What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal.YearbookOrPhotoAlbum
Pick up your Bible and read John 4:4. In this story Jesus is headed through Samaria. No big deal, right? Wrong. Jesus was headed through the country of the enemy—Jews hated Samarians, and Samarians hated Jews. In this story we see Jesus reaching out to outsiders. Are there any people like this in your school? Probably so.
Reaching out to outsiders is tough. Why? Discomfort? Fear? Lack of confidence? Reflect on these questions:
1. When was the last time you reached out to someone, to invite someone to a party, to help someone to a math test, or invite someone to youth group or church?
2. What was that situation like?
3. Jot a few words or draw an image that reminds you of this experience.
Now look at what you wrote or drew. Now add God to the picture. How would your feelings be different if you were confident that you were reaching out to someone because you love God so much you can’t help but welcome others—no matter what the situation is? One of the central values of the Christian faith is welcoming the stranger—are you faithful in this way?
We all care for others in different ways. Sometimes we can learn how we care for others by reflecting on ways you feel cared for.
1. What makes you feel most cared for?
2. How can you care for others in this way?
3. What do you absolutely love to do in your free time?
4. How can you use that passion to share God’s love with others?
Grab your yearbook and look at the faces of your classmates, praying for each one. How can you be a witness to these people?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
week 3, day 21 ::: tuesday, january 29, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Pen/Journal
Think of a friend, a group of friends, or a family you would like to get to know better. Team up with one of your friends from youth group or a member of your family and invite this person or group of people to get together with you. Fix a meal, serve dessert, play some games—create a space for conversation.
Get to know this person (or people) on a deeper level. Ask about family, background, important stories or experiences. Truly listen.
Later, think of three ways you can further serve this person, group of friends, or family. List the ways you’ll serve below, and follow through next week.
1.
2.
3.
Pray that God will help you serve these people and share God’s love with them.
Pen/Journal
Think of a friend, a group of friends, or a family you would like to get to know better. Team up with one of your friends from youth group or a member of your family and invite this person or group of people to get together with you. Fix a meal, serve dessert, play some games—create a space for conversation.
Get to know this person (or people) on a deeper level. Ask about family, background, important stories or experiences. Truly listen.
Later, think of three ways you can further serve this person, group of friends, or family. List the ways you’ll serve below, and follow through next week.
1.
2.
3.
Pray that God will help you serve these people and share God’s love with them.
week 3, day 20 ::: monday, january 28, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Check out these four verses:
1. 2 Corinthians 13:4
2. Ephesians 6:7-8
3. 1 Peter 5:2-3
4. Mark 10:45
What are your thoughts on each verse? What do these verses say about how we are to serve? What areas do you need to work on?
Share your reactions at http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
First, call someone from our youth group today and spend a few minutes praying together. If you can arrange a face to face meeting, great. Pray for one another that God would give you the courage to serve others in your community.
Second, take a challenge today. Think of a chore in your house that NOONE wants to do. Do it without telling anyone else about it. When someone figures it out, treat it like it was a miracle! If they press you on it, fess up that you chose to serve the family that way. Give your family members an explanation why you did the chore. You’re sharing your faith!
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Check out these four verses:
1. 2 Corinthians 13:4
2. Ephesians 6:7-8
3. 1 Peter 5:2-3
4. Mark 10:45
What are your thoughts on each verse? What do these verses say about how we are to serve? What areas do you need to work on?
Share your reactions at http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
First, call someone from our youth group today and spend a few minutes praying together. If you can arrange a face to face meeting, great. Pray for one another that God would give you the courage to serve others in your community.
Second, take a challenge today. Think of a chore in your house that NOONE wants to do. Do it without telling anyone else about it. When someone figures it out, treat it like it was a miracle! If they press you on it, fess up that you chose to serve the family that way. Give your family members an explanation why you did the chore. You’re sharing your faith!
week 3, day 19 ::: sunday, january 27, 2008
Spend today in worship of God. Attend church if you can.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
week 3, day 18 ::: saturday, january 26, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to
answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6
It’s good for us to listen to other people, but there comes a time to speak up. If people realize that you care enough to listen to them, then the more likely they’ll be to ask you questions about yourself and be open to hearing your answers.
Peter wrote in a letter to a group of Christians, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
After you listen to others, when your friends and family start asking you questions about your faith—SHARE! Share what you know to be true about Jesus. Share how your life has been changed. Share the hope, joy, and forgiveness that God has extended toward you.
