Maturity for Sale. Daily Spiritual Guide December 28, 2009 February 27, Crossroads Community Church

Transcription

1 Maturity for Sale Daily Spiritual Guide December 28, 2009 February 27, 2010 Crossroads Community Church

2 Welcome to Maturity for Sale Billy Graham was once quoted as saying, Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. He knew that for Christians, spiritual growth is a necessary and critical part of our daily walk with God. Often challenging, always rewarding the process of spiritual maturity is a lifelong adventure that brings us ever-so-closer to the perfect example set for us by Jesus. It is a process that creates real, positive change in our lives change that has a lasting impact on ourselves and on those who are most important to us. As we begin the new year at Crossroads, we would like to invite you to take part in a new, nine week series designed keep us moving towards the goal set by Christ authentic spiritual maturity. Each week we will focus on a basic teaching that we will need in order to be a successful and fruitful follower of Christ. Six days each week we will spend time reading the Bible, answering questions and writing down what Jesus and His Word teaches us. We will have one memory verse per week to hide in our minds and hearts to help us grow, and we will spend time in guided and personal prayer. The Series: Week 1 December 28-January 2: Show Me Maturity Week 2 January 4-9: Who s Responsible? Week 3 January 11-16: Can You Relate? Week 4 January 18-23: What Goes Around. Week 5 January 25-30: How I Role Week 6 February 1-6: Tudes and Moods Week 7 February 8-13: He Says, She Says Week 8 February 15-20: She Says, He Says Week 9 February 22-27: Spiritual Maturity

3 Week 1: Show Me Maturity December 28 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians, Chapter 1: Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: Is God producing a righteous character within you? How does that character manifest itself in your life? Question for Journaling: In verse six, Paul mentions that it is God who is at work in our life. Why is this important to remember?

4 December 29 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy, Chapter 3: Verses 1-17 Going Deeper: Do you believe that the last Christian generation is largely passing away from our world? Why or why not? Question for Journaling: Paul alludes to some difficulties that have produced patience and endurance in his life. Have you experienced anything similar in your life?

5 December 30 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans, Chapter 8: Verses Going Deeper: What does it mean to you when the Bible tells us that God wants us to become like his Son? Question for Journaling: From this passage, what sorts of things does the Bible describe that verify God s purpose in our lives?

6 December 31 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews, Chapter 13: Verses 1-14 Going Deeper: Explain how verse 14 of this chapter might help you keep more of an eternal perspective on your life. Question for Journaling: Verse 8 describes the changeless nature of Christ. Explore what this means in relation to our generation and to those who have lived throughout past generations.

7 January 1 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah, Chapter 46: Verses 1-13 Going Deeper: How does Isaiah describe God s sovereignty to those who were living in Israel during his time? Question for Journaling: Why is it so important to listen to God?

8 January 2 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:9-10 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians, Chapter 4: Verses Going Deeper: List a few ways in which Paul contrasts the mindset of unbelievers with the worldview of those who follow Christ. Question for Journaling: What are some things that you have done in order to throw off your old former way of life?

9 Week 2: Who s Responsible? January 4 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: Galatians, Chapter 6: Verses 1-6 Going Deeper: Why do you think that God s word tells us that it is important for us to be responsible for our own actions? Question for Journaling: Can you think of some people whose burdens you can help to carry?

10 January 5 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians, Chapter 3: Verses Going Deeper: Why should we work for others as if we were actually working for God? Question for Journaling: What could our co-workers, clients, and employers conclude about our relationship to Christ if they were to observe us working in a responsible fashion?

11 January 6 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John, Chapter 1, Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: Why is it important for us to confess our sins to God? Question for Journaling: Has there ever been a time during which you have found yourself shifting blame for your actions onto something else?

12 January 7 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 17: Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: How does this proverb describe the contrast between someone who is teachable, and someone who is not teachable? Question for Journaling: Discuss a time in your life in which you have experienced a teachable moment.

13 January 8 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 26: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: How does this Proverb illustrate the process that occurs when someone repeats his or her past mistakes? Question for Journaling: Has there been a time recently during which you have learned from a past mistake and have been able to avoid future consequences?

14 January 9 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4-5 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy, Chapter 5: Verses 1-24 Going Deeper: What are some of the responsibilities that we have towards others in the Church? Question for Journaling: What might be some of the reasons why Paul places such emphasis on the practical ways in which we should conduct ourselves within the church?

15 Week 3: Can You Relate? January 11 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew, Chapter 22: Verses Going Deeper: Do you believe that meaningful love manifests itself in actions towards other people? Can you give some examples? Question for Journaling: Jesus says that the two most important commands are similar to each other. Why is this true for us?

16 January 12 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke, Chapter 10: Verses Going Deeper: When reading this parable, why is it important to know that in Jesus time there was tremendous cultural animosity between Jews and Samaritans? Question for Journaling: What does Jesus parable tell us about how we should accept others who are different from us, just as they are?

