SHOES OF PEACE
ARE WE THERE YET?
Coldplay
Fix you
When you try your best but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
High up above or down below
when you’re too in love to let it go
but If you never try you’ll never know
Just what your worth
Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Tears streaming down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears streaming down your face and I
Tears streaming down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
What do these lyrics say about how you try to find peace in life? How do the lyrics make you feel?
How do these lyrics compare to what you learned yesterday (John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”)
The question for the day is, “What does this verse show you about God especially in light of these lyrics?” Answer this in the comments!
Monday, June 30, 2008
MONDAY, JUNE 30 DAILY JOURNAL
MONDAY, JUNE 30 DAILY JOURNAL
SHOES OF PEACE
PEACE OUT!
Do you ever feel like everything in your life is just not okay? Are there times when you feel distant from God, other people or even yourself?
Right before Jesus left this world He told His disciples this:
John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
In what areas do you feel at peace?
How do you want this verse to affect the way you live your life? How can it help you live in peace?
So the question of the day is, “Where do you need peace?” Answer this in the comments!
From this verse what characteristics do you see about God?
SHOES OF PEACE
PEACE OUT!
Do you ever feel like everything in your life is just not okay? Are there times when you feel distant from God, other people or even yourself?
Right before Jesus left this world He told His disciples this:
John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
In what areas do you feel at peace?
How do you want this verse to affect the way you live your life? How can it help you live in peace?
So the question of the day is, “Where do you need peace?” Answer this in the comments!
From this verse what characteristics do you see about God?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 DAILY JOURNAL
SHOES OF PEACE
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
When you think of the word “Gospel”, what comes to your mind?
Some of you may have thought of a certain genre of music, others may have thought about part of the Bible in the New Testament… the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (which are the books that tell about the life and death of Jesus) are often referred to as the Gospels.
Here is what the Bible says:
Romans 1:16-17 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’.”
After reading these verses why do you think it is important to understand what the Gospel is?
The word Gospel literally means “Good News”. Last week we studied about righteousness and how we can become more like God.
The question of the day is, “Knowing these two aspects, what do you see and understand about verse 17 where it says ‘In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed’?” Answer this in the comments!
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
When you think of the word “Gospel”, what comes to your mind?
Some of you may have thought of a certain genre of music, others may have thought about part of the Bible in the New Testament… the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (which are the books that tell about the life and death of Jesus) are often referred to as the Gospels.
Here is what the Bible says:
Romans 1:16-17 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’.”
After reading these verses why do you think it is important to understand what the Gospel is?
The word Gospel literally means “Good News”. Last week we studied about righteousness and how we can become more like God.
The question of the day is, “Knowing these two aspects, what do you see and understand about verse 17 where it says ‘In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed’?” Answer this in the comments!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 DAILY JOURNAL
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THE HOW TOO...
What in your life makes you want to do things you know are not honoring to God?
How would you live differently if you knew someone you respect (Shaun, your small group leader, your Mom or Dad) was watching you all the time?
How would you live differently if you knew someone younger than you was watching what you do to make their decisions in life?
II Cor. 5:20-21 “We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God (righteous).”
How do these verses influence the way you want to live your life?
So the question for the day is, “What do you want to keep the same and what needs to change?” Answer this question in the comment section!
THE HOW TOO...
What in your life makes you want to do things you know are not honoring to God?
How would you live differently if you knew someone you respect (Shaun, your small group leader, your Mom or Dad) was watching you all the time?
How would you live differently if you knew someone younger than you was watching what you do to make their decisions in life?
II Cor. 5:20-21 “We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God (righteous).”
How do these verses influence the way you want to live your life?
So the question for the day is, “What do you want to keep the same and what needs to change?” Answer this question in the comment section!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 DAILY JOURNAL
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
WARRIORS OF VIRTUE
What are areas in your life where you feel like you are not like God?
Write out the areas of your life you want to change and pray the verse below as you ask God to make you more like Him.