Tonight reflect on these things. If someone asks you about your faith in Christ, what would you say? How has God changed your life?
Search online for an image that reflects your faith in God. Email a friend in our youth group with the image and an explanation as to how this represents your faith. Post your image on the blog:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Along with how this represents you.
Finish your devotional time in prayer.
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to
answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6
It’s good for us to listen to other people, but there comes a time to speak up. If people realize that you care enough to listen to them, then the more likely they’ll be to ask you questions about yourself and be open to hearing your answers.
Peter wrote in a letter to a group of Christians, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
After you listen to others, when your friends and family start asking you questions about your faith—SHARE! Share what you know to be true about Jesus. Share how your life has been changed. Share the hope, joy, and forgiveness that God has extended toward you.
Tonight reflect on these things. If someone asks you about your faith in Christ, what would you say? How has God changed your life?
Search online for an image that reflects your faith in God. Email a friend in our youth group with the image and an explanation as to how this represents your faith. Post your image on the blog:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Along with how this represents you.
Finish your devotional time in prayer.
week 3, day 17 ::: friday, january 25, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen
Read two passages in your Bible. First, read James 1:23-24. Then turn to Philippians 2:1-4. Read these passages out loud. Just try it.
Now, reflect on these passages for a minute—in silence. Think about the words.
Now ask these questions:
1. Who is God showing you that you need to love?
2. Who do you need to have a humble attitude with?
3. Whose interests should go before yours?
4. What would it look like if you actually did this?
Record your thoughts in your journal.
Read the passage from Philippians again, putting your name at the beginning of each sentence.
We are told to love by Jesus and the other biblical writers—A LOT. Why were these words worth repeating so often?
This week find one way to show a family member that you love him or her. Go beyond saying, “I love you.” Do something! Share your ideas with others at
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Close your devotional time in prayer.
Bible.Pen
Read two passages in your Bible. First, read James 1:23-24. Then turn to Philippians 2:1-4. Read these passages out loud. Just try it.
Now, reflect on these passages for a minute—in silence. Think about the words.
Now ask these questions:
1. Who is God showing you that you need to love?
2. Who do you need to have a humble attitude with?
3. Whose interests should go before yours?
4. What would it look like if you actually did this?
Record your thoughts in your journal.
Read the passage from Philippians again, putting your name at the beginning of each sentence.
We are told to love by Jesus and the other biblical writers—A LOT. Why were these words worth repeating so often?
This week find one way to show a family member that you love him or her. Go beyond saying, “I love you.” Do something! Share your ideas with others at
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Close your devotional time in prayer.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
week 3, day 16 ::: thursday, january 24, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal.TV.AnotherPerson
You know people that are great at talking but don’t do a great job of listening? They are called Christians. Just kidding! Sometimes followers of Jesus spend too much time yapping and not enough time with their best listening ears on. Listening is an important way of sharing God’s love with others.
Find a friend and turn up some music, turn on the TV, and see how great of a listener you are. Ask the person to tell you a story, and when they are done test your skills.
How easy or hard was it for you to concentrate on what that person was saying?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What distracts you most?
2. Listening to music or your iPod while in conversation?
3. Checking your phone every two seconds while talking to your friends?
4. Watching TV while your parents ask you about your day?
Grab your Bible and open it to Psalm 40. Read it and listen to what God is saying to you through Scripture.
Today spend five minutes listening to someone without interrupting, correcting, or directing him or her. Ask open ended questions, and just listen.
Bible.Pen.Journal.TV.AnotherPerson
You know people that are great at talking but don’t do a great job of listening? They are called Christians. Just kidding! Sometimes followers of Jesus spend too much time yapping and not enough time with their best listening ears on. Listening is an important way of sharing God’s love with others.
Find a friend and turn up some music, turn on the TV, and see how great of a listener you are. Ask the person to tell you a story, and when they are done test your skills.
How easy or hard was it for you to concentrate on what that person was saying?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What distracts you most?
2. Listening to music or your iPod while in conversation?
3. Checking your phone every two seconds while talking to your friends?
4. Watching TV while your parents ask you about your day?
Grab your Bible and open it to Psalm 40. Read it and listen to what God is saying to you through Scripture.
