Scripture: Isaiah 53
Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Observation:
Isaiah 53 is one of the most well-known chapters that foretells about Jesus.
What do the verses predict about Jesus? What kind of person will he be? What will his life be like?
Jesus was physically described as a man with plain looks.
Most people did not like him—he was despised, rejected and mocked.
He willingly gave his life to save ours.
He never did any wrong or deceived anyone.
He was a servant.
Application:
If you lived “back in the day” (hundreds, hundreds and hundreds of years ago), and you heard that a great king, redeemer and son of God was coming, what would you have pictured him to be like?
Would you have imagined him to be like Jesus was, or more “royal,” with a huge palace and tons of servants?
The Bible tells us that we are supposed to be like Jesus. How does your life match up with his?
Do you serve people more than they serve you?
Do you sacrifice your time and energy to reach the lost and hurting people around you?
Are you blameless and without sin?
Even though Jesus is royalty, his life was one of a humble, self-sacrificing servant.
Prayer:
Spend some time meditating on what it means to be like Jesus. Read the New Testament stories of his life and reflect on how well your life actions match (or don’t match his). Thank God for sending his royal son to be a servant, for giving the ultimate sacrifice (his life!) for us! Ask God for the wisdom and encouragement to live like his son.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Scripture:
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfillment: Luke 1: 26-33 – In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Prophecy: Isaiah 53: 3, 5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Fulfillment: Mark 15: 25-30 – It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
Observation:
The history of Jesus began long before he even set foot on Earth. The above prophecies are just 2 of the 60 major prophecies (there are about 270 “smaller” prophecies)!
The prophecies foretold about Jesus tell about his birth, his life and his death.
What do you think the odds are of one person’s life fulfilling even just 8 specific prophecies, which were told hundreds of years before that person’s birth?
The chance that one person could have fulfilled all 8 prophecies is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000! (Stoner, 1976)
The fact that Jesus fulfilled all 300+ prophecies definitely means that there is something special about him!
Application:
Are you as amazed at these prophecies and their fulfillments as I am?
Do these prophecies/fulfillments encourage you in your walk?
Prayer:
Take some time to just worship God and rest in his awesomeness. We can get so caught up with what’s going on everyday that we forget to spend time with the one who gave us the day.
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Fulfillment: Luke 1: 26-33 – In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. … You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Prophecy: Isaiah 53: 3, 5 – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Fulfillment: Mark 15: 25-30 – It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
Observation:
The history of Jesus began long before he even set foot on Earth. The above prophecies are just 2 of the 60 major prophecies (there are about 270 “smaller” prophecies)!
The prophecies foretold about Jesus tell about his birth, his life and his death.
What do you think the odds are of one person’s life fulfilling even just 8 specific prophecies, which were told hundreds of years before that person’s birth?
The chance that one person could have fulfilled all 8 prophecies is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000! (Stoner, 1976)
The fact that Jesus fulfilled all 300+ prophecies definitely means that there is something special about him!
Application:
Are you as amazed at these prophecies and their fulfillments as I am?
Do these prophecies/fulfillments encourage you in your walk?
Prayer:
Take some time to just worship God and rest in his awesomeness. We can get so caught up with what’s going on everyday that we forget to spend time with the one who gave us the day.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Scripture: John 8:31, 32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Observation:
What is Jesus trying to say in these two verses?
Basically he’s saying that if you believe in what he has said then you believe in what is true. But it goes farther than just believing in what is true; you have to act on what is true.
How can these verses relate to Christmas?
Application:
What Christmas traditions does your family have?
Is your Christmas focused around Santa, reindeer, trees and gifts?
Or do you and your family focus on the true (and perfect!) gift of Christmas?
…which is Jesus!
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Prayer:
Make sure to keep your Christmas focus on Christ. Christmas is always busy with school and family, but remember to set aside time to spend with God. Give God all your praise and thankfulness for giving us the perfect Christmas gift…Jesus.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Observation:
What is Jesus trying to say in these two verses?
Basically he’s saying that if you believe in what he has said then you believe in what is true. But it goes farther than just believing in what is true; you have to act on what is true.
How can these verses relate to Christmas?
Application:
What Christmas traditions does your family have?
Is your Christmas focused around Santa, reindeer, trees and gifts?
Or do you and your family focus on the true (and perfect!) gift of Christmas?
…which is Jesus!
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Prayer:
Make sure to keep your Christmas focus on Christ. Christmas is always busy with school and family, but remember to set aside time to spend with God. Give God all your praise and thankfulness for giving us the perfect Christmas gift…Jesus.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Observation:
Today’s scriptures are pretty long, but I hope you took the time to read all of it.
What is your favorite part of the story?
Can you imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph?
Historians believe that Mary was only about 14 years old when she had Jesus. That’s super young!
It would be extremely difficult to be a young parent, have a baby in a stable, and then be on the run from Herod (who was threatened by Jesus and wanted him killed).
Application:
The story of Jesus’ birth IS Christmas.
What does the true story of Christmas (the birth of Jesus) mean to you?
Does knowing the true story of Christmas affect how you spend Christmas?
Prayer:
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and what it means for you. Ask God to give you a true understanding of what this season is supposed to be about. Thank God for any and every blessing he has given you.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Observation:
Today’s scriptures are pretty long, but I hope you took the time to read all of it.
What is your favorite part of the story?
Can you imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph?
Historians believe that Mary was only about 14 years old when she had Jesus. That’s super young!
It would be extremely difficult to be a young parent, have a baby in a stable, and then be on the run from Herod (who was threatened by Jesus and wanted him killed).
Application:
The story of Jesus’ birth IS Christmas.
What does the true story of Christmas (the birth of Jesus) mean to you?
Does knowing the true story of Christmas affect how you spend Christmas?
Prayer:
Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and what it means for you. Ask God to give you a true understanding of what this season is supposed to be about. Thank God for any and every blessing he has given you.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
In whose image are we created?
God’s!!
What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
Back in ancient times a king was said to rule in the image of a certain god. The king was basically seen as the human form of that god. So if you wanted to know what a certain god was like, you looked at the god’s king.
So our being created in the image of God stamps us as a representation of God (we are not God, but a representation of God).
Application:
Being made in God’s image places a lot of responsibility on us, especially if we call ourselves Christian. If we call ourselves Christian then we are attaching God’s name to our name. So if we do something really good we are attaching God’s name to that really good thing, but if we also do something really bad we are attaching God’s name to that really bad thing.
What kinds of things have you done that God’s name has been attached to?
Are they good things or bad things? Do they bring glory to God’s name or do they disgrace God’s name?
Do you do more for yourself, or more for others?
What areas do you need to work on, and how will you work on them?
Prayer:
Spend some time reflecting on what it truly means to have God’s name attached to yours. Admit to God and turn from anything you have done that hasn’t brought glory to his name. In whatever you do, remember that you are not the only one whose name is on the line.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
In whose image are we created?
God’s!!
What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
Back in ancient times a king was said to rule in the image of a certain god. The king was basically seen as the human form of that god. So if you wanted to know what a certain god was like, you looked at the god’s king.
So our being created in the image of God stamps us as a representation of God (we are not God, but a representation of God).
Application:
Being made in God’s image places a lot of responsibility on us, especially if we call ourselves Christian. If we call ourselves Christian then we are attaching God’s name to our name. So if we do something really good we are attaching God’s name to that really good thing, but if we also do something really bad we are attaching God’s name to that really bad thing.
What kinds of things have you done that God’s name has been attached to?
Are they good things or bad things? Do they bring glory to God’s name or do they disgrace God’s name?
Do you do more for yourself, or more for others?
What areas do you need to work on, and how will you work on them?
Prayer:
Spend some time reflecting on what it truly means to have God’s name attached to yours. Admit to God and turn from anything you have done that hasn’t brought glory to his name. In whatever you do, remember that you are not the only one whose name is on the line.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 1 (condensed)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Day 1) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Day 2) And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. (Day 3) And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. (Day 4) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. (Day 5) And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. (Day 6) And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Observation:
Genesis 1 is where it all started. After reading these verses can’t you tell that God definitely had a specific purpose in mind when he was designing everything?
God knew what he was doing from the start…there was no guess work involved.
Since God is the creator of the earth and everything on it, it makes sense that the earth and everything on it belongs to him. Have you ever thought of yourself as a guest on God’s earth?
Application:
When you visit someone’s house you treat their things with a certain level of respect and care, don’t you? (If you don’t, you should!!)
God is letting us live on this good and perfect earth he created, so we need to treat it with respect! That means taking care of the land, the animals and the people!
How do you treat what belongs to God? What can you improve on?
Prayer:
Take time to truly thank God for what he has blessed you with!! Spend time enjoying what God created, and make a conscious effort to take care of God’s creations.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Scripture: Mark 8:22-25
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Observation:
How did Jesus heal the blind man who was brought to him?
He spit on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him.
How many times did Jesus have to touch the man’s eyes before he could see?
Twice. Jesus had to put his hands on the man’s eyes two times before the man could see. Not that there was anything wrong with the method Jesus was using to help this guy, but sometimes the results don’t happen right away or on the first try.
Application:
We need to learn that when we help someone often the results aren’t going to instantly be obvious…sometimes it takes awhile, maybe just a few hours, days or even years. Are you willing to help people even if you don’t get results right away?
Prayer:
Ask God for patience and commitment to help people even if it takes longer than you want it to. Spend some time with God and let him show you how he wants you to best use your gifts to help people for his glory.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Observation:
What was wrong with the 10 men that Jesus came across?
They had leprosy (a disease that causes really gross sores all over the skin).
How did Jesus heal the men and what were their responses?
Jesus simply healed the men of their disease by telling them to go see the priests.
