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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
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.
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