Today spend five minutes listening to someone without interrupting, correcting, or directing him or her. Ask open ended questions, and just listen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
week 3, day 15 ::: wednesday, january 23, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Internet
The past two weeks we’ve been looking at ourselves and looking closely at who God is. Now we’re going to turn to the world around us. In your journal make two columns. In the left column, write down all the parts of your world: school, sports, debate, 4H, church, job, etc. In the right column rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, rating how well in each area you believe you are allowing God’s love to show forth in your life.
Read the following statements. Based on your self evaluation, would these sentences be true or false?
1. Someone who asked your friends about you would have no idea if you are a Christian.
2. You sometimes talk about being a part of a Christian community, but your friends never take you seriously because that doesn't seem like too much of a “big deal” to you.
3. It’s obvious that you love god and share that love with others when you are around people that are easy to love. But when it comes to the more difficult areas in your life sometimes you struggle with your faith and how you treat the people around you.
4. You love God and it is obvious, but there is one area where you know your attitude is not always what God might want (relationship to your family, etc.). In this area your life is not always a reflection of God’s unconditional love in your life.
5. You’re walking and talking God’s unconditional love in every aspect of your life, and everyone you know would most certainly agree.
Reflection on these questions:
1. What did you learn about yourself?
2. Where do you see yourself living for God?
3. Where do you see opportunity to share more of God’s love?
Read 1 John 4:7-21. How is loving God and loving others related?
Ask God to help you think of one person that is hard to love. Pray for that person, and take a step this week to get to know that person a little better.
Bible.Pen.Internet
The past two weeks we’ve been looking at ourselves and looking closely at who God is. Now we’re going to turn to the world around us. In your journal make two columns. In the left column, write down all the parts of your world: school, sports, debate, 4H, church, job, etc. In the right column rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, rating how well in each area you believe you are allowing God’s love to show forth in your life.
Read the following statements. Based on your self evaluation, would these sentences be true or false?
1. Someone who asked your friends about you would have no idea if you are a Christian.
2. You sometimes talk about being a part of a Christian community, but your friends never take you seriously because that doesn't seem like too much of a “big deal” to you.
3. It’s obvious that you love god and share that love with others when you are around people that are easy to love. But when it comes to the more difficult areas in your life sometimes you struggle with your faith and how you treat the people around you.
4. You love God and it is obvious, but there is one area where you know your attitude is not always what God might want (relationship to your family, etc.). In this area your life is not always a reflection of God’s unconditional love in your life.
5. You’re walking and talking God’s unconditional love in every aspect of your life, and everyone you know would most certainly agree.
Reflection on these questions:
1. What did you learn about yourself?
2. Where do you see yourself living for God?
3. Where do you see opportunity to share more of God’s love?
Read 1 John 4:7-21. How is loving God and loving others related?
Ask God to help you think of one person that is hard to love. Pray for that person, and take a step this week to get to know that person a little better.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
week 2, day 14 ::: tuesday, january 22, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper/Journal
Open your Bible again to 1 John 4:19. Read it a few times.
1. How have you known this to be true?
2. Where have you fallen short in loving others?
3. What are three ways you could apply this verse each day?
In your mind think of one person who means a great deal to you. Got it?
In your journal write the person’s name. What is important to him or her? List all the things that are important to that person. Think of their dreams, goals, hobbies, etc.
Now list five ways you could serve this person in meaningful and authentic ways. How can you demonstrate the love you receive from god by serving this person?
After making your list, make a plan to follow through with a least one idea this week.
Monday, January 21, 2008
week 2, day 13 ::: monday, january 21, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.OldMagazines.
Scissors.GlueOrTape
Read Psalm 139:1-6.
God knows you inside and out—better than you even know yourself.
Ready this passage again.
1. How do you feel knowing that God knows you this well?
2. What part of your life do you tend to hide from God that you could share with him right now?
Flip through the magazines you’ve gathered to find images that relate to your life. Look for words or pictures of sports you play, activities you engage in, things you like. Let this image remind you that these things should all be shared with Jesus. You can tell him about your successes and failure, your ups and down, your struggles and your victories.
Today you’re going to be given a challenge: pray with a friend. You can do this over the phone or you can arrange for a time to meet.
Ask yourself this question, “What is one aspect of my relationship with God that I would like to see grow deeper?” Share your answer with your friend, and have them share their answer with you. Spend time in prayer with one another asking God to help each of you step forward.
