Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 50

What is #GiveGod12?

In the month of November, we are asking for parents and students to take the challenge to give God 12 minutes of their day to know God! I understand there are many different ways for people to get to know who God is. There are a few things we can do every single day that will help us know Him better. That is what this #GiveGod12 journey is all about. Giving Him 12 minutes a day so we can know Him.

Creation Points to the Creator


JAMES SCARBOROUGH
Imagine a teenager who lived in the jungle and has never experienced civilization in any way! One day he stumbles upon an iPhone that someone left in the jungle. He picks it up and starts to press buttons. Eventually he discovers the photos on the phone. Then he realizes that it plays music. Imagine how shocked he would be. The question is simply this: would he think that it was made by some random act of nature, springing forth from the ground? Or would he decide that someone made this thing? Read Genesis 1

one
This week, I discover that in order to know God, I need to HEAR from God.

When we see a beautiful work of art, we know that there must be an artist who made it. When we look at the world around us -- the animals, the people, the sun, the stars, the oceans -- we realize that Someone made all of this. Genesis 1 is focused, not so much on how, but on who; God made the world and God made people for a relationship with him. Today, take time to see the wonders of Gods creation. See the beauty in the sky and all around you. And for everything you see, Gods creation reminds us that there is a Creator who loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.

ACTION STEP: Put together a plan for reading Gods Word.

Jesus words reveal Gods heart


JAMES SCARBOROUGH

We are surrounded by messages. In the morning we check our cell phones to find that we had emails to go through. Throughout the day our phone chirps or vibrates to tell us that we have text messages. And then theres Twitter and Facebook and endless blogs. And if you turn on the television, we are bombarded with 30-second messages that tell us what we should do, what we should wear, and what we should buy. We are surrounded by messages everywhere. Read John 1:1-5

In John 1, the Bible makes the amazing claim that Jesus was the Word. The Message. The Statement. The News. Jesus came to the earth not just to tell us Gods words, but Jesus came as Gods Word. Jesus is Gods Message. When we listen to Jesus, we hear Gods Statement. Jesus just doesnt teach good news, Jesus is Gods News. Consider today how you might remember that Jesus is Gods Word and He reveals Gods heart. Maybe theres a Bible verse that you could memorize. Maybe theres a truth from the Scripture that you can meditate upon.

2 3
CHAD FRIZZELL

The Bible is Gods Word

Do you yawn a lot? (Are you yawning right now?) Although there are lots of theories about why we yawn, none of them have been indisputably proven. The Ancient Greeks believed that yawning was a persons soul trying to escape his or her body. If thats the case, my soul has probably make it to the other side of the world and back by now. Another theory is that boredom is the cause. If Im having a conversation with someone and he starts yawning, I assume hed rather be reading the iTunes terms of agreement. If boredom is, in fact, the cause of yawning, let me ask you a question: Does the idea of reading the Bible automatically make you yawn? Ive had conversations with students who think they should read the Bible, but they dont because its boring. Or old. Or hard to understand. Ill be honest, there are some parts of the Bible that are less than riveting like instructions on burnt offerings or dimensions of the temple. I just typed the names of those things and yawned. Twice. Talk about your history with the Bible. Have you read it a lot? A little? Never? What do you think about the Bible?

The Bible gives our lives direction


JEFFIE BURNS

Driving. As a teenager you cannot wait until you are old enough to get behind the wheel! Freedom! Go where you want, when you want. But getting your liscense takes time; drivers ed classes, practicing (with people who critique everything) and waiting on parents to get ready to let you drive off. Then when you finally have the ability and freedom to gothere are directions everywhere! How fast you can go, where to enter, where to exit, stop, yieldwhere is the freedom?

Why do I have to obey all these directions? Why cant I go where I want, as fast as I want, and how I want? Over 600 deaths and 113,000 injuries* occur each year from people running red lights, and 10% are caused by teens. Following directions is important. Stop on red? Yes, it will save your life. Important to follow Gods Word? Yes, it will save your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take. Pslam 32:8 NLT The Lord says I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

4 4

Isaiah 48:17 NLT This is what the Lord syas, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Isreal I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Pslam 23:3 NLT He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. What is His will, His path, His directions? In the Old Testament God gave us the ten commandments. Exodus 20:1-17 says Then God gave the people all these instructions: 2 I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 3 You must not have any other god but me. 4 You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affectedeven children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. 7 You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse

his name. 8 Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. 12 Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 13 You must not murder. 14 You must not commit adultery. 15 You must not steal. 16 You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. 17 You must not covet your neighbors house. You must not covet your neighbors wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.

4 4

These directions were to make life as a follower of God easier not more complicated. Even in the New Testament, Christ told the people in Matthew 22:37-40 when they asked him about direction for their lives, 37 Jesus replied, You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments. Why is it so hard to follow Christs directions? The directions in His Word are for our good and yet we chose to run the red light by not obeying His directions. We not only put ourselves in danger by not following Him but sometimes those around us. Follow the directions. They will keep you safe. 1. Why is hard to follow some directions and not others? 2. Who do you have a hard time following directions from? 3. Do you only follow directions if someone is watching you?

Reading the Bible is a good habit


SHAWN MAHANNAH

Do you have any habits? Do you crack your knuckles? Twirl your hair? Smack your gum? What about checking your phone every other second just because its a habit? Do you think we could ask your friends about some of your habits? Your habits may be so habitual that you dont even realize you have them. The truth is there are different habits. There are good habits and bad habits. Bad habits are a lot easier to establish than good ones.

Name two habits that you have that youve formed without really thinking about them. (In other words, no one told you to do it; you didnt wake up and decide one day you were going to do it.)

Name one habit that you have thats on purpose.

Reading the Bible is a good habit. Why? To answer that question, Ill throw an old saying at you: First you make your habits, then your habits make you. What I mean by that is, reading the Bible will influence who you become. If you are anything like me, there are a number of reasons why I have not always read my Bible. See if you can relate to any of these reasons!

5 5
What is the main point of this passage?

I dont have time or didnt make the time. Im not good at it (meaning I dont know where to start, or I dont understand the true meaning of the scriptures.) I just dont feel like it today. I dont know if we can actually call those reasons. I think they are more excuses than anything else. I have a question. What if you and I stopped making excuses? Just like studying, exercising, saving, or practicing, when you read your Bible regularly, you get something in return. Psalm 1 says, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season (Psalm 1:1-3).

How does this passage apply to you right now?

Like a tree planted by streams of water, when youre constantly drinking in Gods Word, your character is always being changed for the better youre always bearing fruit at the right time.

This passage isnt referring to people who only read the Bible when theyre in trouble or faced with a desperate decision. Its talking about people who make it a lifestyle who have a long-term goal of knowing God and being known by Him. Why dont you try it? 1. 2. 3.

Pick a consistent time. Pick a consistent place. Make it a habit by committing to 90 days.

