The Series: Friending Jesus. Week 1 August 22-27: Friending Jesus. Week 2 August 29-September 3: Jesus before Time

Welcome to "Friending Jesus" A few weeks ago I had a conversation with a friend. We began talking about God and sin. He asked me a question. He said, if God wants to punish me for my sin, then how is that a God of love? This was my answer. That is what is so amazing, He took our punishment for us. He asked, how? I answered, He sent His son, Jesus to die for us. He replied, How is that a God of love, who punishes His son? I replied, That is what is so amazing, Jesus is God. It was God who died for us. I ended the conversation with, He loves you enough to die for you, when it was you that committed the crime, He took your place in the court of justice and acquitted you from all crimes against God, when He died on the cross. The one thing that got my attention in this conversation, was how many people have heard of Him, but do not know Him. They assume God is judging, condemning, unforgiving, and even unloving. They do not know; how much He wants them to know Him. How much He wants to share an intimate relationship with them. More than anything how He wants to be their God and Savior. Just like any person. A friendship cannot begin, until we get to know the other person. For the next 10 weeks we will have the opportunity to learn about Him, as a loving Father, as the Creator, as the Savior, as the Holy One, etc. Join us as a church as we learn about the friendship that Jesus desires to have with us and how we can know Him for who He is. And maybe, just maybe, Jesus will become the greatest friend we have ever known. The Series: Friending Jesus Week 1 August 22-27: Friending Jesus Week 2 August 29-September 3: Jesus before Time Week 3 September 5-10: Jesus at Creation Week 4 September 12-17: Jesus at the Fall Week 5 September 19-24: Jesus and His People Week 6 September 26-October 1: By Faith Week 7 October 3-8: In Covenants Week 8 October 10-15: Jesus in the Exodus Week 9 October 17-22: Jesus and the Government Week 10 October 24-29: Jesus and the Prophets

Week 1: Friending Jesus Memory Verse: John 14:6 August 22 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 14:1-23 Going Deeper: Before God made the earth, and all who dwell in it, the bible tells us that He made angels, and one of the angels that He made, was named Lucifer, which means angel of light or morning star, given this, what happened to Lucifer per verse 12-14? Question for Journaling: Per this passage, why do you think God allows free will to angels? Why do you think God allows free will to people?

August 23 Memory Verse: John 14:6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis 3:1-19 Going Deeper: What was Gods command to Adam and Eve in the garden (see verse 3) and what did the serpent (Satan) challenge them with? Question for Journaling: Why do you think God did not stop Adam and Eve, from choosing to disobey Him? Why do you think God did not stop Satan from deceiving them?

August 24 Memory Verse: John 14:6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 3:9-31 Going Deeper: According to verse 9-18, what is the current condition of man and woman, and what are some of things mentioned that keep us from living a righteous life? Question for Journaling: Per verse 25, why did God send Jesus into the world, to die on a cross? In a few words, what does the cross mean to you and why?

August 25 Memory Verse: John 14:6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 6:10-20 Going Deeper: In Revelation 12:9, we discover that when Lucifer rebelled against God, he also took some of the angels with Him into rebellion. After the rebellion, Lucifer was given a new name, the Devil or Satan, which means slander or false accuser. The angels were also given a new name, in which we know as demons, or in the Greek, little Satan followers. Their primary goal, is to deceive you about the truth of sin, Gods love for his creation, God as the creator, God as the redeemer and forgiver, etc. Per this, what are six spiritual weapons that God gives you to fight against the lies of Satan and his followers? Question for Journaling: What are some ways you can put these weapons into use in your life?

August 26 Memory Verse: John 14:6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: James 4:1-10 Going Deeper: Per verse 4, what makes us an enemy of God? Question for Journaling: To stay close to God, begins by humbling ourselves in our brokenness, such as confessing that we are sinful people, admitting that we need His Son to be our savior, and that we need His help to repent from the sins in our lives. Given this, we all struggle with pride, is there a place in your life where pride, may still be lingering around, and what can you do to get rid of it?

