Jesus is crucified

John 20:1-9 Jesus resurrection

John 20:10-18 Jesus appears to Mary after His death

John 20:24-30 Thomas sees Jesus

Acts 1:3-11 Jesus goes up to heaven

Acts 9:1-19 Saul’s dramatic conversion to Jesus

Acts 16:11-15 Lydia believes in Jesus

Romans 5:1-11 The impact of faith in God

Romans 8:31-39 Who we are because of Jesus

Ephesians 2:1-10 Made alive in Jesus

Colossians 2:6-15 Freedom in Christ

Colossians 3:1-14 Changed outlook on life

DAILY PRAYER

(content derived from Ps John Eldridge)

Begin by using this prayer breathing of Saint Francis. Continue this until you become aware of God’s presence.

• Breathe in and say, “My Lord.”
• Breathe out and say, “My All.”
• Breathe in and say, “Come Lord Jesus.”
• Breathe out and say, “I let go of all worry and fear.”
• Breathe in and say, “Holy Wisdom, guide me.”
• Breathe out and say, “Holy One, make me whole.”
• Breathe in and say, “I welcome your presence.”
• Breathe out and say, “Renew my mind.”

Then pray the following:

Lord Jesus, I come to you now as your son/daughter to receive from you all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I honour you as my Sovereign, and I surrender every aspect and dimension of my life totally and completely to you. I give to you my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood—my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I ask Holy Spirit to reveal Christ in me. Renew my awareness of our union, and lead this time of prayer. In all that I now pray, I stand in absolute agreement with Holy Spirit, and by His Spirit alone.

Holy and victorious Trinity, you alone are worthy of all my worship, my heart’s devotion, all my praise, all my trust, and all the glory of my life. I re-consecrate my devotion to you, I worship you, and I give myself over to you. You alone are Life, and you have become my life. I renounce all other gods, every idol, and I give to you the place in my heart and in my life that you truly deserve. This is all about you, God, and not about me; you are the Hero of this story, and I belong to you. I ask your forgiveness for my every sin. I renounce all practices of unrighteousness. I ask you to search me, know me, and reveal to me where You are working in my life, and grant to me the grace of Your healing, deliverance, holiness, and a deep and true repentance.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving and choosing me before you created the world. You are my true Father—my creator, redeemer, sustainer, and the true end of all things, including my life. I choose to love you, trust you, and worship you. I give myself over to you, Father, to be one with You in everything as Jesus is one with You. Thank you for proving your love by sending Jesus; help me to experience His presence in my life, and empower His work within me. Thank you for including me in Christ, for forgiving me of my sins, for granting me His righteousness, and for making me complete in Him.

Thank you for making me alive with Christ, raising me with Him, seating me with Him at your right hand, establishing me in His authority, and anointing me with Your love, Your Spirit, and Your kingdom. I receive it with thanks and give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and emotions. I accept the life and work of Jesus upon my life today, over my home, family, household, and across every area of influence I hold.

Jesus, thank you for redeeming my life. I declare my love for You, I worship You, and give myself over to You to be one with You in all things—spirit, soul, and body, heart, mind, and emotions. I receive all the work and triumph of the cross, death, blood, and sacrifice, through which my every sin is atoned for; I am redeemed and delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into your kingdom—my sin nature has been removed, my heart has been circumcised unto God, and every claim being made against me has been disarmed this day. I decree I am dead to sin, my flesh, this world, the evil one, and his kingdom. I take up the cross and crucify any fleshly desire with all its pride, arrogance, unbelief, and idolatry [and anything else you are currently struggling with]. I no longer live from the old man. I am dead to sin and alive in Christ.

Therefore, unveil all the work of the cross, death, blood, and sacrifice upon me today. I receive it with great thankfulness and surrender it upon my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I reaffirm the cross, death, blood, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ against Satan, against his kingdom, against every foul and unclean spirit, every foul power and black art, against every witch, and against every human being and their spirit, their warfare and household. I receive the power of the cross, death, blood, and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the borders of my influence, and I stake it there in the name of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, I also sincerely receive you as my Life, and I receive all the work and triumph of Your resurrection, through which You have conquered sin, death, judgment, and the evil one. Death has no power over you, nor does any foul thing. And I have been raised with You to a new life, to live your life—dead to sin and alive in God. I position myself in Your resurrection and in Your life, and I consecrate my life to You to live in your divine nature. I reign in life through your presence. I receive your hope, love, faith, joy, your goodness, trueness, wisdom, power, and strength. Apply to me all the work and triumph of Your resurrection; I receive it with thanks and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and emotions.

Jesus, I also receive You as my authority, rule, and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and empowered to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way. I receive all the work and triumph of Your ascension, through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus, and You are worthy to receive all glory and honour, power and dominion, now and forever. I choose to live today in Your authority, seated with you in heavenly places. I give myself to You, and choose to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ against Satan, against his kingdom, against every foul and unclean spirit—every ruler, power, authority, and spiritual force of wickedness, their every weapon, claim, and device. [At this point, I specifically name all foul and unclean spirits that I know have been attacking me, such as fear, doubt, accident, injury, death, the religious spirit, pride, arrogance, etc.] I bind every weapon, claim, and device of the enemy—by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His name.