5 6
JEFFIE BURNS
Multiplication. 2 X 1 = 2 2 X 4 = 8 2 X 7 = 14 2 x 2 = 4 2 X 5 = 10 2 X 8 = 16 2 X 10 = 20

Memorizing Scripture changes us

2 X 3 = 6 2 X 6 = 12 2 X 9 = 18

Do you remember the hours you spent saying your multiplication facts over and over and over until you thought you were going to scream? Not only did you repeat them out loud but you had flash cards and took timed tests! But now anyone can ask you a multiplication question (at least 1-10) and you know it. You memorized them, painstakingly, but you memorized them. The same is true with Gods Word. We begin to read study and say it out loud and we begin to memorize it. Having scripture memorized means you know it. Websters Dictionary says that knowing is to have a clear and complete idea, to have information of some kind in your mind. Like the multiplication facts, it is a part of what you know. So when someone ask you a question about God, Christ, telling the truthyou will have the answer; you will know. Joshua 1:8 NLT Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

So just like your multiplication facts in elementary schooltake a scripture verse, say it over and over and over until you think you are going to scream and before you know it, you will have memorized it; and in memorizing Gods Word, you will be changed. Smarter because you have more knowledge in your brain Prepared because you will know what to pray in different circumstances Ready because hiding Gods word in your heart and mind. This keeps you aware of sin in your life and will help you flee, run and avoid.

Psalm 119:11 NLT I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Last multiplication fact: Scripture x You = Changed forever

1. Is memorizing Scripture hard for you? 2. Do you like memorizing songs?

3. If you could only memorize one scripture, would you choose a verse for evangelism to others or for personal growth? (there is no wrong answer)

6 7
JOHN GREENE

The Holy Spirit is Gods stamp of ownership

I joined the church when I was seven. I can remember looking up to the clouds and thinking that God was up there. I would hear thunder and imagine the angels were bowling. When I would examine my life I had no thoughts that I was lost. Everything changed at age 19 when God entered my dorm room and within the space of an hour, God convinced me that I had never asked Him to save me, but had gotten into the church by going around Him. He also showed me I was made to serve Him through the Pastorate and that I would never be a dentist. I had no idea when I bowed my head and asked Jesus to save me and turned my life over to Him, that the sense of change I felt was the coming of the Holy Spirit to live in me and begin the process of expressing the God life through my world. A few weeks later my best friend and I were riding and I was smoking and he said, Your roommate at school, a mutual friend of ours, doesnt think much of your call to preach because you still smoke. In that moment my normal reaction of anger never surfaced, but rather a deep conviction I would find later expressed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 14:13, Try instead to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you doing something he thinks is wrong.

That day I learned the reality that I was truly different. The ownership of my life had changed and someone living inside me was calling the shots and instructing me how to behave. I am not perfect but there is day to day evidence over the last forty-five years that shows I belong to His forever family because His Holy Spirit lives in me. Read Ephesians 1:1-14

This passage is filled with Mt. Everest theology. Chosen in Christ before our conception, living out predestined lives, changed fundamentally at our core (vs.7), standing forgiven and accepted in the sight of God the Father (v.7). The sign that we are Gods is the sealing of the Holy Spirit (v.13). The evidence of this sealing is a changed life. The fact of a changed life means we are sealed and if sealed, then our entrance to heaven is assured because The Holy Spirit is an earnest, a down payment, much as one makes on a house they want to buy. The earnest money means a sincere desire and full commitment to follow through. In giving us the Holy Spirit God has assured us of His intent to bring us home. The Holy Spirit would not be in us if it was not a done deal that God was bringing us home to heaven at the appointed time.

7 7

Spend some time considering the presence or absence of evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Is there genuine life change, not just at some point in time but as an ongoing reality?

How would you defend an accusation that you were not the real deal?

HEAR from God


IF YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD REMEMBER HIS WORDS. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17) THERE ARE LOSTS OF VERSES IN THE BIBLE THAT ARE WORTH REMEMBERING. HERE ARE A FEW TO GET YOU Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, STARTED: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. We are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to (ROMANS 12:2) do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. If you confess our sins, he is faithful and just (EPHESIANS 2:10) and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on (1 JOHN 1:9) your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (PROVERBS 3:5-6) ACTION STEP FOR WEEK ONE: Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all Talk to a parent or a pastor about a Bible Reading creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God Plan. that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Look at the different reading plans and ask the Lord if (ROMANS 8:39) you should commit to one. Start doing it. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (JOHN 3:16)

Prayer helps us get to know God


KATHRYN GREENE
How do you get to know someone? The simple answer is to spend time with them! So how can you get to know God if you dont spend time with Him. I love the visual picture I read several years ago Think of your home with a downstairs family room with a fire place and two rockers. Your bedroom is upstairs and each morning you come down the stairs and go in to the family room to meet with Jesus. He sits in one rocking chair and you in the other. You love your time together. He shares His thoughts and plans for your day and you respond in thanksgiving for His desire to walk beside you and guide your steps. You walk out into the world ready to face its opportunities with the peace and joy of knowing you are not alone and you have nothing to fear. But, life gets busy! You have some late nights; its hard to get up in the morning. You find your time in the family room with your Savior becoming shorter and shorter. The morning comes when you creep down the stairs and run past the opening to the family room in the hopes that He doesnt see you and out the front door. You just dont have enough time! What happens to your peace? What happens with getting to know more about your Creator? Who is in charge of your day you certainly didnt ask Jesus you didnt take the time to even say Good morning. You find yourself trying to live a life that God didnt create you for. He created you to walk with Him, seek His face and He would gladly give you guidance.

two
This week, I discover that in order to know God, I need to PRAY to God.

ACTION STEP: Ask a parent, leader, or pastor how prayer has made an impact on their life and then just start praying.

Keep asking and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11) What do those verses say to me about Jesus? They tell me that more than I feel loved by my dad and he gives me good gifts not something that would hurt me or harm me; my heavenly Father cares even more than that for me and loves to give me good things! If I had not read those verses of scripture I would not know that God is just waiting for me to ask Him for His blessings! I dont have because I havent asked! Philippians 4:6-7, Dont worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 8

These verses tell me that I am not to worry about anything (You cant worry and trust at the same time!). With an attitude of thanksgiving I am to thank God for His desire to meet my needs and to work in my life to accomplish His plans. When I do that, God says I will experience His peace in my heart and mind. One morning I came down the stairs, looked into the family room and saw Him sitting there. He was just waiting, patiently waiting. He missed me and I missed my time with Him! If I dont read His Word and talk to Him, I wont know my God. I wont know what His desires and plans are for me. It is only as I sit in my rocker next to His that I get to know Him!

God loves authentic prayers


DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

Have you ever listened to someone speak and they lost you within the first few minutes? Maybe they were using words that you didnt know the meaning of. Maybe they didnt even sound like they believed what they were saying. They might have been trying too hard to make you laugh or keep you engaged and it just wasnt working.

On the flip side, have you ever listened to someone who gripped you with every word they said? They used language you could understand, they werent trying to impress you, they were simply sharing what was on their heart and you felt a connection with them. Its pretty easy for us to tell if someone is being authentic(real) or not, but sometimes we have trouble being authentic with God.

A lot of times when we pray, we can be like the first person. We are trying to show how much we know, how spiritual we are, almost trying to impress God or others with our words and knowledge. And sometimes we dont pray because we feel like we have to sound smart or use all of the right Christian words in order to communicate with God.