Special note: Keep in mind that even though God knows the bad stuff, nothing can separate us from his love. Read Romans 8:38 and believe God on his promise. Tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as the bad things that are going on today.
Bible.Pen.OldMagazines.
Scissors.GlueOrTape
Read Psalm 139:1-6.
God knows you inside and out—better than you even know yourself.
Ready this passage again.
1. How do you feel knowing that God knows you this well?
2. What part of your life do you tend to hide from God that you could share with him right now?
Flip through the magazines you’ve gathered to find images that relate to your life. Look for words or pictures of sports you play, activities you engage in, things you like. Let this image remind you that these things should all be shared with Jesus. You can tell him about your successes and failure, your ups and down, your struggles and your victories.
Today you’re going to be given a challenge: pray with a friend. You can do this over the phone or you can arrange for a time to meet.
Ask yourself this question, “What is one aspect of my relationship with God that I would like to see grow deeper?” Share your answer with your friend, and have them share their answer with you. Spend time in prayer with one another asking God to help each of you step forward.
Special note: Keep in mind that even though God knows the bad stuff, nothing can separate us from his love. Read Romans 8:38 and believe God on his promise. Tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as the bad things that are going on today.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
week 2, day 12 ::: sunday, january 20, 2008
Spend today in worship of God. Attend church if you can.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
week 2, day 11 ::: saturday, january 19, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Markers.
LyricsFromA
WorshipSong.Journal
Open your journal and write down lyrics from a favorite worship song. If you don't know any, use the internet and look up Chris Tomlin’s “Let God Arise,” or look up the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Choose a verse or chorus and write it in your journal, or here:
Answer the following questions by drawing images. You can use words as well if you would like, but try to come up with a picture:
1. What is the message this song communicates about God?
2. What does it teach you about God’s love?
3. How can you love others because of God’s love?
Read this verse of Scripture:
1 John 4:16 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
Read the verse three more times, noting in your journal what this verse says about:
1. Love
2. Trust
3. How to Live your Life
Write your thoughts in your journal.
Think of a way you can express love for God with honest and authentic feeling by thanking someone who serves you. Send an email or write a note to a coach, a teacher, a leader in a group you’re part of, or pray for your teachers each morning. Be creative, and express your thanks in a way unique to you.
Bible.Pen.Markers.
LyricsFromA
WorshipSong.Journal
Open your journal and write down lyrics from a favorite worship song. If you don't know any, use the internet and look up Chris Tomlin’s “Let God Arise,” or look up the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Choose a verse or chorus and write it in your journal, or here:
Answer the following questions by drawing images. You can use words as well if you would like, but try to come up with a picture:
1. What is the message this song communicates about God?
2. What does it teach you about God’s love?
3. How can you love others because of God’s love?
Read this verse of Scripture:
1 John 4:16 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
Read the verse three more times, noting in your journal what this verse says about:
1. Love
2. Trust
3. How to Live your Life
Write your thoughts in your journal.
Think of a way you can express love for God with honest and authentic feeling by thanking someone who serves you. Send an email or write a note to a coach, a teacher, a leader in a group you’re part of, or pray for your teachers each morning. Be creative, and express your thanks in a way unique to you.
Friday, January 18, 2008
week 2, day 10 ::: friday, january 18, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Remember our lesson on Wednesday? That day we talked about five factors that can distraction from our relationship with God, The Hurry Factor, The Worry Factor, The Fury Factor, The Hearing Factor, and the Flirting Factor.
Think about solutions to the factor you struggle with the most. Think specifically about your life. Write an email to a trusted friend about ways you could wipe out these distractions, or write an entry on the group blog.
Read Psalm 46. Focus on verse 10.
What does it look like for you to be still? Take a few minutes and try it. No music, moving, or talking. Think about God as your refuge and strength.
Read Psalm 46 again, this time as a prayer.
In the next 24 hours try to set aside two times of five minutes each were you will be still and focus on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Following your time of silence and stillness, write down your thoughts on your piece of paper or in a journal. Share them with a trusted friend.
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
Remember our lesson on Wednesday? That day we talked about five factors that can distraction from our relationship with God, The Hurry Factor, The Worry Factor, The Fury Factor, The Hearing Factor, and the Flirting Factor.
Think about solutions to the factor you struggle with the most. Think specifically about your life. Write an email to a trusted friend about ways you could wipe out these distractions, or write an entry on the group blog.
