Welcome to "Control Issues" Mark 8:34-35 says this, and calling the crowds to Him with his disciples, He said to them, If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever gives up his life for My sake and the Gospel will save it. This is by far the most challenging verse in the bible. Why, because following Jesus requires dying to yourself and giving up full control of your sinful life, and giving control over to God s righteous life. One can only be saved when he or she comes to the cross to give up their sinful life to be washed clean of all unrighteousness and sin, and therefore receive life. On the other hand, if one wants to keep their sinful life, then there is nothing to give up, and Jesus cannot cleanse them of their sin. Though they keep their life on earth, they will lose it on the day that God judges the world over sin. For us to better understand what Jesus is saying, let us use Peter as the example. Right before Jesus was going to be crucified, his disciple, Peter, rebuked Him for choosing to go to the cross. In addition, Peter said that he would not allow Jesus to go through with it. Peter had settled it, and Jesus was going to obey. Listen to what Jesus response to Peter is per Mark 8:33. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Did you get that? Jesus addresses Peter s problem, his mind is set on his will, on his plans, his desires, and not Gods. The reason Jesus addresses Satan, is because Satan will use anyone he can to sin and go against Gods will, in this case, Peter being that person. In fact later, we see Satan succeed, when he tempts Peter to deny that he even knows Jesus. Peter denies knowing Jesus, not once or twice, but three times. You see we are all about ourselves. We care nothing about the sins we do or who we hurt along the way. Jesus said sin, is the reason He came. You know that the son of man appeared to take away Sin, and in Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5). The reason the son of man appeared, was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). All sin is against Him, and God gives us the choice to choose Him or choose sin. But the good news is if we choose Jesus, He offers us forgiveness of sin and a new life. In closing, Gods will is perfect, Holy, Loving, wise, etc. The only thing controlling our life is sin, and nothing else. Without God controlling our life, Satan and sin control it for us. For the next 7 weeks, join us as a church, as we learn how to give up control, and let God take control of our lives, so that sin no longer can. The Series: Week 1 December 28-January 2: My Time Week 2 January 4-9: My Relationships Week 3 January 11-16: My Future Week 4 January 18-23: My Money Week 5 January 25-30: My Health Week 6 February 1-6: With Myself Week 7 February 8-13: With God
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Week 1: My Time December 28 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 12:25 Going Deeper: According to verse 25, what can worry do to a person? Question for Journaling: I cannot tell you how thankful I am for my friends. Often times I need them to lift me up, and remind me that I am able to get through this and that things will get better. Would you say that unload your worries and or concerns onto your friends and depend on them to lift you up? Why or why not?
December 29 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 17:22 Going Deeper: Proverbs 17 tell us how deadly anxiety can be, because it can take all of our strength and it keeps us from moving on. While anxiety can be spiritual it can also be physical. Have you every observed what happens to your body if you allow that stress in and what does it normally affect (ex, headache, back hurts, stomach pain, etc.)? Question for Journaling: Per verse 22, joy is a medicine to anxiety. God gives us Joy to overcome many things. Like anything else He gives us we can depend on His joy. For example, we can find Joy in His Love, His word, through prayer, etc. Where might you find Gods joy to help you with your anxiety?
December 30 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 3:5-6 Going Deeper: If we seek God s will in our circumstances, what does He promise us He will do? Question for Journaling: Trust is a big word. When stress creeps into a specific circumstance in your life, do you trust God to help you or do you find yourself backing away from God? Why or why not?
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 December 31 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians 4:2-9 Going Deeper: According to verse 6, what are we to do, when we worry? Question for Journaling: Anxiety is so powerful, as mentioned earlier, not only can it affect us physically but spiritually. It can take over our mind and heart and lead us to sin against God. He promises His peace will guard our hearts and minds from all of the worries of this life if we take our worries to Him. His Peace will bring protection. The minute you begin to worry, how quick are you to take it to God (one minute, one hour, one day)?