9 9

The reality is that God loves authentic prayers. He wants you to be like the second person, who is simply sharing their heart, not trying to make themselves look good. Check out what Jesus says in Matthew 6: 5 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8 Jesus is addressing thousands of people who have gathered to hear him speak. In the middle of his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the topic of prayer. First, He warns against sounding like the hypocrites who are standing up in public loudly proclaiming their prayers for others to hear them. Their audience is everyone around them. They are seeking attention with their prayers. Jesus reminds the crowd that the audience for their prayers is God, and that their prayers dont have to be public in order for God to hear them. He hears us even when no one else is around. And most of the time its easier for us to be authentic when there is nobody around.

Next, Jesus warns against praying with lots of empty phrases and many words. In other words, choosing the right words to say or even saying a lot of words is not necessarily the sign of a healthy prayer life. We dont need to use fancy words or sound like we have it all figured out when we go to God in prayer. In fact, God already knows what we need, so theres no need to make our case or impress Him. The challenge for us in these verses is to ask ourselves, Who is my audience? and What is my motivation? If your audience is anyone other than God, then you wont share what is really on your heart. If your motivation is to sound smart or spiritual in order to be heard, then youll miss out on the opportunity to genuinely communicate with your Heavenly Father! Gods desire is that we would come to Him with our faults, failures and requests. The Creator of the universe wants to have a conversation with you! A real, genuine conversation where you share your heart and seek His face. Dont hide behind words or other people, get authentic with Him today!

9 9

What keeps you from being authentic in your prayers to God?

How can you overcome these obstacles and have a conversation with God?

To start on the journey of authentic prayer, spend a few minutes in conversation with God.

Prayer reminds us Who God is


DONNIE GRIGG

Read: Matthew 6:9-13.

Verse 9 says that this is how Jesus himself is teaching us to pray. So what is He saying about who God is?

Our Father in heaven Here, Jesus is acknowledging Gods place in heaven high above us and our position as being below Him on the earth. It would be good to begin, like Jesus did, by remembering that we are lowly, mere dust of the earth and from high above us on His mighty throne, God is listening from heaven. May your name be kept holy He is acknowledging here that Gods name is holy and according to Exodus 20:7 to be kept from coming out of our lips with out respect, awe, and reverence.

May your Kingdom come soon Every kingdom has a king. This is Jesus Christ acknowledging before men and to us that God Almighty is the King of the universe (which happens to include our tiny world) and He is asking that God will establish His kingdom on earth sooner rather than later. We should be praying this same prayer as believers. Are you wondering why He would teach us to ask for that? If so, read Revelation 7:16-17 and you can see just a taste of what we have to look forward to when Gods kingdom comes to the earth.

10 10
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven Jesus is saying here, I believe, that when we pray this way, we are truly saying that Gods way is best. Even and maybe especially when we do not to understand or desire to go through what God has allowed in our lives. Jesus is our example also by praying this same prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was taken to the cross. Read that prayer in Matthew 26:42. When we learn to pray this way, in accordance with His will, supernatural power to accept and be victorious through our circumstances is released. Give us today the food we need Jesus is saying that everything you have comes from Gods hand. He is our Provider. Give us, means not only to me but to others as well.

and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. What is this saying about God? He is ultimately the One who forgives us of our sins and we can ask Him to do that. An important principle that we often desire to forget about is taught to us by a parable of Jesus in Matthew 18:23-35. God expects us to forgive others of their sins against us if we desire to have forgiveness from Him.

and dont let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Jesus knew all about temptation. He had just gone through an intense time of it in the wilderness prior to Him teaching His disciples how to pray. What He is teaching us through prayer about God is that He is the One and only One Who can make us victorious over temptation. When we are walking closely to Him and listening to His voice through prayer and communication with Him, He keeps us from yielding to temptation and He is our Rescuer from the one who desires to destroy us. At various times in the gospels even Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, reminds us of the importance of pulling away from our daily routines of life in order to speak with and to hear from the One who loves us and created us.

Prayer simply reminds us who God isIt reminds us who is in control and whos not. Not only does God want to spend time with us, but He also wants us to lay before Him our burdens in prayer. When was the last time you were on your knees, crying out to God and pleading to Him about a personal burden on your heart?

10 10
When was the last time you asked God to show you something fresh in your life? Prayer is the process by which God makes us spiritually fit to receive what He is already willing to do.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Do we fail to see God working because we fail to pray or because we do not pray according to how Jesus taught us to pray? Begin today asking Jesus to teach you how to pray. Follow His example and believe Him for great things in your life. Our God is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. When we pray we learn more about who He is. Try it and believe Him to be who He says He is.

God moves when we ask Him to take the lead JOHN GREENE
Three years after I was saved and surrendered to the call of full time ministry, I became convinced that God wanted me to be a missionary to Brazil.

The problem was that after a six-week summer mission trip to Brazil where I got sick with dirty watervery, very sick, I had no desire ever to return to that country.

I just knew that God wanted me to go as a missionary and I just couldnt. That was a huge wrestling period in my life as I struggled with Gods perceived will for me. One night I had reached the limit of my endurance in fighting with God. In my heart, I swallowed hard and said, Lord, if you want me to go to Brazil, I will go. If thats what you want me to do, Ill do it.

For weeks I had wrestled with Gods perceived will as it lay on me and wouldnt let up, but as soon as those words came from my mouth and the decision was made in my heartGod spoke, not audibly, but just as clearly in my mind and heart.

11 11
Read Exodus 3:1-6, 10-12; 4:1-5, 10-18 God will always lead when we yield.

His lesson to me was so clear. If I am to bless you, if you are to see the evidence of My hand in your life for the years to come, there must be obedience to My will. As God, I am Lord and I only lead, I do not follow. When you surrender to Me, I will take the lead in your life and take you where I want you to go.

God has a plan for our lives. We are not biological events but planned births. That means there is a work God has for us that no one else can do. Moses was Gods choice and there was not a plan B. It is good to note in this reading that Moses continued lack of faith brought on by his over-the-top preoccupation with himself, eventually brought about the anger of the Almighty. The Bible does not say that that God never gets angry, rather it says, God is slow to anger, yet plenteous in mercy. Moses walked up to the edge with God, where discipline could have fallen in fresh amounts had he continued to resist Gods will. The point is that if you read on in Genesis you see how God repeatedly led Moses, provided for Moses and protected Moses AFTER Moses surrendered to Gods Will.

I heard the most surprising thing and it was this: I dont want you in Brazil, but I wanted you to be willing to do whatever I wanted. From the beginning the issue has been your surrender of your will to My will. I dont want you to go but you had to become willing to go.

What is the first issue that arises in your mind when you read this account in Gods Word?

If you are resisting Gods will then your life lacks His leading. Remember: continued resistance to the will of God eventually brings about the discipline of God.

