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.