January 1 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 5:1-11 Going Deeper: According to verse 6 when will God lift us up at the right time? Question for Journaling: God cares for you. That truth is hard to believe especially when things are hard at the moment. The question we all ask ourselves is, God if you cared for me, why am I going through this? Would you say that you have found or understood this truth better when times are hard, rather then when times are good?
Janaury 2 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews 13:1-25 Going gives Deeper: According to verse 5, what promise does God make to those who are His? Question for Journaling: Verse 6 talks about fear, but it also talks about confidence in God. Anxiety can often bring fear into our minds and hearts. Fear is the pinnacle to destroying our relationship with God. But confidence or trust in God as our Helper brings the complete opposite into our hearts and minds, such as joy, hope, faith. The minute we let fear remain in us, we began to turn from God. Confidence leads us toward God. Can you name a time when fear took you over and what was the outcome, and how have you learned from it?
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 Week 2: My Relationships Janaury 4 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts 8:4-25 Going Deeper: What was Simon the Sorcerer amazed by? Question for Journaling: Why do you think Simon wanted to be baptized, when repentance wasn t on his mind?
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 January 5 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: Galatians 3:23-29 Going Deeper: How does a person become a child of God? Question for Journaling: When we become baptized into Jesus Christ, it is like putting on new clothes. The old clothes (old life) is taken off and the new clothes (new life) in Christ is put on. Often times we will try to put our Godly clothes onto someone else, such as our spouse, friend, or family member, however, it does not work this way. Change begins with us. Given this, is there any area of your life that is filthy with sin that needs to change?
January 6 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 Going Deeper: Who examines the motives of our hearts? Question for Journaling: The Apostle Paul says in verse 4 that neither he nor any of the other Christ follower s purpose was to please man but God. Often times, we try to please men more than God. If we know they are not too crazy about God, we will not share things with them, because we want to please their desires and keep the God conversations out. In verse 13, we see the purpose was to preach the Gospel message regardless of how people might respond to it, and we see the end result, they accepted the word of God. We cannot control someone s response, as they have to be willing to receive the word of God. When a person rejects the Gospel message, do you still try everything to change their mind? Why or why not?
January 7 Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Peter 3:1-16 Going Deeper: Why is the Lord so patient with His return (see verse 9)? Question for Journaling: How does knowing that God is chasing after each person s heart, encourage you to not worry about the salvation of your co-workers, friends, and even your family members, even when they are not listening to the truth you may be presenting to them?
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 January 8 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: Genesis 50:14-21 Going Deeper: This story is about a man named Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers, because they were jealous about his relationship with their father, Jacob. After some time, they are reunited together and Joseph s brothers now fear him, as he has the power as the Pharaoh s assistant to kill them for what they did to him. Per verse 16 and 17, what were Joseph s brothers asking him to do? Question for Journaling: Often times God will allow bad things to happen, and turn those circumstances into good. He may allow a relationship to not be so smooth sailing. What do you think this says about God s sovereignty? Do you think your relationships are accidental?
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6 Janaury 9 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 55:1-13 Going Deeper: What do you think verse 6 means, Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near? Question for Journaling: God makes it very clear that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. I love this verse. God only does things that involve His holiness and perfection and Love. My way involves revenge, hatred, bitterness, selfishness, greed, pride, etc. Regardless of how much we agree or disagree with His ways, we cannot stop His will. When a circumstance rises where your will is tested against His will, do you fight it? Why or why not?
Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 Week 3: My Future January 11 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 16:1-33 Going Deeper: According to verse 9, is God involved in the plans of man or woman? Question for Journaling: I love verse 33. How many times do we seriously live our lives on the roll of a pair of dice? Regardless of how the dice rolls, God says He is cause for how they fall. Everything that happens in your life is not an accident but happens according to God s plan and will. How might you learn to do God s will in your circumstance, rather than fight it?
