Friday, August 19, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 5

Take some time and reflect on this past week.
How did it go? What were the good parts? What were the bad parts? Did you really blow it at some point? Were you an example of Christ’s love at some point?

More than likely you had some good moments and some bad ones.
But were you at least more aware this week of how your actions impacted others and brought glory to God?

If so, how can you keep that same mindset moving forward?

If not, how can you develop more of that mindset?



Thursday, August 18, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 4

Shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, John Piper wrote a blog post entitled “Don’t Waste Your Cancer.” Read the following quote from the post:

“This will be an opportunity to bear witness. Christ is infinitely worthy. Here is a golden opportunity to show that he is worth more than life. Don’t waste it.” – John Piper

Think about this as you go through your day:
  • What are some areas in your life where you can point others to the truth that Christ is infinitely worthy? 
  • How can you do that, really? What practical ways can you put this in place?

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 3

“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them.”  Luke 21:12-13

Do you like for people to talk bad about you behind your back? Would you ever volunteer to get beat-up? Do you enjoy going through trials, persecution, or suffering? These probably sound like pretty dumb questions to you. Who in their right mind would like these things? Most of us would run in the total opposite direction of all those things.

Read Luke 21:12-13.
None of us really wants to deal with the things we just talked about. And that’s perfectly normal. But these are the types of things that Jesus tells us to expect. Trials and persecution are part of what comes with the territory of following Jesus. While they’re not fun, the cool part about them is that they give us incredible opportunities to point people to Jesus.

Look at verse 13 again. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” It’s easier to lash out at those who mistreat you. It’s easier to get frustrated when things don’t go your way. It’s easier to throw your hands up and get mad when you face trials. It’s easy and it’s natural because they’re all fleshly responses.

But, as believers we don’t draw on our own strength. We draw on the strength of Christ, who lives inside of us.
And so when we don’t act like the rest of the world, people take notice and, BOOM! . . . there’s our opportunity to tell people about our God, to tell them that our hope isn’t found in this world.

Some things to think about:
  • Why is it so important for our responses to these types of situations to be different from the rest of the world? 
  • When you face these types of struggles, how can you fight your natural fleshly response and draw on the strength of Christ in you?

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 2

Take minute and read Matthew 5:14-16.

Write verse 14 down on a note card, a sticky note, a notebook or sketchbook app, or something similar. Put it in your pocket. Make it your screen saver on your phone. Do whatever you need to make it super visible.

Take a few moments and think about the time or situation where your light shines brightest for God’s glory. Now, think about the times or situations where it doesn’t shine as bright. Maybe there are some areas where it doesn’t shine as all. Use the card (or whatever you picked) as an encouragement during those times.

If you’re a believer, you have Christ in you! You . . . yes you . . . are the light of the world.

Be encouraged and draw on that verse during those times your light needs to shine brighter.

Monday, August 15, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 3 | Day 1

You know what this week holds for you better than anyone else. You know your strengths and weaknesses. You know what temptations are probably coming your way. You know the things that are going to bother you or cause you to have a bad attitude.

We’ve talked about God receiving glory from our actions. Take a little bit of time and think about what’s coming this week. When will you need an extra measure of grace for that person that gets under your skin? When will you be tempted to go down a road you shouldn’t go down? When will you have opportunities to talk to people about Jesus?

Now, take some time and write out a short prayer for the week. Ask God to give you the wisdom, strength, and grace you need to point others to him and give him glory.

Friday, August 12, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 5

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3

We are told that God’s glory is seen through Jesus and the Son of God is the exact representation of God’s very being. Take a moment to let that sink in. Jesus represents God. Fully. He represents God’s glory. Completely. When we read the gospel accounts of Jesus, we get to see the heart, the nature, the passion, power, and the glory of God through Jesus.

Do you ever have those days when you wonder about God and what He is like? Do you ever doubt His intentions? Do you wonder if He really cares? If we wonder about God and who He is, we only need to look at Jesus. God’s glory is displayed through Jesus.

Take the Time: Make it a point to brainstorm characteristics and truths of who Jesus is. Come up with as many words as possible to define who you know Jesus to be. Words like “savior,” “friend,” “healer,” are words you might think of. Take a while to write your list and even keep adding to it over the next few days.

As you look back through your list, realize that God’s glory is displayed through Jesus and Jesus. The more we see Jesus, the more we will see God’s glory.