Psalm 5:8 “Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.”
So the big question for the day is "What needs to change in your life for you to become more like God?" Write out your answer in the comments section.
WARRIORS OF VIRTUE
What are areas in your life where you feel like you are not like God?
Write out the areas of your life you want to change and pray the verse below as you ask God to make you more like Him.
Psalm 5:8 “Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.”
So the big question for the day is "What needs to change in your life for you to become more like God?" Write out your answer in the comments section.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24 DAILY JOURNAL
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
START A R.I.O.T. - RIGHTEOUS INVASION OF YOUTH
What would you think if I said, “Living a life for Christ is not about how we look, what we do, or what we do not take part of. Living for God is so much more about living in unity with each other.”
Romans 14:17-19 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy (righteousness) in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
So the question for the day is, "When you think of righteousness do you think of it as an individual act or as something that involves other people?" Answer this in the comments section.
START A R.I.O.T. - RIGHTEOUS INVASION OF YOUTH
What would you think if I said, “Living a life for Christ is not about how we look, what we do, or what we do not take part of. Living for God is so much more about living in unity with each other.”
Romans 14:17-19 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy (righteousness) in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
So the question for the day is, "When you think of righteousness do you think of it as an individual act or as something that involves other people?" Answer this in the comments section.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 DAILY JOURNAL
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
PROTECT YOURSELF
What does a breastplate protect, why would it be important?
Why do you think a soldier would wear a breastplate?
Since righteousness means you are living in a way to become right with God, why do you think the breastplate would be a visual example for righteousness?
What are areas in your life need to be protected to enhance your relationship with God? How will becoming more like God help you in these areas?
And the question for the day is, "What do you need to do to become more like God?" Answer this in the comments.
PROTECT YOURSELF
What does a breastplate protect, why would it be important?
Why do you think a soldier would wear a breastplate?
Since righteousness means you are living in a way to become right with God, why do you think the breastplate would be a visual example for righteousness?
What are areas in your life need to be protected to enhance your relationship with God? How will becoming more like God help you in these areas?
And the question for the day is, "What do you need to do to become more like God?" Answer this in the comments.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FRIDAY, JUNE 20 DAILY JOURNAL
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
THE MORAL CODE
Below are two translations of Matthew 5:6. As you look at both translations what do you think this verse says is righteousness?
Matthew 5:6 niv “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6 message “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.”
Righteousness is a pretty big word. What do you think it means?
Would you say you hunger and thirst for doing what makes you right with God?
Righteousness means you are living in a way to become right with God. In what ways are you seeking to be more like God or what ways would you like to become more like God?
So the question for the day is, "In what ways can you change your life to become more like God?" Answer in the comments section!
THE MORAL CODE
Below are two translations of Matthew 5:6. As you look at both translations what do you think this verse says is righteousness?
Matthew 5:6 niv “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6 message “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.”
Righteousness is a pretty big word. What do you think it means?
Would you say you hunger and thirst for doing what makes you right with God?
Righteousness means you are living in a way to become right with God. In what ways are you seeking to be more like God or what ways would you like to become more like God?
So the question for the day is, "In what ways can you change your life to become more like God?" Answer in the comments section!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 DAILY JOURNAL
BELT OF TRUTH
Paul talks about the law that fights against God’s law – how can you
fight this law and win the battle?
In what ways would having the belt of truth help in these situations?
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Philippians 4: 6-9 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Right after this passage says, ‘God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds’ it gives a list of things to think about. Does this list reflect how you think? In what ways does it or doesn’t?
How do you think your thoughts affect how you see truth?
What do these verses show you about God?
So the question for the day is, "How does it make you feel when you hear “The God of peace will be with you”? Answer this in the comments!
Paul talks about the law that fights against God’s law – how can you
fight this law and win the battle?
In what ways would having the belt of truth help in these situations?
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Philippians 4: 6-9 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Right after this passage says, ‘God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds’ it gives a list of things to think about. Does this list reflect how you think? In what ways does it or doesn’t?