Only 1 man out of the 10 came back to thank Jesus! Think about it, if you had a really bad disease that made everyone around you shudder with disgust, and suddenly some guy came up and healed you…wouldn’t you want to thank him? Personally, I don’t think I would ever want to stop thanking him!!
There’s a pretty good chance that Jesus knew beforehand that the other 9 men were not going to come back and thank him, but that didn’t stop him. He healed them anyway!
Application:
Helping someone in need isn’t about getting something in return. Do you help people even when it doesn’t benefit you?
We need to remember that helping people is not about what they can do for us, but it is about what we can do for them!
Prayer:
Take advantage of any opportunities you have to help someone, even if you don’t get anything in return, because helping those in need is a form of worship to God. Ask God to give you opportunities to share his love with those who need it, and spend time thanking God for all he has given you.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Observation:
What was wrong with the 10 men that Jesus came across?
They had leprosy (a disease that causes really gross sores all over the skin).
How did Jesus heal the men and what were their responses?
Jesus simply healed the men of their disease by telling them to go see the priests.
Only 1 man out of the 10 came back to thank Jesus! Think about it, if you had a really bad disease that made everyone around you shudder with disgust, and suddenly some guy came up and healed you…wouldn’t you want to thank him? Personally, I don’t think I would ever want to stop thanking him!!
There’s a pretty good chance that Jesus knew beforehand that the other 9 men were not going to come back and thank him, but that didn’t stop him. He healed them anyway!
Application:
Helping someone in need isn’t about getting something in return. Do you help people even when it doesn’t benefit you?
We need to remember that helping people is not about what they can do for us, but it is about what we can do for them!
Prayer:
Take advantage of any opportunities you have to help someone, even if you don’t get anything in return, because helping those in need is a form of worship to God. Ask God to give you opportunities to share his love with those who need it, and spend time thanking God for all he has given you.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Scripture: John 5: 1-9
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number if disabled peopled used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the man at the Gate?
The man had been an invalid (disabled) for 38 years!
The man had a tough life! Not only was he disabled, but no one else would help him even get into the pool! Other people went as far as to cut him off when he did try to get into the pool!
Did other people’s actions towards the man prevent Jesus from wanting to help him?
Of course not! Jesus wasn’t afraid to help someone that no one else wanted to have anything to do with.
Application:
Jesus chose to help people who were overlooked and considered the lowest of the low—we need to do the same.
Do you know someone who needs help but you’re afraid to help them because of what other people might think?
Listen to God—especially if he’s telling you to help someone who you don’t really want to help.
Prayer:
We cannot have the attitude that we are “too good” to help someone. If you struggle with thinking that some people just aren’t good enough for you to help, get before God and let him make you humble like Jesus.
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number if disabled peopled used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the man at the Gate?
The man had been an invalid (disabled) for 38 years!
The man had a tough life! Not only was he disabled, but no one else would help him even get into the pool! Other people went as far as to cut him off when he did try to get into the pool!
Did other people’s actions towards the man prevent Jesus from wanting to help him?
Of course not! Jesus wasn’t afraid to help someone that no one else wanted to have anything to do with.
Application:
Jesus chose to help people who were overlooked and considered the lowest of the low—we need to do the same.
Do you know someone who needs help but you’re afraid to help them because of what other people might think?
Listen to God—especially if he’s telling you to help someone who you don’t really want to help.
Prayer:
We cannot have the attitude that we are “too good” to help someone. If you struggle with thinking that some people just aren’t good enough for you to help, get before God and let him make you humble like Jesus.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Scripture: Mark 6: 34-44
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time, it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the crowd of 5,000 men?
They were hungry! They had been sitting and listening to Jesus for a long time with no food.
How did the disciples react to the hungry, but dedicated, crowd?
The disciples thought that Jesus should just send the crowd away to get their own food.
And when Jesus suggested to the disciples that they feed them, their reaction was basically, “Uh, yeah right! With what?” The disciples didn’t have any food with them, and they knew that it would take an incredible amount of money to buy food for 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children!)!
What did Jesus do to fill the need?
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish that were found in the crowd and fed everyone to the point where they were satisfied.
And, not only did Jesus give everyone enough to eat…there were leftovers! Jesus went above and beyond the minimum to meet the need of the crowd.
Application:
What needs do you see in the people around you?
What can you do to meet the needs?
Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the minimum to fill a need.
Prayer:Ask God to give you wisdom in finding and filling others’ needs. Don’t be scared of stepping outside of your comfort zone to help someone—God will be right there with you. Take time to thank God for all of your needs in your life that he has filled
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time, it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand.
Observation:
What need did Jesus see in the crowd of 5,000 men?
They were hungry! They had been sitting and listening to Jesus for a long time with no food.
How did the disciples react to the hungry, but dedicated, crowd?
The disciples thought that Jesus should just send the crowd away to get their own food.
And when Jesus suggested to the disciples that they feed them, their reaction was basically, “Uh, yeah right! With what?” The disciples didn’t have any food with them, and they knew that it would take an incredible amount of money to buy food for 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children!)!
What did Jesus do to fill the need?
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish that were found in the crowd and fed everyone to the point where they were satisfied.
And, not only did Jesus give everyone enough to eat…there were leftovers! Jesus went above and beyond the minimum to meet the need of the crowd.
Application:
What needs do you see in the people around you?
What can you do to meet the needs?
Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the minimum to fill a need.
Prayer:Ask God to give you wisdom in finding and filling others’ needs. Don’t be scared of stepping outside of your comfort zone to help someone—God will be right there with you. Take time to thank God for all of your needs in your life that he has filled
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Scripture: Luke 22:49-51
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them [Peter] struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
Observation:
These verses are taking place when Jesus was getting arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples who were with him obviously didn’t want Jesus to get arrested. In his anger, how did Peter react to the situation?
He cut of the servant’s ear! Ouch!!
How did Jesus react to Peter’s reaction?
He healed the servant’s ear and then basically told the disciples to chill. Jesus knew that lashing out in anger against the guards and the servant was not the way to go.
Application:
Even though a situation may be really tough and make us really mad, we shouldn’t lash out and sin in our anger. Can you think of times where you’ve just “exploded”?
Did exploding make the situation better or worse?
Prayer:
When you get angry stop and listen to God—he knows how to act better than we do. Make sure you spend time reading your Bible—God gives us lots of instructions on how to act in all situations.
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them [Peter] struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
Observation:
These verses are taking place when Jesus was getting arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples who were with him obviously didn’t want Jesus to get arrested. In his anger, how did Peter react to the situation?
He cut of the servant’s ear! Ouch!!
How did Jesus react to Peter’s reaction?
He healed the servant’s ear and then basically told the disciples to chill. Jesus knew that lashing out in anger against the guards and the servant was not the way to go.
Application:
Even though a situation may be really tough and make us really mad, we shouldn’t lash out and sin in our anger. Can you think of times where you’ve just “exploded”?
Did exploding make the situation better or worse?
Prayer:
When you get angry stop and listen to God—he knows how to act better than we do. Make sure you spend time reading your Bible—God gives us lots of instructions on how to act in all situations.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Scripture: Exodus 2: 11-12
Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.
Observation:
Moses got angry at an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew, how did he handle his anger?
He killed the Egyptian and then tried to hide the body.
Even though Moses handled his anger in a really bad way, his anger was motivated by his love for his fellow Hebrews—he couldn’t stand their persecution.
Moses’ anger revealed his passion—setting the Israelites free—which God later made is his mission.
Application:
Can you think of anything that makes you angry for a good reason?
God could have placed that anger there so you would be motivated to action—just make sure it’s the right action!
What can you do to take action against what makes you angry?
Prayer:
Take some time to think about and pray about what makes you angry. Let God use those feelings for good—to make a positive difference. Be open to God using your life in ways that you haven’t expected…and thank him for any opportunities he gives you to do good for him.
Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.
Observation:
Moses got angry at an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew, how did he handle his anger?
He killed the Egyptian and then tried to hide the body.
Even though Moses handled his anger in a really bad way, his anger was motivated by his love for his fellow Hebrews—he couldn’t stand their persecution.
Moses’ anger revealed his passion—setting the Israelites free—which God later made is his mission.
Application:
Can you think of anything that makes you angry for a good reason?
God could have placed that anger there so you would be motivated to action—just make sure it’s the right action!
What can you do to take action against what makes you angry?
Prayer:
Take some time to think about and pray about what makes you angry. Let God use those feelings for good—to make a positive difference. Be open to God using your life in ways that you haven’t expected…and thank him for any opportunities he gives you to do good for him.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 18: 20-25
So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely, you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Observation:
Why was God angry at Sodom and Gomorrah?
They were sinning big time!
What was God going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah, and who stood in the way?
God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but as the story goes on, Abraham bargained with God to let the righteous people live.
Was God’s anger justified?
Yes, people were sinning like crazy, which made God mad, but God dealt with his anger the right way…justly.
Application:
Anger can have roots that are righteous (like getting mad about sin), but how we deal with the anger is a big deal.
How do you deal with your anger? Does your anger cause you to yell, scream or throw fits? Or does your anger lead to a righteous solution of the problem?
Prayer:
Be aware of how you deal with your anger…don’t let it control you. Ask God for wisdom in your actions when you get angry. Thank God that he has the grace and mercy to deal with us when we mess up and fly off the handle.
So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely, you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Observation:
Why was God angry at Sodom and Gomorrah?
They were sinning big time!
What was God going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah, and who stood in the way?
God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but as the story goes on, Abraham bargained with God to let the righteous people live.
Was God’s anger justified?
Yes, people were sinning like crazy, which made God mad, but God dealt with his anger the right way…justly.
Application:
Anger can have roots that are righteous (like getting mad about sin), but how we deal with the anger is a big deal.