August 27 Memory Verse: John 14:6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Bible Reading for the Day: Revelation 21:1-27 Going gives Deeper: According to verse 6-8, who will inherit the new earth and the new heaven, and who will not? Question for Journaling: I cannot imagine what it will be like being with Jesus forever. How does knowing that God has a plan for you now and later, encourage you to live for Him right now?

Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 Week 2: Jesus Before Time August 29 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: John 17:1-26 Going Deeper: What amazing truth do we learn in verse 5 about the existence of Jesus? Question for Journaling: Often times we think of Eternal life as a future term, in the sense of one day I will live forever with Christ, which is true for those that have put their Faith in Him. However, Jesus, as mentioned in verse 3, describes eternal life not as an immortal gift, but as a relational gift. The minute you chose to repent of your sins and follow Him, God started the relationship between you and His son. Eternal life has always been about a relationship with you and God. Based on verse 3, what can you do to grow your relationship with God and His son and know them better?

Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 August 30 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 1:3-14 Going Deeper: Per verse 4, before the world was made, what was God s plan? Question for Journaling: One of the most amazing truths about God is that He does not live in time. He is completely outside of time. Before God made us, he saw His creation become sinful people, and their need for a Savior, and yet, instead of doing away with His creation, He came to die for it, because He loved it so much. You are His creation, and He loves you. How does knowing that God loves you regardless of your imperfection, encourage to stop beating yourself up, when you fail?

August 31 Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 3:13-17 Going Deeper: Per verse 15, why did Jesus want to get baptized? Question for Journaling: What three persons do we see present in the baptism of Jesus? Why do you think this is?

Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 September 1 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 4:7-21 Going Deeper: Per verse 13, what proof has God given the world to validate those who live in Him and those He lives in? Question for Journaling: In a few words, can you describe how you know that God lives in you?

Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 September 2 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: John 1:35-51 Going Deeper: Why did Nathaniel believe that Jesus was the son of God? Question for Journaling: God is always fully present, no matter where we go or where we travel to. From this story, we learn that not only is He fully present but He has a plan for each of our lives. We see this through the example of Peter, when the Lord says, Simon, you will be called Cephas, which means Rock. Here we discover that God had a plan for Peter to build His church throughout the nations in which he lived about. Based on this, how engaged would you say you are in the plans God has for you?

Memory Verse: Colossians 2:9 September 3 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians 1:15-23 Going Deeper: What are some things we learn about Jesus, before time began? Question for Journaling: One thing that the Apostle Paul mentions is that Jesus holds all of creation together. If He let go of any part of you or me, we would cease to exist. How can you build your trust in Christ, knowing He can walk you through any situation, circumstance, plan, etc., because He holds it all together?

Week 3: Jesus at Creation Memory Verse: John 1:3 September 5 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis 1:1-31 Going Deeper: Per chapter 1, what is the most fascinating thing listed that that God created to you and why? Question for Journaling: When I read this passage, and take the time to look at the things God made, it draws me closer to the reality that there is a God, and that He did all of this. Verse 31 sums the chapter. He says, 31 Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good! You see God look upon his creation. He admires it and He loves it. It is personal to Him. God has many names, one being the creator, is there something that God has used in your life, to know Him better as the creator of the world?

September 6 Memory Verse: John 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 1:18-32 Going Deeper: Per verse 18, who is God angry at and why? Question for Journaling: Per verse 20, there are two primary characteristics that God has displayed to the world to prove His existence. One; His eternal power, in other words, His creation, and two; His divine nature, in other words, who He is as a person. We already talked about something personal to you that God created, but what about his divine nature? What is one part of Gods nature, that has touched you abundantly and why?

September 7 Memory Verse: John 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 8:23-27 Going Deeper: What was Jesus doing on the boat? What do you think this says about Jesus as a person? Question for Journaling: Why do you think the winds and waves obeyed Jesus command?

September 8 Memory Verse: John 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: John 8:21-30 Going Deeper: What evidence does God give us to help us understand that Jesus is who He says He is (see verse 28)? Question for Journaling: Who do you think Jesus is and why?