How do you think your thoughts affect how you see truth?
What do these verses show you about God?
So the question for the day is, "How does it make you feel when you hear “The God of peace will be with you”? Answer this in the comments!
Monday, June 16, 2008
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 DAILY JOURNAL
BELT OF TRUTH
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH…
All American Rejects
Dirty Little Secrets
I’ll keep you my dirty little secret
(Dirty little secret)
Don’t tell anyone or you’ll be just another regret
(Just another regret, hope that you can keep it)
My dirty little secret
Who has to know
When we live such fragile lives
It’s the best way we survive
I go around a time or two
Just to waste my time with you
Tell me all that you’ve thrown away
Find out games you don’t wanna play
You are the only one that needs to know
I’ll keep you my dirty little secret
(Dirty little secret)
Don’t tell anyone or you’ll be just another regret
(Just another regret, hope that you can keep it)
My dirty little secret
Who has to know
The way she feels inside (inside)
Those thoughts I can’t deny (deny)
These sleeping dogs won’t lie (won’t lie)
And now I try to lie
It’s eating me apart
Trace this life out
How do these lyrics define truth?
What words stick out to you in regards to where “living hidden lives” and “lies” lead?
How does it make you feel to live lies and/or know a lot of the world lives lies?
What do you know about God that would provide you with real truth and hope?
TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES
Paul was a Jew and the Law was the foundation for everything Jewish people believed and followed. During this time there were a lot of Jews who had taken the Law to an extreme and followed exactly what the Law said rather than really knowing God and following the heart of the Law. When Paul says “I love God’s Law” he is in essence saying he loves God and the heart of what God intended through the words of the Law.
You see, people thought the Law was only what was written in the Old Testament Scriptures. However, Paul is trying to help people understand the Law is a combination of God’s commands in the Bible and His gracious love for all people.
Romans 7:21-25 ”It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
Do you ever feel like Paul in this passage when he says he wants to do what is right and yet does what is wrong? How?
How would you describe a slave? This passage says we are slaves… how?
So here's the question for the day, "What does this passage say is the answer to this battle?" Answer in the comment section!
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH…
All American Rejects
Dirty Little Secrets
I’ll keep you my dirty little secret
(Dirty little secret)
Don’t tell anyone or you’ll be just another regret
(Just another regret, hope that you can keep it)
My dirty little secret
Who has to know
When we live such fragile lives
It’s the best way we survive
I go around a time or two
Just to waste my time with you
Tell me all that you’ve thrown away
Find out games you don’t wanna play
You are the only one that needs to know
I’ll keep you my dirty little secret
(Dirty little secret)
Don’t tell anyone or you’ll be just another regret
(Just another regret, hope that you can keep it)
My dirty little secret
Who has to know
The way she feels inside (inside)
Those thoughts I can’t deny (deny)
These sleeping dogs won’t lie (won’t lie)
And now I try to lie
It’s eating me apart
Trace this life out
How do these lyrics define truth?
What words stick out to you in regards to where “living hidden lives” and “lies” lead?
How does it make you feel to live lies and/or know a lot of the world lives lies?
What do you know about God that would provide you with real truth and hope?
TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES
Paul was a Jew and the Law was the foundation for everything Jewish people believed and followed. During this time there were a lot of Jews who had taken the Law to an extreme and followed exactly what the Law said rather than really knowing God and following the heart of the Law. When Paul says “I love God’s Law” he is in essence saying he loves God and the heart of what God intended through the words of the Law.
You see, people thought the Law was only what was written in the Old Testament Scriptures. However, Paul is trying to help people understand the Law is a combination of God’s commands in the Bible and His gracious love for all people.
Romans 7:21-25 ”It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
Do you ever feel like Paul in this passage when he says he wants to do what is right and yet does what is wrong? How?
How would you describe a slave? This passage says we are slaves… how?
