Fruit of the Spirit - Peace

I love Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Rarely is there an episode that I watch that the floodgates of tears don't flow out. I'm not afraid to admit it as I'm sure I'm not alone.

But, why is it that so many people cry while watching this show? I believe it is because we are moved as we witness the Extreme Makeover crew go from house to house trying to improve lives by rebuilding homes of people in need. It is a great show of compassion and community support. It is amazing to see what people working together can do for a family in a week. Just as amazing is seeing the look on the family's faces as they walk through their new house! Their lives are now forever changed because of the generousity and compassion of others.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16 it says, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

1. When you think of being "God's temple", what do you think of?
2. What does it mean that God's spirit lives in you?
3. How should we live our lives if we are God's temple with God's spirit living in us?

When we come into a relationship with God, He is with and in us. How great is that! But, just as great as that is, it can be very challenging as well. Think about it, as God's temple/house, we are representing Him in all that we do and say. Think about your day. Have you represented God positively in all that you have done or said today?

So, how does this apply to PEACE at all???? Here's how - when we are in Christ, we are a new creation. Our old self is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17)! To bring in our new self so that we can represent Christ best (as his temple/house), we need to put on characteristics found in the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Peace is one of those characteristics that we can clothe ourselves with as we attempt to represent Christ.

John Stott said, "Now peacemaking is a divine work.  For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation".  If we want to have peace in our lives, it starts with reconciling relationships.  First, with God and then with others.  God demonstrated his desire for peace by reconciling our relationship with him by sending his son, Jesus, to die for us.

Application:

As we talked on Sunday, the application for the week is two-fold:

1. Ask God to search your heart for relationships in your life that are not at peace – relationships that are not reconciled right now.
2. Then, seek to reconcile any relationship that God puts on our heart. BUT, do not do it by yourself! Ask God to make known to you how you should do this.

Remember, as John Stott said, “God is the author of peace and of reconciliation.” Who better to lead you in reconciliation with another person than the author and perfecter of it?!?

As 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, we are God's temple. Let's be striving to represent Christ in all that we do and say this week. Whether you are able to reconcile relationships with others or not this week, represent Christ in such a way that people can see your deeds and praise God.

Pray that God would search your heart for any relationships that needs mending in your life and that he would give you the wisdom to know how to reconcile.

Fruit of the Spirit? What is that?

On Sunday, Rick Beckwith introduced us to the concept of Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-25.  

1. Of the Fruit of the Spirit, which is the easiest one for you to do?
2. Which one is the hardest for you to do?

What great characteristics for us to instill in our lives!  Now, as perfect as I claim to be (haha), I am also a realist and know that I can not always live up to these characteristics.  I lack patience a lot and my self-control is not controlled all the time.  But, the great news is that when we choose to follow Christ and pursue him, he will be with us, helping us instill these characteristics into our lives.

Read Philippians 2:12, 13

As Rick pointed out on Sunday, we are like an apple.  What???  By that, just like an apple, we start off perfect and in great shape.  But over time, as we invest in "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21) our perfect apple becomes worn, beaten up and dirty.  We are embarrassed by things we have done and try to hide them.  But, it is God's intent to help us and to shield us from the junk found in those things.

By instilling characteristics like "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22,23) we can attempt to instill the goodness and hope of Christ in our lives.  Imagine if you lived your life each day with the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control of Christ.  How might that effect your friendships, your relationship with your parents, siblings, classmates?

I believe it could have a huge impact, not just in you but in everyone you come into contact with.

Application:

As part of his challenge, Rick focused on the Fruit of the Spirit - Peace.  He passed out cards and challenged us to:

1. Describe what peace is.
2. Tell what peace might look like to you.
3. Identify what causes a lack of peace for you.  Is it uncertainty about the future?  Uncertainty about who you are or who you will become?  Tension in some relationships or something else entirely?
4. Specifically and measurably, what can you do this week to experience peace?
5. Who can you ask to help encourage and pray for you this week as you seek to experience peace?

Numbers 4 and 5 are crucial as you continue to grow in a relationship with Christ.  My encouragement is to really step out and try something.  I have found that it's easy for us to say each week you are going to take action, but then fail to do it for whatever reason.  

To help fight that, let's take a moment right now and actually write it down a measurable goal regarding peace and then ask someone to pray for and encourage you to do that this week.

It is when we step out in faith like this and push ourselves and others that we can experience the life God intended for us to live.

End by Praying for the week and that God would give you the ability to obtain your goal.

Hearing, Believing and taking Action

On Sunday, we talked about Rahab and how she played a vital role in the fall of Jericho.

So, just as a refresh as to who she was:

• A Prostitute
• From a family and society that had many gods. They did not worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

This is who she was, but this would not define how she would move forward.

Read Joshua 2

1. Joshua charged 2 men to do what at Jericho?
2. The men hid in Rahab's house during the night.  Who was Rahab?
3. Why did Rahab protect the 2 men?
4. When Jericho fell, what happened to Rahab (Read Joshua 6:20-25)

Rahab could have heard all this news about what God had done for the Israelites and just shrugged it off.  However, she heard the news and believed that God could do anything. Therefore, she took action and hid the Israelite spies in hopes that she would be spared when Israel overtakes Jericho.

Because Rahab heard, believed and took action, her family was saved AND she was also part of Christ's geneology.  GOD USED HER in a mighty way!!!!

In the same way, God wants to use us.  The question always boils down to will we let Christ in and allow Him to use us as he did Rahab?

Think about it, how many times do we hear the great works of God, believe them to be true, but then not let it impact our lives?

Application:

This week, let's open up the Bible daily and discover all the great things God has done and has planned for us.  Then, let's take action and follow His lead.  As Phil point out in James 2:14-26 that faith without deeds is dead, we need to not just read and learn about Christ, but take action.

If you aren't currently reading through anything, let me suggest you do these readings this week:

Day 1: Matthew 5:1-12

Day 2: Matthew 5:13-16

Day 3: Matthew 5:17-20

Day 4: Matthew 5:21-26

Day 5: Matthew 5:27-32

Day 6: Matthew 5:33-37

Day 7: Matthew 5:38-48

No matter what you are reading, when you go through your quiet times this week, ask these questions:

1. What is God/Christ talking about here?
2. What is God saying to you in this section?
3. How can you apply what you just read and learned?

Take some time praying this week that God would use what you just read and learned and help give you the strength to take action with it.

We remember Rahab not for what she heard or believed, but for the action she took.  This week, let's put some action behind out beliefs and see where God leads us.

Relying on the Lord's ability

As we talked on Sunday, Moses had to put his fears and doubts and trust in the Lord.  He had to trust God because God had called him to do a mighty work, yet he felt unqualified for the work.

We are all unqualified for the work God calls us to, but if we trust and remain faithful to Him, he will guide and direct us.

The challenge Moses had to lead the Israelites out of Egypt wasn't the last time Moses needed to rely on God.  Read Exodus 17:1-7.  

1. What was the complaint of the Israelites?
2. According to v. 5, how mad where they at Moses?
3. What did Moses do?
4. How did God respond?

Moses was definitely put into a difficult position.  He was the leader of the Israelites and as leader, you hear the good and the bad (often the bad).  So, Moses do when he was faced with this tough situation?  He turned to God and relied on God's ability to do what needed to be done.

Application

When faced in tough or difficult situations, do you turn to God as Moses did and rely on Him to help?  Or do you, like I do more times than not, turn to myself and see how I can get the job done.