September 9 Memory Verse: John 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 8:18-30 Going Deeper: Per verse 20 and 21, what is the primary reason for why all of creation suffers from death and decay? Question for Journaling: We discover that in verse 28 and 29, that God s plan for those who love him is to cause everything to work together, and transform them into the image of His Son. Knowing that God has a plan for you and that He will use every part of your life, every moment, good or bad, to make you more like Jesus, how does this encourage to trust Gods plan, even when things do not make sense?

September 10 Memory Verse: John 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Bible Reading for the Day: James 1:2-18 Going gives Deeper: Per verse 3, how can I grow to become more like Jesus? Question for Journaling: Verse 18 is an amazing truth. Depending on which bible you use, the interpretation touches on the same meaning but said differently. However, what James is saying, is God is going to recreate everything new. From bad to good, from sin to holy, from wrong to right. Even though all of this will be done when Jesus comes back, He has started this process now. He loves you so much, that He is making you new right now. Let us just say you are the start to the new creation from God, and you are a witness that God makes things new. Knowing, this, where does God want to change, and remake you, that you are fighting Him on?

Memory Verse: John 8:44 Week 4: Jesus at the Fall September 12 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis 3:1-19 Going Deeper: Per verse 6, what convinced Eve, to believe what the serpent (Satan) was telling her? Question for Journaling: The last part of this chapter does make me laugh. Eve blames the serpent and then Adam blames Eve. Both Adam and Eve blame someone else for their sins. We are also pretty good at that. However, nowhere, especially in this chapter, does God say you are innocent, but rather makes it very clear that Adam and Eve both stand guilty with their own sin, just as you and I do with ours. When you sin, what is your normal response to God, hide, blame, or freely confess?

September 13 Memory Verse: John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 2:15-17 Going Deeper: What does the world offer us so that we take our love off of God? Question for Journaling: John tells us that nothing from the world will remain. In fact, he even says that since Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, the world is already fading away, but the only thing that remains is he who does the will of God. In other words, the will of God is forever. How does this encourage you to stop wasting your time on things that do not matter, and focus on the things that do?

September 14 Memory Verse: John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: Mark 3:20-30 Going Deeper: Why do you think a person who blasphemes the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven of their sins? Question for Journaling: Often times, we forget how strong Satan is, and try to overcome things on our own. How does this encourage you to allow Jesus to help you overcome the things you cannot?

September 15 Memory Verse: John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 5:12-21 Going Deeper: According to verse 13, did man sin before the law of God (10 commandments) or after the law of God? Question for Journaling: Per verse 20, we discover that God s grace is abundant or plentiful, to cover our sins. Sometimes we cannot make sense out of our actions, let alone sins. How does this encourage you to trust Him, that nothing you do wrong, can keep His grace from going out in your life, and that you can always find His grace to help you overcome the sins that try to rule your life?

September 16 Memory Verse: John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: Ecclesiastics 7:15-29 Going Deeper: Why is wisdom so hard to find (see verse 20 and 23)? Question for Journaling: I love verse 29. Our ways are always not good, and lead downward, as King Solomon says. I do, and I will not lie, try to find ways I can get away with my sin, because some sin is nice. Are there times when you try to justify your sins, and does it really solve your problem? Why do you think this is?

Septemeber 17 Memory Verse: John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 4:1-11 Going Deeper: What are the three types of temptations that Satan tempted Jesus with? Question for Journaling: One of my favorite scriptures is quoted by Jesus, for man cannot live on bread alone. What do you think it means for man or women to not live on bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God?

Week 5: Jesus and His People Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 September 19 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Going Deeper: What type of people does God call to his salvation (see verses 26-29)? Question for Journaling: God has no limitation of who he calls to himself, because He loves each person the same, and wants everyone to be saved. Given this, what type of person would you say you were before you came to know Jesus?

September 20 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy 1:3-18 Going Deeper: According to verse 9, why does God want to save us from our sins, and what does He call each person to? Question for Journaling: Timothy shares what God has called Him to do on this earth, which is a preacher, teacher, and apostle of the good news. God has a calling and purpose for each person on this earth. Given this, if you were to think about it, what do you think God is calling you to do?