How do you deal with your anger? Does your anger cause you to yell, scream or throw fits? Or does your anger lead to a righteous solution of the problem?
Prayer:
Be aware of how you deal with your anger…don’t let it control you. Ask God for wisdom in your actions when you get angry. Thank God that he has the grace and mercy to deal with us when we mess up and fly off the handle.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Scripture: Genesis 4: 2-8
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering of the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother, Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Observation:
Why was Cain angry and downcast (depressed)?
Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. Cain was jealous of Abel’s offering to God.
Did Cain listen to God’s instructions? What did he end up doing?
Cain definitely did not listen to God’s instructions about doing right and resolving the situation.
If Cain had just done what was right in the first place he would have had no reason to get angry. Cain listened to his anger instead of God’s instructions and ended up killing his brother Abel.
Application:
Have you had times where your anger and God are telling you to do different things?
What does your anger tell you to do?
How does God desire you to deal with your anger?
Which one did you listen to and how did it turn out?
When we get angry we need to make sure to listen to God instead of listening to our anger.
Prayer:Recognize any weaknesses you have when it comes to anger. Let God work in you to begin to master your anger issues. Listen and follow God’s instructions when you get upset…he always knows best!
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering of the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother, Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Observation:
Why was Cain angry and downcast (depressed)?
Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s offering but not his. Cain was jealous of Abel’s offering to God.
Did Cain listen to God’s instructions? What did he end up doing?
Cain definitely did not listen to God’s instructions about doing right and resolving the situation.
If Cain had just done what was right in the first place he would have had no reason to get angry. Cain listened to his anger instead of God’s instructions and ended up killing his brother Abel.
Application:
Have you had times where your anger and God are telling you to do different things?
What does your anger tell you to do?
How does God desire you to deal with your anger?
Which one did you listen to and how did it turn out?
When we get angry we need to make sure to listen to God instead of listening to our anger.
Prayer:Recognize any weaknesses you have when it comes to anger. Let God work in you to begin to master your anger issues. Listen and follow God’s instructions when you get upset…he always knows best!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Scripture: Romans 6:4-8
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Observation:
What does verse 6 say happens to our old self and our sin?
They are done away with—crucified with Christ.
After our old self dies with Christ what happens (v. 4 & 5)?
We are brought back to life, to a new life. The new life is the one God desires us to live—it’s the life in which we have a close relationship with him.
Application:
Have you been living your new life to the fullest?
God sent Jesus not only to die for our sins, but also to open the door for us to have the best life possible—to walk with God!
Make sure you’re taking full advantage of the life you can have in God by spending time with him and his Word.
Prayer:
Thank God for sending his son to take away your sins and to give you a new life. Make a commitment to God to begin (or continue) living your life how he has intended (if you make a commitment to God then you need to keep it!).
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Observation:
What does verse 6 say happens to our old self and our sin?
They are done away with—crucified with Christ.
After our old self dies with Christ what happens (v. 4 & 5)?
We are brought back to life, to a new life. The new life is the one God desires us to live—it’s the life in which we have a close relationship with him.
Application:
Have you been living your new life to the fullest?
God sent Jesus not only to die for our sins, but also to open the door for us to have the best life possible—to walk with God!
Make sure you’re taking full advantage of the life you can have in God by spending time with him and his Word.
Prayer:
Thank God for sending his son to take away your sins and to give you a new life. Make a commitment to God to begin (or continue) living your life how he has intended (if you make a commitment to God then you need to keep it!).
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Scripture: Romans 8:3-4
3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.
Observation:
What does it mean that God sent his son (Jesus) to be a sin offering?
In the Old Testament the Israelites would offer lambs to God as a sacrifice for their sins. The lambs worked for a time, but God eventually sent Jesus as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins.
What do you think is the purpose of having a sin offering?
Sin is a crime against God and hinders our ability to have a close relationship with him. By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins we are essentially letting him pay the price for our crimes (which is a big deal!).
When Jesus was put to death on the cross, our sins were put to death with him (even though we do still sin). Basically what this means is that our sins have been paid for in advance (which does not mean we should go a sin-shopping spree!).
Application:
Have you accepted God’s son, Jesus, as your sacrifice for sin?
Have you allowed your sins to die, or do you sometimes try to bring them back to life?
Prayer:
Lay your sins and struggles at God’s feet and leave them there (I know it’s tough!), and don’t go back and try to pick them up again. Take time to worship and thank God for sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins because it’s not something we could have done on our own.
3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.
Observation:
What does it mean that God sent his son (Jesus) to be a sin offering?
In the Old Testament the Israelites would offer lambs to God as a sacrifice for their sins. The lambs worked for a time, but God eventually sent Jesus as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins.
What do you think is the purpose of having a sin offering?
Sin is a crime against God and hinders our ability to have a close relationship with him. By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins we are essentially letting him pay the price for our crimes (which is a big deal!).
When Jesus was put to death on the cross, our sins were put to death with him (even though we do still sin). Basically what this means is that our sins have been paid for in advance (which does not mean we should go a sin-shopping spree!).
Application:
Have you accepted God’s son, Jesus, as your sacrifice for sin?
Have you allowed your sins to die, or do you sometimes try to bring them back to life?
Prayer:
Lay your sins and struggles at God’s feet and leave them there (I know it’s tough!), and don’t go back and try to pick them up again. Take time to worship and thank God for sending Jesus to be a sacrifice for our sins because it’s not something we could have done on our own.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Scripture: John 10:10
…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Observation:
What do you think Jesus means by saying that he came to give life to the full?
Jesus came to earth to show us how to live the best life possible, and the best life possible is the life God has planned for us.
Reading the stories of Jesus’ life you can see that he was in perfect communion with God, and he sets the example for us to life that way.
Everything he did and said, he did and said for God—and that’s how we should live.
Application:
How does your life compare to the example Jesus set?
What are some actions or habits that you need to change so that you can live life the way God intended?
Prayer:
Spend some time in the next week reading the stories of Jesus’ life. Ask God to give you the passion and wisdom to live your life as Jesus did. Give God praise for sending Jesus to show us how to live instead of leaving us to figure it out on our own.
…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Observation:
What do you think Jesus means by saying that he came to give life to the full?
Jesus came to earth to show us how to live the best life possible, and the best life possible is the life God has planned for us.
Reading the stories of Jesus’ life you can see that he was in perfect communion with God, and he sets the example for us to life that way.
Everything he did and said, he did and said for God—and that’s how we should live.
Application:
How does your life compare to the example Jesus set?
What are some actions or habits that you need to change so that you can live life the way God intended?
Prayer:
Spend some time in the next week reading the stories of Jesus’ life. Ask God to give you the passion and wisdom to live your life as Jesus did. Give God praise for sending Jesus to show us how to live instead of leaving us to figure it out on our own.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Scripture: Romans 7:14-20
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
Observation:
These verses are pretty intense with all of the “I’s, do’s, do not’s,” you may have to read them again slowly! What do you think the big picture of the verses is?
Basically what Paul is saying here is that he knows that Law of God is perfect and holy, but he has a tough time sticking to it because of his sinful nature.
Paul struggled with knowing what he should do (what God says we should do) but actually doing the opposite (sinning).
When Moses brought the 10 Commandments (which was the perfect law of God) down from Mt. Sinai his face glowed with the glory of God (Exodus 34: 29-35), but as time went on, the glowing glory began to fade (2 Cor. 3:7-18) because even though the law is perfect, people aren’t. Moses tried to hide his fading glory with a veil so the Israelites would not be able to see it.
Application:
Just as Moses tried to hide his fading glory (imperfection) with a veil, we often try to hide our imperfections. What sins do you have in your life that you try to hide or act like they don’t exist?
Are you like Paul? Do you know what you should do but often end up doing the exact opposite?
Even though we sin when we know we shouldn’t, God provides a way for us to take off the veil. The way he provides is Jesus. We can’t become perfect or stop sinning on our own, but anything is possible with the help of Jesus!
Prayer:Get before God and take the veil off of your sins. It is a 100% guaranteed fact that we are going to sin, even when we know better, but we shouldn’t act like it never happened. Let God work in you to reveal your sin and teach you to resist temptation. Be sure to thank him for his grace and mercy for all the times you’ve fallen short of his standard.
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
Observation:
These verses are pretty intense with all of the “I’s, do’s, do not’s,” you may have to read them again slowly! What do you think the big picture of the verses is?
Basically what Paul is saying here is that he knows that Law of God is perfect and holy, but he has a tough time sticking to it because of his sinful nature.
Paul struggled with knowing what he should do (what God says we should do) but actually doing the opposite (sinning).
When Moses brought the 10 Commandments (which was the perfect law of God) down from Mt. Sinai his face glowed with the glory of God (Exodus 34: 29-35), but as time went on, the glowing glory began to fade (2 Cor. 3:7-18) because even though the law is perfect, people aren’t. Moses tried to hide his fading glory with a veil so the Israelites would not be able to see it.
Application:
Just as Moses tried to hide his fading glory (imperfection) with a veil, we often try to hide our imperfections. What sins do you have in your life that you try to hide or act like they don’t exist?
Are you like Paul? Do you know what you should do but often end up doing the exact opposite?
Even though we sin when we know we shouldn’t, God provides a way for us to take off the veil. The way he provides is Jesus. We can’t become perfect or stop sinning on our own, but anything is possible with the help of Jesus!
Prayer:Get before God and take the veil off of your sins. It is a 100% guaranteed fact that we are going to sin, even when we know better, but we shouldn’t act like it never happened. Let God work in you to reveal your sin and teach you to resist temptation. Be sure to thank him for his grace and mercy for all the times you’ve fallen short of his standard.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Scripture: Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
Observation:
According to this verse, where are we supposed to avoid going?
In the way of the wicked.
What do you think it means to go on the path of the wicked?