1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  

He will take care of you and provide for you for you.  He desires to do that!  What we have to do is to turn to him, seek him, and ask him for direction.

This week, seek him and turn to him to provide for you and see how God works in the midst of that!

Spend some time praying that for some things right now on your mind that you could turn over to God.

Taking Action

In Genesis 12:1-3, God made a covenant with Abraham.  

As we talked on Sunday, Abraham took the promise that God made him and didn't just believe him, but he put actions behind his beliefs.  Because he believed God, he put his faith into action by:

1. Moving to a foreign land  
   
2. Trusting that at the age of 100 he could have a son
3. Being willing to sacrifice his one and only son

Even though he did those things, it wasn't always easy for him to put action behind his faith.  After all, no one is perfect.

One example of the challenge Abraham faced can be found in Genesis 16:1-6.  Read through it and take a minute to answer the 3 questions.

1. Even though God promised Abraham an heir and many descendants, what did Abraham do?
2. How did that effect Sarah and Abraham?
3. Why do you think Abraham gave in and slept with Hagaar?

Like Abraham, even though we, ourselves, know the promises of God, it can be hard to put action behind our beliefs.  Can you recall a time when you struggled to put action behind your beliefs?

It can be very hard, especially with all the pressure we feel from others and we put on ourselves to be accepted and feel included to take a stand for our beliefs and put them into action.  But, as Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:7, God has given us the spirit of power.  When we choose to live out our faith by what we do and say, there comes the power of God behind it. 

We may not see the fruit of our actions or words immediately, but down the road God will bless what you did in front of others.

Application:

Living for the Lord is hard to do as it is, so why be the lone ranger?  My encouragement for you this week is to find someone who will spur you on (Hebrews 10:24-25) and this week go after the Lord together.  This way, you 2 can spur each other on towards Christ and actively living for him.  My encouragement in your selection process is to:

1. find someone who actively desires to pursue the Lord - someone who is at the same level of spiritual maturity as you. 
   
2. find someone of the same gender

If you do not have someone you can think of to team up with, pray to God that he will provide such a person.

I pray that God will bless you and encourage you when you take the leap of faith and proclaim him in your actions and words.

It's that time of Year again!

Can you remember the New Years Resolution you made last year?  If, what was it?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 4:8

What do these verses tell you about the importance of being physically fit?

What do these verses tell you about the importance of being spiritually fit?

  

It's that time of year again!  January is quickly approaching and this is the month that we typically make these bold and ambious goals to either diet, exercise, start something new, etc. These are very good things to do and I strongly encourage you to do this. For me, the problem isn’t coming up with a goal or task to do. Rather, it is actually getting out of my routine and actually doing it. For instance, Anne keeps encouraging me to exercise and Rick Huber wants to help me come up with a healthy eating plan. It’s not that I don’t want to do them, it is just getting myself out of the same daily routine I am comfortable and familiar with.

Working out and exercising are good goals to go after as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that we are to honor God with our bodies. However, in 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul also writes that although taking care of ourselves is good, spiritual nurishment is of even greater importance. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

What holds you back from setting goals and accomplishing them this year? And, what kinds of goals are you striving for? My encouragement for you, as we begin this new year, is to really look at setting goals that push us closer to Christ.

Maybe it is having a family Bible Passage of the week that your family can read on their own and then meet up to discuss at the end of the week. Maybe it is to take notes during your pastors or youth pastor's messages and apply 1 thing from it that week.

Whatever your goal may be, I hope and pray that take some time and really process how you and your family can benefit this year with some Christ-centered goals.

Application:

Write down 1 goal you can do this year that will push you closer to Christ.  Then, share your goal with someone else so they can be praying for you and encouraging you in your goal.

Christmas, Linus and Communicating

What is your favorite part of Christmas?  Why?

I love Christmas!  It is my favorite holiday of the year.  I love decorating the day after Thanksgiving (although this year, my 12 ft. wreath hanging fall put a damper on this year's decorating), listening to Christmas music and watching all the Christmas specials.

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of listening to Katie Von Kahle share with our middle school students about the meaning of Christmas.  She did a great job and in it, she showed a great clip from Charlie Brown's Christmas involving Linus.  Check it out.

Read Luke 2:1-20

What does this passage mean to you? What is the importance of Christ being born?

What did the Angels say would happen with Christ being born?

What is the latest thing you have upgraded? For instance, did you upgrade your cell phone, video game console or computer recently?  Why did you upgrade?

It might be a stretch to say that God upgraded his means of communicating to us by sending his son, Jesus, to come down here on earth, live among us and die for us.  God brought the savior to us!  When Christ came to earth, it signaled to us that God deeply cares about us and will stop at nothing to get across his message of love, forgiveness and redemption.

God upgraded from having Prophets speak the truth to his people, to sending his son, one and only son, to live among us.  Christ spoke for God as he is God (John 1:1-2).  What a huge decision God made to reach out to us. 

Because God changed his approach to reaching us, sometimes we need to change the approach we have at hearing and being challenged by Christ.

Application:

So, this week, how can you upgrade your relationship with Christ?  What can you do that will push you closer to him this week?  **Try to avoid the common - "I will read the Bible more" or "I will pray more".  Those are very good, but are not specific enough.  Instead of saying, "I will read the Bible more", maybe put down, "I will read through Philippians and write down 1 application that I will do this week based on what I read"**

Write it down and share it with someone else so they can be encouraging you.  Or, if you are bold enough, post it under the comments section and I and others that read it will be praying for you.

Who can you Impact?

1. Is there a social group that you tend to reflect? For instance, in school, would someone describe you as a jock? a dancer? a skater? or any other group? How hard would it be for you to be associated with another group of people? What would you have to do in order to go from a jock to a skater?




Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

2. What was Paul’s goal here?



3. How was he going to accomplish this?



4. Why would this be effective and how could it be ineffective?




Additional Thoughts & Application:

Paul’s goal was to win as many people to Christ as possible. He seemed teachable and appeared to change tactics all the time to reach people for Christ. That is even more clear here in these verses. According to these verses, he “became” whatever group of people he wanted to reach. If he was after Jewish people, he became like them.

I want to caution you, though, when we attempt to become like those who we are trying to win to Christ, it can become easy to start being impacted by them and their lifestyle rather than they being impact by you. For example, if you are trying to win friends from the baseball team and they like to go party. You can go along with them to the parties, but remember why you are there. Do not sacrifice your witness and potential impact by giving in and thinking you have to do what they do and be like them exactly to win them for Christ. That is not what Paul is implying here.

Paul did not sacrifice who God made him to be. What Paul was doing here was helping every person, whether Jew or Gentile, free or slave, white or black, come to know Christ. He wanted to take away any barriers that prohibited a person from coming to know Christ. But, he never gave in to worldly temptations to win them for Christ.

Young Life has a great saying, “Every kid”. Simply put, they are out to reach every student for Christ. In the same way, we should be after everyone. You may be most effective reaching students who are just like you (i.e., if you are a baseball player, you are most likely to identify and reach baseball playing/knowledgeable people). But that should not limit you from being able to share Christ with a person who is involved in the Chess Club.

This week, pray that God would identify a group of people to you so that you can become like them in order to win them for Christ. It won’t happen overnight, but as you begin to win their trust, you can begin to win them to Christ. Also, pray for an opportunity for God to open doors so that you might be able to share Christ with them. Now, tell a friend so that they could help and encourage you as well as be challenged for themselves.