Read Psalm 46. Focus on verse 10.
What does it look like for you to be still? Take a few minutes and try it. No music, moving, or talking. Think about God as your refuge and strength.
Read Psalm 46 again, this time as a prayer.
In the next 24 hours try to set aside two times of five minutes each were you will be still and focus on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Following your time of silence and stillness, write down your thoughts on your piece of paper or in a journal. Share them with a trusted friend.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
week 2, day 9 ::: thursday, january 17, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.DigitalCamera.Internet.Notebook
Read John 1:1-4. God wants to get to know you.
Get out your journal. Honestly describe your relationship with God right now.
1. Are you like a critic, a passive observer watching God from a distance?
2. Are you a fan, cheering him on but not getting too personal?
3. Are you an acquaintance, talking with God about shallow things?
4. Are you a distant relative he see only at Easter?
5. Are you a friend who visits once a week, or a best friend?
6. What’s keeping you from moving closer?
Getting to know God takes time. Don’t be discouraged, just invest in the relationship! God wants to get to know you. As you move toward him, he’s already moving toward you. Sometimes you’ll find that God has always been right there, you just haven’t noticed.
Today, take pictures with your camera of things that remind you of God’s work in the world. Take pictures of creation, your friends, be creative!
Visit:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Post your pictures online to share with others.
Close your devotional tonight in prayer.
Bible.Pen.DigitalCamera.Internet.Notebook
Read John 1:1-4. God wants to get to know you.
Get out your journal. Honestly describe your relationship with God right now.
1. Are you like a critic, a passive observer watching God from a distance?
2. Are you a fan, cheering him on but not getting too personal?
3. Are you an acquaintance, talking with God about shallow things?
4. Are you a distant relative he see only at Easter?
5. Are you a friend who visits once a week, or a best friend?
6. What’s keeping you from moving closer?
Getting to know God takes time. Don’t be discouraged, just invest in the relationship! God wants to get to know you. As you move toward him, he’s already moving toward you. Sometimes you’ll find that God has always been right there, you just haven’t noticed.
Today, take pictures with your camera of things that remind you of God’s work in the world. Take pictures of creation, your friends, be creative!
Visit:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
Post your pictures online to share with others.
Close your devotional tonight in prayer.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
week 2, day 8 ::: wednesday, january 16, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Journal.Pen
In tonight’s lesson we talked about relationships. What friend did you list in our opening activity? What were you able to write down about that friend?
Relationships take time to develop. You learn about the other person through shared experiences and conversations. You laugh together and have fun together. Sometimes you might even have conflicts, but you work through them. Come the relationship you have with your best friend to the relationship you have with Jesus. What can you say about your relationship with Jesus? What do you feel like you know about Jesus?
It is hard to hear God. Tonight we talked about five factors that can distract us in our relationship to God. They’ll be listed below, but write out definitions for each factor and examples of how these things show up in your life.
THE HURRY FACTOR
THE WORRY FACTOR
THE FURY FACTOR
THE HEARING FACTOR
THE FLIRTING FACTOR
Tonight, read Matthew 25:35-40 again. Think about the ways that you can challenge yourself to focus in on God, cut out the distractions, and serve others.
Close your time in prayer.
Bible.Journal.Pen
In tonight’s lesson we talked about relationships. What friend did you list in our opening activity? What were you able to write down about that friend?
Relationships take time to develop. You learn about the other person through shared experiences and conversations. You laugh together and have fun together. Sometimes you might even have conflicts, but you work through them. Come the relationship you have with your best friend to the relationship you have with Jesus. What can you say about your relationship with Jesus? What do you feel like you know about Jesus?
It is hard to hear God. Tonight we talked about five factors that can distract us in our relationship to God. They’ll be listed below, but write out definitions for each factor and examples of how these things show up in your life.
THE HURRY FACTOR
THE WORRY FACTOR
THE FURY FACTOR
THE HEARING FACTOR
THE FLIRTING FACTOR
Tonight, read Matthew 25:35-40 again. Think about the ways that you can challenge yourself to focus in on God, cut out the distractions, and serve others.
Close your time in prayer.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
week 1, day 7 ::: tuesday, january 15, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper.GiftWrappingSupplies
Have you ever received a gift that looks like a re-gift? What about a really nice gift that took someone a lot of time to prepare? How did that make you feel?