Thursday, August 11, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 4

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55

Have you ever been the target of lies, gossip, or slander because you’re a Christ-follower? Have you ever been hurt because of your faith? If you have, don’t be too surprised. It’s a hard reality, but as someone who is identified with Christ, you will often walk through tough times. Friends will make fun of you, enemies will hurt you, and people will walk away from you because of your faith.

That’s kind of depressing isn’t it? But, that’s not the end.
In the Book of Acts, Stephen received more than slander, lies, and gossip for his faith. He was stoned to death for it. But take a look at the verse again. Notice what is said about Stephen as the crowd was stoning him to death. You see, in our most challenging times, God always promises to draw close when we are persecuted for our faith. It is then we get to see and experience God’s glory.

Let’s remind ourselves of what God’s glory is like: “Glory” describes the immense weight, or worthiness of God’s character, combined with the honor, splendor, and awe due Him because of who He is.

We can be sure that when we face trials of many kinds that God will draw near and reveal His glory to us.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 3

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Have you thought about how God’s glory is displayed every time someone is saved from their sins because of Jesus. Do you realize God wants His glory displayed through our lives as well as those who yet to be saved? Don’t miss this, God wants us be apart of His glorious plan and to be excited for our changed lives, but He also wants us to be His vessels to share the good news.

We can see and experience God’s glory when say “yes” to Him personally, but we can also say yes to Him by being a part of His mission to see all people come to Him.

Some things to Think About:
  • Have you said yes to God with your own life? If not, have you considered it? What is keeping you from it? 
  • Who are the people God has placed in your life who are ready to say “yes” to Jesus? What part does God want you play? 
Pray and ask God to show you your next step in your faith walk. Ask Him to show you how His glory can be displayed further in your life.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 2

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2: 8-10

Have you ever wondered why the shepherds were terrified when the glory of the Lord shone around them? Why would something so glorious cause these guys to fear for their lives?

Consider this for moment. These men were the outcasts of their society. They were terrified because they had no context to frame these extraordinary things they were seeing! It’s incredible that God wanted these humble shepherds to be the first to hear His good news and see and experience His glory. But God has a way of doing the unexpected.

As a teenager, it’s often easy to think that your life does not yet have significance or that you will have to wait to get older before opportunities come your way. It’s easy to buy the lie that God only uses extremely talented or gifted people. When it comes to God’s glory, we need to know He is generous. He looks for humble people to be used for His plans and purposes.

Some things to think about: God wants you experience His glory and be a part of His incredible plans. You might feel like you’re always the last to know, but that’s not how God operates. His first aim is to bring glory to Himself. He then chooses to include humble followers in these plans.

Come to God today and humbly ask Him to show you where you can serve Him and bring Him more glory.

Monday, August 8, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 2 | Day 1

"Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”" John 11: 38-40

By the time Jesus arrives to save the life of his friend Lazarus, it’s already too late. Or is it? When Jesus tells the men to roll away the stone, Martha makes a good point that Lazarus has been dead for four days and it’s not going to be nice. Instead of agreeing with Martha, Jesus says something incredible: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” What happens next is extraordinary as Lazarus is raised to life and reunited with His family and friends.

Have you ever considered this? In our failures, in our pain, and in our hardest times, Jesus wants to display His glory in our lives. So often we are like Martha and object to how God can make good of such a mess. However, the God of creation wants to display His power and glory in our lives even when there seems to be no way to do so.

So here’s a question: What situation, pain, or disappointment in your life seems unredeemable? What could happen if you believe today that God’s glory could be displayed in these situations of your life?

Ask God to give you faith to believe that He can work in the hardest of situations. Ask Him to display His glory in your life in those areas that seem unredeemable.

Friday, August 5, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 5

“After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” Revelation 19:1

Have you ever been on a long a journey with a great destination at the end? You know, one of those long journeys that are more than just a few hours in the car. Maybe you’ve flown across an ocean to a foreign country? Or maybe you’ve driven more than twelve hours to go on vacation or a mission trip? While long journeys can be boring and challenging, knowing the incredible destination at the end of your journey makes all the difference.

Something to think about:
  • As you read this passage in Revelation 19, know that you’re getting a glimpse of an incredible final destination. Can you imagine what that will be like? 
While we get to see God’s creation all around us while we are here on earth, we also get to look forward to an incredible arrival at a destination one day. Ask God to give you a longer-term perspective and to give you greater hope for what is to come. Ask Him to give you more glimpses of His glory today as you journey through life.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 4

Think about this quote as you go through your day.