11 12

Prayer reminds us that we need God


DONNIE GRIGG

I can do it, Im ok, I got this, I dont need your help. How many times have you made these statements or even had the thoughts go through your mind? If anything is going to get done right then you are the one who is going to have to do it. You are always the strong one, capable, independent. Could it be that if these thoughts are true in your earthly relationships, then they are most likely true in your relationship with God? The answer is yes. A very scary place to be as a child of God is in a place where you are not fully depending upon the Lord. Lets examine the actions of a man who got it right and see if your life looks anything like his. Ask yourself as you read and study, would you have responded in the same way as he did? Lets get familiar with Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a Jew, who had been taken into captivity and was a servant to the King of Babylon. He served the King as a cupbearer. A cupbearer was a very important job, which involved protection of the king. You can kind of think of it as an ancient secret service agent. He tasted the wine that was served to the king before it was served so that if it had been poisoned, he would die and the king would not be assassinated. Rough job. Nehemiah must have liked his job though, because he decided to stay in Babylon even though the period of captivity was over. Many Jews were returning back to their home. Some of his family who had chosen to go home one day returned to tell Nehemiah some disturbing news.

Read Nehemiah 1:1-4.

Now, Nehemiahs reaction might seem a tad dramatic to us, but think about the fact that his HOME was gone, wasted, destroyed. His people were a tattered group of homeless trying desperately to just survive. He also learned that what was meant to keep his home town protected (the wall, or fortress) was all broken down which means there was no more hope of rebuilding the city, because without outward protection, the city would just be taken captive again. This man whose life was now being used to protect a foreign, pagan king, was now desperate to return and protect his people, his hometown. Nehemiah recognized that the only way that this could possibly happen would be for the Lord to step in and direct his path. He recognized that he was not able to accomplish what needed to be accomplished, so he was driven to prayer. Read Nehemiah 1:4-11.

It is apparent that Nehemiah was a man who spent time in prayer daily. We also see how when a situation arose, he knew He needed Gods help so he sent a quick prayer up to heaven.

12 12
Read Nehemiah 2:1-8 In both instances we can see that Nehemiah depended on the Lord through prayer. The Lord heard the prayer of his servant and blessed him with the opportunity to return to his home and rebuild the city and surrounding wall. Read I Peter 5:7

Often times we think we know what is the best way to handle a situation so we rush ahead and do what we think is right and then ask God to bless itor to fix the mess we have made. Prayer keeps your heart and head in balance so your burden doesnt make you impatient to run ahead of the Lord and ruin everything. If there is a burden on your heart pray and ask the Lord: what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Then, wait and watch as He makes a way. Nehemiah is a great example of dependence upon the Lord. Try it and see how God works it all out and makes what may seem to be an impossible situation possible, and removes a lot of weight off of your shoulders and on to the One who wants to carry your burdens for you.

Spend a few minutes confessing and repenting if you are guilty of living your life independent from God. Practice putting your burdens and desires onto the Lord through prayer.

God forgave us so we should forgive others


SHAWN MAHANNAH

What creates happiness? An English bulldog puppy? Laughing babies on YouTube? Getting a date? What about getting rich and having a bunch of money? According to recent research, forgiveness does.

In his article Forgiveness Is Good for Your Health, Gregg Easterbrook says that people who forgive have better health, less depression, and better social support than those who dont.

In another study, Everett Worthington, Jr. claims that people who dont forgive have more stress in their lives, immune system problems, and cardiovascular problems at a higher rate than the population as a whole. In other words, forgiveness makes you happy, and not forgiving makes you sick.

13 13
Jesus talked about this concept long before psychologists did. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12). Forgiveness is one of those things that I have to pray about. When people hurt or offend me, I have to take that to the Lord. And when I talk to God about forgiveness it reminds me of two things: I need to pass on the same forgiveness. Once we realize how much we need forgiveness, its easier to distribute it to other people. They might not deserve it but guess what? Neither do we, yet God still offers it.

I need forgiveness. I do things every day that I know I shouldnt. I neglect to do things that I know I should. I do things, think things, and say things that go against what God wants from me. Yet He continues to offer me grace and forgiveness.

Its a simple concept: God forgave us, so we should forgive others. But it can be so difficult. Yet it also can be emotional and powerful. Thats why I want you to get into the habit of remembering how God has forgiven you and praying for God to help you forgive others.

I have access to God - anytime, any place

Do you have any hurt or anger thats currently directed at someone? What was taken from you? In what way were you wronged What are you owed?

Now spend some time praying.

13 14
In the Bible, Paul tells us to do something else continually. Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

SHAWN MAHANNAH

Do you remember ever playing the staring contest? You wait to see which person will be first to blink. SometimeS I can win, but it seems like I do not have the brainpower to control my blinks. Im blinking right now just thinking about blinking. I bet youre blinking, too. A random facts app says that the average person blinks every four to six seconds. That number is affected by the environments and by how tired you are. I dont know a lot about blinking but I do know this., every person on the face of the earth blinks and they blink often. I guess you could say we blink continually.

Paul makes it pretty clear about the things that we should do. He says that if we are going to be followers of Christ then he encourages us to pray and pray often.

Confess your own sins to God. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Forgive the people whove wronged you.

I grew up thinking that prayer was reserved for specific times and places before meals (if your family did it) before football games, during church, before you went to bed. But here is the truth about praying: we have access to God any time, any place. I remember getting my first cell phone. What I thought was the coolest thing about a cell phone was that it allowed me to access my family and friends any time from virtually any place.

Thats what prayer does it allows you instant access to God. You dont have to wait till Wednesday or Sunday. You dont have to wait till you get to the church. You dont have to wait until you clean up your act. You can pray to God any time, any place.

When I was a high school student there was a lady in our church who oversaw the prayer room. This room was usually really small and smelled like old people. If you ever needed a Bible prop for a skit you always new that there would be one in the prayer room. This lady asked me if I wanted to pray continually, like Paul has commanded us to. My response was, Well, since putting it like thatyes, I would love to do what the Bible tells me to do and pray a lot! She then told me that I needed to sign up and spend time in the prayer room praying. From my freshman through my senior year in high school I showed up to the church every Tuesday at 7:15 to pray.

14 14
Here was the problem with that now looking back. I didnt have a clue how to pray continually, here are two suggestions to get you started: Pray for people. When you have conversations with people throughout the day, say a quick prayer for them in your mind. Jesus please help Lacy with her test, be with Josies mom as she is dealing with the stress of work.

Acknowledge and invite. Before you walk into your next stop practice, class, rehearsal, home or even job acknowledge God and invite Him into that place: God, before I walk in my class, school or home, I want You to know that I need You. Help me to remember Jesus while Im in class today. Where are some places you can practice praying continually this week? Car, classroom, prayer room at the church?

PRAY to God
Because of Jesus, you can pray directly to God. Any time. Any place. With boldness. And when you pray, it connects you with God. Theres no magic formula for praying. But there are some things you can keep in mind when youre talking to God. Pray by honoring God. Why is it important to honor God with your thoughts and your words? Pray with humility. How do you make sure that your prayers are with humility? Why is humility such a big deal? Pray with gratitude. Think about the things the Lord has done for you. Spend some time today thanking Him for being such a good God. Pray with honesty. Do you feel like you can be honest with Him? Spend time today confessing what is really going on in your heart, mind and soul. Allow him to speak back into your life through silence and solitude. Pray for forgiveness. We are all sinners and we continue to mess up. We need more of Him and less of us. Confess your sin and ask for His presence throughout this day. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) ACTION STEP FOR WEEK TWO: Ask a parent, leader or pastor how prayer has made an impact on their life and then just start praying.