17 January 13 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 25: Verse 26 Going Deeper: What descriptive words does the Bible use to depict a righteous person who gives in to evil? Question for Journaling: What can you do in your life to make sure that you avoid giving in to peer pressure when you are with others?

18 January 14 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke, Chapter 17: Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: In this passage, how does Jesus emphasize the importance of forgiving others? Question for Journaling: Is there someone whom you have something against, a person who you need to go to, in order to resolve some differences? How will you approach this person?

19 January 15 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter, Chapter 3: Verses 8-12 Going Deeper: What are some ways in which you can work to maintain peace in your community? Question for Journaling: What prescription is given for us in order that we may enjoy life and see many happy days?

20 January 16 Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6: Verses 1-8 Going Deeper: What method does Paul suggest in this reading for the resolution of disputes that may arise at times between Christians? Question for Journaling: What sorts of conclusions might non-believers infer if they were to observe Christians who were unable to resolve disagreements with each other?

21 Week 4: What Goes Around. January 18 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: Jeremiah, Chapter 29: Verses 1-14 Going Deeper: How did the Lord reassure the Israelites, who were being held captive in Babylon, that he was aware of their situation? Question for Journaling: What instructions did God have for the Hebrews who had been exiled out of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar?

22 January 19 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: Galatians, Chapter 6: Verses 7-10 Going Deeper: What are three main beliefs, given here by Paul, regarding sowing and reaping? Question for Journaling: Discuss something in your life which you believe that you can change, in order that you may eventually create more positive circumstances.

23 January 20 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: John, Chapter 4: Verses Going Deeper: From this passage, what fruit does Jesus tell us is harvested by those who do the will of God? Question for Journaling: Have you ever experienced the joy of helping to bring someone to eternal life?

24 January 21 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 21: Verses 1-5 Going Deeper: Have you ever suffered negative results from not thinking something all the way through? Question for Journaling: Oftentimes, working hard requires a significant degree of self-discipline. Is there anyone that you know that displays a strong work ethic? What can you learn from them?

25 January 22 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9: Verses 1-14 Going Deeper: Do you believe that it is important for Christians to share with others who have been less fortunate? Why? Question for Journaling: What was the result as the Christians at Corinth helped to meet the needs of those in Jerusalem?

26 January 23 Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 27, Verses 1-12 Going Deeper: What are some ways that you can plan for the future, in order to help meet the needs of your family? Question for Journaling: Are there some ways in which you can help others prepare for the future? What are some things that you can do?

27 Week 5: How I Role January 25 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter, Chapter 2: Verses 4-12 Going Deeper: What does it mean when Peter addresses the Church as royal priests and a holy nation? Question for Journaling: Do you have a desire to share the mercy and goodness of God with others?

28 January 26 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis, Chapter 2: Verses 4-25 Going Deeper: From verse 24 of this chapter, what role did God design for a husband and a wife in a family? Question for Journaling: What steps can you take to create more unity within your family?

29 January 27 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts, Chapter 20: Verses Going Deeper: What directions did Paul give to the elders of the Church at Ephesus? How are those instructions applicable for the Church today? Question for Journaling: Are you doing the work of God humbly, as Paul did? How can you become more so?

30 January 28 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 5:31-33 Going Deeper: What does it mean that a husband must love his wife as he loves himself? Question for Journaling: What are ways that a wife can show respect for her husband?

31 January 29 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews, Chapter 13: Verses Going Deeper: What is the responsibility of spiritual leaders within the Church? Question for Journaling: For what reasons should Christians be encouraged to respect spiritual leaders in the Church?

32 January 30 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians, Chapter 3: Verses Going Deeper: How does God want family members to treat each other? Question for Journaling: What do you think will be the result when a family follows God s relationship plan?

33 Week 6: Tudes and Moods February 1 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: Galatians, Chapter 5: Verses Going Deeper: When we are led by the Spirit, how can we distinguish between what we want and what the Spirit wants? Question for Journaling: Rate yourself in an honest way as to what degree the Fruits of the Spirit are evidenced in your life.

34 February 2 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 25: Verse 28 Going Deeper: Determine one thing in your life in which you can resolve to exercise more self-control. Question for Journaling: In Solomon s time, people often lived in fortified cities for defense. How does his analogy about a city with broken-down walls apply to the way in which we manage our emotions?

35 February 3 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians, Chapter 2: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: What does it mean to be humble, and why is it so critical to living the Christian life? Question for Journaling: In verse 4 of this chapter, Paul reveals that we should look out for the best interest of others. Why is this so important?

36 February 4 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4: Verses 1-12 Going Deeper: What does the Bible mean when it tells us here that we should live a life of holiness and honor? Question for Journaling: What are the benefits of exercising self-control over one s physical passions?

