A 26-Week Discussion Guide for Families

A 26-Week Discussion Guide for Families

Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Families 2015 by Sarah Young All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked are taken from the International Children s Bible. Copyright 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. ISBN-13: 978-0-7180-8630-5

26 Weeks of Topics for Families 1. January 1 Start the Adventure! 2. January 3 What Is Peace? 3. January 9 God s Timing 4. February 6 Rest for Your Best 5. July 10 Jesus Is Our Friend 6. February 12 God Knows Us Better Than Anyone! 7. March 4 No Room for Worry 8. August 3 Use Nice Words 9. February 21 Choose to Be Thankful 10. April 1 Nobody Is Perfect 11. February 25 What s the Rush? 12. October 10 Dream It and Do It 13. July 20 Be Uniquely You 14. February 18 Count on God 15. February 27 God s Got Your Back 16. July 27 High Hopes 17. July 30 A Beautiful Heart 18. August 14 God Never Changes 19. December 26 Perfect Love 20. July 16 Chosen by God 21. April 10 Grace for Our Mistakes 22. October 8 Devotion to Emotion 23. April 30 God Is Enough 24. August 30 You re Never Alone 25. December 21 It s a Miracle! 26. September 14 Moving Ahead

The Jesus Calling Discussion Guide for Families The following discussion guide questions are based on entries from the devotional Jesus Calling. Families and their children can follow along with their own versions of Jesus Calling for adults and kids. The selections are identified by date; however, the discussion sessions do not have to be done on a specific date the references are simply used to help you locate the passages. Questions can be used by families for morning or bedtime reflections, dinnertime discussions, or for other family devotional times. Discussion #1: Start the Adventure! Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 1, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. How do you react to trying new things? When you start a new class or join a new sports team, do you approach it cautiously, or do you fearlessly embrace the chance to be a part of something new? Do you have the courage to chase a dream that is outside your normal day-to-day activities? 2. Because God knows us better than we know ourselves, His plan for us is more incredible than anything we can imagine for ourselves. When we spend time with Him, He may show us glimpses of the life He has for us, and we can respond faithfully. What is one step you can take today or this week to put some of those glimpses that God has shown you into motion? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: The scripture reference today in Jeremiah 29:11 says that God knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Knowing that God has your future in His hands, will you be open to trying new things and pursuing your dreams? Ask God to help you take steps of faith toward His will for your life. 4

Discussion #2: What Is Peace? Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 3, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. What do you like to do to feel happy, content, and comfortable? (Examples: You may enjoy diving into a pool on a hot summer s day, watching the rain fall, or reading a good book.) 2. Your answers from question 1 are activities that give you a sense of peace, which is what God promises us when we have a close relationship with Him. Today s reading reminds us that not every day will have those peaceful moments, but we never have to face troubling times alone. Think of a time you called out to God when you were having a bad day. What happened? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture found in John 16:33 reminds us, I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world ( ). Take a minute to talk to God about anything that might be bothering you today, and imagine the He is right beside you, keeping you from worry and harm and bringing you peace. 5

Discussion #3: God s Timing Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 9, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Each day has new tasks that must be completed, such as cleaning our rooms, doing our homework, or even brushing our teeth. But we also have other goals for our days, such as playing our best on our sports team, being a part of a school program, or even memorizing a song or scripture. What important goals are you working toward now? 2. Think of a time you waited for something important or exciting to happen, and when it did, you were happy and at peace. This is an example of God s perfect timing. Today s reading reminds us that before we start accomplishing our tasks, we need to ask God to help us moment by moment and trust that His timing is best. How do you need God s help today? How can you trust in His perfect timing? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture from Luke 1:37 tells us, Nothing is impossible with God. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on something when it didn t come easy or in the time frame we expected. Ask God to give you strength to keep pursuing what He has called you to do. Ask Him to help you trust that He s working everything out at exactly the right time for you. 6