Whenever your parent has a special day (a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day), is it hard to find them a gift? The type of gift you might give them says a lot—it can be thoughtful, or perhaps a last minute type of gift.
Think about the gifts that we give to God. God has everything he needs, so our gifts like worship, service, and love are beautiful because they bring God glory. We give them because we love him, not because he needs them.
Our gifts to God come in many forms—our prayers, our right choices, our love toward other people, our service. Today, read Matt. 26:6-16. In the story, what do you think of Mary’s gift? What about Judas?
What kind of “Mary-gifts” can you give to God?
As a final activity for reflection, take a piece of paper and a pen and list all of the things that you would like to give to God in your lifetime. Think of intangible things, like love, worship, etc., as well as physical things.
Wrap your list in wrapping paper. Place your list somewhere as a reminder of the gifts you are offering up to God.
Spend a few minutes in prayer asking God to show you ways that you might bring glory to his name through your gifts.
Bible.Pen.Paper.GiftWrappingSupplies
Have you ever received a gift that looks like a re-gift? What about a really nice gift that took someone a lot of time to prepare? How did that make you feel?
Whenever your parent has a special day (a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day), is it hard to find them a gift? The type of gift you might give them says a lot—it can be thoughtful, or perhaps a last minute type of gift.
Think about the gifts that we give to God. God has everything he needs, so our gifts like worship, service, and love are beautiful because they bring God glory. We give them because we love him, not because he needs them.
Our gifts to God come in many forms—our prayers, our right choices, our love toward other people, our service. Today, read Matt. 26:6-16. In the story, what do you think of Mary’s gift? What about Judas?
What kind of “Mary-gifts” can you give to God?
As a final activity for reflection, take a piece of paper and a pen and list all of the things that you would like to give to God in your lifetime. Think of intangible things, like love, worship, etc., as well as physical things.
Wrap your list in wrapping paper. Place your list somewhere as a reminder of the gifts you are offering up to God.
Spend a few minutes in prayer asking God to show you ways that you might bring glory to his name through your gifts.
Monday, January 14, 2008
week 1, day 6 ::: monday, january 14, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Journal.Pen
Remember the Garden of Eden? God created man and women, placed them in the garden, and life was good. But the man and women sinned against God, and we’ve been suffering the consequences ever since. We live in a broken world, shattered by sin.
Jesus came to save people from being stuck in sin. Remember Jesus’ words in John 10:10? “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose it to give them life, that they may have it abundantly.”
Even though Jesus came to give us life, Satan still is at work in the world. In Mark 2 we read the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Remember who kept trying to trip him up? The same goes for us. Satan tries to get us to sin, so that we miss out on the blessings God sends our way. During these times of struggle we are called to rely on God and walk by the Spirit—something that by God’s grace we must obtain the discipline to do.
Open your journal. List the things that are like the thief in John 10:10. What steals your joy, or distracts you from God’s blessings in your life? A destructive self image? Materialism? Anger?
Next, list the things in your life that encourage you to grow in your relationship to Christ.
How would you describe the life that Jesus promises in John 10:10?
Today, do something simple around your house and use it as a spiritual discipline. Take out the trash—all of it. Empty every trash can. Think about the things in your life that represent “trash.” As you dump the trash, think about the things you need to dump from your life. What is something you could get rid of to move toward a more healthy relationship with God?
Bible.Journal.Pen
Remember the Garden of Eden? God created man and women, placed them in the garden, and life was good. But the man and women sinned against God, and we’ve been suffering the consequences ever since. We live in a broken world, shattered by sin.
Jesus came to save people from being stuck in sin. Remember Jesus’ words in John 10:10? “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose it to give them life, that they may have it abundantly.”
Even though Jesus came to give us life, Satan still is at work in the world. In Mark 2 we read the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Remember who kept trying to trip him up? The same goes for us. Satan tries to get us to sin, so that we miss out on the blessings God sends our way. During these times of struggle we are called to rely on God and walk by the Spirit—something that by God’s grace we must obtain the discipline to do.
Open your journal. List the things that are like the thief in John 10:10. What steals your joy, or distracts you from God’s blessings in your life? A destructive self image? Materialism? Anger?
Next, list the things in your life that encourage you to grow in your relationship to Christ.
How would you describe the life that Jesus promises in John 10:10?