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 September 21 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians 3:12-21 Going Deeper: According to verse 12-13, what does the Apostle Paul not possess and what does he want to possess? Question for Journaling: God calls us to live our lives for Him, with every breath we got. Is there an area in your life, where you may not be giving your best? How can you improve in this area?

September 22 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 1:15-23 Going Deeper: How often would you say you ask God to help you know Him better? Question for Journaling: The Apostle Paul s prayer for us in verse 18 is that we might understand the Hope that God has for us. You know just like anything in God s will, it takes understanding and knowledge from God, to understand what He desires you to do. Given this, is there an area in your life that you are battling because you are unsure of God s will for you? What steps might you take, to learn His will better?

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 September 23 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 Going Deeper: Per verse 12, the apostle Paul says to honor God with the way we live our lives, given this, what things can you do to honor God by the way you live? Question for Journaling: Notice in verse 11, Paul, says, to live a life worthy of His call. You see it is God who calls you to live for Him and it is God who makes us worthy from all of our sins. Thank you Jesus that I am able to live for you, regardless of the sins I commit, and the mistakes I make because you made me worthy. Is there something in your life that God is calling you to serve in and you just feel unworthy to do it? What is holding you back?

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 September 24 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews 3:1-19 Going Deeper: According to verse 12, why did the people choose to turn away from God? Question for Journaling: For the last 5 days, we have been learning about how God calls sinners to Himself, because He loves them and wants to be with them. If we choose to ignore this call, then just like the Israelites in this story, we will fall and be consumed by our own sins. How does this encourage you to listen to every word He says and gain rest?

Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 Week 6: By Faith September 26 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 5:1-12 Going Deeper: What does loving God mean (see verse 3)? Question for Journaling: It is amazing how God gives us the ability and free will to have faith in Him, and for those that do put their trust in Him, He promises us the power to overcome the world. Can you name a time, when Faith has helped you overcome a situation or circumstance in your life?

September 27 Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: James 2:14-26 Going Deeper: What do the demons believe? Question for Journaling: What would you say is the difference between believing and faith?

Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 Septemeber 28 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 14:22-36 Going Deeper: Why do you think Peter would not go out to Jesus, until He told Him to do so? Question for Journaling: I often hear this in my own life, as I am sure you do too, why did you doubt me? You know as often as I hear Jesus say this to me, I have learned that, He does not say this with judgement, but with encouragement, and it helps me to see what sin in my heart is keeping me from trusting Him. Given this, how often would you say you evaluate your heart, and just lay it out to God, so that you may trust Him better?

September 29 Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 10:5-21 Going Deeper: Per verse 9, what is the condition for salvation? Question for Journaling: The Apostle Paul tells us in verse 10, that a person is made right with God by the believing in his heart, and declaring with your mouth. Why do you think confession to God is so important, and what is it that you are confessing to?

September 30 Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 15:21-28 Going Deeper: What was the problem with the woman and why did she come to Jesus? Question for Journaling: You know the first time I read this story it seemed like Jesus did not care about the woman, only the Jewish people, but this is not the case. Jesus is simply drawing out the woman s faith. He knows she has faith, and He wants her to let it out. He accomplishes this at the end, when the woman refuses to give up, because she trusted He could do what she was asking for. Would you say that when times are hard, you give up, or do you press harder into God?

October 1 Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews 11:1-40 Going Deeper: What is faith, per verse 1? Question for Journaling: Per chapter 11, which faith story is your favorite and why?

Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 Week 7: In Conevants October 3 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Exodus 20:1-21 Going Deeper: Why do you think God gave us the law? Question for Journaling: God is such a good daddy. If He did not give us any rules to live by, He could not be a God of love. How has following Gods commands strengthen your relationship with Him?