We all need support from good friends


MICHAEL REEDER

Have you ever been put in a situation where you had to stand up for your faith? Or realized that God has put you in a position to share your faith?

three
This week, I discover taht in order to know God, I need to TALK about God. ACTION STEP: Talk to someone about my relationship with God.

Is it easy to live for Jesus? Every day having to go against the world; having to face giants; having to oppose the ruler of the world in his domain!

Paul, the most effective and prolific evangelist of the new church, missionary, and follower of Christ also needed support of good friends.

15

Acts 4:32-27 | Acts 4:36-37 Acts 13:4; Acts 14:1,8,23

In the early church, it was recognized that each of us would need support from others. So much in fact, that Luke felt it important enough to recognize Barnabas and inform us of his nickname (Acts 4:36-37). How close to God was Paul? Paul actually met God on the road to Damascus. God specifically called Paul out for His service. But even Paul needed help and encouragement from friends. Over and over again in the Bible, Scripture tells of those who went with Paul, providing support and encouragement. Acts 13:4; Acts 14:1,8,23; Acts 16:6; Philippians 1:1; I Thessalonians 1:1;

15 15
Living by faith is a daily challenge. We are tempted by sin hundreds of times every day. As our faith grows, we are able to resist temptation more and more, but that also means our faith will be tested more. There will be times when our faith is challenged. How will you respond to a test of faith? How would you respond if you were alone? Would you respond differently if you had support?

Are you a support to another believer? Or do you hinder other believers?

I should talk about who Jesus is


SHAWN MAHANNAH
Jesus life had a pretty big impact on humanity:

Jesus introduced the concept of human rights. Jesus elevated the value and treatment of children. Jesus promoted the poor and the helpless having security and support. I could go on and on, talking all the ideas Jesus improved or introduced: Marriage Family Education Morality Freedom Work ethic Art and literature Christmas Grape juice and crackers in church

Okay, the last one might be getting a little bit off track. You get the point right? Jesus was someone who made some pretty significant contributions to our lives, even today.

16 16
You just have to love Peter dont you? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven (Matthew 16:16-17). Just like Peter, you and I have an opportunity to talk about who Jesus is. Its not just something we say once. And its not just something we say as a formula or repetition.

Jesus asked His disciples an interesting question: But what about you? He asked. Who do you say I am (Matthew 16:15).

Peter declared something very important. He was saying that while Jesus said some pretty amazing things including introducing ideas that people had never thought before Jesus isnt just a good guy. Hes not just a great teacher, a powerful prophet, or a wise leader. Hes not just a humanitarian, creative storyteller, or religious organizer. He is the Son of the one, true, living God. He is the Messiah and Savior.

I can cheer on others in their faith

Take a few minutes to write down what you know and believe about Jesus. How would you answer the question Who do You say that I am?

When we open our mouths and talk about who Jesus is, it benefits us and the people around us. It reaffirms in our hearts what we know is true. Thats why one of the ways you can know God more, is just to talk about who Jesus is. So, the challenge I give you today is for you to talk about Jesus. Maybe its with: A parent A friend A mentor or coach Your adult shepherd Your student pastor (Me) Your grandma (Not me!) I would challenge you to be creative. Find ways to talk abut His life, His words, His impact on humanity, what makes Him stand out among all other humans past and present, and get to know God better in the process!

16 17
I was good in all the categories except for the pull-ups. I had never gotten 5 pull-ups and didnt think there was ever going to be any way I could even get close. But I was determined to try and maybe there could be a miracle could happen that day. Our P.E. teacher asked if I was ready and I said, I was born ready! Okay, not really but it would have been awesome if I actually did.

SHAWN MAHANNAH

I do not know if this program is still around but when I was in elementary there was this National Standards for Physical Education program that every student had to go through. You had to run a mile. You had to do a flexibility test. There was this thing where you had to stand there and jump out as far as you could. And then there was the dreaded pull-up test! Okay, so everyone knows that I am not the smallest of guys. When I was a child, I had body mass but not a lot of muscle and there was no way I was ever going to be able to do 5 pull-ups. Why was 5 pull-ups a big deal? Because I wanted to get the presidential patch! This was the highest award. You had to score well on all the different categories to get the award.

I got to the third one and I thought I was done! There was no way I could ever get the last two, but out of nowhere all my friends and peers started chanting, You can do it Shawn, You can do it Shawn. I look back and think, if my friends would not have encouraged me, I would never have received the Presidential Award. Encouragement is powerful.

Here is a sobering reality: critical words outnumber the encouraging ones in our world. For the most part, we cheer against each other. Were sarcastic, discouraging, and sometimes, downright mean. We make fun of each other, cut each other down and point out each others flaws. And whatever the motivation is, were hurting each other.

17 17
Id love to say that its way different when it comes to Christians. But Im not sure that it is. Either way, heres what the author of Hebrews says to us: Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). Now, this isnt just about saying polite things. Its not simply about telling girls their hair looks pretty or liking your friends picture on a social media site. This is about encouraging each other with truth. In other words, cheer on others in their faith. When people fall down, urge them to get back up. Hold them accountable for what they want to do, and what they dont want to do. Talk about what God says. The writer of Hebrews says to do this daily. In other words, make it a habit. Make it an attitude. Make it a lifestyle. Everyone needs encouragement. And God may be calling you to be the person who meets that need in someones life.

Think of two people who need to be encouraged in their walk with God right now. Write down their names and 1-2 ways you can encourage them:

Person: A recent study showed that children under the age of 10 asked an average of 300 questions a day! But other Encouragement: studies show that as children get older, entering into their teenage years and even adulthood, this number drops dramatically. At some point we either decide to stop asking as many questions or we are told to stop asking.

Person: The problem is that we still have questions, we just dont think its okay to verbalize them. This is particularly true when it comes to our faith. We somehow start to think Encouragement: that if we ask God questions that means that we dont have enough faith, or that God will be disappointed in us. Who is encouraging you in your faith? Do they know it? Talk with them, and let them know what their encouragement means to you.

17 18
As a kid, I liked to ask questions. Usually I was asking my parents why?. Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why do I have to go to bed? Why cant I hit my sister?

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

God reveals Himself through our questions

The truth is that God is okay with us asking Him questions, and He reveals more about Himself when He answers them for us! Lets take a look at an example from Gods Word. 24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe. 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 27 Then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. 28 Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! 29 Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:24-29

18 18
After Jesus had risen, he appeared to most of the disciples. According to these verses, Thomas was not with them when Jesus showed himself. Thomas was skeptical. He wanted proof, he wanted answers.