Going somewhere you know you shouldn’t go, like a bad store at the mall, or a person’s house that you’re not supposed to go to
Following people who don’t glorify God
Application:
What can you do to stop yourself from going somewhere you shouldn’t?
If your friends are trying to pressure you, stand up to them! Whether or not you obey God is more important than what other people think of you.
Memorize Proverbs 4:14-15, remind yourself of this verse anytime you’re tempted to set foot on the path of the wicked.
Prayer:Ask God for the strength to stay on his path and listen to him when he’s trying to tell you where or where not to go. Take time to praise God and thank him for giving you his path…which is always good!
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
Observation:
According to this verse, where are we supposed to avoid going?
In the way of the wicked.
What do you think it means to go on the path of the wicked?
Going somewhere you know you shouldn’t go, like a bad store at the mall, or a person’s house that you’re not supposed to go to
Following people who don’t glorify God
Application:
What can you do to stop yourself from going somewhere you shouldn’t?
If your friends are trying to pressure you, stand up to them! Whether or not you obey God is more important than what other people think of you.
Memorize Proverbs 4:14-15, remind yourself of this verse anytime you’re tempted to set foot on the path of the wicked.
Prayer:Ask God for the strength to stay on his path and listen to him when he’s trying to tell you where or where not to go. Take time to praise God and thank him for giving you his path…which is always good!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Scripture: Ephesians 4:28
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Observation:
This verse tells us not to steal, but it doesn’t just stop after that. What does it tell us to do instead of stealing?
Work so you can have something to share with those in need.
Why do you think the verse says that we should stop stealing so we can go onto work to help those in need?
To stop stealing is great, but we need to replace bad habits with good ones. If you have a bad habit that you quit doing but don’t replace it with something else (something good), it’ll be super easy for you to return to your bad habit.
Application:
This verse can apply to other things we do with our hands (not just stealing). What are some things you do with your hands that are pleasing to God? What are some things that aren’t?
How can you replace the bad actions with good ones? How can you turn your bad habits into good ones that are pleasing to God and will benefit others?
Prayer:
Admit to God anything you have been doing that you know is unpleasing to him. Allow him to work with you to turn your bad habits into good ones. Ask God to give you opportunities to do kind things for others.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Observation:
This verse tells us not to steal, but it doesn’t just stop after that. What does it tell us to do instead of stealing?
Work so you can have something to share with those in need.
Why do you think the verse says that we should stop stealing so we can go onto work to help those in need?
To stop stealing is great, but we need to replace bad habits with good ones. If you have a bad habit that you quit doing but don’t replace it with something else (something good), it’ll be super easy for you to return to your bad habit.
Application:
This verse can apply to other things we do with our hands (not just stealing). What are some things you do with your hands that are pleasing to God? What are some things that aren’t?
How can you replace the bad actions with good ones? How can you turn your bad habits into good ones that are pleasing to God and will benefit others?
Prayer:
Admit to God anything you have been doing that you know is unpleasing to him. Allow him to work with you to turn your bad habits into good ones. Ask God to give you opportunities to do kind things for others.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Scripture: Proverbs 2:1
Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
Observation:
What does this verse say we should listen to?
Wisdom! Wisdom is anything that is right and true and glorifies God
What are some things that are unwise to listen to? What are some wise things to listen to?
Unwise: bad language (like in music, TV or from people you know), gossip, lies
Wise: clean language, truth, the Word of God
Application:
What are your ears tuned in to?
Do you spend a lot of time listening to junk or do you listen to wisdom?
What sacrifices do you need to make to ensure you are listening to stuff that glorifies God?
Make some time in the next week to get into the habit of listening to some good stuff, listen to a Christian CD or radio station for example. Flood your ears with noise that glorifies God.
Prayer:
During your prayer time fill God’s ears with praise. Give him the glory and praise he deserves! Be sure to listen to the good stuff he wants to share with you.
Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
Observation:
What does this verse say we should listen to?
Wisdom! Wisdom is anything that is right and true and glorifies God
What are some things that are unwise to listen to? What are some wise things to listen to?
Unwise: bad language (like in music, TV or from people you know), gossip, lies
Wise: clean language, truth, the Word of God
Application:
What are your ears tuned in to?
Do you spend a lot of time listening to junk or do you listen to wisdom?
What sacrifices do you need to make to ensure you are listening to stuff that glorifies God?
Make some time in the next week to get into the habit of listening to some good stuff, listen to a Christian CD or radio station for example. Flood your ears with noise that glorifies God.
Prayer:
During your prayer time fill God’s ears with praise. Give him the glory and praise he deserves! Be sure to listen to the good stuff he wants to share with you.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Scripture: Luke 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is also full of light. But when they are bad, your body is also full of darkness.
Observation:
What does this verse mean by saying “when your eyes are good” or “when they are bad”?
Having good eyes or having bad eyes is talking about what you look at.
When you look at stuff that dishonors God, your eyes are bad; when you look at stuff that is pleasing to God, your eyes are good.
How do your eyes affect the rest of your body? How is your body full of light or full of darkness?
What we look at doesn’t only affect our eyes, but also our mind (even if we don’t realize it!).
Think about it: have you ever seen a funny movie and all the hilarious parts keep replaying in your mind? Have you seen a scary movie and all the creepy parts keep coming back to your mind?
God wants us to see good and holy stuff, so that whatever we remember and think about will be good and holy.
Application:
What are some of the things (movies, magazines, websites, role models) you look at?
Is most of it good or bad?
How can you fill your eyes with only the good stuff?
This can require sacrifice! This can mean throwing away any movies, books, posters, or anything else that doesn’t please God.
Prayer:
Make a commitment to God to begin turning your eyes from bad things to good things. Ask God to give you the discipline to set your eyes only on things that honor him.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is also full of light. But when they are bad, your body is also full of darkness.
Observation:
What does this verse mean by saying “when your eyes are good” or “when they are bad”?
Having good eyes or having bad eyes is talking about what you look at.
When you look at stuff that dishonors God, your eyes are bad; when you look at stuff that is pleasing to God, your eyes are good.
How do your eyes affect the rest of your body? How is your body full of light or full of darkness?
What we look at doesn’t only affect our eyes, but also our mind (even if we don’t realize it!).
Think about it: have you ever seen a funny movie and all the hilarious parts keep replaying in your mind? Have you seen a scary movie and all the creepy parts keep coming back to your mind?
God wants us to see good and holy stuff, so that whatever we remember and think about will be good and holy.
Application:
What are some of the things (movies, magazines, websites, role models) you look at?
Is most of it good or bad?
How can you fill your eyes with only the good stuff?
This can require sacrifice! This can mean throwing away any movies, books, posters, or anything else that doesn’t please God.
Prayer:
Make a commitment to God to begin turning your eyes from bad things to good things. Ask God to give you the discipline to set your eyes only on things that honor him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Scripture: Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Observation:
How do we stop conforming to the pattern of this world?
When we decide to follow God and live our lives after him, we have to give up a lot of stuff (sin!) that we used to do.
We have to relearn how to live according to God’s word
How do we renew our mind?
By reading the Bible and spending time in prayer with God. I have found that it is easiest to get rid of sin and keep it out if I replace it with something positive.
Application:
What stuff (sin) from your old life are you holding onto that you need to let go of?
What can you do to let go of stuff that is preventing you from learning from God?
Are you spending enough time with God in prayer and scripture to be renewed?
It’s always a good idea to keep a journal of what God is teaching you…you’re less likely to forget if you write it down, and it’s really cool to look back and see how much you’ve learned!
Prayer:
Spend some time talking to God about anything that is blocking your ability to learn from him. Let him work in you to open a clear channel. Take a few moments to thank him for anything he’s taught you recently.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Observation:
How do we stop conforming to the pattern of this world?
When we decide to follow God and live our lives after him, we have to give up a lot of stuff (sin!) that we used to do.
We have to relearn how to live according to God’s word
How do we renew our mind?
By reading the Bible and spending time in prayer with God. I have found that it is easiest to get rid of sin and keep it out if I replace it with something positive.
Application:
What stuff (sin) from your old life are you holding onto that you need to let go of?
What can you do to let go of stuff that is preventing you from learning from God?
Are you spending enough time with God in prayer and scripture to be renewed?
It’s always a good idea to keep a journal of what God is teaching you…you’re less likely to forget if you write it down, and it’s really cool to look back and see how much you’ve learned!
Prayer:
Spend some time talking to God about anything that is blocking your ability to learn from him. Let him work in you to open a clear channel. Take a few moments to thank him for anything he’s taught you recently.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all of your strength and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Observation:
What is the greatest commandment?
Love the Lord will all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
What do you think it means to love the Lord with all your mind?
Jesus quoted the verses from Deuteronomy 6:5-9. These verses tell us to talk about the Scriptures all the time: when we wake up, when we lie down, when we walk, when we sit!
So to love the Lord with all your mind is to be actively looking for times to dig into his Word. Realizing that your thirst for God’s presence in your life cannot be quenched in a twenty minute talk at Ignite or even a small group study at church on the weekend. We often settle for a drop on the tongue when we could draw buckets of water from the well that never runs dry.
Application:
Which of the descriptions do you struggle with most: Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind?
Have you made God’s word a part of your everyday life?
Make a commitment now that you will visit this Blog at least ___ days a week to study God’s life-changing words. Maybe you commit to starting with doing the blog twice a week to start. Don’t think you have to go from zero to 100%. Make your goal realistic so you can make it stick.
Prayer:
While we should have a set time each day to read the Bible and talk to God, we should not have one set time a day to think about God and his word. We need think about him and his teachings all the time! Ask God to give you reminders of his scriptures and his love throughout the day.
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all of your strength and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Observation:
What is the greatest commandment?