Pray

Gideon and his 300

1. Have you ever been asked to accomplish a task given very little resources or time to do it? What was it and how did it turn out?





Read Judges 7

2. What did God say to Gideon about the number of men Gideon had assembled (v.2-3)?





3. After Gideon got rid of some of the soldiers, what did God say next (v. 4)? How many total men did Gideon have left to battle the Midianites?





4. How did the battle turn out? What is the lesson learned here?







Additional Thoughts & Application:

Imagine if you were Gideon and God kept on taking away people from your army. How would you respond? I don’t know about you, but I would be a little scared and worried wondering how we could possibly defeat our enemy with so few people.

But, God is a provider. He provided victory for Gideon and he will provide victory for all of us in our situations – no matter what they are and how the outcome looks.

The question is, are you a believer in God’s provision? God is faithful and will always be that way. That is why Gideon trusted God with just 300 men. Never did he question or waver in his faith in God.

The way God provides may not be conventional or logical, but the end result is a provision for us.

This week, how can you rest in his provision? What can you trust God with this during the upcoming week. Think about and pray it over to God. Then, see how he provides. Share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

His Lasting Challenge

1. If you were on your deathbed, what do you think your final words would be?




Read Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8

2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what was Christ’s challenge to the disciples? What were they to do?





3. In Acts 1:8, what was the strategy Christ gave them to share his message?





4. Why do you think these final words from Christ were important for his followers to hear?




Additional Thoughts & Application:

As part of his final words recorded by Matthew, Christ gives his disciples a clear challenge – go and make disciples. And, that is exactly what they did. They went and made disciples for Christ outlined extensively in the book of Acts. Because of their faithfulness and commitment to Christ and his challenge, you and I are believers! Think about it, what are the chances you and I would have even heard more than 2 sentences over 2000 years later about Christ, if it were not for those faithful and committed to accomplishing Christ’s challenge? Not very likely.

After the challenge, Christ gave them a strategy. What good is a challenge without helping provide a little strategy to accomplishing that challenge? If you look on a map, Jerusalem was the closest location to where the disciples were at that moment. So, the 1st place Christ told them to share his message was to the people closest to them. Then, he told them to go to Judea. That was a little bit further out as they would have to share Christ to people they did not know. Finally, he told them to stretch his message to the ends of the earth.

This strategy can be easily duplicated by us. First, who are those closest to us that we can share Christ to (Jerusalem)? Then, who are those people that you know a little bit, but not really that you can share Christ to (Judea and Samaria)? Finally, where are places you could go and share the love of Christ with?

Christ’s challenge did not end with the disciples. This is a challenge to all of us. Are you making disciples for Christ? Are you being strategic in reaching others for Him? 

This week, the challenge is to identify your Jerusalem friends, the people you may or may not know in Judea and Samaria and plan to go to the ends of the earth (maybe a mission trip to another state or country). Take a minute, pray and think through who God is laying on your heart to share the love of Christ with.

Then, write their names down under the 3 Columns: Jerusalem, Judea, Ends of the Earth.  Who has Christ put on your heart?  Finally, pray that God will give you the opportunity to share with them the love of Christ.

Pray

Sharing the Love of Christ to everyone

1. Think of a person in your school, community or church that doesn’t seem to have many friends. Why do you think that is so?




Read Matthew 9:9-13

2. What did Jesus tell Matthew to do?




3. How did the Pharisees respond to Jesus eating with Tax collectors and “sinners”? Why do you think they responded this weay?




4. What was Jesus’ response?




5. Based on this story, who do you say Christ is?






Additional Thoughts & Application:

Matthew had a very dubious career, but a very promising one! Not many people liked him or respected him as Tax collectors were often know to be liars and cheaters.  But boy was he making some serious cash!

So here we have Jesus, a well respected teacher, healer, and son of God, coming up to Matthew and simply saying, “Follow me”. Jesus didn’t care that he was a tax collector who cheated and stole from the other people. He still called him to follow him.

Although this upset the “religious leaders”, Jesus made it clear – he came to help everyone, not just the health and well-respected. But in particular, he came to help those who needed it the most. He came to call all to follow him.

Why would he do this? Why did he care for the lonely, the sick, the friendless and the needy? Because we are all children of God. And, as children of God, he loves each and every one of us so much! As John 10:10 points out, Christ came to give us all life to the full, not just a certain group of people. Do we love others the same way Christ loves us?

I want you to think back to that person you identified in question #1. What can you do this week to befriend him/her and share the love of Christ with him/her? Write down goal and share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

Greatness = this? Really?

1. What are other words that come to mind when you hear the word great?




Read Philippians 2:1-11

2. Based on verses 1-7, how should we act? Why?




3. How is Christ described?







4. Because of Christ’s actions, what happened to him (v. 9-11)?







Additional Thoughts & Application:

Even though he is God, he humbled himself and was obedient all the way to the cross. Christ humbled himself by coming down to earth, living as a carpenter and hanging out with the poor and outcasts of society. That doesn’t seem like that would be fit living for a King, the creator of the world does it?

In addition to his sacrifice of fine living, think of Christ’s obedience. Remember the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ asked God to take “this cup be taken from me.” He didn’t want to die this way, but he concluded his time by saying, “Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Christ was humble and obedient. Those don’t seem to be the two biggest characteristics of greatness. But, that is what Christ modeled and he is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Not a bad outcome for his obedience and humility, eh? As committed followers of Christ, what could you do this week to emulate Christ’s example? Write it down and share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

True Power

1. Have you ever experienced greatness like never before (i.e., hitting a game winning home run or goal, or performing a great masterpiece on the piano)? What was it and how did it feel?



Read Luke 10:1-20

2. What did he say to the 72 when he sent them out?




3. What is the significance of verse 16?




4. How did Christ respond when the 72 came back excited about all the powerful things they had done?




Additional Thoughts & Application

When we go and share Christ, either in word or deed, we must be aware of one major idea: it is Christ in you that enables you to do what you do and it is Christ in you that they are rejecting or accepting.

This was flushed out here when the 72 were sent out by Christ. In verse 16, Christ says, “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me”. It is easy to take things personally when we share about Christ. If you are sharing and someone wants nothing to do with you, as hard as it may be, do not take it personally. Christ says that if they listen to you, it is because of Him, if they reject you, they are rejecting Him, not you. So, do not be discouraged and let it dissuade you from sharing Christ to someone else. It is Christ they are either accepting or rejecting.

In verses 17-20, the 72 came back excited as “even the demons submit to us in our name”. I can see how the 72 came back ecstatic about that kind of power – the power to have demons submit to you. But, Christ is quick to remind them to “not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven”. Power can do many things to a person. One effect that we have to guard against is that we become overcome with power and want that “feeling” all the time. But, we have to remember, it is Christ in us that enables us to have that power.

John 15 says we are the branches, Christ is the vine, the source. Apart from him, we can do nothing. You will experience many things when you follow Christ and share about him. Whether it is with what we share or what we experience, it is Christ at the center of it all.