“The created universe is all about glory. The deepest longing of the human heart and the deepest meaning of heaven and earth are summed up in this: the glory of God. The universe was made to show it, and we were made to see it and savor it. Nothing less will do. Which is why the world is as disordered and dysfunctional as it is. We have exchanged the glory of God for other things.” – John Piper

We are made to worship God. The whole of creation points to God and His glory. But, as Piper points out, when we focus on other less significant things, it’s then that the world becomes a challenging place to live.

Spend some time simply asking God to show you where your focus is. Ask Him to show you things that are less significant but have become an unhealthy focus. It could be the stuff you own, or that guy or girl you like. It could be that you are obsessed by success and have allowed grades or winning to replace your dependence on God and His glory in your life.

Ask God to show you the areas of your life where you are living for your own glory. Ask Him to show you how to live for HIS glory.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 3

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed . . . Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” Psalms 57:1 & 5

David wrote the Psalms in different stages of his life. These poetic songs were utilized in worship many centuries ago. And yet they connect deeply with us today.

As you read this psalm, you’ll see the struggle and pain David is walking through. In the first verse he simply comes to God telling of an impending disaster in his life. But what David does next is an example to us when we face struggles of our own.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”

When challenges come, we are to take refuge in God. When challenges seem huge we need to ‘lift up’ (exalt) God above our challenges. When challenges come we need to remind ourselves of God’s glory and be content knowing that He is God.

As you consider the challenges of school, friends, family, success, and failure, don’t be overwhelmed by them. Instead, reframe the psalm below inserting your circumstances into it:

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until (your specific situation) has passed. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over (your specific situation). “

Consider your present circumstances in the light of God’s incredible glory and power, and realize that He’s able to give you the strength you need.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 2

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Have you been to a famous art gallery? Behind every work of art is a creator with a plan for what the masterpiece should look like. Most works of art take months or even years to create as the artist pays attention to every small detail. At the end of the creation, the artist will carefully add his or her mark or signature to authenticate the work.

God’s signature is all over creation. But, have you considered that God’s glory is also seen through His creation of YOU? You are God’s creation. Ephesians 2:10 uses a Greek word poiÄ“ma, which means “God’s masterpiece.” That’s you!

Some things to think about:
  • God is the Creator who has specific purposes for His masterpieces. His fingerprints are all over your life. 
  • God’s glory is displayed through His creation. You’re a part of that creation. And so your life brings glory to God. Let this thought dramatically change the way you see yourself and your day!

Monday, August 1, 2016

God's Glory: Lesson 1 | Day 1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

Have you ever heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” Essentially, this psalm is saying, “God’s glory speaks a thousand words through His creation.” Have you really considered that God speaks to us through His creation?

If creation could speak audibly about God’s glory and who He is, what would it say? Take some time to write down words that describe God and who He is based on what you see in the world around you. Think about these words as you go through your day.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 2 | Devotion 3

Your task today is to memorize this verse:

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14-15

Write it down if you need to. Say it to yourself a million times. Listen to it on your phone. Do what you need to do to hide this verse in your heart.

Then, put it to use. Let it drive your actions and thoughts today.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 2 | Devotion 2

You were asked this week in your time of Bible study to think of at least one person to whom you need to extend forgiveness.

So, here’s the question: Have you done this? Have you thought of someone who has wronged you but to whom you haven’t extended forgiveness to?

The bigger question may be, “What are you waiting for?”

Listen, forgiveness is hard. Everyone knows that. But just because it’s hard doesn’t give you an excuse to not do it.

Trust in God. Lean on the Spirit. Be bold in your faith. And do the hard work of forgiving whom you need to forgive.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 2 | Devotion 1

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.’” - Matthew 18:32-35

This parable is a strong flavor, isn’t it?

Let’s just call it like it is: Jesus wasn’t messing around. He basically says that if people think they can take advantage of God’s forgiveness and treat others harshly, they have another thing coming. God expects us to treat others with the same level of mercy He shows to us.

Now, we might think this is a pretty tall task. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Maybe our hesitant reaction to this parable comes because we don’t truly believe how sinful we are and don’t fully realize the depths of God’s forgiveness. Maybe if we saw ourselves for who we really are we’d be much more inclined to forgive others more readily.

So, the next time you’re not feeling very forgiving, remember: God expects you to forgive others as He forgives us.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 1 | Devotion 3

Read the following quotes:

Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.C. S. Lewis

Forgiveness is a funny thing — it warms the heart and cools the sting.William A. Ward

These two quotes kind of represent the two sides of forgiveness, don’t they? IN a way they are opposites. Which one do you identify with the most? Do you find that it is easier to forgive or be forgiven?