Love the Lord will all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
What do you think it means to love the Lord with all your mind?
Jesus quoted the verses from Deuteronomy 6:5-9. These verses tell us to talk about the Scriptures all the time: when we wake up, when we lie down, when we walk, when we sit!
So to love the Lord with all your mind is to be actively looking for times to dig into his Word. Realizing that your thirst for God’s presence in your life cannot be quenched in a twenty minute talk at Ignite or even a small group study at church on the weekend. We often settle for a drop on the tongue when we could draw buckets of water from the well that never runs dry.
Application:
Which of the descriptions do you struggle with most: Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind?
Have you made God’s word a part of your everyday life?
Make a commitment now that you will visit this Blog at least ___ days a week to study God’s life-changing words. Maybe you commit to starting with doing the blog twice a week to start. Don’t think you have to go from zero to 100%. Make your goal realistic so you can make it stick.
Prayer:
While we should have a set time each day to read the Bible and talk to God, we should not have one set time a day to think about God and his word. We need think about him and his teachings all the time! Ask God to give you reminders of his scriptures and his love throughout the day.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Scripture: James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Observation:
This verse is pretty easy to understand: don’t just listen to the word of God…but do the word of God!
James was writing this book to a group of Christians that thought believing in God was all they needed to be Christ followers. James goes on in chapter two of this book to explain that ‘faith without actions is dead’ and he even points out the ‘even the demons believe in God and fear him.’ It’s pretty clear that God expects us to apply the knowledge and wisdom that he teaches us in the Bible. It’s our actions that set us apart from Satan, not our beliefs.
Application:
It’s really easy to hear something without truly paying attention. But we can’t be like that with God! We’ve got to pay attention to what he’s saying to us so we can learn how to act and how to live our lives.
What was the last thing you learned from the scripture that you applied to your life?
Do you learn and apply what God is trying to teach you?
Do you spend more time staring in the refrigerator than you do with God?
Would you rather go to bed early than read your Bible?
Prayer:Make sure you spend time learning and applying what God is trying to teach you. Our relationship with God shouldn’t be based only on “feelings” or the “warm fuzzies”—we have to learn and live out our knowledge of him!
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Observation:
This verse is pretty easy to understand: don’t just listen to the word of God…but do the word of God!
James was writing this book to a group of Christians that thought believing in God was all they needed to be Christ followers. James goes on in chapter two of this book to explain that ‘faith without actions is dead’ and he even points out the ‘even the demons believe in God and fear him.’ It’s pretty clear that God expects us to apply the knowledge and wisdom that he teaches us in the Bible. It’s our actions that set us apart from Satan, not our beliefs.
Application:
It’s really easy to hear something without truly paying attention. But we can’t be like that with God! We’ve got to pay attention to what he’s saying to us so we can learn how to act and how to live our lives.
What was the last thing you learned from the scripture that you applied to your life?
Do you learn and apply what God is trying to teach you?
Do you spend more time staring in the refrigerator than you do with God?
Would you rather go to bed early than read your Bible?
Prayer:Make sure you spend time learning and applying what God is trying to teach you. Our relationship with God shouldn’t be based only on “feelings” or the “warm fuzzies”—we have to learn and live out our knowledge of him!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Scripture: Matthew 18:3 (NLT)
Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Observation:
What are the two things this verse tells us we need to do to be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Turn from our sins
Become like little children (in this case, being like little children is a good thing!)
What do you think it means to become like little children?
Little children love to learn! In Jesus’ community children were particularly and even unimaginably eager to learn from the scrolls (paper that the scriptures were originally written on and kept in the Synagogues). They would rush to school every day with the hope that the rabbi (Teacher) would read to them out of the holy scrolls.
Application:
What does ‘turning from your sin’ have to do with ‘becoming like little children’?
Jesus suggests that when someone becomes like a little child in the Jewish context (eager to dig in and explore God’s teaching and instruction given in the scriptures) one is able to get rid of sins in their life.
Jesus makes the assumption that when you learn something new from God’s scripture you will apply and implement it to your life which will in turn push out certain sins in your life.
Are you like a little child?
Do you have the desire to explore and learn everything you can about God?
What’s holding you back?
Prayer:
During your prayer time, ask God to give you a childlike attitude towards learning. Take time to pay attention to God and let him teach you something new today. Remember there is NO substitute for studying God’s scripture.
Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Observation:
What are the two things this verse tells us we need to do to be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Turn from our sins
Become like little children (in this case, being like little children is a good thing!)
What do you think it means to become like little children?
Little children love to learn! In Jesus’ community children were particularly and even unimaginably eager to learn from the scrolls (paper that the scriptures were originally written on and kept in the Synagogues). They would rush to school every day with the hope that the rabbi (Teacher) would read to them out of the holy scrolls.
Application:
What does ‘turning from your sin’ have to do with ‘becoming like little children’?
Jesus suggests that when someone becomes like a little child in the Jewish context (eager to dig in and explore God’s teaching and instruction given in the scriptures) one is able to get rid of sins in their life.
Jesus makes the assumption that when you learn something new from God’s scripture you will apply and implement it to your life which will in turn push out certain sins in your life.
Are you like a little child?
Do you have the desire to explore and learn everything you can about God?
What’s holding you back?
Prayer:
During your prayer time, ask God to give you a childlike attitude towards learning. Take time to pay attention to God and let him teach you something new today. Remember there is NO substitute for studying God’s scripture.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Observation:
Back in Jesus’ day rabbis were at the front of the line of respected men. It was a big honor to be asked to follow a rabbi because when a rabbi asked someone to follow him he was basically saying “I think you can be like me.”
How soon after Jesus called the men did they leave their work and follow him?
Peter and Andrew left at once, James and John left immediately
Application:
Have you accepted Jesus’ offer to be like him? Are you ready to follow his example?
The disciples immediately left what they were doing to follow Jesus.
Are you willing to sacrifice what you are doing to follow him?
If not, what’s holding you back?
Prayer:
Spend time thanking God for believing in you and inviting you to follow him. Allow that prayer to be encouragement and motivation to get out of the boat and walk on water tomorrow.
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Observation:
Back in Jesus’ day rabbis were at the front of the line of respected men. It was a big honor to be asked to follow a rabbi because when a rabbi asked someone to follow him he was basically saying “I think you can be like me.”
How soon after Jesus called the men did they leave their work and follow him?
Peter and Andrew left at once, James and John left immediately
Application:
Have you accepted Jesus’ offer to be like him? Are you ready to follow his example?
The disciples immediately left what they were doing to follow Jesus.
Are you willing to sacrifice what you are doing to follow him?
If not, what’s holding you back?
Prayer:
Spend time thanking God for believing in you and inviting you to follow him. Allow that prayer to be encouragement and motivation to get out of the boat and walk on water tomorrow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Scripture: John 17:20-24
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they ma y be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
Observation:
Jesus pours out his heart to God in this prayer and he explains that his desire is that we would have the same relationship with his Father that he did.
The number ‘1’ cannot be divided. It is the way God speaks of a marriage, “the two shall become one.” When two people become one it is the ultimate sign of intimacy and friendship.
It is Jesus’ desire that we would live a life that is in “complete unity” with God plan.
Application:
Where do you struggle to be like God? (Relationships, Movies, Music…)
What area of your life do you feel is in harmony, connection, and unity with God? What feelings does that generate inside you?
Prayer:Say a bold prayer that asks for God to reveal new areas of your life that need to be in sync with God.
Prayer:
Say a bold prayer that asks for God to reveal new areas of your life that need to be in sync with God.
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they ma y be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
Observation:
Jesus pours out his heart to God in this prayer and he explains that his desire is that we would have the same relationship with his Father that he did.
The number ‘1’ cannot be divided. It is the way God speaks of a marriage, “the two shall become one.” When two people become one it is the ultimate sign of intimacy and friendship.
It is Jesus’ desire that we would live a life that is in “complete unity” with God plan.
Application:
Where do you struggle to be like God? (Relationships, Movies, Music…)
What area of your life do you feel is in harmony, connection, and unity with God? What feelings does that generate inside you?
Prayer:Say a bold prayer that asks for God to reveal new areas of your life that need to be in sync with God.
Prayer:
Say a bold prayer that asks for God to reveal new areas of your life that need to be in sync with God.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Scripture: John 10:30
“I and the Father are one.”
Observation:
--This verse is pretty straightforward: Jesus and God are one.
--What do you think it means to be one with somebody? Think about your best friend, how did you get to be best friends?
You have to spend time together! You have to get to know the other person’s likes, dislikes, habits and ways.
The New Testament has many verses that tell about Jesus going off by himself to talk with God…Jesus made time for God!
Application:
--Just like Jesus and God were one, we need to be one with God.
--Do you make time to spend with God like Jesus did?
If you don’t, why not? What is holding you back from being best friends with God, the creator of everything? (You can’t get a cooler best friend than that!)
Prayer:
It’s impossible for us to be one with God if we aren’t spending time with him. Set aside time every day to spend with God, whether it’s reading your Bible, praying about something specific, or just telling him how your day went.
“I and the Father are one.”
Observation:
--This verse is pretty straightforward: Jesus and God are one.
--What do you think it means to be one with somebody? Think about your best friend, how did you get to be best friends?
You have to spend time together! You have to get to know the other person’s likes, dislikes, habits and ways.
The New Testament has many verses that tell about Jesus going off by himself to talk with God…Jesus made time for God!
Application:
--Just like Jesus and God were one, we need to be one with God.
--Do you make time to spend with God like Jesus did?
If you don’t, why not? What is holding you back from being best friends with God, the creator of everything? (You can’t get a cooler best friend than that!)
Prayer:
It’s impossible for us to be one with God if we aren’t spending time with him. Set aside time every day to spend with God, whether it’s reading your Bible, praying about something specific, or just telling him how your day went.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Scripture: Luke 2:41-50
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Observation:
-Where had Jesus gone when his parents couldn’t find him?