This week, keep in mind our true source and power and turn to him in all things. In order for him to enable you to do things beyond your imagine, we have to get our power daily from him. How can you keep plugged into Christ all week? Identify a few different ways and share this with a friend so that they could help and encourage you as well as be challenged for themselves

Pray

Laying a Good Foundation

1. Of the materials listed below, what is the best to use as a foundation in a building? Why?
A. Lumber B. Sand C. Rock D. Rubber






Read Luke 6:46-49

2. Who are the 2 type of people described in this passage? What is the difference between the 2?








3. What happened to the Wise person’s house when a storm struck? What happened to the Foolish person’s house when a storm struck?







4. How does this illustration help Christ point out the importance of hearing and doing? Why is hearing the word not good enough?



Additional Thoughts & Application:

Having a sure, strong foundation can help you weather all sorts of storms. Whether it is a relationship crisis or a circumstantial crisis, Christ has pointed out just how important being properly grounded in his wisdom and taking action is.

In this Easter weekend, take some time and examine what or who you are putting your foundation in.  Is it in Christ who can help you weather all sorts of storms or is it in something else?

Look back at v. 49 and check again what the Rock that Christ was talking about consisted of. It consisted of hearing the word of the Lord and taking action.

If you also look back at v.48-49, the man dug deep. His foundation did not just go a few feet. It went deep because the storms that approach can get pretty fierce at times. In the same way, the storms in our lives can get rough as well.

How are you able to withstand the fiercest of storms? The encouragement here is to be consistently hearing the word of the Lord and putting it into practice daily. By doing this, we can withstand the fiercest of storms that come our way.

Write 1 goal down that you can do this week in regards to listening and doing. Then, share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

Freedom to Serve

1. There were great people and warriors who fought for freedom, not just in America, but also in the world. Who are some that you admire and why?






Read Galatians 5:13-15

2. How does Paul think we should we use our freedom?




3. Out of ___________ should we serve one another? Why do you think Paul said we need to serve this way?




4. What will happen if you devour one another?





Additional Thoughts & Application:

Freedom is such a big idea. When you have freedom you can do whatever you want. As followers of Christ, He set us free by his death and resurrection on the cross.

With freedom, though, comes responsibility. Just because we are free, as Americans, that does not mean we can just go out and kill another person.

In the same way, just because Christ gave us freedom by his death and resurrection, does not mean that we should continue to live like we did before we knew him. Remember, we have been transformed into a new person when we decide to follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In this passage, Paul challenges us her to use our freedom to serve one another. Why should we use our freedom to serve one another? Why shouldn’t we use our freedom to do whatever we please? After all, people sacrificed their lives so we could do whatever we wanted, right?

Not exactly. Christ sacrificed his life so that the law would no longer bind us and through him a new covenant was created. So, yes, we have freedom now – a freedom that is engulfed in grace. But that does not mean that we can keep on living the same way we used to live apart from Christ. There needs to be a life change and a strive towards greatness found in Christ.

How can you serve others this week in love? Use your freedom in Christ to show your love to others by service. Write down 1 goal you can do this week and then share it with another person so that they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

Are there gray areas?

1. Have you ever regret a decision you made? What was the decision and why did you regret it?




Read 1 Samuel 15

2. What did the Lord want Saul to do?




3. Where did Saul fail to do what God asked of him?




4. What was the result of this action?





Additional Thoughts & Application

Saul was given a simple command from God, “Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them.” There was no grey area in that statement. However, Saul tried to find that grey area.

He did most of what God commanded, but he failed to complete the task at hand. He thought if they kept the best of the cattle and sacrificed it to God, it would be great.

The only problem was that was not what God had told him to do. God was very straightforward in what he wanted but Saul tried to alter the plans a bit.

As followers of Christ, God has certain guidelines for us to live by. In all He says there is not a lot of gray area, but we sometime try to find that area. It is as if we do not think God’s desires and guidelines for living our life are good enough. That maybe if we give or do 75% of it, then that would be sufficient.

That is the kind of thinking that got Saul in trouble. He did most of what God wanted, but not all of it. Because of this, he was rejected and all of Israel failed to benefit from such a great victory.

Think about 1 thing that Christ has commanded that you have not fully lived up to in the past. For example, loving our neighbors or turning the other check.

Write it down at least 1 way in which you can fully integrate this into your life this week. Then, share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.



Pray

Abraham's Test

1. Were you ever promised something that you had to wait a while for (i.e., a new video game, DVD, clothes)? What was it and how did it feel once you finally got it?




Background:
God promised Abraham and Sarah that, despite their old age, they would have a son born to them and all their descendants would be numerous and it would be a great nation. Finally, their son, Issac, was born.

Read Genesis 22:1-28

2. What did God tell Abraham to do? How did Abraham respond? How would you have responded to this knowing the history of the situation?





3. When Abraham was ready to sacrifice Issac, what happened?




4. Why did God test Abraham with this?





Application:

Abraham was a righteous man. He did many great things in the eyes of God. But now, he was put to the test. God asked him to spare his one and only son. He had no idea that God was going to spare Issac’s life, but nevertheless, Abraham proceed to the mountain top and was preparing to sacrifice Issac to God.

But then God stopped him. God was merely testing him. But why would God test Abraham with this? As Matthew Henry points out in his commentary, this request by God was a test of Abraham’s faith and obedience.

Think about it, Abraham had just been given a son after many, many years in which his wife, Sarah, was barren. Now God expects him to give Issac up? Was Abraham’s faith going to be strong enough to be obedient to such a request from God?

Abraham was willing to make a huge sacrifice for God – the giving up of his one and only Son. Because of his obedience and faith in God, he passed the test and the angel of the Lord said that he will be very blessed with many descendant (Genesis 22:16-17)

What are you willing to sacrifice for your relationship with Christ? Is there anything you wouldn’t do for God? What is 1 thing that you are willing to sacrifice for Christ this week? Write it down and share it with another person so they can be encouraged and help you achieve your goal.

Pray

Wasted Opportunity?

Have your response to something or action ever caused someone to be completely surprised? For example, have you ever turned down a gift unexpectedly? What was the situation?




Read Acts 16:16-36

Why was Paul and Silas thrown into prison?



When the Earthquake hit, what happened to Paul and Silas? What did they do?



What was the Guard going to do when he woke up? Why would he have done that?



When the Guard saw that Paul and Silas were still there, how did he respond? Why do you think he responded that way?



What else did the Guard do after he came to believe in Christ?



Application

What would you have done if you were in prison for a punishment that didn’t fit the crime? Would you be rejoicing? What would happened if you were unexpectedly freed? Would you have stayed like Paul and Silas or left?

Paul and Silas were rejoicing in prison and when the opportunity came for them to leave, they stayed. Because of these actions, they were blessed and lives were changed. The Guard was ready to kill himself when he saw what had happened because if they had escaped under his care, he would have had to suffer that prisoner’s punishment (“Believers Church Bible Commentary: Acts”, p. 186). But, Paul & Silas stopped him and revealed that they did not escape.

Why would they do such a thing? We do not know for sure, but because they stayed, it caused the Guard to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” He had just experienced an event unlike any other in which Paul and Silas had an opportunity to leave, but didn’t. He was going to kill himself to avoid severe punishment, but then realized that he had been saved from that as they were still in jail.

So, why ask to be saved? Again, we do not know for sure, but the fact remains that the Guard wanted to come to know what Paul and Silas had – a relationship with Christ. But, it didn’t stop there. Once he heard the truth, he brought his family in to be baptized and also took care of Paul and Silas – washing their wounds from the flogging they received.

All this happened because they were salt and light to the Guard when they could have been anything but. They could have easily left and I doubt people would not have thought any less of them.  But they stayed and utilized this situation for Christ.  