January 12 Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: Ecclesiastics 3:1-15 Going Deeper: According to verse 11, what can people not see the whole scope of? Question for Journaling: God has ordained a time for everything for our life, such as marriage, a job, a house, leadership, ministry, etc. Sometimes we get so frustrated waiting for something we desire so much. While you are waiting for God to answer this desire, what are you doing in the meantime with the things He has given you now?
Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 January 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalms 31:1-24 Going Deeper: Why does King David trusts God with his life (see verse 14-15)? Question for Journaling: We see the one thing that King David does not trust is worthless idols (verse 6). In reality we do this all of the time. We trust our car, our retirement plan, our house, etc., and we put our future into its hands. Is there one thing in your life, that you spend a lot time investing in, that may be draining your life away from God, because you do not trust Him to provide for the future?
January 14 Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: Titus 1:1-4 Going Deeper: According to the apostle Paul, what is the purpose of truth? Question for Journaling: Titus tells us that God does not lie, and he proved this when he promised us eternal life, before the world began. Based on this, what proof do you have that God kept his promise and that you have eternal life?
Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 January 15 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: John 13:31-38 Going Deeper: What did Peter say he was ready to do for the Lord? Question for Journaling: The thing that boggles my mind in this passage is that Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times, before this even happens. Do you think Peter could have changed this situation? Why or why not?
Memory Verse: Revelation 22:13 January 16 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Bible Reading for the Day: James 4:13-17 Going Deeper: Why do you think we make plans for the future? Question for Journaling: The whole just of this passage, is to warn us that our life is short, and if God wants us to do something, we better do it, or per verse 17, it is sin to know what God wants us to do and not do it. That is intense. Life is short. Is there anything that God is leading you to do, and you have not done it?
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 Week 4: My Money January 18 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy 5:1-25 Going Deeper: God provides for our every need, such as food, shelter, clothes, etc, and one of the ways he does this is through money. According to verse 8, who is worst then an unbeliever? Question for Journaling: Verse 18 is very clear. He, who works, deserves their pay. How does this encourage you to work hard, knowing that it is deserved, and rewarded by God?
January 19 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy 6:1-10 Going Deeper: What cause us to wander away from our faith in Jesus Christ? Question for Journaling: The Apostle Paul tells us that our wealth is in Godly contentment. Are you satisfied with the person Jesus has made you and is continuing to make you?
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 January 20 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 6:19-34 Going Deeper: In verse 22 Jesus talks about the eye being the source of light and or darkness. What does He mean? 1 John 2:16 says it best, For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. The eye craves everything. The eye wants physical success and possessions, and it does not care what the costs are, as long as we are happy. Is there anything your eye has seen, that you allowed in, that is taking you away from Jesus? Question for Journaling: Why do you think you cannot serve Money and God?
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 January 21 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 22:7 Going Deeper: Who rules the poor? What do you think this means? Question for Journaling: Many of us have borrowed money, whether from a bank, friend, family member, etc. However, God is very clear that once that loan is in place, you now become the servant of the lender. You are not free to enjoy the money you owe. Is there any current debt that needs to be paid? How might you get this done as soon as possible?
January 22 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: Deuteronomy 8:1-20 Going Deeper: God gives everything we need to live. He provides it all, such as food, water, clothes, money, etc. According to verse 16, He does this to humble us and test us. Why do you think He does this? Question for Journaling: When it all comes down to it, success does not come from your wealth, it comes from obeying Gods commands. Have you ever notice the difference in Gods blessings in your life, when you are doing the right things compared to when you are doing the wrong things?
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 January 23 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Bible Reading for the Day: Mark 14:10-11 Going Deeper: Why did Judas go see the leading priests? Question for Journaling: God gave us money; it is up to us how we use it. I can use my money for good and or I can use my money for evil. Have you done a recent evaluation to see where your money is being used? Where might you use it for good?
Week 5: My Health Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 January 25 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: John 9:1-34 Going Deeper: Why was the man born blind? Question for Journaling: What do you think this says about God s sovereignty over each person s physical condition?