Holy Spirit, thank you for dwelling with me. I honour You, and Your leading. I choose to worship You, trust You, and honour You as my leader and source of all things. I receive all the work and triumph of Pentecost, through which you have come, and clothed me with power from on high. I reaffirm I am sealed in Christ, and in union with the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth in me, the life of God in me, my counsellor, comforter, strength, and guide. I fully give to you every aspect and dimension of my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and emotions—to be filled with You, and to walk in step with You in all things. Fill me afresh, Holy Spirit. Unveil my union with the Father and the Son. Lead me into all truth, anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling, and lead me deeper into Jesus today. I receive You with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for granting to me every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. I claim the riches in Christ Jesus over my life today, over my home, my family, my work, over all of my kingdom and domain. I bring the blood of Christ once more over my spirit, soul, and body, over my heart, mind, and will. I place on the full armour of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, helmet of salvation; I take up the shield of faith and sword of the Spirit, and I choose to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of Your might, to pray at all times in the Spirit.

Jesus, thank you for your angels. I summon them in the name of Jesus Christ and instruct them to destroy all that is raised against me, to establish your Kingdom over me, to rebuild the hedges of protection around me and my household, and to minister to me your glory.

I ask you to send forth your Spirit to raise up prayer and intercession for me. I now call forth the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home, my household, and areas of influence in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving all glory and honour and thanks to Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

"Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment."

Friendship with Jesus entails a deep loyalty and commitment, much like any meaningful relationship. Jesus calls us not just to follow Him but to walk closely with Him in every aspect of our lives. In return for His sacrifice and love, He desires our wholehearted love and devotion. It’s a beautiful exchange where we offer ourselves completely to Him, and in doing so, we experience the beauty and wonder of friendship with Him.

As we fast and pray this week, let us reflect on this charge to wholehearted devotion and commitment to our Lord. He is not just our Saviour but our dearest friend, always ready to walk with us through every joy and challenge. What a privilege it is to know Him and to be known by Him in such an intimate way.

Reflecting on Wholehearted Friendship

• Deep Loyalty: Friendship with Jesus invites a loyalty that permeates every part of our lives. Just as we value and prioritise our closest earthly relationships, our relationship with Jesus can hold the highest place in our hearts. This means making decisions that honour Him and seeking His guidance in all we do.

2. Wholehearted Love: Jesus invites us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. This encompasses our emotions, our innermost being, and our thoughts. It's an all-encompassing love that goes beyond mere affection or duty. It’s a profound, consuming devotion that influences how we live each day.

3. The Beauty of Exchange: In offering our whole selves to Jesus, we experience a divine exchange. We give Him our worries, burdens, and sins, and in return, He gives us His peace, joy, and righteousness. This reciprocal relationship deepens our bond with Him and allows us to experience His love in transformative ways.

John 15:4-5 (NIV)

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him. This abiding is essential for building and maintaining a deep, fruitful friendship with God. Just as branches draw life and nourishment from the vine, we draw spiritual vitality and strength from our connection with Christ.

1. Understanding Abiding

To abide means to remain, stay, or dwell. In the context of our relationship with God, abiding in Christ involves staying connected to Him through continual fellowship. This is not a passive state but an active, ongoing commitment to cultivate our relationship with Him.

2. The Importance of Abiding

Jesus makes it clear that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains attached to the vine, we cannot produce spiritual fruit unless we remain connected to Christ. This fruit includes the development of Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23), effective service (John 15:8), and answered prayer (John 15:7).

3. Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on your current relationship with God. Are you actively abiding in Christ? Consider how you can deepen your connection with Him today by:

• Committing to Daily Devotion
• Reflecting on your alignment to His ways
• Asking Holy Spirit to help and empower you
• Allowing others to encourage you in your journey
• Trusting God to be a faithful friend

John 10:27 (TPT)

"My own sheep will hear My voice, and I know each one intimately, and they will follow Me."

Jesus makes a profound statement: if we belong to Him ("My own sheep"), we will hear Him. Hearing in this verse is associated with belonging to Him, speaking of His life in us that has reawakened our spiritual ears. Because Jesus has said this, we know it’s possible. From that place of belonging, let us realise afresh and be thankful that we can hear Him as a part of our relationship with Him.

Much is written about hearing God’s voice, but little is written about listening. Listening involves our cooperation. While this verse says we can hear, our God is very respectful and will mostly not interrupt us unless the situation is urgent. He will not talk over us. He will wait for our attention.

God’s words are more than just words. His words carry life in a creative way. John 6:63 says, “…the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life.” His conversations with us are not just to be heard but to be experienced. They carry power to lift us up, to equip, heal, encourage, and comfort us. God desires that we experience all that is sent within His words. Therefore, to experience and clearly hear all that His words carry, it’s essential to give Him our full attention.

• Set aside some time to focus on Him and listen with an expectancy that comes from belonging.
• Be still in a comfortable place if possible. Stillness signifies our intent to hear. This is honouring to God.
• His voice always reflects who He is. Our Shepherd, as typified in this passage, speaks lovingly to His sheep, calming and reassuring them, drawing them to Himself. A loud, abrupt voice would terrify the sheep. Be encouraged to give your attention to Him today for His gentle, quiet voice.
• Do not compare how you hear and negate your experience because it’s different from others. His voice often sounds like your thoughts. Focus on the quiet thought and dwell there, giving attention to Him. When that thought arrives from nowhere, acknowledge it: “That is You, Lord. Thank You.”
• “…and they will follow Me.” Following is a result of experiencing His words, which then creates abiding. Dwell today in the experience of God’s voice as it draws you to Him. As Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

By embracing this process, we can deepen our relationship with God, hearing and experiencing His life-giving words in a profound and transformative way.