What can you do this week to be salt and light to those you are close too?  Pray this week that God provides you with an opportunity to make the most out of every opportunity for Him and when the opportunity presents itself, don't make it a wasted opportunity.

Pray

Whose God is Greater?

1. Have you ever been challenged to a duel of sorts? What was it and what was the outcome?



Read 1 Kings 18:16-39

2. Elijah was known as a “troubler of Isreal”. Why was that? 



3. What did Elijah challenge Obadiah to?



4. How did the Prophets of Baal do? What kind of “encouragement” did Elijah offer them?



5. What did Elijah have done to his sacrifice in order to prove to greatness and power of God? What happened to Elijah’s sacrifice?



6. How did the people respond to this?





Application

Elijah had a reputation as being a troubler of Israel. He was not viewed positively in the King's eyes because he spread the word of the true God.

Finally, Elijah had enough with Israel's unbelief and decided to challenge the 450 Prophets of Baal to a "Whose God is Greater" duel. He had word sent throughout all of Israel to come and watch. Talk about pressure.

How much faith do you think Elijah had in God that He would prevail over Baal? Do you have that kind of faith in God?

As we read, God did come through while Baal was a no show. Or, as Elijah taunted, "Perhaps he [Baal] is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened." (v.27)

In this story, Elijah believed and did something about it. He didn't just call himself a follower of God, he took action.  Because of that, lives where impacted for God and many believed in Him.

How was Elijah salt and light to Israel in this story? How did he penetrate Israel with the light of God? How can you act similar this week?

Pray

Trusting God

In the news recently was more news from the Spears family. This time, instead of Britney doing something outrageous, her 16 year old sister announced in OK! Magazine that she was 12 weeks pregnant.

Can you imagine for a minute how your world would change if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant at your age?


Read Luke 1:26-38

1. What did the angel say to Mary? 

2. Despite all that potential for problems (considering that back then unwed, pregnant teenagers could've been stoned to death for this act), how did Mary respond? 

3. What possesses a girl that young to go along with a plan like this?

I believe it is because she held onto the promises of God. She probably didn’t know what would become of her once she accepted this challenge to be the mother of God’s child, but she knew enough about God to accept the challenge.

4. And how did this story end – down the road?

Luke 2:6-7 – “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Application:

Mary was a young teen when she became pregnant with Jesus.  Some say she was as young as 13!  As I wrote earlier, being an unwed pregnant teen was more than just frowned upon back then.  Some people could actually have been stoned to death for this act.  But, she wasn’t stoned to death and Jesus was born to be the savior of the world. 

She put her trust in God’s plan and because of that, we all benefit by having an opportunity to know and follow Christ.

So, what can we learn from Mary?
1. She trusted God plan even when she may not have fully known the outcome.
2. She followed through
3. Because of her actions, we all benefited

This is a simple concept – Trust God, follow through and benefit. But, the application can be and should go much deeper than that.

See, there is a difference between saying you are trusting God and actually trusting God like Mary did. She put her life on the line and spared nothing to trust God and follow through on his plan.

The question is, are you able to trust God like Mary did? Are you willing to put your life as you know it in God’s hands and let him guide you? I’m not saying that now you have to become a monk or nun in order to really trust God.

But, we live in a control freak, self-centered world today where we don’t want other people determining our way for us. But, what God is saying is that I have a plan for you – trust Me [God] and follow.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”

So, I want to take a minute and brainstorm how you can trust God this week.  How do you actually trust him?

Will God ever lead you down the road that doesn’t lead to success? No. Remember, because Mary trusted and followed through on God’s plan, the whole world, not just her and Joseph benefited. The key for us to actually place our 100% trust in following God’s plan.

PRAY

Spreading the Great News!

When something good happens to you, what do you do? Do you keep it quiet or share it with others? What is something good that has happened to you lately?




Read Luke 2:8-20

Who did the Angels appear to?



What message did the Angels bring?



Why is this great news?



When the Angels left, what did the Shepherds do?



What did they do after they saw Jesus?



Application:

The Shepherds were some of the lowest of the low in the class structure back then. They were so low that even their testimony wasn't admissible in court. But God choose to reveal this great news first to the Shepherds! What a great privilege and responsibility.

So, what can we learn from these poor, outcasted Shepherds? They did 3 things that we should all seek to do.
1. They had an experience with God (when the Angels came).
2. They verified the truth (went to go see Jesus) and then
3. They shared their experience with others (told everyone that Jesus was born).

They experienced God, verified the truth and shared it with others.

Are you experiencing God? When was the last time you prayed for God to work in a situation and trust that He will help? When was the last time you gave God control?  In order to experience Him, we have to give Him the opportunity.

Are you verifying the truth? When was the last time you heard something about God and then opened up your Bible and verify it was true and to see other things that God has and can do? In order to verify the truth, we have to go and seek it out.

Are you sharing your experiences (good news) about God with others?  It seems that often times, when God does a good work in our lives such as answering a prayer, that we tend to forget to tell people that God did this.  We share our good news, but fail to mention that God had a hand in it.  It's like we are afraid to tell people that we believe in God.

Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile".

Let's not be ashamed of the gospel, but let's open our lives us to experience him.  Once we have that experience, verify it is His work, then share it with others.  God will bless you and others.

Pray

ReUnited!

1. Have you ever had a falling out with a friend? What ever happened? Did you remain separated or was there ever a time when you made amends and reunited? Describe the situation.


Read Genesis 27:19-41

2. What did Jacob do?



3. Why did Jacob want the blessing that his father was to give Esau?



4. How did Esau respond to not receiving the blessing?



5. How would you have responded if Jacob did this to you?


Read Genesis 33:1-12

6. How did Esau greet Jacob?




Application:

The firstborn in every household always gets the blessing from the father. Jacob, with the help of his mother, stole that blessing. Fearing for his life, Jacob fled and began a new life on his own.

Years later, Jacob and Esau met up again. Not knowing how things would turn out, he turned to God for help (Genesis 32:9-12) and prepared a gift for Esau. When the met face to face, Esau probably shocked the world by running up to Jacob and embraced him. What a difference in Esau's reaction from the last time Jacob and he were together.

Here's the point - no matter what happens in a friendship, we can come back and attempt to be reunited, even in the midst of terrible situations. In fact, Christ showed us the importance on being reunited and reconciled by his death on the cross. Remember, it does take 2 to be reunited, but at least you can make an attempt to restore the friendship.

This week, examine your friendships, current ones and past ones. Is there a relationship that is on the brink of full scale war between you two? Or is there a past relationship that has ended and no reconciliation has occurred? I want to challenge you to: 1. Pray for God to give you wisdom in addressing it and 2. seek to reunite with that friend and try to make amends.

As James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Seek God's wisdom and attempt to restore a broken relationship and see how God guides you through it.

Pray.

If Trinity can do it...

1. Did you see that Trinity College game a few weeks ago? It was the one in which they had 2 seconds left, down by 4 and needing a TD to win the game. Oh yeah, they had to go 65 yards to do it. Did you see that one? If not, go to YouTube and look at it. It was insane how they used 15 laterals to win the game! Unless you witnessed it with your own eyes, you wouldn't believe it. Have you seen anything in your life that unless you witnessed it with your own eyes, you wouldn't believe it?