Today, do something simple around your house and use it as a spiritual discipline. Take out the trash—all of it. Empty every trash can. Think about the things in your life that represent “trash.” As you dump the trash, think about the things you need to dump from your life. What is something you could get rid of to move toward a more healthy relationship with God?
week 1, day 5 ::: sunday, january 13, 2008
Spend today in worship of God. Attend church if you can.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
week 1, day 4 ::: saturday, january 12, 2008
What you will need for this
session: Bible.Pen.Paper.
ClearContainer.
PermanentMarker.ScratchPaper
Can you think of a time that you were so busy that you missed out on the good things in life? Sometimes we have a set agenda—things we want to accomplish—and we become so busy being busy that we don’t even notice the ways God is showing us his love in our lives.
Open your Bible to Luke 19:1-9. Answer the following questions:
1. What were Zacchaeus’ priorities and goals as a tax collector before he encountered Jesus?
2. What kinds of blessings did Jesus bring instead?
3. What kinds of blessings do you assume that you will get out of life?
4. DREAM BIG—what more might God desire to give you?
Take your pen and paper and walk through your house, noting all the things you have that are valuable to you. Write down physical things (a Nintendo Wii), and intangible things (the love a sibling). Rate everything you have on a scale of 1 to 5—5 being extremely valuable and 1 being not so valuable.
Circle the things on your list that you think God wants to give you more of. What has God poured into your life? Which things can you use to share God’s love with other people?
Now, take your clear container. Think of something that has happened in your life recently that you consider a blessing. Take a permanent marker and write a few words or draw an image on the container that will remind you of that event. Display the container somewhere in your room.
In the future, when something happens to you that you consider a blessing, write it on a slip of paper or draw a picture and put it in the container. Blessings can be small (a hello from a friend at school) or large.
As you will do this you will become more observant and thankful for the blessings God sends your way.
Friday, January 11, 2008
week 1, day 3 ::: friday, january 11, 2008
What you will need for this session: Bible.Internet.RunningWater
Think about the last time you were really thirsty. What was that like? Think about the way your thirst, and how refreshed you feel when you down a cool glass of water.
The same thing is true of our desires in life. We thirst for popularity, acceptance, love, success, or money. These things satisfy for a time, but eventually we pursue other things.
We should thirst after things that will truly satisfy. I’m reminded of St. Augustine, who said, “God, you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”
Today, Read John 4:1-26. Answer the following questions in your journal:
1. What sources of “water” had this woman used to try and fill her life?
2. What kind of water did Jesus offer her instead?
3. How does her life parallel the ways your life usually works?
Now, crank up your computer and shoot an email to a friend in our youth group with your answers to these questions. Start up a conversation. Visit:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
And record your reactions.
Now, go somewhere that there is water running—a bathtub, a fountain, a faucet, a shower. Listen to the water flowing for a couple of minutes. What do you hear? Now imagine the way in which God’s love flows into your life. Think of the ways you have experienced God’s love satisfying your thirst. Now think of that love flowing to others, and pray God would help you share that love in your thoughts, words, and actions.
As a final activity, brainstorm ways you can bless others around you at all four levels of the fountain. Take a couple of those on as a challenge.
Think about the last time you were really thirsty. What was that like? Think about the way your thirst, and how refreshed you feel when you down a cool glass of water.
The same thing is true of our desires in life. We thirst for popularity, acceptance, love, success, or money. These things satisfy for a time, but eventually we pursue other things.
We should thirst after things that will truly satisfy. I’m reminded of St. Augustine, who said, “God, you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”
Today, Read John 4:1-26. Answer the following questions in your journal:
1. What sources of “water” had this woman used to try and fill her life?
2. What kind of water did Jesus offer her instead?
3. How does her life parallel the ways your life usually works?
Now, crank up your computer and shoot an email to a friend in our youth group with your answers to these questions. Start up a conversation. Visit:
http://firstlightyouth.blogspot.com
And record your reactions.
Now, go somewhere that there is water running—a bathtub, a fountain, a faucet, a shower. Listen to the water flowing for a couple of minutes. What do you hear? Now imagine the way in which God’s love flows into your life. Think of the ways you have experienced God’s love satisfying your thirst. Now think of that love flowing to others, and pray God would help you share that love in your thoughts, words, and actions.