So here's the question for the day, "What does this passage say is the answer to this battle?" Answer in the comment section!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
MONDAY, JUNE 16 DAILY JOURNAL
BELT OF TRUTH
COLD, HARD FACTS
Colossians 1:6, 9-14 “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God’s great kindness to sinners.
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.”
Do you ever feel like you do not know what God wants you to do?
What do these verses say will be the benefit of becoming wise?
Why do you think truth would be referred to as a belt?
So here's the question for the day, "How does this passage say you can know God better?" Answer this question in the comments section.
COLD, HARD FACTS
Colossians 1:6, 9-14 “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God’s great kindness to sinners.
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.”
Do you ever feel like you do not know what God wants you to do?
What do these verses say will be the benefit of becoming wise?
Why do you think truth would be referred to as a belt?
So here's the question for the day, "How does this passage say you can know God better?" Answer this question in the comments section.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
SUNDAY, JUNE 15 DAILY JOURNAL
Day off today for y'all! Enjoy it with your dads. Remember to tell him..."Happy Father's Day"!
So here's the question for the day, "What's your favorite memory with your dad?" Answer this question in the comments section.
So here's the question for the day, "What's your favorite memory with your dad?" Answer this question in the comments section.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 DAILY JOURNAL
BELT OF TRUTH
LITTLE WHITE LIE
Think about a time in your life when you told a really big lie – what did you lie about and how did you feel before and after you lied?
How do you feel when someone lies to you? What happens in your relationship when they lie?
(A little background)
One day Jesus was talking to people who claimed to follow God and He told them a little background about Satan:
John 8:44b “He (The Devil) was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. 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.”
Why would Satan want to lie to you?
What are lies Satan is telling to you?
What truth do you need to fight the lies?
So here's the question for the day, "How can you help other people find God’s truth for their lives?" Answer this question in the comments section.
LITTLE WHITE LIE
Think about a time in your life when you told a really big lie – what did you lie about and how did you feel before and after you lied?
How do you feel when someone lies to you? What happens in your relationship when they lie?
(A little background)
One day Jesus was talking to people who claimed to follow God and He told them a little background about Satan:
John 8:44b “He (The Devil) was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. 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.”
Why would Satan want to lie to you?
What are lies Satan is telling to you?
What truth do you need to fight the lies?
So here's the question for the day, "How can you help other people find God’s truth for their lives?" Answer this question in the comments section.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 DAILY JOURNAL
WARRIOR GOD
What do you think of when you think of war?
What are words you think of when you think of God?
As you read these verses keep in mind David was a man who followed God with all of his heart. The Bible says “He was a man after God’s own heart.” Try to picture God in the way David describes Him.
Psalm 35:1-3 “O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Declare war on those who are attacking me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin and block the way of my enemies. Let me hear you say, ‘I am your salvation!’
What character qualities do you see about God in these verses? (personality, nature, basically who is God)?
Have you ever thought of God as a warrior? Why or why not?
David asked God to go to war for Him, how would you feel about asking God to go to war for you?
If God, the creator of the universe—angels, demons, nature, people—needs armor, how much do you think you need God’s armor?
So here's the question for the day, "How would your life be different if you were always ready for the battle?" Answer this question in the comments section.
What do you think of when you think of war?
What are words you think of when you think of God?
As you read these verses keep in mind David was a man who followed God with all of his heart. The Bible says “He was a man after God’s own heart.” Try to picture God in the way David describes Him.
Psalm 35:1-3 “O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Declare war on those who are attacking me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin and block the way of my enemies. Let me hear you say, ‘I am your salvation!’
What character qualities do you see about God in these verses? (personality, nature, basically who is God)?
Have you ever thought of God as a warrior? Why or why not?
David asked God to go to war for Him, how would you feel about asking God to go to war for you?
If God, the creator of the universe—angels, demons, nature, people—needs armor, how much do you think you need God’s armor?
So here's the question for the day, "How would your life be different if you were always ready for the battle?" Answer this question in the comments section.
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