Read Luke 9:12-17

2. Why do you think the “twelve” wanted to send away the crowd?



3. What was Jesus’ response?



4. What was the problem with that?



5. So, what did Jesus do?



6. What was the end result?



Application:

Can you imagine being apart of that crowd? You are probably pretty pumped because you got to see and hear from Jesus - a major draw. But now you're hungry and have no place to go. So, what happens, Jesus get 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish from the crowd and goes on to feed over 5,000 men (not to mention women and children)! How insane is that?

Jesus had every right to tell the crowd to disperse and he'll meet up with them again tomorrow, but he didn't do that. He knew that they had a need, a physical need - not a spiritual one. So, instead of having them all to fend for themselves, he chose to feed them with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. I don't know what is as amazing, the fact that he fed them with that little or that they had 12 basketfuls of leftovers!?!

So, here's the point - Jesus cares not just about your spiritual health, but your physical health as well. He wants to meet your needs and provide for you. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well”. The question is, do you want what Christ is offering?

Regardless of where you are at in life, Christ wants us to cast all our cares, our worries, our concerns on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

When we cast our cares on him and when we seek him, he promises to care for us and provide. Will you let him? This week, cast all your cares on him and seek him. Then, see and experience where he will lead you.

Pray.

Who's got the Power?

1. When you think of angels, what descriptions come to mind? How powerful do you think they are? Where do they get their power? Do they have more power than Christ?



Read Hebrews 1

2. How is Christ described?



3. Who has authority over angels?



4. What are the roles of angels? Who are they to minister to?



Application:

In movies, TV shows and books, Angels are often given a great amount of power. But, that power comes from God alone. They can not do anything without God's direction.

This chapter was talking about how some people were putting things such as Angels in front of importance over Christ. The writer of Hebrews (unknown writer - some think Paul wrote it), made it clear that Christ is of great importance and has power over all these things.

Is there something or someone you put in greater importance over Christ? If we look honestly, I think it is natural - we all do that. Whether it is our career, money, boyfriend/girlfriend, or Pastor, it is easy to look focus on who Christ is. He is the son of God and through him all things are possible (Phil. 4:13).

This week, refocus on who Christ is by reading some of the gospels. My suggestion would be Luke 9:10-27. Also, refocus on all that He has done in your life and seek Him this week with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Turn to him and see where he leads.

Pray.

All you need is love?

1. Think of a person who has truly loved you. What were the marks of that persons way of relating to you?



Read 1 Corinthians 13

2. What is so tragic about using our gifts without love (v. 1-3)?



3. How would you define each of love’s qualities (v. 4-7)?



4. Why is love greater than faith or hope?



5. What aspect of love do you need to develop the most?



6. How have you seen love make an impact in our life or the life of others?



Application:

Can it be that simple? Can love really be that important or powerful? To answer that question, all you have to do is look at God's love for us. God's love overcame sin! It broke down that sin barrier that prohibited us from having a relationship with God.

Therefore, since Paul writes about it as extremely important and God demonstrates it through Christ, we know that all we need is love. But, please know, there is a difference between Godly love and human love. Godly love is found in verses 4-7. Human love is often portrayed as lust, excitement and passion found on TV or in the movies.

What kind of love are you demonstrating and are you allowing Godly love to impact you and those around you? This week, take at least 1 of the love qualities mentioned in verse 4-7 and integrate it into your life and see how God uses that in your life and those around you.

PRAY.

How are we acting?

Take a minute and review how you acted this past day. How did you treat your family members? How did you treat your friends or people at school?



What did you communicate to them (not just words, but with your actions) by the way you acted?



Read Philippians 1:27a – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

What does it mean to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?



To help, list all that Christ stands for. How did Christ conduct himself? What did he do?



APPLICATION:

When Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians, he is in Jail. In the situation he was in, he conducted himself in a manner worthy of Christ. As stated in Philippians 1:12-14, he was not only conducting himself in a manner worthy of Christ, but he was doing this to further the kingdom as well! So, instead of acting poorly or complaining, he was winning over the inmates and the guards for Christ by the way he acted?

But, what is a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”? What does that mean? It can be many things, but two of Christ’s primary goals were to love and forgive.

Are we loving people with words and deeds? Are we forgiving people? Remember, anyone can say they love and forgive people, but do your thoughts and actions back up that love and forgiveness. To bring back an old and overused phrase, do you "WWJD"?

This is the encouragement for us in that whatever happens to us, conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Not when good things happens or when life is going well. It is in all situations. We are representatives of Christ and by treating other people the way Christ would, we may win them over to Him as well.

PRAY

Furthering the Kingdom in all Situations

What was one of the worst thing that happened to you? How did you respond?


Read Philippians 1:12-14 – “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

What was his situation? Where was he?



What was his attitude about his situation?



How did this inspire others?



What often prevents us from furthering the Kingdom? What holds you back?



How does Paul's example inspire you to further the KIngdom?



Application:

Paul is in jail, probably for a crime he didn’t commit – false accusations or something like that. He was probably fed little and beaten. Despite this, he is making the most out of his situation.

He took advantage of it and was using it to further the kingdom – v. 12 – “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ”

He didn’t let his circumstances dictate what he was or wasn’t going to do.

So, he shared the gospel with others. But he was also furthering the kingdom by inspiring others to share about Christ. v. 14 – “…most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

He was inspiring other Christians elsewhere with his boldness. If Paul was furthering the Kingdom in a hostile environment such as Prison, then why couldn't they do it?

Why can’t we do it? What is preventing us from furthering the kingdom?

Don't let your situation or circumstances dictate what you will or will not share about Christ. Set 1 goal right now of how you can further the kingdom in all situations. Remember, actions speak louder than words. We don't have to preach or get on our soapbox to further the kingdom. Our actions are even more powerful of the life change found in Christ only.

Pray

Where's your heart?

When you wake up in the morning, what are you most excited to do? What motivates you throughout the day?


Read Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23, 57-62

What are these verses saying?



What do these verses say about priorites?



Where should Christ be in those priorities?



Application:

You tend to put the most energy to things that motivate you and spur you on. Where does Christ fall in your motivation? Are you motivated to know Him better so you can live life better? Or do other things come first and take the priority?

Are you passionate about Christ? Do you desire to grow in Him? Do you yearn to know Him better?

Where you find out where your heart is, that is where you will be spending your time and energy.

When you commit the day and the week to Christ, seek Him throughout that time, you will discover how He makes a direct impact on your day and week. When we seek Him first and foremost, then stay committed to Him throughout, He will guide you. BUT, you have to seek Him. It is not checking Him off the list after your pray once or you read the Bible. You have to keep Him first throughout the day.

What can you do this week to put Christ first again?

1 suggestion is to wake up and the first thing you do when you wake up is to spend time with Christ by reading the Bible, praying, committing the day to Him. Another suggestion is to get the Topical Memory System from the Navigators and carry some verses to mediate and memorize throughout the day.

This way, we can keep Christ consistently in our lives throughout the day and He can and will make an impact in our lives.

Pray

Why are they Here?

Did someone you know ever show up at Church or a Christian Meeting (ie, FCA, Young Life, Campus Crusade) and you thought, why are they here? _________ (fill in the blank) isn't a Christian, he/she shouldn't be here. Why did you think that?



Read Acts 9:1-19

Who is Saul? What did he do?



Why was he persecuting Christians?



How did Ananias respond to the report of Saul’s conversion?



What if Saul lived today and shared his testimony at your school or at your Church? What would you think? Would you want to be associated with him?