Pray today that God will give you the strength to forgive even though it is a painful process at times. Pray that God would give you the heartwarming feeling that comes when you’ve been forgiven or when you have extended forgiveness to others.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 1 | Devotion 2

For today’s devotion, your task is to do something simple:
  • List three people who have forgiven you for something you did wrong to them. 
  • Then, list three people you have forgiven. 
As you go through your day, think about the emotions that surrounded these situations, both the positive ones and the negative ones. Then, think of the outcome. How is your life different because forgiveness was given and/or received?

Monday, June 27, 2016

Jesus & Forgiveness: Lesson 1 | Devotion 1

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . .” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” - Mark 2:8-11

Authority. We have a love hate relationship with it for sure, don’t we? We sometimes don’t like to listen to authority. When we have a coach or a teacher or maybe even a parent that tells us something we don’t necessarily want to hear . . . In that moment, we may not really appreciate authority.

But then other times we’re cool with it. When a coach or teacher praises us in front of everyone. Or when someone like a police officer of firefighter uses his or her authority to intervene and save the day.

One of the most interesting parts of this story is that Jesus found Himself in the position to have to prove His authority. He did it in a magnificent way, one that made earthly and eternal impacts on this man’s life. Jesus used His authority to heal the man and to forgive his sins. Now that’s a good use of authority.

Jesus is the only one with the authority to forgive sins. But the cool thing? By forgiving others, you get just the tiniest glimpse of what it must feel like to free someone of the burden of their wrongdoing.

Forgiveness is a gift. Don’t hold back from forgiving someone you know needs it.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 3 | Devotion 3

“I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than Depression and I am braver than Loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Really look and contemplate the above quote that is meant as a way of describing God’s desire to be with us in tough times.

Close your eyes and imagine those are the words that God speaks to you in a real way.
How does that help comfort you today?

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 3 | Devotion 2

“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.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

We can struggle with what it means to trust in God’s comfort. His peace doesn’t make sense, it’s so different from anything else we can experience that we aren’t sure what to think. We may struggle with how to let God love and comfort us. However, what have you got to lose giving it a try? If you rest in His peace and He shows up then you feel better. If He doesn’t then you feel the same. All it can do is help!

Something To Think About...
  • What does it mean to trust in the way God helps us instead of ourselves? 
  • How can we seek His love and comfort in hard times?

Monday, June 6, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 3 | Devotion 1

Did you know one of the ways God describes himself to us is as our “rock?” In Psalm 18:2 He is described this way:

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Take out the rock you had from group this week. Look at it. Hold it in your fist and try and crush it. It’s solid. If you think of God as a rock, He is unwavering. He protects us, saves us and is the one who gives us peace. Find a Sharpie and write the word, “PEACE” in bold letters on your rock.

Now hold the rock again in your fist. Spend some time asking Him to comfort you in the tough times. Ask Him really what it means that He is your “rock.” Carry it with you this week or put it somewhere that you can see it daily as a reminder that His peace won’t be moved.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 2 | Devotion 3

Take some time today to really go over what you are thinking about God being with you during hard times.

Do you have a tendency to blame God when things don’t turn out the way you want?

Do you trust that He will be with you and help you get through this time? Why or why not?

Do you wish He would just change the situation, when sometimes nothing seems to change?

Today take some time to sit with God and be honest about whether or not you really believe having faith in Him will get you through those hard times.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 2 | Devotion 2

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand . . . Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.” Psalm 40:1-2, 11-12

Have you ever felt like the guy who wrote the psalm above?

Sometimes our troubles are so many we can’t even count them. We can’t even see because it seems like everything is going horrible wrong. Our courage to face a new day is spent. It’s during these times we beg God to be with us. All we can do is ask Him to show us His love and steady our feet on the road as we go forward. In short, sometimes all we have is to cling to Him that He will be with us no matter what.

Something To Think About...
  • Do you believe (like the guy who wrote the Psalm) that God will be at your side to get you through the tough times? Why or why not? 
  • Read the rest of Psalm 40. What are you doing like the Psalmist to hold onto God during your bad times?

Monday, May 30, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 2 | Devotion 1

Take a look at the Band Aid you put on the other night. (If it already fell off, go put either a Band Aid or a piece of tape around your finger.) Take a moment and close your eyes and feel it around your finger. Notice how it feels tight around your finger.