He went to the temple courts to listen and ask questions about God.
-What was Jesus’ response when his parents asked him why he went to the temple?
He said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Jesus’ desire to be with his father (God) was so strong that he had to be in his father’s house…it was only natural for him!
Jesus wanted to be in a place that explained, praised, and discussed his Heavenly Father!
Application:
-How strong is your desire to be with the Father?
As God’s children, we should have an intense desire to be with him, just like Jesus had.
-Do you struggle with wanting to be with God? What do you think stands in your way?
Prayer:
Take a few moments right now to spend with God. Ask him to increase your desire for him. Talk to him about anything that’s holding you back from wanting to be with him. Make sure to take time to simply enjoy being in his presence.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Scripture: Joshua 6:1-5
1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.”
Observation:
What did the Israelites encounter when they reached Jericho?
A huge wall!
How did God tell them to get past the wall?
For all the Israelites knew, God expected them to be Urban Ninjas and simply scale the wall! (Video: watch only, don’t try! You are an idiot if you try this stuff.)
Good luck Grandma!!!
God wanted the Israelites to break down the wall. He ordered them to march around the city for six days while the priests blew trumpets. On the seventh day, they would march around the city seven times. Then when the trumpet sounded a long blast, all the people would shout and the wall of the city would collapse.
God had a plan to get the Israelites past the wall of Jericho and it required trust. Imagine trying to break down a massive wall with only marching, trumpets and shouting!
Application:
God’s method for getting past the wall was pretty out of the ordinary. Often times God asks us to do stuff that doesn’t quite make sense to us.
What has God asked you to do that didn’t make sense?
Did you do it? What was the result?
* Sometimes following God’s instructions for your life will look a bit ridiculous or foolish (marching around a city blowing some horns to knock down a huge wall) to people around us, but that allows God to speak louder to others through your faithfulness.
God’s plans are always best, even if we don’t see how they’ll work!
Is it easy for you to follow God when you can’t see where he’s going? Or do you struggle?
What can you do to trust God no matter what?
Prayer:Choose to follow God wherever and however he wants to lead you. Take a few moments to commit your trust to God. Let him know that you are willing to do whatever he requires to enter the Promise Land. Thank him for all the times he’s asked you to do stuff that seems crazy! Doing crazy stuff is what makes the adventure!
1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.”
Observation:
What did the Israelites encounter when they reached Jericho?
A huge wall!
How did God tell them to get past the wall?
For all the Israelites knew, God expected them to be Urban Ninjas and simply scale the wall! (Video: watch only, don’t try! You are an idiot if you try this stuff.)
Good luck Grandma!!!
God wanted the Israelites to break down the wall. He ordered them to march around the city for six days while the priests blew trumpets. On the seventh day, they would march around the city seven times. Then when the trumpet sounded a long blast, all the people would shout and the wall of the city would collapse.
God had a plan to get the Israelites past the wall of Jericho and it required trust. Imagine trying to break down a massive wall with only marching, trumpets and shouting!
Application:
God’s method for getting past the wall was pretty out of the ordinary. Often times God asks us to do stuff that doesn’t quite make sense to us.
What has God asked you to do that didn’t make sense?
Did you do it? What was the result?
* Sometimes following God’s instructions for your life will look a bit ridiculous or foolish (marching around a city blowing some horns to knock down a huge wall) to people around us, but that allows God to speak louder to others through your faithfulness.
God’s plans are always best, even if we don’t see how they’ll work!
Is it easy for you to follow God when you can’t see where he’s going? Or do you struggle?
What can you do to trust God no matter what?
Prayer:Choose to follow God wherever and however he wants to lead you. Take a few moments to commit your trust to God. Let him know that you are willing to do whatever he requires to enter the Promise Land. Thank him for all the times he’s asked you to do stuff that seems crazy! Doing crazy stuff is what makes the adventure!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Scripture: Numbers 13:31-33, 14:6-9
13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
14:6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Observation:
The Israelites had a choice to make: Promise Land or Wilderness.
The majority of the Israelites had what attitude towards the Promise Land?
They did not believe that they could defeat the giants.
They believed that they would be destroyed by the giants living in the Promise Land.
What was Joshua and Caleb’s attitude towards the Promise Land?
They weren’t scared of what they saw—they believed God when he promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.
Joshua and Caleb were ready to take on the giants!
Most of us know how the rest of the story goes…the Israelites chose to wander in the desert for 40 years and miss out on God’s big gift! It would have really stunk to have wandered in a desert for 40 years!
Little water to satisfy your thirst
Scorching hot days and freezing nights
Sand everywhere!
Application:
What does the Promise Land look like for us?
It represents the unique place God created especially for us to experience life in him to the fullest.
Simply put: Living your life with God in the drivers seat and you riding shotgun.
Not a Holiday Inn Express- We only cheat ourselves when we check-in periodically to God’s way and then go our own way the rest of the time (WILDERNESS).
It still has struggles and hardships we have to overcome, but these are the times that God’s power and faithfulness become most obvious!
What does the Wilderness look like?
The Wilderness represents the place we find ourselves when we know what God wants us to do, but we don’t do it.
When we chose to live in the Wilderness, we chose to miss out on God’s promises, partnership, and experiences.
Instead, we have to live with the consequences of choosing to go against God’s will.
Prayer:
Even though it seems obvious to choose the Promise Land instead of the Wilderness, it’s not always that simple! A lot of times we chose the Wilderness (maybe we’re scared or stubborn or we give into the voices telling us we can’t defeat the giants). Trust in God and he will give you the strength and courage to enter the Promise Land and conquer any obstacles.
13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
14:6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Observation:
The Israelites had a choice to make: Promise Land or Wilderness.
The majority of the Israelites had what attitude towards the Promise Land?
They did not believe that they could defeat the giants.
They believed that they would be destroyed by the giants living in the Promise Land.
What was Joshua and Caleb’s attitude towards the Promise Land?
They weren’t scared of what they saw—they believed God when he promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.
Joshua and Caleb were ready to take on the giants!
Most of us know how the rest of the story goes…the Israelites chose to wander in the desert for 40 years and miss out on God’s big gift! It would have really stunk to have wandered in a desert for 40 years!
Little water to satisfy your thirst
Scorching hot days and freezing nights
Sand everywhere!
Application:
What does the Promise Land look like for us?
It represents the unique place God created especially for us to experience life in him to the fullest.
Simply put: Living your life with God in the drivers seat and you riding shotgun.
Not a Holiday Inn Express- We only cheat ourselves when we check-in periodically to God’s way and then go our own way the rest of the time (WILDERNESS).
It still has struggles and hardships we have to overcome, but these are the times that God’s power and faithfulness become most obvious!
What does the Wilderness look like?
The Wilderness represents the place we find ourselves when we know what God wants us to do, but we don’t do it.
When we chose to live in the Wilderness, we chose to miss out on God’s promises, partnership, and experiences.
Instead, we have to live with the consequences of choosing to go against God’s will.
Prayer:
Even though it seems obvious to choose the Promise Land instead of the Wilderness, it’s not always that simple! A lot of times we chose the Wilderness (maybe we’re scared or stubborn or we give into the voices telling us we can’t defeat the giants). Trust in God and he will give you the strength and courage to enter the Promise Land and conquer any obstacles.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Scripture: Numbers 13:27-30
27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
Observation:
Moses had sent out 12 spies to scope out the Promise Land. What were some of the positive things and some of the negative things that the spies reported about the Promise Land?
Positive: flowing with milk and honey (Best smoothies in town)
Negative: powerful people (giants!), fortified and intimidating cities (Can’t get grandma over the wall)
Most of the spies were scared by what they saw; they were too scared take possession of the Promise Land. Who was the one person who wasn’t discouraged by what he saw in the Promise Land? What did he think they should do next?
Caleb knew that God was faithful, and since God wanted the Israelites to have the Promise Land he would help them get it.
Caleb was bold and knew that they should go ahead and take possession of the land regardless of the obstacles that looked like more than they could handle. (That’s why my youngest son’s name is Caleb—so he will be bold and ready to take on any challenges).
God’s ladder can scale any wall, after all it reaches to the heavens.
God’s shadow swallows the giants shadow as it covers the entire world.
Application:
Who are you like?
Are you like the spies who were too afraid to enter the Promise Land?
Or are you like Caleb, who can look at giants and be ready to take them on?
Caleb trusted God and knew that he was bigger than the circumstances or the giants they faced. Caleb remained focused on the prize—no matter what!
Do you remain focused on the prize? Or do you get discouraged by obstacles that look impossible to overcome?
What obstacles are you facing that look too big to handle?
Prayer:
Sometimes it’s tough to remain focused on the prize when so many other things seem to stand in our way. Talk to God about anything that is discouraging you. Ask God to make you like Caleb—loyal to God’s vision and bold. Praise God for being bigger than anything you’ll ever have to face!
27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
Observation:
Moses had sent out 12 spies to scope out the Promise Land. What were some of the positive things and some of the negative things that the spies reported about the Promise Land?
Positive: flowing with milk and honey (Best smoothies in town)
Negative: powerful people (giants!), fortified and intimidating cities (Can’t get grandma over the wall)
Most of the spies were scared by what they saw; they were too scared take possession of the Promise Land. Who was the one person who wasn’t discouraged by what he saw in the Promise Land? What did he think they should do next?
Caleb knew that God was faithful, and since God wanted the Israelites to have the Promise Land he would help them get it.
Caleb was bold and knew that they should go ahead and take possession of the land regardless of the obstacles that looked like more than they could handle. (That’s why my youngest son’s name is Caleb—so he will be bold and ready to take on any challenges).
