week 4, day 24 ::: saturday, february 02, 2008

What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal.SmallBox.
Tape.Notebook

Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words. — Francis of Assisi

Read 1 John 3:18:

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Thinking about this verse, in your journal react to the following questions:

1. In what ways do you preach the gospel with your life?
2. What changes can you make in your life to be more effective in showing God’s love to others?

Sometimes there are actions we are called to do that might put us “outside the box.” The gospel can take us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to grow.

Find a unused box in your home—like a shoebox or a jewelry box. Write on slips of paper things that would be outside your box.

1. How does it make you feel to do something “outside your box”?
2. Why is it important for you to stretch and do those things anyway?
3. How do you feel when you are able to accomplish something that was hard or uncomfortable?

Hold the box and pray that God would give you the strength and courage to take those actions. Ask God to make you strong in your faith so that you will be ready at every opportunity.

Here’s a challenge: next school day carry a notebook with you for one day. In the notebook, record your interactions with people. Which relationships are easy, which one’s are hard? Why? Share your thoughts on the blog or email them to a friend.