As a final activity, brainstorm ways you can bless others around you at all four levels of the fountain. Take a couple of those on as a challenge.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
week 1, day 2 ::: thursday, january 10, 2008
What you will need for this session: Bible.Journal.Pen.Paper
Yesterday we talked about the ways God’s love flows forth to those around us. Take a moment to write down ways you’ve expressed love in each of the four areas we discussed yesterday (think of the fountain image--personal experiences of God's love, friends and family, community, and love for the world). Which area is the most difficult for you to experience or extend love toward others?
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus desires for us to have a life that is rich and abundant with joy—this doesn't mean that we won’t have tough times, but when those times come God will walk with us. This abundant life that Jesus desires us to have is something that we are to share—we are called to put our faith in Christ into action. Do something!
Open your journal and make two columns. Write down everything you plan to do this week—everything—in one column. In the other column write down who you are doing those things for—your self, others, family, friends, etc. Think about how you could do all of those things in a way that shows God’s love for others.
Read Matt. 22:36-40. Write your reflections down in your journal. Conclude your time in prayer.
Yesterday we talked about the ways God’s love flows forth to those around us. Take a moment to write down ways you’ve expressed love in each of the four areas we discussed yesterday (think of the fountain image--personal experiences of God's love, friends and family, community, and love for the world). Which area is the most difficult for you to experience or extend love toward others?
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus desires for us to have a life that is rich and abundant with joy—this doesn't mean that we won’t have tough times, but when those times come God will walk with us. This abundant life that Jesus desires us to have is something that we are to share—we are called to put our faith in Christ into action. Do something!
Open your journal and make two columns. Write down everything you plan to do this week—everything—in one column. In the other column write down who you are doing those things for—your self, others, family, friends, etc. Think about how you could do all of those things in a way that shows God’s love for others.
Read Matt. 22:36-40. Write your reflections down in your journal. Conclude your time in prayer.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
week 1, day 1 ::: wednesday, january 9, 2008
Welcome to Outflow! Each Wednesday over the course of this study you’ll need this journal handy. Within these pages you’ll have access to discussion questions, things to ponder, and our Bible story for that particular day.
Tonight our passage from the Scripture is Acts 1:6-11. Take a look at verse 8. It says:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - (Jesus, Acts 1:8)
Jesus, in his last words to his disciples before he ascends to heaven, tells them that his message will be proclaimed in their hometown, in their region, and ultimately to the ends of the earth. As Jesus’ disciples we are called to this same task, to be witnesses, or signposts that point to Jesus and God’s Kingdom in this world.
Once you are in relationship to God through Jesus, God’s begins to work on you from the inside out. God changes the type of person you are and are becoming by the work of God’s Spirit. God’s love doesn’t stop with us, however. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and love our neighbor.
First, think your friends and family. How has God’s love flowed from you to those around you?
Second, think about your community—the city of Gardner, then your school. How do you share love with those people?
Third, think about the world. What is a way that your love for God can impact the entire world?
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why does God use us to show his love for others?
2. Why do you think words like “relationship” and “conversation” were mentioned again and again by those in our video? Why is this important for Christians when sharing their faith?
3. What could someone tell about your relationship with God by looking at how you spend your time?
Tonight our passage from the Scripture is Acts 1:6-11. Take a look at verse 8. It says:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - (Jesus, Acts 1:8)
Jesus, in his last words to his disciples before he ascends to heaven, tells them that his message will be proclaimed in their hometown, in their region, and ultimately to the ends of the earth. As Jesus’ disciples we are called to this same task, to be witnesses, or signposts that point to Jesus and God’s Kingdom in this world.
Once you are in relationship to God through Jesus, God’s begins to work on you from the inside out. God changes the type of person you are and are becoming by the work of God’s Spirit. God’s love doesn’t stop with us, however. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and love our neighbor.
First, think your friends and family. How has God’s love flowed from you to those around you?
Second, think about your community—the city of Gardner, then your school. How do you share love with those people?
Third, think about the world. What is a way that your love for God can impact the entire world?
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why does God use us to show his love for others?
2. Why do you think words like “relationship” and “conversation” were mentioned again and again by those in our video? Why is this important for Christians when sharing their faith?
3. What could someone tell about your relationship with God by looking at how you spend your time?
Welcome to the FirstLight Youth Ministry Blog
This blog has been set up for the Outflow challenge. Each day the journal topics will be posted. Use this space to comment on your experiences, what you've learned, the challenges you have faced, the questions you have, or to tell the stories you'd like to share.
God bless you on your Journey!
God bless you on your Journey!
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