January 26 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: Mark 2:1-12 Going Deeper: How did Jesus prove that He has the authority to forgive sins on the earth? Question for Journaling: Do you think God cares more about your physical health or you re spiritual health? Why or why not?
January 27 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: John 11:1-44 Going Deeper: According to verse 25, do you think that Martha truly believed that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (See verse 39)? Question for Journaling: When Jesus first receives the message from Mary and Martha, He stays where He is for 2 more days. In verse 5, we find out that He stayed there for 2 more days because of His love for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Everything that God does in our lives is because He loves us. Everything He allows in our lives is so that we may come to know Him more, and that our love and trust for Him may grow. Given this, when your health begins to take a different direction, instead of questioning His love, how might you depend on His love?
January 28 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Going Deeper: The book of Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul. In this passage, the apostle Paul is encouraging the young teacher to continue teaching the things of God, and to also not only teach them but live by them. One way he encourages Timothy to do this is to train himself to live a Godly life. Given this, what are some things that Paul mentions that you can do to train yourself to live a Godly life (see verses 11-16)? Question for Journaling: Not only do we find in this passage that Godly training is highly important, but we also see that physical training, though not as more important than Godly training, is still required. We are the temple of God and should be doing everything to pursue a healthy lifestyle. The better we take care of ourselves, the more useable we can be to God. Given this, how well do you take care of your body? Would you say that you are careful in keeping a healthy diet and exercise?
January 29 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: James 5:13-18 Going Deeper: According to verse 16, why do you think confessing our sins to one another bring healing? Question for Journaling: God cares so much about our physical health that He has provided specific instructions on how to care for a sick person. Per James what are you to do if you encounter an illness and or if you know someone who may be ill themselves?
January 30 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Bible Reading for the Day: Job 2:1-10 Going Deeper: Why do you think God allowed the devil to test Job s faith? Question for Journaling: Throughout this passage, we see that God allowed Satan to specifically damage and attack Job s health. Given this, what do you think Job meant when he said, should we not expect bad things from God as well as good?
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 Week 6: With Myself February 1 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 6:10-20 Going Deeper: What are the 6 pieces of armor that the Apostle Paul mentions? Question for Journaling: If we just look at the world around us, all the things that make us sad, people dying, people sent to prison, divorce, children being abandoned by their parents, etc., we see a real war that is taken place with each soul on this earth daily. However, we will be defeated in this war, if we do not suite up. Although, like any armor, it is worthless if you do not know how to use it. Given this, per the 6 pieces of armor and their descriptions, what is each piece to be used for?
February 2 Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 8:1-17 Going Deeper: Per verse 6, what leads to death? Question for Journaling: The sinful nature is full of corrupted deeds. It wants to control our thoughts, emotions, actions, attitudes, etc. If we do not learn how to put these deeds to death daily through the Holy Spirit, we will fail to do the right thing multiple times and will not experience the freedom that Jesus wants for us. What are some of the sinful deeds that tend to control your life? What might you do, to get control over the things that are hurting you?
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 February 3 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 12:1-21 Going Deeper: What kind of Holy and Living sacrifice does God find acceptable? Question for Journaling: Everything about how your mind thinks and processes has been polluted by sin, therefore, per the Apostle Paul, God must transform your mind from thoughts of sin to thoughts of holiness, purity, righteous, etc. Once God transforms your mind, then you can know and begin to do God s will. What is one way in which you can learn Gods will and let Him begin to transform the way you think?
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 February 4 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 26:1-19 Going Deeper: How can we show the Lord that we trust Him (see verse 8)? Question for Journaling: In verse 3, we see that God will keep all in Perfect peace to those who trust Him and keep their thoughts fixed on Him. Peace, here means, a freedom from disturbance and or agitation. In this case specifically from the mind. When our mind is fixed on what is right, what comes out of hearts is right. Given this, what would you say begins to happen to peace in our lives, when our mind begins to drift from God to ourselves?