Can you feel it sticking to you?
Regardless of exactly HOW it feels you know that Band Aid is there with you. If you had a wound or a “boo-boo” you would trust that it was healing underneath the Band-Aid. This is how it is with Jesus. We trust that He is with us, healing our wounds and walking us through the toughest of times.

As you look at your Band-Aid now:
  • Pray that you would learn to trust that Jesus is going to get you through this tough time.
  • Be honest with Him about how you are feeling.
  • Ask Him to show you how to have faith in who He is, and how He will bring you through hard times.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 1 | Devotion 3

Are you starting to believe that God cares about your feelings?

Are you starting to be more honest with God about your feelings? Why or why not?

Take some time today and really contemplate why being with honest with God is either easy or hard for you. Is it that you don’t really trust Him? If this is true how can you get to know Him better so you do trust Him?

Today meditate on why God would love you so much He want to hear everything.


Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 1 | Devotion 2

Remember how we wrote letters to God this week about how we are feeling?

God wants everything. We have talked a lot about telling God when we feel bad things; we can be honest about when things are going great too. He loves to hear everything from us, whatever is going on with you.

Take a few moments and write a note to God in the space below about WHATEVER you are feeling today, good, bad, ugly or mehhh.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Jesus & Tough Times: Lesson 1 | Devotion 1

"While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God."  Hebrews 5:7

Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? If not have you ever been so angry you wanted to punch something, or screamed into a pillow in your room? Think for a moment, “When things are going wrong, what do you do?” Do you scream, hit someone, or take it out on a friend or sibling? You know, Jesus Himself expressed a lot of emotion when HE experienced a tough time.

Look again at Matthew 26: 36-46. Stop and think for a moment about all that was going on with Jesus at this moment. He was about to be arrested, beat up, spit at, bullied, teased, whipped, and nailed to a cross. After all of that He was going to die a painful death being treated like a criminal when He had done nothing wrong. If you knew all of this was about to happen, how would you feel? No, stop for a moment, close your eyes and think about how you would feel. It’s fair that Jesus really didn’t want it to happen and that He needed to talk to God about it.

Can you relate when things are going bad for you? Do you want God to “fix” it? At the very least to you want things to change? Are you honest with God during those times about how you are feeling? Why or why not?

Something to think about...
  • Do you tell God on a regular basis how you are feeling about life? Why or why not? Have you ever thought about how He wants to hear from us, and all that we are thinking and feeling?
  • Jesus showed us that it’s alright to tell God anything we are thinking or feeling. God also showed us that He helped Jesus deal through His feelings. Do you believe God can help you through the tough times better when you are honest with Him? Why or why not?

Friday, May 20, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3 | Day 5

The last two days, we’ve looked at being on God’s mission. Throughout this study, you’ve learned that knowledge without action is worthless.

Today, you are being compelled to act.

Spend some time asking God what that step is today. Ask Him how He wants you to join Him on His mission to make His name known. Listen for His response. And today, or tomorrow, or next week when He shows you what that next step is, take the initiative to act.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3 | Day 4

Take a moment and read Revelation 7:9-12.

Take some time today to imagine the scene of the passage. All peoples from all places gathered together in worship to God for the salvation He has brought to them.

What do you think it will look like?

What do you think it will sound like?


You know, this scene is the end goal of missions. It’s the ultimate result of God’s knowability. It is the fruit of the Gospel at work over the generations.

In your journal or note-taking app, reflect on this scene and what God is showing you. How do you think you will feel when you are in the midst of this mass of humanity, praising that God you know as Lord and Savior?

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3 | Day 3

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Read Psalm 46:8-10. Here we see that knowledge of God should be spread to the whole world. God’s mission is something that is still unfinished. People who study world missions write about “unreached people groups.” These are groups of people who do not have any access to the message of the Gospel. They will be born, live, and die and will likely never here about Jesus and what He did for them on the cross.

As we think of God’s mission, we can respond in several ways. We can pray that God would continue to be known by the lost. We can give money to support the work. And we can go. Today, here’s a challenge for you to pray.

There’s a great website online called The Joshua Project (http://joshuaproject.net/) that is focused on praying for unreached people groups. Go to this website today, and spend some time praying for the featured unreached people group of the day. As you pray today, ask God in what ways He may be calling you to put hands and feet to your prayers by giving and going.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3 | Day 2

At the beginning of your Bible study this week, you may have looked at this quote from a scholar named Wayne Grudem:

“If we are to know God at all, it is necessary for Him to reveal Himself to us.”

After spending three weeks studying God’s knowability, you should have come to a point where you’ve grown in your knowledge of this concept. Have you?

Think About This...
  • How has God chosen to reveal Himself to you through this study?
  • What have you come to know about God through this study?

Monday, May 16, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 3 | Day 1

In this week’s time of Bible study, you learned that our knowledge of God is vital to our spiritual transformation. As we get to know Jesus through our relationship with Him, we become more and more like Him. Compare our relationship with Jesus with our relationship with others. Some people are guilty of spending more thought on our earthly relationships than with our relationship with God.

For example, a guy wouldn’t ask a girl on a date if he didn’t have a plan about what they would do and where they would go. Yet we so often sit down to spend time with Jesus and we have no real plan. We often get nothing out of our time with Jesus because we planned not to get anything out of it.

Today, I want you to write down a plan of how you want to spend your time with Jesus today.
  • What do you want to do? You could pray, read the Word, memorize scripture, sing a worship song, etc. 
  • When are you going to do it? 
  • How long will your time together last? 
  • What is your goal of your time together?
Having a plan is a great way to minimize distractions. It shows you’re serious about knowing God more.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2 | Day 5

One of the ways that we can experience Jesus is through worship. As we worship Jesus, we thank Him for who He is and what He has done for us.

Today, we are going to do something different for our devotional time. Think of your favorite praise and worship song and find a place where you can get alone with God. Spend a few minutes listening to and singing the song and praising Jesus for who He is.

Then make sure to pray to Jesus and simply respond to Him with how the song makes you feel.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2 | Day 4


Yesterday, we saw that Jesus is making us into artistic expressions of His grace. Today, use a journal or note-taking app to draw a picture, write a poem, write a song, or share a story of the power of God’s grace.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2 | Day 3

In Hebrews 1:1-3, we saw the power of the Gospel, that Jesus who was powerful, great, and God came and took our place. He became sin so that we can become like Him.

The problem is that many times we as Christians think that we are to try our best to follow Jesus by looking to Him as our example. Several years ago, there was a Christian fad of bracelets called “WWJD,” which stood for “What Would Jesus Do?” This was the question you were supposed to ask before you did something. The problem with all of this is that we are not God and we cannot perfectly live like Jesus – that is why He came and took our place on the cross.

So how does living for Jesus work? Turn in your Bible to Ephesians 2:10 and read the verse. It says that we are Jesus’ “workmanship” and that we were created for good works. “Workmanship” is a weird word to us, but in the Greek, it means “poem.” We are God’s artistic expression on the world. God is making broken people like us into beautiful works of art that point people to His power to change a life.

Following Jesus is a lot less about wondering what Jesus would do and a lot more about surrendering your life to Jesus as He makes you into an artistic expression of the beauty of His Gospel to a watching world.

Think About This...
  • Come up with a few ways this practically fleshes itself out in your world. 
  • Commit to living out this truth today in your life.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2 | Day 2

Since we learn about Jesus through His Word, it’s important that we study God’s Word to get to know Him better. Today, think through the Bible stories that you know about Jesus in the gospels and write a list of words to describe Jesus.



Now, take some time to praise Jesus for being those things. For example, “Jesus thank you for being ______________________________.”



Monday, May 9, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 2 | Day 1

“’You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”  John 6:67-68

One of the passages we looked at in this week’s lesson was John 6:66-69. It is the story of the crowds walking away and the disciples sticking with Jesus because they believed He was God. As a Christian teenager, you face peer pressure for following Jesus. The crowd is going one way and to take a stand for Jesus means you may be standing alone.

Re-read John 6:66-69. Take a moment and answer the following questions:
  • How do you think the disciples felt when people walked away from Jesus?
  • What separated the disciples from the crowds?
  • What are some ways that you may have to take a stand for your faith this week?
When you take a stand for Jesus, you may feel like you are standing alone. But you’re not alone. Jesus is there with you.

This week, remember the truth that Jesus is the true God and that He is for you even though crowds may stand against you.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 1 | Day 5

Read this quote and think about it as you go through your day:

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”  A. W. Tozer

Think About This...
  • Why would Tozer think that the most important thing about us was what came into our minds when we think about God?
  • Do you agree or disagree with the quote? Why or why not?
  • Why is knowing God so important to our lives?

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Knowing God: Lesson 1 | Day 4


In your journal or on a note-taking app, take a moment to write a prayer to God. Thank Him for choosing to reveal Himself to you. Tell Him in your own words why it matters to you that He chose to have a system that allowed you to know Him personally. Pray that God would begin to show you more about Him. Pray that He would make Himself more known to you.

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