A few days later, the disciples were together again, and Jesus appeared to them. Instead of lecturing Thomas for wanting proof, Jesus tells him to look at the marks and feel them! Thomas is awestruck and can only say, My Lord and my God! Now remember, Jesus was not present when Thomas voiced his doubts. In acknowledging Thomas question, Jesus is further revealing his omniscience, that He knows everything, even our thoughts and our heart. He knew what Thomas had said even without being present! He also knew that Thomas was not being a skeptic just for the sake of causing trouble. He knew that Thomas wanted to believe, so He graciously answered Thomas doubts.

We often criticize Thomas for his doubt, but lets remember what happened in John 11. Lazarus is sick, and Jesus tells the disciples that they need to go to Judea. Many of the disciples warned Jesus that He was in danger of being stoned by the Jews if He returned to Judea. Thomas had a different response, as seen in verse 16: 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Thomas was willing to follow Jesus to the death! Here is proof that even the most dedicated followers of Jesus can sometimes have questions and doubts!

You may be wrestling with questions and doubts. God already knows that you are, and He wants you to seek the answers! Dont be afraid to ask Him, and dont be afraid to voice your questions to trusted leaders. God may have already given them an answer to help you, or you both can seek an answer together.

18 18
What are some questions you want to ask God? Who is a trusted leader that you can talk to about these questions? Spend a few minutes asking God to reveal Himself to you, and dont be afraid to ask Him questions!

I dont have to know everything in order to share what I do know - MICHAEL REEDER

Does your fear of not being a Bible Scholar hold you back from sharing your faith? Are you afraid of asking people to church events because you feel you may be asked a church question and you wont know the answer? Are there times when what you dont know stops you from spreading the message of Jesus? From the moment of our salvation, God calls us to read, learn and pray so that we may become more like Christ. But God also knows that there will be times when we do not know what is needed in a situation. He does not want us to be afraid. He wants us to turn to Him in faith and allow Him to get us through these times. Read Judges Chapter 6 and 7 - Tells the story

The Israelites had entered the land promised to them by God. They had, however, not been the most godly of people. The local population influenced them, causing many to turn from God and turn to idol worship and very ungodly lifestyles. They were a people in need of someone to lead them back to God. During this time, God used certain people known as Judges. This story is about one such Judge, Gideon.

19 19
In Judges 6:15 we see how Gideon felt of his qualifications: I am the weakest of the weakest! I cant do it! I dont know how! In verse 16, God gives Gideon the most important message we can learn about God: He is with us. Gideon needed some convincing and asked God for signs, for which God obliged. Judges 7:21-22 shows us the result of believing and following God: Victory. Gideon formed an army of 32,000 soldiers. However, God wanted all to know who He was, how no one could stand against his people. So He reduced the fighting force to 300 men. And against all odds, defeated the Midianites. Today, there are not many times when we will be asked to defeat an army. There will be many times when we are led to tell someone about Jesus. Like Gideon, we will feel inadequate. We will feel we are not equipped to do what is needed. But God wants us to go forward, to take what we know and start. God is faithful. He is with us. He will provide what we need. It may not be an explosion of knowledge. It may be a softening of the hearts of those we are speaking to. But He wants us to have faith. Share what you do know. With God on your side, it will be enough.

I am created to be a light in the darkness


RACHEL MAHANNAH

Have you every noticed how even the smallest light can grow in the darkness? When I turn off the lights and climb into bed I dont even notice the beams of light coming from under the door to the bathroom. It doesnt take long though before the whole room seems to be lit up and entirely unsleepable... at least for me due to my not-so-energy-efficient failure to turn off the light in the bathroom. I know there is a perfectly understandable scientific reasoning to this something about our pupils and adjusting to the darkness and such but I cant help but notice the parallels of physical light in physical darkness to our spiritual light found in Christ and the spiritually dark world we live in.

We have probably all experienced periods of darkness, but what about light? Matthew 5:14 says, You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. We have a pretty big responsibility to be the light of the whole world! If you are like me you might find that a little overwhelming I mean who am I right?

20 20
Thats the thing about light though even the smallest most seemingly insignificant light can and will undoubtedly do its job = LIGHT THINGS UP! Read Matthew 5:14-15.

Covering up a candle with a bowl might sound silly but, lets be honest, we have all done it at one time or another in our Christian walk. We hide the powerful light of Christ when we choose to fade into the background and compromise what we know to be right for the sake of fitting in. It is SO tempting to do but often leaves us feeling less-than-great. Take a moment below to journal a time in your life when you feel like you have hid beneath a bowl of your own.

Read Matthew 5:16

According to this verse what is the purpose behind letting your light shine before men not hiding it under a bowl? WRITE YOUR STORY THE STORY OF THE WAYS GOD HAS SHOWN UP IN YOUR LIFE HERE: When and how did you first believe Gods story? Read John 8:12 The key is not just that we are the light we are not really that earth shattering important. The light we have is really just a reflecting of the TRUE light- Jesus. The truth is that we get to be Jesus (the light) to the world. The world might not see Him if we hide under our bowls. Spend a few minutes journaling a prayer asking God to show you opportunities to shine His Name today in the darkness and the courage to not hide who He is when it gets uncomfortable. How has God changed your life?

20

TALK about God


Before you talk to other people about God, it might help for you to take some time to think about what God has done in your life. What is your story? How has God shown up in your life to reveal who he is and how much he loves you?

How has God answered prayers for you? What has God taught you? And you know what? These questions could be great to talk about with some other people who know God. Ask them about their stories. You never know what you might learn about God when you talk about Him with your friends. ACTION STEP FOR WEEK THREE: Talk to someone about my relationship with God.

four
This week, I discover that in order to know God, we need to LIVE a life that honors God. ACTION STEP: Get together with another individual who has gone through this study and talk to them about how I am worshipping God in the way I live. Together, come up with some ideas how each of you would give, serve, and love others.

God is worth our worship


STACY PERKINS

One of my favorite definitions of worship is as follows:

Worship is communion with God in which believers, by grace, center their minds attention and their hearts affection on the Lord, humbly glorifying Him in response to His greatness and His Word. Dr. Bruce Leafblad, retired professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX.

When we worship God, what are we really trying to do? I think this begs a couple of questions we all have to ask ourselves: Who/what are we worshipping? Why am I worshipping?

21 21
Some people think that worship is just an act that takes place on Sunday mornings. They claim they are going to worship, when, in fact, they are just getting all dressed up and showing up for another weekly social event, a feel-good gathering, or maybe just going to be somewhere because there is nothing else going on. They wrongly call what they do worship because they rarely, if ever, leave different than when they came. Who?

A true worship encounter will change you PERIOD! You will look at your life through very different lenses when you experience the true, living God. It happens through the moving of His Spirit and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. When God speaks, we had BETTER be listening! The only time He gets His way is every time!! Think about that.God winsevery time! We can fight and resist Him, but He will have the ultimate last word. He exercise sovereign power (supreme, permanent authority) over ALL things, including nature, creation, life and death, and the seen, as well as the unseen, world we live in.