Discussion #4: Rest for Your Best Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 6, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Describe a time when you have been really tired. What made you so worn out? Now describe the feeling of being able to rest after being exhausted. How did you feel when you woke up after getting some good rest? 2. Not only do our physical bodies need to rest, but our minds and hearts do as well. Today s reading reminds us that sometimes [we] just need a break. What can you do to rest your mind and focus your attention on God? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s verse in Matthew 11:28 tells us that when we come to God, He will give [us] rest. As you go to God in prayer, first take three deep breaths. Close your eyes, and think about how good God has been to you. Thank Him for helping your mind rest so that you are better able to follow Him. 7

Discussion #5: Jesus Is Our Friend Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 10, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Have you ever tried to befriend someone and hoped he or she would like you back? Did you ever try to change something about yourself in order to get this person to like you more? 2. Today s reading reminds us that Jesus loves us just the way we are and that He wants to be our friend. He doesn t want us to pretend to be something we re not; He sees the best in us. What do you like about your best friends? How do you feel when you spend time with them? How do you feel when you spend time with Jesus? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: In John 15:15 Jesus said, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. When you pray, thank God for being a friend who is closer than any other. Thank Him for creating you to be exactly who you were meant to be. Ask Him to teach you how to be a good friend, and thank Him for those good friends who love you just the way you are. 8

Discussion #6: God Knows Us Better Than Anyone! Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 12, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Though it s impossible for us to know what others are thinking unless they tell us, it s not impossible for God. Even when you might not have good thoughts, God loves you and wants to know what you are thinking. Because He knows your every thought, you don t have to hide anything from Him. How does this make you feel? 2. Think about what you wish for more than anything else in this life. Do you think this thing will make you completely happy? Today reading reminds us that not everything we want will make us happy, but God is the source of true happiness. God knows our wishes, and He knows what will bring us true joy. Why do you think God does not always give us what we wish for? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture from Psalm 37:4 says, Delight yourself in the L and he will give you the desires of your heart. When you pray today, thank God for knowing you better than anyone else does. Ask Him to show you that even though you might not get what you wish for, when you are drawing closer to Him, you will be learning what God has in store for you. This is better than anything we might ever wish for. 9

Discussion #7: No Room for Worry Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated March 4, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. What do you worry about? Whom do you talk to about the things that worry you? 2. Today s reading tells us that worry is like a worm: It is constantly trying to wriggle its way back into your mind. Although there is always something we could worry about, we don t have to let worry take over our minds. What are some ways we can push worries out of our minds? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in Luke 12:25 reminds us that worry doesn t help a situation: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? When you pray today, instead of concentrating on what is worrying you, thank God for His love for you. Ask Him to show you how you can help others today. Thank Him for protecting you and for being greater than any of your worries. 10

Discussion #8: Use Nice Words Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated August 3, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Have you ever heard this phrase: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me? Though the old saying has some truth to it, sometimes the words people use can make us feel bad. Think of a time someone said something to you that hurt your feelings. Then think of a time you said something that hurt someone else s feelings. Why do words have the power to affect us? 2. Think about the hundreds of words you speak daily. Being able to speak to each other is a gift from God. If you were to string your conversations and words into a book, what would people learn from reading your book? What kind of words are you using? Are you using kind words more often than hurtful words? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture from Ephesians 4:29 instructs that when you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need words that will help others become stronger ( ). As you pray today, ask God to help you think before you speak. Ask Him to help you use encouraging and uplifting words. Think of those who might have said something hurtful to you, and pray for the strength to love and forgive them. 11

Discussion #9: Choose to Be Thankful Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 21, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Have you ever been around someone who complains about everything? This person never seems to say anything good about anyone or anything. How does it make you feel to hear this kind of talk? 2. It can be easy to fall into the trap of complaining. We might complain when we don t want to go to bed at a certain time, or we may get upset when we can t play a game longer. Today s reading reminds us that when we are thankful to [God], there is no room for criticizing or complaining. Think about everything you complain about. How can you look at these same things and find something to be grateful for? (Example: I m glad I went to bed early because I had to get up early for school the next day.) 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture from Colossians 2:6 7 says, Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught ( ). Ask God to help you to think of something you are thankful for whenever you are tempted to complain. Ask Him to help you see the difference this might make in your life and in the lives of those around you. 12