October 4 Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 19:1-12 Going Deeper: Why did Moses allow people to get a divorce from their spouse? Question for Journaling: God established a covenant for marriage, in that no one is to separate what God joins together between a male and female. It breaks Gods heart when there is a separation in marriage, because He knows the pain involved with His children. For the Lord says, I hate divorce. Marriage has to be one of the hardest things when it comes to a love commitment. If you are married, how does Gods view of marriage encourage you to honor the marriage as He does? If you are not married, have you consider the costs to what God expects of you as a husband or wife?

October 5 Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 5:33-37 Going Deeper: Why are we not to make vows to the Lord? Question for Journaling: What Jesus is saying here, is tell the truth and do not lie. In other words, it is like being in a court room and the bailiff telling you do you swear to tell the truth and the whole truth unto God. Say yes or say no, but do not lie. Given this, would you say you take lying as serious as anything God commands of you, or is a little lie ok?

October 6 Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Ezekiel 36:1-38 Going Deeper: What can God do through a broken heart, per verse 24-27? Question for Journaling: The amazing thing about Gods covenants is He does not break them. He fulfilled the promise mentioned above when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. However, we are not so good at keeping promises. God never fails, never falters, and never gives up on you. How does knowing this, encourage you to trust that He will bring you through the fires of your life?

Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 October 7 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis 9:1-17 Going Deeper: What was the covenant that God gave to Noah, to promise that He would never destroy the world with a flood? Question for Journaling: God kept His promise again. Never did He judge the world s sin with a flood. In fact, the next judgment that came for our sins was Jesus. Jesus bore the judgment for all of our sins by dying on a cross. Amazing!! In a few words, how does the cross of Jesus prove Gods love for you?

Memory Verse: Joshua 24:24 October 8 The people said to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone. Bible Reading for the Day: Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Going Deeper: Unfortunately, not all of Gods covenants are blessings as we see here in this passage. Give this, what are some of the curses that God promises will happen to nations that do not follow His ways? Question for Journaling: We are all responsible for our own actions. God is Holy, and there has to be discipline for our sin, because, if He did not recorrect us, He could not be a loving God. How would you say you react to God, when He corrects you in His commands, and shows you how He wants you to live?

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 Week 8: Jesus in the Exodus October 10 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: Exodus 3:1-22 Going Deeper: What did the Lord call Moses to do and why? Question for Journaling: God uses people to do His work, and the amazing thing is, He does not need to. He could do all things without us, but because He loves us, He chooses to use us for His Glory. When God asks you to do something that involves His work, how do you react?

October 11 Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: Exodus 12:1-30 Going Deeper: What did God instruct the Israelites to do before He Passed through the Egyptians? Question for Journaling: God always provides a warning to His people before He does anything. Furthermore, He provides a safe place for those who believe in Him and who will come to Him. Can you name a time, when you were in danger, and God provided safety to you?

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 October 12 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 1:13-25 Going Deeper: How can we put Gods word into practice (see verse 13)? Question for Journaling: Peter tells us in verse 18 and 19, that it was Christ s precious blood that saved us from our sinful life. Without His blood, we would still be guilty and covered in our sins. If you were to stop and think about it, what does Christ s blood mean to you?

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 October 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: Exodus 16:1-36 Going Deeper: Per verse 4, where did the food come from? Question for Journaling: The word Manna means what is it. it is interesting to me that the Israelites did not recognize the bread sent to them. This is a very similar story to John, (see John 1:10-13). Why do you think the people had a hard time recognizing the manna?

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 October 14 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: John 6:22-59 Going Deeper: What did Jesus claim in verse 33? Question for Journaling: Believing takes work. Often times we do not know who Jesus is because we are not willing to take the time to find the truth. Is there something you are having a hard time believing? What are you or are you not doing about it?

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:13 October 15 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Bible Reading for the Day: Exodus 17:1-7 Going Deeper: What were the people complaining about to Moses? Question for Journaling: In John 4:10-15, we find a parallel to this story. Jesus says that He is the living water and can provide eternal life to anyone who believes in Him. This water Jesus says will quench your thirst. The water Jesus provides is refreshing because it washed us clean from all sin. Do you remember the first time you gave your life to Jesus? How would you say you felt after words?

Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 Week 9: Jesus Government October 17 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 13:1-7 Going Deeper: Per verse 3, what is the responsibility of the government? Question for Journaling: Is there an area of your life, where you may be struggling with submitting to the authority above you? How might you improve in this area of your life?

October 18 Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: Daniel 6:1-27 Going Deeper: Per verse 4, how did Daniel handle the authority over Him? Question for Journaling: Per verse 10, why do you think Daniel did not obey the law of King Nebuchadnezzar?

Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 October 19 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts 4:1-22 Going Deeper: What did the religious leaders tell Peter to stop doing and what was his response (see verses 18-21)? Question for Journaling: There is no debate, Gods authority is always over mans. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a choice between obeying a boss, co-worker, friend, etc., or God? What choice did you make and why?

Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 October 20 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 2:13-17 Going Deeper: Per Peter, who must we submit to? What do you think this says about positions of authority? Question for Journaling: Peter tells us to live honorable lives to God. How can you honor those who have been placed above you?

Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 October 21 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: Titus 3:1-11 Going Deeper: What are some of the actions that the Apostle Paul encourage us to do with those God has placed to govern us? Question for Journaling: Often times we forget where we came from, and are quick to judge. How might you be an encouragement to someone you know who is not on the right path?

Memory Verse: Romans 13:1 October 22 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 6:5-9 Going Deeper: How are we to serve those who God has appointed to lead us? Question for Journaling: When work gets hard, I try to remember I am working for God and I must honor Him in the position He has blessed me with. How does knowing you are working for the Lord encourage you to give your best?

Week 10: Jesus Prophets Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 October 24 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: Jeremiah 1:4-19 Going Deeper: Why was Jeremiah so afraid to speak for God (see verse 6)? What do think this says about how experienced you are, your age, how strong, how small, etc.? Question for Journaling: God has a plan for each person on this earth. He knows you personally and set you apart for a purpose. And you will know when it is time, and what you are to do, when called. However, what can you do while you are waiting to prepare for what your heart burns for?

October 25 Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: John 16:5-15 Going Deeper: What is the job of the Holy Spirit per verse 8? Question for Journaling: Jesus promises us that the Holy Spirit will always lead us in all truth, and will speak truth through us and to us. The biggest way the Holy Spirit talks to us is through His word. How much do you depend on the word of God?

October 26 Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 46:1-13 Going Deeper: Per verse 10, can we stop the will of God? Question for Journaling: God tells us that He is the only one that can speak of the future. Every time I read about what lies ahead of us, it encourages me to run this race with every breath I have, live it right, and finish it well. How does Gods word encourage you to fear Him, to give it all you got, knowing time is short?

October 27 Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Peter 2:1-22 Going Deeper: Per verse 3, what is one of the motives behind a false teacher s heart? Question for Journaling: One of the descriptions that Peter tells us about a false teacher, is that they promise freedom, but are themselves a slave to sin. Have you ever heard a teacher of Gods word tell you something that sounded great, and you did what they said, and later discovered that they were lying to you? How did you find out?

October 28 Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 4:1-6 Going Deeper: How do you we know if a prophet is from God and how do we know if a prophet is not from God? Question for Journaling: One thing that John tells us about false prophets, is they speak from the worlds point of view and the people of the world listen to them. Those who belong to God listen to God. One of the promises God makes to us, is that we will not be deceived by these people, and He has given us victory over them because His spirit leads us all in truth. Have you ever heard something that sounded good and you were not sure if it was true, but the Spirit was tugging on your heart, saying, this is not right, walk away, and the later you found that was the case?

October 29 Memory Verse: Amos 3:7 Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. Bible Reading for the Day: Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Going Deeper: How do we know if a prophet speaks truth from God? Question for Journaling: One of my pet peeves is when someone speaks something over me that has to do with their plan for my life and not Gods will. Honestly, I tune it out unless they can back it up with scripture. Would you say you are quick to accept the words from your brothers and sisters in Christ, or are you more hesitant and go back to see what God says?