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 February 5 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: Numbers 15:37-41 Going Deeper: What we are we prone to do? Question for Journaling: The purpose of the tassels was to help the Israelite people to remember the commandments of God. Throughout the bible God would often use multiple colors and signs to help the people remember Gods commands. In this case, the color blue represented heavens righteousness and the God of heaven. Why do you think we need to be reminded of Gods law and how might you ensure you do not forget?
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:12 February 6 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 Going Deeper: The war we fight is not humanly but spiritual. Without using these weapons we will be defeated and will never have control of our thoughts and or emotions. What weapons is the Apostle Paul referring to (see Week 2 January 4)? Question for Journaling: Per the Apostle Paul, humans fight in a humanly war by using human reasoning. Without Jesus everything we think or reason is based on our logic and understanding. The word of God, tears down every human logic and human reasoning. Can you think of a time when you thought you had it all figured out on your own and it literally back fired? What was the outcome?
Week 7: With God Memory Verse: John 14:15 February 8 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 Going Deeper: According to verse 2 and 3, what will be of our lives, if we chose to obey the decrees of God (the authority of God as the judge to authorize a law or specific ways) and the commands of God? Question for Journaling: Per verse 25, we will be counted righteous or in other translations, it will be righteousness for us when we obey his commands. What do you think this says about the commandments of God?
February 9 Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 John 1:4-11 Going Deeper: What is love according to verse 6? Question for Journaling: If we deny that Jesus Christ (the living word) has come into the world to save us from our sins, then what John is saying, is we deny the truth and therefore cannot partake in living (obeying) the truth. Jesus Christ is truth. Whoever knows Jesus, obeys truth. Whoever does not know Jesus, does not obey the truth. Without knowing truth, we can be deceived. Given this, when truth speaks into your life, such as your marriage, your work, your relationships, your finances, your sin, etc., how do you respond?
February 10 Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke 9:28-36 Going Deeper: Why do you think Jesus appearance began to change as He prayed? Question for Journaling: The instruction the voice gives us from the cloud, is to listen to Him. How might we learn to do this better in our walk with Him?
February 11 Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: Job 12:1-25 Going Deeper: According to verse 13, where does true power and wisdom come from? What do you think this means in accordance to how God does things in our lives? Question for Journaling: To try and sum up the story of Job, Job is a story about how God allowed Satan to test Job s faith against God, and with God s approval, Satan does this by taking his family, wealth, and his health. Throughout the story Jobs friends are trying to get him to confess his sins to God, because they say that this is the cause of what is happening in his life. However, the book of Job, tells us that sin is not the cause, but God s will. Here Job talks on behalf of his defense. Given this, according to verse 10, is God only in control of the lives of the people that follow him?
Memory Verse: John 14:15 February 12 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts 2:14-41 Going Deeper: When a person hears the message of the Gospel, according to verse 37 and 38, what are they to do? Question for Journaling: Verse 23 tells us that God knew what was going to happen when Jesus came to the earth and that His plan for Jesus life was to be crucified for the sins of the world. To me this is a scary thought, if Jesus life was foreseen; does God have a plan for your life, based on whether you choose Him or reject Him?
February 13 Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, obey my commandments. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalms 46:10 Going Deeper: The word Be Still, means, enough be still and know that I am. Today s world is so busy. The saddest reason that most people do not know God, is because they will not stop to seek the truth or they would find the truth, and be freed from their sins, thus knowing He is GOD! Being still is a matter of death and life; it is not a matter of checking off the box, saying I spent time with God today. It is matter of letting that stillness, be where God changes us, where we come to know Him more, and where our life is transformed by Him. How might you ensure that you stop from this crazy world, to let Him in, and know Him more? Question for Journaling: The opposite is also true even if we will not be still. God will be exalted, whether we want Him to or not, He will be lifted up High. He will be known. If you were to be honest with yourself, are you not being still? What is your reason for not knowing Him?