Discussion #10: Nobody Is Perfect Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated April 1, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Trying to keep up with all the rules and directions we are given at home, school, and church can be overwhelming. Do you ever feel like it s difficult to get everything right? How does it make you feel when you aren t able to do everything perfectly? 2. Today s reading reminds us that God doesn t expect us to do everything perfectly. He encourages us to give our best toward everything we are supposed to do. But the mark of a good day is much more about time with Him than it is about how much we accomplished or how well we did something. On a scale of 1 10 (10 being the best), how good would you say your day is, based on how much time you spent with God? How can you improve your number? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us that we should pray continually. Ask God to help you acknowledge Him in everything, even by whispering prayers to Him during your busiest days. 13

Discussion #11: What s the Rush? Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 25, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Describe a typical morning for you. Are you in a hurry to start the day? Do you, like today s reading describes, bolt out of bed like a racehorse? What are some ways you can slow down and appreciate each moment? 2. Today s reading says, A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. If you were to take time at the beginning of each day to list what you are grateful for, what would you put on your list? Does thinking about these things make you feel calm and help you think more clearly? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, Give thanks whatever happens ( ). As you begin your day, lift up a prayer of thanks for everything God provides. As you begin to list all the blessings He has given you, remember that His love is with you all day long. And when something happens during your day, pause and tell Him thanks for whatever happens. 14

Discussion #12: Dream It and Do It Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated October 10, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. It is fun to dream about things whether it s about exploring the world, anticipating a special day, or accomplishing a big project. When we imagine ourselves achieving our goals, we must not focus on our own abilities but on God who helps us. This is how we live in faith. Do you ever try to do things yourself without asking God for help or giving Him glory? Why do you choose to rely on your own strength? 2. Today s reading reminds you to train your mind to constantly seek [God s] help and [God s] way. Instead of trying to control what s going to happen, or even avoiding something because you are afraid of what will happen, how can you concentrate on your present situation and God s presence in it? 3. SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER: Psalm 37:3 tells us to trust in the L and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. We must believe that He will guide us to what is best for us as we do good works for Him. Ask God to guide your dreams and goals as you build your faith in Him. Pray for the strength to be able to carry out those dreams by doing the good things God desires for you to do. 15

Discussion #13: Be Uniquely You Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 20, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Do you ever feel like you are trying to fit into a life that wasn t made for you? Perhaps you are trying to be something that other people expect of you. What are some things about you that are totally unique? 2. Today s reading says that God has called you to be different. But following God can be difficult at times, while following the crowd seems easy. The more you embrace the unique gifts and talents God gave you, the brighter your light will shine. In what ways can you shine your light so that others can see God today? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in Philippians 2:15 tells us that we are set apart and can shine like stars in the dark world ( ). When you pray today, remember to thank God for how He made you different. Ask Him to show you how you can use your unique qualities to bring light and joy to those around you. 16

Discussion #14: Count on God Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 18, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Think about a time when someone let you down or disappointed you. How did this make you feel? How did you handle the situation? 2. Today s reading reminds us that we can always count on God. When He says, I am with you, we know He will never fail us and that He is our safety net. God will not let you crash. Others may let us down because they are imperfect, just as we are. How can you approach these situations with forgiveness and grace? What do you know about God that comforts you through any hardship, even when others are not reliable? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in Zephaniah 3:17 says, The L your God is with you, he is mighty to save. As you pray today, think of the ways God has been there for you, and thank Him for the many ways He saves you or strengthens you when people fail you. 17

Discussion #15: God s Got Your Back Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 27, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. When good things are happening in our lives, it s a lot easier to do what we are supposed to do. But has there been a time in your life when you began to worry because things weren t going so well? What kinds of things went wrong and distracted you from doing what you should? 2. God knows there are many things we have to carry in this life, such as responsibilities and obligations, that aren t always easy to handle. What are some ways God carries you through difficult times? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in Psalm 73:23 assures us that God is always with us and that He is holding us by His right hand. As you pray today, if you are having a difficult time with something, ask God to help you get through it. Thank Him for His help, and praise Him for carrying your troubles for you. 18