Application:

Are people like Saul, people we want in Church or say they are a Christian? Why or why not?



What about someone like:
• Brittney Spears
• Paris Hilton
• Bill Clinton

Should the Church be made up of people like these? Why?

Absolutely! Not everyone who commits their life to Christ is going to look the same. But, everyone needs Christ. Remember the woman at the well, the demon possessed man, the woman caught in adultery? Christ extended his hand to them and invited them into a relationship with him.

As a Church (a body of believers), our goal should be to invite everyone to church and help lead them into a relationship with Christ so that they can impact and lead others to Christ.

Remember, it doesn't matter who you were or where you came from. Christ loves us all - every single one of us and we have to do our part in helping everyone come into a relationship with him.

Today, think of someone you know that you should extend your hand out to and invite them to Church or a Young Life Club. Pray that God would give you an opportunity to invite them to this activity and allow God to work. Remember, God is the one who changes hearts and impacts people. We are just merely a tool, ready to be used.

Once the opportunity presents itself, act on it.

Pray

The Energy Bar

When you have a long day, what is the 1st thing you look forward to doing when you get home?

Read Mark 1:16-20
1. What did Jesus mean when he told them that He would help them become fishers of men?
2. What was the response of Simon, Andrew, James and John?

Read Mark 1:21-34
3. What was the difference between the way Jesus taught and the teachers of law taught?
4. How did the people respond to Jesus’ healings?

Mark 1:35-39
5. According to these verses, why did Jesus come to earth?
6. Why did Jesus get up early in the morning to pray?


Application

In these sections, Jesus called fishermen to become fishers of men, he healed the demon-possessed, the sick, gave an amazing teaching about God and spent time with God early in the morning.

After such long and challenging days, the last thing you would expect a person to do would be to wake up early in the morning, before sunrise, pray and spend time with God. However that is exactly what Jesus did. He knew that if he was going to have many more days like these, which he would, he would have to get charged back up and reenergized by God.

Days like those are draining and if you have enough of them, you may want to just quit what you are doing and retreat. Christ modeled to us that we need to go to God for our strength. We need to turn to him always and all the more when we encounter days like that.

How often do you spend time with God? When you do, is it meaningful and purposeful, or is it just a thing that you check off for the day and said that you did it?

Let’s spend some meaningful time with God this summer. Wake up a few minutes early in the morning to pray, listen and spend time reading the Bible and see where God takes you. If Christ, the savior of the world needed to, I think we do too.

Pray

Having a Bad Day?

1. Have you ever had one of those weeks were everything seems to go wrong? – you bomb a few tests, you get into a fight with your best friend, you lose in a competition and your best friend’s dog dies – all happens on the same day or week.


2. How do you respond when you face tough times or trials?


Read Genesis 37:2-8; 18-28

3. What happened here?


4. Why did his brothers hate him?


5. What did they do to Joseph?


Read Genesis 39:6-18

6. He was a handsome man, doing great at his job and what happens?


7. However, he denies her. Why did he deny her?


8. What happens because of this?


Application:

So, what do these stories illustrate? These stories show that time and time again, Joseph was falling on hard times. His brothers hated him…hated him enough to sell him into slavery. His master’s wife hit on him and when he refused accused him of trying to sleep with her…that lead him to jail.

Then, after all this, he got a chance to get out of jail by interpreting a dream for the King – thinking that it was a way out of jail. However, as his luck would have it, even when he did something else good and his interpretation was right, he was forgotten in jail for many more years. He had definitely hit some hard times.

However, despite all the bad things that happened to him, 2 things were constant:

1. God was still with him
• Read Genesis 39:2-4
• Read Genesis 39:21-23

Isn’t it interesting to see how in everything that happened to him, God was there walking with him.

God was helping him, guiding him all throughout. God led him to Potiphar’s house where he thrived and succeeded. Then, in jail, God was with him and helped him succeed there, too. So, God was there with him throughout.

Life may not have been treating him well, but God was there beside him and helping him through it. And Joseph thrived because of God’s help.

2. Joseph still remained faithful to God and trusted Him.

He could have pouted and claimed that he was the victim and whined the rest of his life, but he didn’t. He could have went his own way and said to God, "You know God, this just isn’t working. I’m going to try my own plan now.” He didn’t – he continued to trust God’s plan and remained faithful.

Genesis 39:8-9;11-12 - He said, how could he sin against God? So, he fled naked.

He knew that no matter how tough life would get, he wasn’t going to change his mind. He wasn’t going to waver or lose faith in God and God’s plan for his life. Why? Because, he trusted God.

And where did God’s plan and Joseph’s faithfulness to God get him? 2nd in command of all Egypt! Listen, I haven’t even finished the story of Joseph! So many other things happened to Joseph…so many great things! I would encourage you to read the rest of the book of Genesis because there are so many great stories, just like this in it.

Stay committed to God and his plan. Joseph did and we can too. God is always there desiring to lead you through the toughest of tough times.

PRAY

Trust and Obedience

Was there ever a time when someone asked you to do something that seemed impossible? What was it and did you accomplish the task?



Read Genesis 6:5-14

What was the state of the world at this time?



How as Noah described?



What was God's remedy for this situation?



How did Noah respond? (v. 22)



Application:

For 40 days and nights, it rained and everything on the earth was destroyed. Everything leading up to this point and everything after, Noah was obedient to God and trusted what he said. He trusted God because he walked with God (v. 10). When you walk with someone, you build a friendship and trust of each other because you spend so much time together.

How is your time with Christ? Are you walking with him daily?

Times will get tough from time to time. Who do you trust to guide you through it? By walking with Chirst daily and building that friendship, you gain trust. He wants to guide you through any and all situations. Will you trust where He leads?

This week, spend time daily walking with Christ. Spend time reading the Bible, praying and getting to know Christ so that trust and obedience comes second nature when both good and bad times hit.

Pray.

Jonah and the Big Fish

1. Have you ever been asked to do something you didn't want to do? What was it and how did you respond?



Read Jonah Chapters 1-3 (before you freak out, know that these chapters are very, very short)

2. What did God ask Jonah to do? What was Jonah's response?



3. Why do you think Jonah responded this way?



4. What series of events happened because Jonah didn't follow God's plan?



5. What did Jonah have to do to get out of his Pinocchio situation?



6. What was the result of Jonah going to Nineveh?



Application:

Jonah fled and read away because he didn't agree with God's gameplan. He didn't think the Ninevites deserved to be saved. The result of him fleeing lead to a tough and strange road for Jonah.

Are you fleeing from God's gameplan for your life? Do you even know God's gameplan for your life? In Matthew 6:33 and Joshua 1:8 it says that when we seek God and are obedient to Him and his plan, we will succeed. Probably not in riches and wealth, but we will succeed in life and we will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are walking down the path that God had planned for us.

So this week, seek after God and his plan for your life. Open the Bible and spend time reading and applying it to your life. Pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment for choices you have to make. Finally, be open to where God leads you.

Don't run away like Jonah, but run towards his plan. We cannot begin to understand God's plan for our life. We can only make strides every day to walk closer to Him and discover his plan one day at a time.

Pray for wisdom, discernment and direction.

In the Midst of Tragedy, where do you turn?

When you first heard about the tragedy at VA Tech, where were you and what did you think of?


Because of this tragedy, did it lead you to question God in some way?



Read John 14:6; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:9-14

What do these verses say about who Christ is?




How do these verses encourage you about who Christ is and what he can do?




Application:

Because these statements are just part of who Christ is, we should be encouraged go before Christ in the midst of any situation, especially in situations like last Monday. He IS the Good Shepherd who wants to take care of his sheep. He IS the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. Truth life and freedom comes from resting in Him and allowing Him to guide you down the path of life.

Read 1 Peter 5:7. Take a moment and cast all your anxieties and stresses to Christ and know that He hears your prayers and desires to help you no matter what your situation or concern is.

Pray

Are you a flip flopper?

Would you say you are view favorably by others around you? I'm not talking about just your friends, but the people who know very little about you. How are you viewed by them?

Read Daniel 6

Why did the satraps and administrators try to find charges against Daniel? What did they find?



Base on these findings, what did they do?



How did Daniel respond to the new law? What happened as a result?



What happened to Daniel in the lion's den?



Why did the lions not lay a paw on him? What did the King do the next morning?



How was God glorified because of Daniel's actions?




Application:

Politicians are known to switch positions on a subject or policy based on how the public views the situation. They often flip flop on their position. Even in the midst of potential death, Daniel never flip flopped. For many, many years, Daniel was involved in the political system in Babylon. He never flip flopped on his position on God. No matter what the rules were, he always spoke God's word (see, previous posts about the dreams) and always stood firm in his faith (see Daniel 1).

Are your actions similar to Daniel or do you flip flop in your relationship with God based on how your friends view a certain event or deed? You may not even flip flop, but you might just fail to speak up and proclaim what is right in God's eyes about an event or deed. Whatever it may be, when we fail to speak up, God is not proclaimed, therefore many people are missing the opportunity to hear about the truth of God.

My challenge for all of us is to live out your faith, speak up when needed and never flip flop based on what the public says. Stay firm in your faith and you will be blessed because of it.

Pray for boldness so that you will be able to stand firm or speak up the next time you are questioned about your faith.

Honoring God

Read Daniel 5

Belshazzar is now King in Babylon (On your own, do some research as to how he became King). What was happening when this story opens up?



Belshazzar gave orders to get new vessels (glasses, goblets). Where were these vessels from? Why is it significant?



Read v. 4 again. Based on where these vessels originiated, why was Belshazzar and his party's action wrong?



What happened after this?



David was summoned to interpret the writing. What was the translation?



How did this writing on the wall come true?



Application:

The vessels were from the the house of God. However, King Belshazzar used them and praised his own gods with it. Because of this Belshazzar's reign over Babylon came to a quick end.

The question to think about is, are you honoring and praising God or defiling God with who you are or who you are becoming? God made you and created you with a purpose. We are to honor him by the way we live our life. Are you doing that?

Romans 12:1 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

1 Corinthians 16:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Christ died for us - we were once lost, but He has shown us the way. Let our life represent and honor Christ for his sacrifice.

What changes can you do this week so that you will be honoring God in all you do?

Dynasties

Think of Dynasties throughtout history. They could be sport dynasties (such as the Dallas Cowboys in the early '90s), family dynasties such as the Kennedys, or Ruling Dynasties such as the Roman Empire. What made them great? What made their dynasty end?

Read Daniel 4

Verses 1-3, King Nebuchadnezzar shares about the greatness of God. How have you seen the greatness of God in your life?



King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. What was the dream?



Daniel was once again choosen to interpret the dream. What did God reveal to Daniel what the dream meant?



According to the dream, why did the King lose his kingdom?



How did the King regain his kingdom?



Application:

God wants the best for us and promises to always provide for us. Matthew 6:25-34 talks about it. Specifically in verse 33, Jesus says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He desires to take care of us.

Despite God's great provision for us, we can sometimes take it for granted and begin to think that it is our ability to do things that we have been able to succeed and prosper. That is what happened to Nebuchanezzar. He lost sight of God's provision. Have you lost sight of God's provision for you?

If you have or haven't lost sight of God's provision, take a few minutes and list all the great things God has done for you and given you. Then, thank God for all the blessings.

Do not lose focus on all that God has blessed you with. He is faithful and will provide.

Don't back down!

Have you ever been asked to or have to defend your faith at your school? How did you respond? Did you speak right up, even if it was going to cost you friendships or a reputation? Or, did you keep quiet and minimize your faith?

Read Daniel 3

What did King Nebuchadnezzar do?


What did he expect all the people to do in response to this?


When the music played, what did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do? How hard do you think it was for them to do this?


What was their reason for their response? Because of Shadrach's, Meshach's and Abednego's action, what happened to them?


Once in the fiery furnace, what happened?


What did the King do after he witnessed what was happening?


What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their standing firm for God?


Application:

Daniel 3:17 & 18 says that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!"

What a remarkable statement! They stood firm for God despite the potential consequences of DEATH for not bowing down to the King's statue. Even now, people put their faith on the line all over the world with potential consequences such as these staring at them in the face.

Would you and your faith be able to stand up like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did? The consequences for standing up in your faith and not backing down has such minor consequences for us in America, why wouldn't we stand firm for God. God provided for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - who ended up being promoted and God being glorified for their actions. Who is to say that God wouldn't protect you and provide for you because you stood firm in God.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to express your love of and faith in God, don't back down. Speak up and glorify God.

Who gets the Glory?

Did you ever take credit for something that you didn't do? What was it? Were you ever found out?


Read Daniel 2


What did King Nebuchadnezzar demand from his magicians and sorcerers?


How did the magicians and sorcerers respond?


When Daniel heard about this demand, what did he do? How did he go about interpreting the dream?


In verse 26, the King asks Daniel if he was able to know the dream and interpretation, how did Daniel respond?


When, Daniel revealed the dream and interpretation, how was he rewarded?


How was God glorified in this story?


Application

In James 1:17, it says that every good thing comes from God. What good thing has God done for you lately? Have you praised God or given him the glory for that yet?

God is good. God is faithful. God provides. He provided for Daniel and He desires to provide for you. Daniel knew that and gave the glory to God (Daniel 2:19-23, 27-28). Because of this, the King came to know God and his glory (Daniel 2:47).

Again, what has God done for you lately? How has He provided for you? Have you praised Him and given Him the glory. If not, do it now.

Pray

How Strong our Your Convictions?

What is your strongest conviction? Under what circumstance would you ever compromise that conviction, if any?


Read Daniel 1

Who was Daniel? Where was he and how did he get there?


What did Daniel want to do and why did he desire that?


What was the result of Daniel's challenge?


How did God bless him because of him standing firm in his conviction?


Daniel was a man of conviction. In v. 8, it said that, "Daniel resloved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank" (ESV). He didn't want to eat of this food probably for 1 or more of these reasons:

1. Because they ate unclean beasts, which were forbidden by the Jewish law.
2. Because they ate, as did the heathens in general, beasts which had been strangled, or not properly blooded.
3. Because the animals that were eaten were first offered as victims to their gods. (taken from "Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Old Testament")

Daniel had a strong conviction and followed through on it!

Application: What convictions do you stand by? More importantly, how strong are your godly convictions? Are they strong enough to withstand to strongest of temptations or trials. Daniel, in the midst of a new environment and change, could have gone along with the crowd and relaxed his convictions. However, he didn't and God blessed him because of it.

God will bless you when you stand up for faith and convictions. Use Daniel as an example of what can happen when we stand up for Christ and Christ in us.

Pray