37 February 5 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: Luke, Chapter 12: Verses Going Deeper: Jesus tells us that life is not measured by what we own. What does he say is more important than that? Question for Journaling: As Christians, what sort of attitude should we manage our finances with?

38 February 6 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Bible Reading for the Day: James, Chapter 1: Verses Going Deeper: The Bible says that God is slow to become angry. How can we reflect this attribute of God s character within our lives? Question for Journaling: What are some situations that can be avoided if we work diligently to control the things that we say?

39 Week 7: He Says, She Says February 8 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians, Chapter 2: Verses 6-23 Going Deeper: Describe what sort of significance that verses of this chapter have for you. Question for Journaling: Paul compares our relationship to Christ by using two noteworthy comparisons in verse 7 of this reading. Explore their meaning to us as Christians.

40 February 9 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians, Chapter 5: Verses 1-21 Going Deeper: For what reasons should Christian men be careful how they live their lives in a fallen world? Question for Journaling: Do you often scrutinize the moral behavior of today s society, or do you find yourself just going along with everyone else in the world? Why, or why not?

41 February 10 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy, Chapter 1: Verses 1-18 Going Deeper: According to this passage, what kind of spirit has God given to us? Question for Journaling: Paul recognizes Timothy s faith as being strong and consistent. What things can you do in order to remain strong in the Christian faith?

42 February 11 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 17: Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: How are Christian men responsible for treating other older or younger men? How are they responsible for interacting with older and younger women? Question for Journaling: What responsibilities do Christian men have towards their relatives?

43 February 12 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter, Chapter 3: Verse 7 Going Deeper: List some ways in which a husband might give honor to his wife. Question for Journaling: Why do you think that Peter here suggests that a man s prayer life might be hindered if he does not treat his wife as he should?

44 February 13 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians, Chapter 3: Verses Going Deeper: From this passage, what do you believe is the goal or standard of spiritual maturity? Question for Journaling: Provide some spiritual goals that you would like to achieve this year.

45 Week 8: She Says, He Says February 15 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Peter, Chapter 1: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: Would you agree that a Christian woman has everything that she needs to live a Godly life? What does one need in order to do so? Question for Journaling: What is God s purpose for giving us these things?

46 February 16 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: James, Chapter 1: Verses 2-18 Going Deeper: How does James say that our spiritual endurance might become fully developed? Question for Journaling: How can we gain wisdom? What should be the condition of our heart when we try to gain wisdom in this way?

47 February 17 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans, Chapter 12: Verses 1-21 Going Deeper: How can a Christian woman come to find out the Lord s pleasing and perfect will? Question for Journaling: What sorts of actions can you do in your everyday life to hold tightly to what is good?

48 February 18 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: Titus, Chapter 2: Verses 1-15 Going Deeper: What are some of the characteristics of Godly women? Question for Journaling: We can take the example of Titus being instructed to encourage others within our own life. How can you be more encouraging to others?

49 February 19 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis, Chapter 1: Verses Going Deeper: The Bible says that men and women were created in the image of God. Can you think of some of His mental, moral, and relational attributes that we might reflect? Question for Journaling: Why do you believe that God created men and women in this way?

50 February 20 Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 31: Verses Going Deeper: What is the main theme of this Bible passage? Question for Journaling: What might be some of the rewards that follow as a woman becomes a virtuous and capable?

51 Week 9: Spiritual Maturity February 22 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verses 1-15 Going Deeper: What does the Bible say will happen as God s people become more fully equipped to do his work? Question for Journaling: What part can you play in making sure that the Body of Christ is healthy and growing?

52 February 23 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: John, Chapter 14: Verses Going Deeper: From this scripture passage, how can we know if we have the correct relationship with Jesus? Question for Journaling: What does Christ tell us about how the Holy Spirit will relate to us?

53 February 24 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy, Chapter 2: Verses Going Deeper: What instructions does Paul give Timothy in regards to giving a good account for the Christian faith? Question for Journaling: Paul identifies people who oppose the Gospel as being held captive. What perspective does this give to the way that we might view non-believers?

54 February 25 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter, Chapter 4: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: What is your spiritual gift? How can you use it well to serve others? Question for Journaling: Have any of your former friends looked at you differently as a result of you coming to faith in Christ?

55 February 26 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews, Chapter 4: Verses 1-16 Going Deeper: How is the Word of God depicted in this chapter of the Bible? Question for Journaling: Do you enjoy the benefits that come from regular study of God s word? Describe some.

56 February 27 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Bible Reading for the Day: James, Chapter 5: Verses Going Deeper: James tells us that an earnest prayer life can have wonderful results. Have you ever experienced great results from prayer? Question for Journaling: How regularly do you praise and worship God? What do you have to thank Him for?