Discussion #16: High Hopes Jesus Calling and Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 27, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Today s reading says, Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. Why is it important to be hopeful in life? What do you hope for? 2. Today s reading reminds us that the road we re traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. On this road God is with us every step of the way, giving us the tools we need to keep going, like faith, hope, and love. How will these tools help you along your journey? How can you continue to live in His presence throughout the ups and downs of your journey? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Review Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. In your prayer time, thank God for giving you the hope of heaven. If you are experiencing a hardship, ask Him to give you patience and strength to trust Him. Remember that He will always bring you through to the other side. 19

Discussion #17: A Beautiful Heart Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 30, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. It s easy to focus on our appearance when we live in a world where a lot of people think it is important to wear the right thing, have the right haircut, or have the same style our friends have. Do you ever feel like you spend a lot of time working on your appearance? Why is your appearance important to you? 2. Today s reading reminds us that the beauty of creation declares [God s] glory. Since we individually are God s creation, we can trust and know that we are beautiful too. Maybe we don t have the same clothes or appearance as those whom the world considers outwardly beautiful. It doesn t matter. When we recognize that God made us beautiful, the world will see it too. What are some beautiful qualities you have that have nothing to do with your physical appearance? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture in Isaiah 6:3 reminds us that the whole earth is full of [God s] glory. As you pray today, thank God for the things about you that make you truly beautiful in His eyes. Remember that your outward appearance does not show who you are on the inside, and your inner qualities are what glorifies God and shows His love to others. 20

Discussion #18: God Never Changes Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated August 14, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Does it seem like life is constantly changing? Maybe some of your friends have moved to a new school or a new town, or perhaps you started a new class in school or are playing a new sport. Keeping up with all the changes can be a challenge. What has been changing in your life recently? How do you handle changes? 2. Even our physical bodies are changing; maybe you re taller than you were last year, or maybe you ve outgrown some clothes. Sometimes changes can be unfamiliar and make us feel uncomfortable or unsure of ourselves. Today s reading assures us that, in spite of changes around us and in ourselves, we don t need to be afraid, because God will always be with us. How does knowing that God never changes help you confront changes in your life? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: In Psalm 102:27 David prays to God, saying, You are always the same; you will live forever ( ). In your prayer time, thank the Lord that He remains the same. Praise Him for being good and true despite everything that changes in this world. Ask Him to take away your fear of change and give you wisdom to recognize the good changes, as well as courage to handle the uncomfortable changes. 21

Discussion #19: Perfect Love Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated December 26, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Do you try to act like someone you are not, even regarding how you present yourself to God? What kinds of things do you do in order to feel as though God will accept you? Does God accept you because of your performance? 2. We may feel like we don t deserve good things because we ve messed up in some way, or perhaps we feel far from God because we ve been disobedient or rebellious. Today s reading points out that we might feel less loved when we don t do everything right, but we should be reassured that [God s] love is perfect, and that means it never changes. In what ways do you feel like you ve messed up recently? How have you seen that God still loves you no matter what you ve done wrong? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Review today s scripture in 1 John 4:15 16 and 18. This passage tells us that perfect love drives out fear. Ask God today to remind you daily that, although we are not perfect, God is perfect and His love for us never ends. Thank Him for loving you even when you mess up. 22

Discussion #20: Chosen by God Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 16, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Today s reading says, Self-pity is a slimy, bottomless pit. We ve all experienced something that made us feel like the world has turned against us. Maybe a friend said something mean to you, or perhaps you weren t chosen for a team or activity. These are the kinds of things that can make us feel sorry for ourselves. What has happened to you recently that has caused you to feel this way? 2. As you feel yourself slipping down into self-pity and feeling like a situation is hopeless, imagine that with God s help, you can move beyond this negative situation. By putting your trust in God and recognizing that He never rejects you, how will you respond to these times you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: God gives us the strength to climb out of the self-pity pit. In Psalm 40:2 David said, [God] 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. Ask God to remind you of this verse when you are feeling low. Remember that even though David had many reasons to feel sorry for himself (one reason is that he was being hunted down by the king), he chose to let God put a new song in [his] mouth, a hymn of praise to our God (Psalm 40:3). Give praise to God today, and let those feelings of self-pity take a backseat to the knowledge of being chosen by Him. 23