God’s ladder can scale any wall, after all it reaches to the heavens.
God’s shadow swallows the giants shadow as it covers the entire world.
Application:
Who are you like?
Are you like the spies who were too afraid to enter the Promise Land?
Or are you like Caleb, who can look at giants and be ready to take them on?
Caleb trusted God and knew that he was bigger than the circumstances or the giants they faced. Caleb remained focused on the prize—no matter what!
Do you remain focused on the prize? Or do you get discouraged by obstacles that look impossible to overcome?
What obstacles are you facing that look too big to handle?
Prayer:
Sometimes it’s tough to remain focused on the prize when so many other things seem to stand in our way. Talk to God about anything that is discouraging you. Ask God to make you like Caleb—loyal to God’s vision and bold. Praise God for being bigger than anything you’ll ever have to face!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Click here to check out the Lifehouse: Everything video!
Observation:
What part(s) of the video stood out to you most? Why?
Take a few moments to think about the meaning of these lyrics from the song; what do these words mean to you?
“Leading me to the place where I find peace”
“Would you tell me how could it be any better than this”
“How can I stand here and not be moved by you”
Application:
The video shows a girl who was following Jesus and then got caught up things that went against what Jesus knew was best.
Are there any areas of your life that you know go against what Jesus wants for you (what’s best for you)?
The girl knew that what she was doing was wrong. Jesus wanted the best for her, but she had turned away. Toward the end of the video the girl realized she needed to cry out for Jesus to deliver her…and he did!
What do you need to give up and allow Jesus to deliver you from?
What is holding you back from crying out for his deliverance right now?
Prayer:We can never know how much it breaks God’s heart when we choose not to follow his ways! Cry out to God and allow him to deliver you from anything that stands between you and the freedom found in him.
Observation:
What part(s) of the video stood out to you most? Why?
Take a few moments to think about the meaning of these lyrics from the song; what do these words mean to you?
“Leading me to the place where I find peace”
“Would you tell me how could it be any better than this”
“How can I stand here and not be moved by you”
Application:
The video shows a girl who was following Jesus and then got caught up things that went against what Jesus knew was best.
Are there any areas of your life that you know go against what Jesus wants for you (what’s best for you)?
The girl knew that what she was doing was wrong. Jesus wanted the best for her, but she had turned away. Toward the end of the video the girl realized she needed to cry out for Jesus to deliver her…and he did!
What do you need to give up and allow Jesus to deliver you from?
What is holding you back from crying out for his deliverance right now?
Prayer:We can never know how much it breaks God’s heart when we choose not to follow his ways! Cry out to God and allow him to deliver you from anything that stands between you and the freedom found in him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Scripture: Romans 1:24-32
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Observation:
· These verses are a pretty long list of things God tells us not to do—to stand against.
· Why do you think God is so specific about what we should or shouldn’t do?
o God wants us to have the best life possible and by living his way and obeying his commands we can have it! Not to be confused with a trouble-free life or an easy life, but simply the best way to live your life.
· What do you think is considered sexual impurity? How far is too far?
o What answer would you tell God if he asked you face-to-face?
· How do you feel about the statement: Homosexuality is evil and a sin against God, period.
o Do you agree or disagree?
o The scriptures tell us that homosexuality is a sin…no exceptions, but many Christians fail to stand up for God’s standards when they’re challenged by someone else!
o Important to understand that while homosexuality is a sin it is certainly no less or more dishonoring to God than the rest of the sins given.
Application:
· What behavior from this list do you struggle with the most? Why?
o We need to remember that just because something is easy to do or because something gives us pleasure, or even that it seems to be a struggle for many people doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable by God.
· What actions can you take to stand on God’s side? That means standing up for the things God stands up for and sitting for the things God sits for.
Prayer:
Admit to God any areas that you battle with. Let God work in you to cleanse you from your sin and to make you strong to stand up for what’s right. Anytime throughout your day that you begin to struggle with something you know you shouldn’t do, take a moment and say a silent prayer to God to help you live according to his standards.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Observation:
· These verses are a pretty long list of things God tells us not to do—to stand against.
· Why do you think God is so specific about what we should or shouldn’t do?
o God wants us to have the best life possible and by living his way and obeying his commands we can have it! Not to be confused with a trouble-free life or an easy life, but simply the best way to live your life.
· What do you think is considered sexual impurity? How far is too far?
o What answer would you tell God if he asked you face-to-face?
· How do you feel about the statement: Homosexuality is evil and a sin against God, period.
o Do you agree or disagree?
o The scriptures tell us that homosexuality is a sin…no exceptions, but many Christians fail to stand up for God’s standards when they’re challenged by someone else!
o Important to understand that while homosexuality is a sin it is certainly no less or more dishonoring to God than the rest of the sins given.
Application:
· What behavior from this list do you struggle with the most? Why?
o We need to remember that just because something is easy to do or because something gives us pleasure, or even that it seems to be a struggle for many people doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable by God.
· What actions can you take to stand on God’s side? That means standing up for the things God stands up for and sitting for the things God sits for.
Prayer:
Admit to God any areas that you battle with. Let God work in you to cleanse you from your sin and to make you strong to stand up for what’s right. Anytime throughout your day that you begin to struggle with something you know you shouldn’t do, take a moment and say a silent prayer to God to help you live according to his standards.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Scripture: Romans 1:24-32
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Observation:
· These verses are a pretty long list of things God tells us not to do—to stand against.
· Why do you think God is so specific about what we should or shouldn’t do?
o God wants us to have the best life possible and by living his way and obeying his commands we can have it! Not to be confused with a trouble-free life or an easy life, but simply the best way to live your life.
· What do you think is considered sexual impurity? How far is too far?
o What answer would you tell God if he asked you face-to-face?
· How do you feel about the statement: Homosexuality is evil and a sin against God, period.
o Do you agree or disagree?
o The scriptures tell us that homosexuality is a sin…no exceptions, but many Christians fail to stand up for God’s standards when they’re challenged by someone else!
o Important to understand that while homosexuality is a sin it is certainly no less or more dishonoring to God than the rest of the sins given.
Application:
· What behavior from this list do you struggle with the most? Why?
o We need to remember that just because something is easy to do or because something gives us pleasure, or even that it seems to be a struggle for many people doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable by God.
· What actions can you take to stand on God’s side? That means standing up for the things God stands up for and sitting for the things God sits for.
Prayer:
Admit to God any areas that you battle with. Let God work in you to cleanse you from your sin and to make you strong to stand up for what’s right. Anytime throughout your day that you begin to struggle with something you know you shouldn’t do, take a moment and say a silent prayer to God to help you live according to his standards.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Observation:
· These verses are a pretty long list of things God tells us not to do—to stand against.
· Why do you think God is so specific about what we should or shouldn’t do?
o God wants us to have the best life possible and by living his way and obeying his commands we can have it! Not to be confused with a trouble-free life or an easy life, but simply the best way to live your life.
· What do you think is considered sexual impurity? How far is too far?
o What answer would you tell God if he asked you face-to-face?
· How do you feel about the statement: Homosexuality is evil and a sin against God, period.
o Do you agree or disagree?
o The scriptures tell us that homosexuality is a sin…no exceptions, but many Christians fail to stand up for God’s standards when they’re challenged by someone else!
o Important to understand that while homosexuality is a sin it is certainly no less or more dishonoring to God than the rest of the sins given.
Application:
· What behavior from this list do you struggle with the most? Why?
o We need to remember that just because something is easy to do or because something gives us pleasure, or even that it seems to be a struggle for many people doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable by God.
· What actions can you take to stand on God’s side? That means standing up for the things God stands up for and sitting for the things God sits for.
Prayer:
Admit to God any areas that you battle with. Let God work in you to cleanse you from your sin and to make you strong to stand up for what’s right. Anytime throughout your day that you begin to struggle with something you know you shouldn’t do, take a moment and say a silent prayer to God to help you live according to his standards.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-5
4 As you come to him, The living Stone—rejected by men but chose by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Observation:
· Who do you think is the living Stone in verse 4?
o Hint: J.C.
· What does verse 5 tell us we are supposed to be?
o What do you think it means to be a living stone? (Think about the stones from yesterday’s discussion)
Application:
· We are called to be living stones like Jesus was a living stone.
o How do your life and your actions compare to how Jesus lived?
o What things does Jesus stand for and what things do you stand for?
o What specific areas do you struggle with? Is there anything in your life that you know Jesus stands against?
o What can you do to work on those areas?
Prayer:Ask God to work in you to become a living stone standing for him. Confess to him any areas that don’t match up to his standards. Make sure to take time to listen for a response from God!
4 As you come to him, The living Stone—rejected by men but chose by God and precious to him—5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Observation:
· Who do you think is the living Stone in verse 4?
o Hint: J.C.
· What does verse 5 tell us we are supposed to be?
o What do you think it means to be a living stone? (Think about the stones from yesterday’s discussion)
Application:
· We are called to be living stones like Jesus was a living stone.
o How do your life and your actions compare to how Jesus lived?
o What things does Jesus stand for and what things do you stand for?
o What specific areas do you struggle with? Is there anything in your life that you know Jesus stands against?
o What can you do to work on those areas?
Prayer:Ask God to work in you to become a living stone standing for him. Confess to him any areas that don’t match up to his standards. Make sure to take time to listen for a response from God!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Scripture: Exodus 24:1-5
1 Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” 3 When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” 4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the food of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord.
Observation:
· What was the Israelites’ response to what God spoke through Moses (v3)?
· Why did Moses put up the 12 stones pillars? What did they represent?
o It was a popular practice at this time to use stone pillars to mark a spot that something significant, spectacular, amazing, or important took place. The main reason for this was to cause people that would pass by that place to ask, “What happened here? Tell me the story.”