Romans 11:34 says, Who has known the mind of God, and who has been His counselor? Well, the answer to that is nobody straight up! God is God, and that ends the argument. There is a song that I have sung through the years and it is based on that verse and several others I will give reference to. It is called He Is Lord Of All and it has stuck in my mind since the first time I ever heard it. It helps to solidify in my mind the One I worship each and every week. Here are some of the lyrics: O who has known the mind of God, and who has been His counselor? His ways are pure, His love is pure, His thoughts are above our thoughts. He speaks and it is doneO there is none like Him. He is above, above all gods and everything has come from Him. Creation bows and worships Him, He who calls every star by name, He calls each star by nameO there is none like Him! Have you not known, have you not heard? He is the everlasting God. His Word will stand forevermore, He is Alpha and Omega beginning and the endO there is none like Him! Wow! That says a lot in just a few short sentences. Here are some of the other references I want you to look up and ponder during your quiet time or as a group for some discussion: Isaiah 40:13-14, Song of Solomon 1:4, Jeremiah 28:18, Job 40:2, and I Corinthians 2:16. There are countless other references in Scripture to the worthiness of God, but maybe these will wet your appetite to want to dig them up yourself. I promise you wont have to look very hard!!

21 21
Why?

Because we are going to worship someone or something and He alone is worthy of our praise and devotion. All other worship is called idolatry and we need to be very careful not to let that happen in our lives, because our God is a jealous God! He wants and deserves all of the glory. We dont need to get wrapped up in ourselves or in anyone or anything except Him! When we do (and I am guilty, too!), we are always disappointed. We get caught up in the latest fashion trends, only to be out of style three months later; the latest song, only to have it topped by another the next week; the greatest athletes and stars, only to watch them grow old or just totally go out of their ever-loving minds and do the craziest things all for more attention for their empty and shallow lives; precious metals and the stock market, only to watch it plunge at the least sign of economic unrest. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:5, I will never leave you nor forsake you. That is who I am going to go to and give my devotion to the One who is always there! I will worship the one true God, the Lord Jesus and then rely on His Holy Spirit to speak His wisdom, peace and love into my life.

God loves me for free

The old black preacher, SM Lockridge, preached a sermon called, Thats My King. You HAVE to listen to it. It gives a great perspective on who God is and why it is that we worship Him.

There are several YouTube videos on this, but my favorite is found at this address: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX_7j32zgNw It is not too long, but it is a great reminder of Who we serve and why we serve Him!! Thats my King! He is worthy.

Focus your minds attention and your hearts affection on Him, humbly glorifying Him for His greatness and His Word!

2122
Growing up I somehow got this idea that I got a hug from God when I was obedient. But no matter how hard I tried to be good enough to deserve a hug, I sometimes felt like I still fell short (and by sometimes I mean 99% of the time). One day a friend said, Do you think you can earn Gods love? Do you think if you obey enough, Hell approve of you? The truth is, Gods Love Is Free. Period. End of story.

CHAD FRIZZELL

Do you love hugs or hate them? Ladies, are you the type who hugs anyone within arms reach when you get excited? Guys, do you think youre too cool to hug it out, or are you like those big jocks on ESPN? I mean, all those guys ever do is hug! Whether you like hugs or not, you should probably indulge in a couple every now and then. Heres why: several years ago a team of researchers from the University of North Carolina did a study on hugging. The study concluded that hugs had several medical benefits, including reduced blood pressure. Who knew?!

My friend had a great point that Id never thought about before: following Jesus isnt about what I do for God; its about what God has already done. When Jesus died on the cross, He carried my sin. His death not my obedience paid for my sin.

And thats when it hit me: I cant earn something that has already been giving to me for free.

When we understand that, we respond with a life of obedience. Our obedience is an act of worship, not work. We dont obey to earn acceptance, we obey because we have already been accepted. This doesnt mean our obedience isnt important; it just changes why we obey. Listen to what John says: We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands 1 John 2:3

2222
Obedience is a response to a loving relationship, not a set of rules that earns acceptance. Write down this phrase: God loves me for free. What are some things you know God has asked of you (to do, or stop doing)? What are some ways you can respond to God through your obedience this week?

God loves it when we give generously


STACY PERKINS

II Corinthians 9:6-7: Whosoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I have been a tither for as long as I can remember. My parents insisted that we give 10% of everything we earned, even if it was only $.25! I remember filling out my envelope and putting my pennies in there, sealing it up and making sure it was in my Bible, ready to be dropped into the offering plate during the service. At that time, I saw this as an act of obedience to my parents more than anything else. It wasnt until later that I really understood that this was Gods divine plan for funding His work through the local church and her ministries and missions. As a kid, I learned the cheerful giver part and thought I should just be happy about it and go on, so I gave with a smile on my face and watched the money go into that plate and pass on down the aisle. I gave hoping to gain Gods approval with my smile, as well as the approval of my parents. I missed the point until later, but it was an object lesson in obedience and set up a pattern of financial obedience for my life. I learned as time went on that God was looking for my cheerful attitude, and not just the grin on my face.

2323

When Missi and I married, one of our first financial priorities was to be sure we gave the tithe and then the offering (anything above the 10%) to Gods work. We have not regretted it one penny and are continuing to pray how we can give and do more for Gods Kingdom work while we are here. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 that we are to lay up our treasures for heaven, not earthly gain, because treasures here are only temporary and will be gone. We didnt bring it with us and we cant take it when we go. There are no U-Hauls in graves just ask the Egyptian kings where their treasures are that were buried with them.hmmmmm?? Our finances are not always stellar with money running out of our pockets, but we ALWAYS have all of our basic needs met. We know that is because of our Gods faithfulness to us and our obedience to be faithful to His command to be cheerful givers. We dont even question the 10% rule and have really strived to give above the 10% just for tithe. The offering comes after that. As we give biblically and cheerfully, we always expect God to do what He said He would do, and that excites us! God always supplies our needs as they arise every time! He has never failed NEVER! We claim Philippians 4:19 over our finances, our home, our children and our lives in general.

Just as my parents taught me, we are teaching our children to tithe and the value and importance of tithing and giving. Just this week, our youngest son sold some chicken eggs and came home announcing that he did not have all the money he had been given by the purchaser at church. He had given some of it to missions at the church. I was so grateful that the Lord was giving him and all of our children cheerful giving hearts. We dont deserve anything except condemnation and death, yet Christ came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. We are still in awe of His wonderful provision and how He regards His children and wants to take care of them. Please remember that Gods math is not our math. If it doesnt look like it will work out for you to tithe one month, you have to DO IT ANYWAY and watch God work! You will be amazed and blessed as you watch Him do His thing!

2323
TRUST, THANK, TITHE and TRACE Gods hand as you are obedient to His will in giving. He loves a generous giver!!

Some things to think about and apply to your life starting today: Read Malachi 3:10 Are you tithing? Are you doing it on the gross (before any taxes or other deductions) or on the net (after taxes)? We feel the Lord wants the tithe on it ALL, so go for the gross and see your needs be met. Take a few minutes to add up your allowance money, birthday money, holiday gifts money and any work money you get. Challenge yourself to prove God right, but remember you have to do it with a cheerful and willing heart, knowing it is not yours in the first place! Commit your time, talents and everything to the Lord who said He would not leave you EVER! He is here, waiting on you to be obedient to His call on your life. He wants a tithe of all we have, including time, talent and treasures. Watch God bless you! If you are already a tither, try to give a little extra. God will bless you in so many ways. I am NOT advocating that He will make you rich and famous or that your bank account will be full to overflowing. I AM saying that he will make sure you have all your needs met and He will bless you with joy unspeakable, peace everlasting and love overflowing.