Discussion #21: Grace for Our Mistakes Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated April 10, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Do you make a lot of mistakes? Is it difficult to get through a whole day without making at least a few mistakes? Today s reading reminds us that even though we may make a lot of mistakes, we can bring those mistakes to God. He is there to forgive you, to encourage you, and to love you. How does it feel to know that God sees everything that we have done, but He loves us anyway? 2. We all make mistakes, and God s grace is able to change our mistakes into something wonderful. How do you respond to your mistakes? Do you spend time considering how you could have done something differently? How can this evaluation have both positive and negative effects on you? What can you do to ensure you learn from your mistakes? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: When you trust God with your mistakes and don t get caught up in human perfectionism, you will experience God s peace. Jeremiah 17:7 says, Blessed is the man who trusts in the L, whose confidence is in him. As you pray today, lay your mistakes before God, and ask Him to release you from worrying about them. Thank Him for taking your mistakes and clearing them from your mind so you can move forward in obedience to Him. 24

Discussion #22: Devotion to Emotion Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated October 8, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Each day we experience many feelings, including sadness, happiness, anger, worry, and more. When you have strong feelings, how do you act? Does it become difficult for you to face the day when these feelings take over? 2. Because we do have strong feelings, it is difficult for us to understand that God doesn t view situations the same way we do. He is always consistent. And as today s reading points out, His love is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How do you feel, knowing that even when our feelings overwhelm us, God is calm and never lets feelings change how He treats us? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Moses and the Israelites sang these words to God: In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling (Exodus 15:13). God can lead us to a calm mental state no matter how we are feeling. Ask God to help you focus on His unfailing love so He can give you peace when you are overcome with strong emotions. 25

Discussion #23: God Is Enough Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated April 30, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. What is something you want more of? Do you want more friends, more money, or more things? What do you do to try to get more of what you feel you are missing? 2. When you wake up in the morning, instead of thinking about what you don t have, concentrate on what God gives you each day. What are some of those things you can be grateful for today? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness. In your prayer time today, praise God for providing for you in ways you might never have imagined. When you feel like you don t have enough, thank God for what you do have and for how He s showing you to rely on Him in every situation. 26

Discussion #24: You re Never Alone Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated August 30, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Has there ever been a time when you felt like you were completely alone with no one to help you? How did you deal with these feelings of being alone? 2. The reading for today says, There is no place where you cannot find Me. Even when you feel alone, you never are, because God is always there. How might you view those lonely times differently, knowing that God never leaves us alone? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Psalm 139:7 10 shows that David recognized, even in his loneliest moments, that God was with him. He said, Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Ask God to help you see, even when you are feeling alone, that He is still there, loving you and delighting in you. Thank Him that He never leaves you, no matter where you go or what you do. 27

Discussion #25: It s a Miracle! Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated December 21, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. We all have to do many of the same things every day, and it may seem like life is not very exciting. However, God is working behind the scenes, and we re witnessing miracles every day, though we may not notice them as we go through the routines of life. Can you think of some things that have happened to you recently that weren t part of your regular routine but were evidence that God is doing something special in your life? 2. Today s reading tells us to expect to see miracles. If you started searching for miracles every day, how might a normal day change into something awe-inspiring? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: In John 11:40 Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? As you pray, try to think of at least three things you witnessed today that were evidence of God s movement in your life. When you recognize these miracles around you, give thanks to God. 28

Discussion #26: Moving Ahead Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated September 14, and then answer/discuss these questions: 1. Are there some days you wish you were older, more grown up, or farther along in the year so that you could be enjoying the things you are looking forward to (like summer vacation or Christmas)? Do you wish for time to go by quickly? How do you cope with those feelings? 2. Today s reading reminds us that, even though our daily life may seem boring and full of routine, sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones you don t see. Take a minute to consider the ways God is helping you along in the daily routine of life. What are some adventures you have each day that are bringing you closer to God? 3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today s scripture from Romans 12:1 reminds us that God has shown us great mercy and that we are to offer our lives as a living sacrifice to him ( ). As you pray today, ask God to help you be more in tune with Him so that you may see the adventure He is taking you on. Thank Him that He is working behind the scenes to do amazing things in your life. Praise Him for moving you ahead at exactly the right speed for you to become all you are meant to be. 29

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