Application:
· How can you live your life in a way that makes people want to know ‘Your Story’?
· Take a moment and think back to when you began your journey with God. What is your story? What changes have occurred in the way you act, believe, talk, and love people?
o If there isn’t much of a change than perhaps its time to be a Standing Stone.
Prayer: Be honest with God about your struggles in being a standing stone in your life. Ask him to give you opportunities to be an example to others. Let him know how much you love him and how thankful you are that he saved you.
1 Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” 3 When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” 4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the food of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord.
Observation:
· What was the Israelites’ response to what God spoke through Moses (v3)?
· Why did Moses put up the 12 stones pillars? What did they represent?
o It was a popular practice at this time to use stone pillars to mark a spot that something significant, spectacular, amazing, or important took place. The main reason for this was to cause people that would pass by that place to ask, “What happened here? Tell me the story.”
Application:
· How can you live your life in a way that makes people want to know ‘Your Story’?
· Take a moment and think back to when you began your journey with God. What is your story? What changes have occurred in the way you act, believe, talk, and love people?
o If there isn’t much of a change than perhaps its time to be a Standing Stone.
Prayer: Be honest with God about your struggles in being a standing stone in your life. Ask him to give you opportunities to be an example to others. Let him know how much you love him and how thankful you are that he saved you.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Scripture: Deuteronomy 5: 6-22
6 [And God spoke all these words:] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before me. 8 You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 11 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 12 Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord you God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observed the Sabbath day. 16 Honor you father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 You shall not commit adultery. 19 You shall not steal. 20 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 21 You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
22 These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain [Mt. Sinai] from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me.
Observation:
-What was so significant about the 10 Commandments in relation to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai?
The 10 Commandments gave the Israelites (and give us) direction…a blueprint from which to pattern their life.
The 10 Commandments aren’t meant to make our lives boring, they’re not just another set of rules…God gave us the 10 Commandments to make our lives better!
-Consider the 10 Commandments as a treasure map! They are designed to lead us straight into the will of God. How awesome is that!!
But not only do we have the 10 Commandments…we have the entire Bible! 66 books worth of treasure straight from God!
Application:
-How do you view the 10 Commandments? Do you think of them as more rules or as a treasure map to a better way of living?
-Do you make full use the Bible and all it has to offer? What areas can you improve in (daily devotions, prayer, etc.)?
God gave us the Bible for a reason. Make sure you’re spending time reading your Bible and praying to God every day.
Prayer:
The Bible isn’t the only way God reveals himself to us—he also does it through prayer. Just as we use prayer to talk to God, he uses it to talk to us. Are you taking the time to listen? As you talk to God today, be still and give him time to talk back!
6 [And God spoke all these words:] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before me. 8 You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 11 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 12 Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord you God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observed the Sabbath day. 16 Honor you father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 You shall not commit adultery. 19 You shall not steal. 20 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 21 You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
22 These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain [Mt. Sinai] from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me.
Observation:
-What was so significant about the 10 Commandments in relation to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai?
The 10 Commandments gave the Israelites (and give us) direction…a blueprint from which to pattern their life.
The 10 Commandments aren’t meant to make our lives boring, they’re not just another set of rules…God gave us the 10 Commandments to make our lives better!
-Consider the 10 Commandments as a treasure map! They are designed to lead us straight into the will of God. How awesome is that!!
But not only do we have the 10 Commandments…we have the entire Bible! 66 books worth of treasure straight from God!
Application:
-How do you view the 10 Commandments? Do you think of them as more rules or as a treasure map to a better way of living?
-Do you make full use the Bible and all it has to offer? What areas can you improve in (daily devotions, prayer, etc.)?
God gave us the Bible for a reason. Make sure you’re spending time reading your Bible and praying to God every day.
Prayer:
The Bible isn’t the only way God reveals himself to us—he also does it through prayer. Just as we use prayer to talk to God, he uses it to talk to us. Are you taking the time to listen? As you talk to God today, be still and give him time to talk back!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Scripture: Exodus 16:2-3, 6-7, 102 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out in to this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” 6 So Moses and Aaron said to the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard our grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud. (NIV)
Observation:
-Not long after the Israelites were delivered from their slavery in Egypt they were having some issues.
What was their attitude toward their deliverance (which should have been a joyous occasion!)?
Why do you think the Israelites grumbled and doubted God when he had just saved them from Egypt?
-The Israelites had a tough time dealing with their new circumstances; they felt that God had abandoned them to die in the desert.
Even though they had seen God (as the fire and as the cloud) and even though God had been faithful to them, they weren’t accepting God’s target (the Promise Land) as their own…they had lost sight of the goal!
Application:
Have you ever felt that God has abandoned you? What were the circumstances?
How did God show himself to you to let you know that he was still with you?
Do you know what God’s target for your life is? If you don’t, that’s okay! Just trust God that he has one, and be prepared to follow him wherever he wants to lead you.
Prayer:
If your life isn’t going the way you want it to, don’t just sit back and complain about it…if you’re having trouble believing God’s plan for you, tell him! God cares about what’s bothering you and he wants to know your concerns. Ask God to make his target your target, his goal your goal. Take a few moments and raise God for all the good things he’s given you.
Observation:
-Not long after the Israelites were delivered from their slavery in Egypt they were having some issues.
What was their attitude toward their deliverance (which should have been a joyous occasion!)?
Why do you think the Israelites grumbled and doubted God when he had just saved them from Egypt?
-The Israelites had a tough time dealing with their new circumstances; they felt that God had abandoned them to die in the desert.
Even though they had seen God (as the fire and as the cloud) and even though God had been faithful to them, they weren’t accepting God’s target (the Promise Land) as their own…they had lost sight of the goal!
Application:
Have you ever felt that God has abandoned you? What were the circumstances?
How did God show himself to you to let you know that he was still with you?
Do you know what God’s target for your life is? If you don’t, that’s okay! Just trust God that he has one, and be prepared to follow him wherever he wants to lead you.
Prayer:
If your life isn’t going the way you want it to, don’t just sit back and complain about it…if you’re having trouble believing God’s plan for you, tell him! God cares about what’s bothering you and he wants to know your concerns. Ask God to make his target your target, his goal your goal. Take a few moments and raise God for all the good things he’s given you.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Scripture:
Num 13:16-33
16 These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.)
17 When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, "Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)
21 So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath. 22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land.
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan."
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
NIV
Observation:
*Moses asked the spies to explore the land and bring back answers to some questions. What answers did the find to the following questions?
--What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not?
*Bible tells us that Moses listened to the ten spies that were scared little chickens and decided not to enter the promise land.
*Caleb had some backbone and boldness (That’s why my youngest boy’s name is Caleb) to be able to see the giants and still want to take the land.
--Why do you think Caleb was so confident in battling the giants for the promise land?
---Perhaps Caleb realized that God is bigger than any giants that could cross their path.
Application:
*What are some giants, or struggles in your life?
*What areas do you have difficulty trusting God with?
*Don’t be afraid to stand up to your giants—God will be fighting on your side! Besides, what you’ll gain (living out God’s plan for your life) is worth more than you could ever lose!
Prayer: Talk to God about your giants, let him know what’s holding you back. He wants to hear from you! Ask God for the courage to conquer your giants and move into the Promise Land (trust me, it’ll be worth it!). Be sure to thank him for the good land that he is offering you!
Num 13:16-33
16 These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.)
17 When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, "Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)
21 So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath. 22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land.
26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan."
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
NIV
Observation:
*Moses asked the spies to explore the land and bring back answers to some questions. What answers did the find to the following questions?
--What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not?
*Bible tells us that Moses listened to the ten spies that were scared little chickens and decided not to enter the promise land.
*Caleb had some backbone and boldness (That’s why my youngest boy’s name is Caleb) to be able to see the giants and still want to take the land.
--Why do you think Caleb was so confident in battling the giants for the promise land?
---Perhaps Caleb realized that God is bigger than any giants that could cross their path.
Application:
*What are some giants, or struggles in your life?
*What areas do you have difficulty trusting God with?
*Don’t be afraid to stand up to your giants—God will be fighting on your side! Besides, what you’ll gain (living out God’s plan for your life) is worth more than you could ever lose!
Prayer: Talk to God about your giants, let him know what’s holding you back. He wants to hear from you! Ask God for the courage to conquer your giants and move into the Promise Land (trust me, it’ll be worth it!). Be sure to thank him for the good land that he is offering you!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Scripture: Exodus 3:8 “So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Observation:
For what purpose did God save the Israelites from their slavery and bondage to Egypt?
God didn’t just deliver the Israelites out of Egypt to end their slavery; he had a bigger plan for their lives.
God wanted the Israelites to begin an adventure with him, to leave their old life behind and journey into a greater life.
How did the Israelites view ‘milk’ and ‘honey’?
Milk- Stood for strength, boldness, and life giver.
Honey- Something rare, valuable, precious, treasure.
Application:
What do you think God’s plan for your life is? What does your Promise Land look like?
God has an adventure planned for you, but it’s going to be a rough ride if you try to drag along a lot of extra baggage. Maybe you struggle with having a bad attitude with your teachers or your parents. Or maybe you’re not nice to the kids in your class who you don’t like. What are some areas of your life that God is calling you to leave behind so you can journey forward with him?
What would you do differently tomorrow to take steps toward the Promise Land (place where you are fully trusting God and seeking his plan and not your own)?
Prayer:
Take a few moments to thank God for his plan for your life (even if you don’t know what it is!).
Ask him for the courage to give up anything that is holding you back from accepting his quest into a greater life.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Welcome to the Deep End!
The Deep End is a place - you guessed it - to go deeper. I'll be posting devotionals each week that dive deeper into what we talked about at IGNITE. So strap on your floaties and jump into the deep end.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