The way to find life is to give it away


JOEL WIER
What do you think this statement means?

Mathew 10:39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Here are some examples of whoever finds their life will lose it. 1. Live for yourself 2. Ignore the cross 3. Follow the world 4. Save your life for your own sake 5. Gain the world 6. Lose your soul 7. Lose His reward and glory

2. Chose two out of the list above and describe what that would look like in someones life.

24 24
Here are some examples of whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 1. Deny yourself 2. Take up your cross 3. Follow Christ 4. Lose your life for His sake 5. Forsake the world 6. Keep your soul 7. Share His reward and glory Chose two out of the list above and describe what that would look like in someones life.

My work is an act of worship


Matthew 10:39 presents us with only two alternatives: spare your life or sacrifice your life. There is no middle ground. If we protect our own interests, we will be losers; if we die to self and live for His interests, we will be winners. Since spiritual conflict is inevitable in this world, why not die to self and let Christ win the battle for us and in us? After all, the real war is insideselfishness versus sacrifice. After reading Mathew 10:39, which of the following choices best describe your life? Sacrifice Your Life Spare Your Life

More verses that align with Matthew 10:39: Matthew 16:25-26, Mark 8:35-36, Luke 9:24-26

24 25
Brazilian Mosquito Researcher. Scientists fighting malaria have to study the biting habits of the mosquitoes that spread it. The only way they can properly test the biting habits of the bugs? Let the mosquitoes bite them over and over. Now, some of you may not have a job, but you do have work. You have schoolwork. Band. Theater. Chores. Babysitting. Can we please give it up for the snow-cone business!

SHAWN MAHANNAH

Do you have a job? Do you hate it? I bet its not as bad as these jobs:

Cat Food Quality Controller. This job involves burying your face in a tub of cat food to test freshness, and digging through it to check for bony bits and gristle.

What work do you have right now?

Did you know the Bible has something to say about how we work? Listen to what Paul wrote: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, no for men (Colossians 3:23). Working with all your hearts means not working halfheartedly. Work as if youre working for Christ. Theres another passage in Colossians that says: Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).

The point is that you should consider your work an act of worship. Dont see it as pointless and insignificant. See it as an opportunity.

25 25
Here are a few ways to work with all your heart:

Work hard. Show up on time, prepared to give your best effort. If youre in the marching band, play that tuba like God Himself is sitting in the bleachers at half time. If you run cross-country run like youre running toward Gods big pearly gates. (If youre anything like me, you dont have to run very far to feel like you might meet God at any moment.) If you work at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, make that burger like Jesus would be the one to pick up that brown bag! Have a good attitude. When bosses, teachers, parents, coaches, and directors can say about Christian students, they have a great attitude, thats an awesome representation of God. Be smart. You dont have to be the best at everything you do, but you can always be competent. Be informed. Learn everything you can. Pay attention. Care about other people on your team, in your band or at your job. Ask them questions. Listen to their answers. Its a huge opportunity for influence. And besides, life is not all about you.

When I trust God, I will rest


When you work in such a way that makes other people notice and you do it because you represent Jesus it points people towards the awesome God whom you follow.

Write down a couple areas where you could work harder. 1. How do we trust God? vs.5 says with all your heart

3. How do we acknowledge God? Colossians 3:17 What ever you do, whether in word or deed,do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. Today, work at whatever you do with more passion. Consider it an act of worship. Ask God to help you represent Him well in everything you do.

25 26
2. How do we trust God with all our heart? vs.6 says in all your ways acknowledge Him Pray, and lay your troubles at His feet; trust and believe.

JOEL WIER

Proverbs 3:5-6, 8 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

4. How do I rest in God? Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I should start with love


Proverbs 3:5 says lean not on your on understanding.

Leaning on my on understanding could look like this: Leaning on our own understanding is comparable to walking with a cane, and putting most of our weight on it. If the cane lands on uneven ground (such as a rocky place) or it lands at an awkward angle (as it could in a hole, or in a crack between some rocks), then we can stumble. If it lands on unstable ground (such as stones that move, or a slippery surface), then we can fall. The cane doesnt know which way is safe and which way is dangerous. It just goes where we put it. And it can only provide stability to the degree that we have chosen solid footing for it. If we lean on Christ, all the responsibility is on Him to guide us and to keep us.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:89)

26 27
As many of you know I love Coca-Cola! I love Coca-Cola so much that on the day I proposed to Rachel I took her to the Coca-Cola Factory in Atlanta, Georgia. Romantic, right? When the Coca-Cola Company was getting really big the president, Asa Canddler, was concerned that other companies would steal Cokes recipe. He insisted that no one ever write the recipe down. He would be known for shredding all documents that could possibly reveal its ingredients. Today, only two people alive know the formula, and the list of ingredients is locked in a bank vault. Coca-Cola realized something significant: We have a recipe. Its awesome. (I agree) We must hide it. Jesus also realized something significant: We have a recipe. Its awesome. (Agree again) We must NOT hide it.

SHAWN MAHANNAH

When asked what was the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

Theres the secret recipe: Love God and love others. Its the way to know God, and its the way to make God known. In the same way that Coca-Colas secret recipe makes them stand out, love is what makes Jesusfollowers different from the rest of the world.

God is big and vast. Hes infinite. There is so much you can learn about Him. But as you approach Him, start with love. The Bible is full of incredible insights, narratives, and challenges. It is so relevant, but at times complex. I hope you study it and are changed by it. But I hope you start with love.

27 27
Weve talked about a lot of things you can do through this #GiveGod12 Challenge read and memorize Scripture, pray, live in community, talk with unbelievers, worship, work hard, and rest. But I hope you always start with love. And not just in what you think or in what you feel in what you do. Everything we do should be done through the filter of love it is our secret formula. As we close, Id love to pray for you: God, thank You for each student and parent who has gone through #GiveGod12. I ask that You continually show them Your love. Remind them that You are love, and that Your love never fails. Show them how to love You, Father, and teach them how to love others. In Jesus name I ask these things. Amen.

LIVE for God


IF YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD MAKE HIM MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING. WORSHIP CAN BE PRETTY PERSONAL. Some people like to worship God by singing loudly to God with their arms up in the air. Other people prefer to worship God by being very quiet. Some people like to worship God with lots of other people. Others prefer to worship God by walking alone outside. Some people like to dance, play an instrument, or use a talent to worship God. Others like to worship God by giving money or stuff to people who can benefit from it, or by using their time and energy to serve others. There are a lot of ways to honor God with your worship. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT YOU WORSHIP GOD BEST?

ACTION STEP FOR WEEK FOUR: Get together with another individual who has gone through the #GiveGod12 Challenge and talk to them about how I am worshiping God in the way I live. Together come up with some ideas how each of you would give, serve, and love others.

2 0 1 4

krav weekend
february 28 - march 2

high school

june 13-17

middle school
july 28 - august 1

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi