WEEK 7: DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6

Thursday, December 31

Happy New Year! Before we get into any scripture, stop and look over the last year. Write down certain events that stick out to you. God longs to speak to those moments in your life. Good or bad, talk to God about those circumstances. If you’re like me, your year was crazy and full of ups and downs. There are many hard events that make my heart sting still, but then there are some moments that put a smile on my face and I can’t help but be thankful. God has given us ups and downs in our lives so that we are forced to depend upon Him. He grants us the strength to get through the difficult days and extra peace to embrace the good days. Thank you, Lord, that you are in control!!!

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

(Jeremiah is after Isaiah and before Lamentations)

His love for us is never ending! His love has NO BOUNDS. He will continue to be there for us, take care of us, and place us by His side so that we are never wanting! So, as we look to the New Year, we can breathe a sigh of relief that despite our current circumstances, we know that He is faithful to love us. Spend some time telling God about the year ahead of you and SURRENDER it over to Him.

Friday, January 1

Read Exodus 14

(Exodus is after Genesis and before Leviticus)

I can’t help but think of the story of the crossing of the Red Sea when I think about diving into a new year. Ok, bear with me… Think of the Red Sea as your spring semester at school. It’s full of schoolwork, teachers, and tests. You’ve got friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends floating around there somewhere. There are broken families, parents, and siblings. Then there are the things that are not visible to the eye. The insecurities, doubts, and fears are floating around in that Red Sea. The things that go on when no one is around that only you know about are in there too. And picture yourself as Moses and Israelites on the shore looking at all of these things. It’s scary. It’s scary to see how you’ll walk through it all without drowning. BUT, and that’s a pretty BIG BUT. (haha, big but… I’m funny). God shows up and does something insane.

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today… The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13,14

What? We only have to be still? Doesn’t make much sense. But, slowly, with our fears of the things staring us in our face, we choose to believe that God is going to get us through the steps ahead. And God pushes the Sea apart, and we are able to walk on dry land. We are able, because of God’s power and goodness, to walk safely and securely past these insecurities, relationships, and everyday fears.

I want to encourage you to sit and write down all of those things that are in your Red Sea of 2010. What are they? Be specific. Then, read the verses 13 and 14 over and over again. Commit each parts of your Red Sea to the Lord, trusting that “the Lord will fight for you, you have only to be still”.

Monday, January 4

Let’s continue with our theme for looking toward the new year/semester ahead of us! Continue to surrender your next year to the Lord. Tell Him the things in your life where you need Him to take over. Write down the objects, situations, and relationships and imagine placing them in His hands.

Read Colossians 1:15-17

(Colossians is after Philippians and before 1 Thessalonians)

What one word does Paul seem to use over and over again? Clue: it has three letters and begins with A and ends with L… ok, so the clue might have given it away. ALL. Paul, the author of Colossians, wants us to know with much emphasis that God is ALL, has ALL, and is over ALL.

“firstborn of ALL creation… ALL things were created… he is before ALL things…. In him ALL things hold together…”

Pretty incredible, huh? Every thought that we have, every good or bad circumstance that comes up, every relationship that goes south, every insecurity or doubt that surfaces is in His hands. We no longer have to wonder who will take care of us.

I encourage you to look at verse 17, and replace the words ALL THINGS with your own words. Use that verse as a way to place that trust in Him.

Tuesday, January 5

There have been so many times in my life where I know that the Lord is asking me to give Him something. I feel that tug on my heart. That tug is telling me that I need to step away from something or that I need to talk about it with someone. Or sometimes I see something that I want to change. Sometimes I have moments where I wish things to be different and for people to know and see the Lord the way that I do. And in those moments, I get scared. I get scared of what the other person will think, or even what friends or my peers will think of me if I change a little. I am fearful.

Read Joshua 1:5-9

Those are some strong words coming from the Lord! Joshua has just been asked to take over Moses’ job and be the leader of the Israelites. It’s the same thing as God telling you that President Obama is stepping down from his position and you are now going to lead the people of the United States. Can you imagine?!? I would flip out! However, Joshua took his place in the position, but do you think he still had fears? This verse answers my question. Of course he was fearful. Of course he doubted. And the Lord spoke directly to those fears. 3 times the Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous!

What are some things that the Lord is tugging on your heart right now? Is he asking you to be a Joshua at your school? What about in your home? Or with a situation that no one knows about?

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Wednesday, January 6

Read John 15: 5-8

Definition of Abiding (In Christ): a condition or way of living in absolute dependence on God that recognizes our belief that the life and death of Christ is the only source to meeting all our needs. After reading this, do you feel like you are abiding in Christ? Are you fully depending on God for all of your needs?

In John, God gives us such an incredible example of what it means to be dependent upon Him. Let’s pull out our green thumbs and try our best to relate to plants, ok? In order for plants to live they have to be connected to a root/vine. If they are pulled away from that root, then what happens? The plant is dead. However, if the plant is connected with the root, it will continue to grow and eventually produce a fruit. Right? Here, the Lord is saying that he is our root. We must stay in constant connection with him, abiding in the life of Jesus Christ in order to live. If you’re like me, your day can get pretty crazy and busy. Our worlds are full of distractions just begging for us to dismember ourselves from our “root”. What are some ways that we can stay abiding in Christ? Write down whatever comes to mind and put them into practice!

WEEK 6: DECEMBER 10 - 16

Thursday, December 10

Read John 12:46

As we all have heard “Jesus is the reason for the season”. During this time of year, it’s good to reflect on the Christmas story. However, I think more importantly that we should look into WHY Jesus came to dwell among us.

The verse you read tells us that Jesus came so that whoever believed in Him would no longer remain in darkness. What is the definition of darkness in your own words? Name some things in this world and in your life that can cause you darkness.

Good news. Everything you just named is no longer yours to walk in. Why? Because God’s Word is truth. And God tells us that he came into this world so that you and I do not have to deal with those dark things. Believe Him for these promise are true.

Friday, December 11

Read John 3:17

Condemn: (verb) to express complete disapproval of, typically in public

Can you imagine how different the story of Christmas would be if Jesus came to this world to express to everyone how disappointed He was in us? Unfortunately, this is something that a lot of people believe. The would believes that Jesus wants to constantly tell us He is angry with us and that we are not good enough for Him. Clearly, from the word of His own mouth, this is not true. Does anything come to mind that you believe God is disappointed in you about? Do you see now that He is not disappointed? He looks at you in approval. He loves you. He believes in you because He made you. You are His child. His own.

Saved: (verb) to keep safe or rescue (something or someone) from harm or danger

Jesus came into this world to RESCUE us. He came so that we are no longer in danger of death and hopelessness. He came to take us out of our hurting and into a loving and intimate relationship with Him. Is there something you need to be rescued from? What is it? Spend some time giving those things over to the Lord. All you have to do is ask. He will never refuse. He is our salvation. And praise Him for the safe keeper and rescuer that He is!

WEEK 5: DECEMBER 3 - 9

Thursday, December 3

Read Luke 1:26-33

We can only try to imagine the thoughts that are running through Mary’s mind right now! If you were to guess, what would they be? The Lord just told her about the Messiah and her involvement in His coming. Have you ever felt the Lord telling you something that seemed completely crazy? If so, what was it?

It says that Mary was “greatly troubled” at being told she was “favored one”. I know that I sometimes have difficulty when I hear how much the Lord loves me. It’s hard to believe. But, we are deeply loved by God! Do you find it difficult just like Mary? Spend some time expressing this to the Lord. He longs for you to know His love for you.

This is the first time that God had revealed the name of Jesus to the world. What comes to mind when you hear the name Jesus? How has the name impacted your life?

Friday, December 4

Read Luke 1:34-38

I love Mary’s reaction in verse 34. “How can this be?” It makes the story of the birth so real. There will be many moments in our walks with the Lord where we come to Him with this question. However, just like He did with Mary, He will answer you. Write down your reaction to this truth.

“…the power of the Most High will overshadow you…For nothing in impossible with God.” In verse 35 and 37, God reassures her that God will take care of all of her doubts and her questions. In other words, God is saying, “I’ve got it. No worries!” Is there anything in your life where you need to hear those words? If so, write it out to God.

Immediately, Mary’s fears go away and she declares, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word.” LET IT BE. Mary is able to say these words because the word of God has spoken to her fears. She knows that God is able when she is not. What are the places in your life where you need to step away from your doubt and let it be?

Monday, December 7

Read Luke 1:39-45

This is one of my favorite parts of Mary finding out about Jesus. In the midst of Mary hearing what is going to happen, God tells her about her friend Elizabeth who is pregnant also. (I must add that Elizabeth was of old age and past the normal age of childbearing.) As soon as Mary can, she gets up and goes to see Elizabeth. God has given Mary someone to talk to. He has given Mary someone in her life that can relate to the doubts and fears of Mary’s news. But, more than that, God has given Mary someone who willingly rejoices with her!

Who in your life is your Elizabeth? What friend or mentor or leader do you have that you can run to and rejoice or cry together? Spend some time praising God for bringing those people into your life. If you feel you are lacking a Godly friendship, spend some time in prayer asking the Lord for a friend like Elizabeth.

Tuesday, December 8

Read Luke 1:46-56

What is it that Mary is going through again? What do her circumstances look like? Now name some of your own circumstances.

Mary spends some time in these verses praising God for who He is, even though her circumstances seem overwhelming to the outsider looking in. She was able to look past the difficult things she would encounter, and claim that God is in control. Good circumstances or not good circumstances we are called to live a life of praise and gratitude to God.

Now read Philipians 4:4-7

If you were to write a song of rejoicing and praise today, what words would you use? What things would you say about God?

Wednesday, December 9

Read Luke 1:67-80

We sometimes get caught up in the whole “Christmas is a time for presents” world, and forget the importance of Jesus coming to this earth. These verses remind us that Jesus came to do what we in our sin could never do. Spend some time praising him for His birth and His reasons for coming!

Verses 76-79 tell us that John was born to proclaim to the world about the Messiah and His coming and “give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins”. In a way, we are all like John. We are called to tell people about Jesus and His salvation from our sins. Is this difficult for you? Is it hard to tell your friends about Jesus? If this is your desire, pray and ask Jesus for strength to tell others about the reason for the birth of Jesus. He will give you the strength!

WEEK 4: NOVEMBER 19 - 25

Thursday, November 19

Read Matthew 6:25-34

• In this passage, Jesus is delivering a very famous sermon known as the Sermon on the Mount. From this part of the message, what is it that you worry about? How often do you worry about it/those things?

• God hasn’t promised that he will provide everything that we want, but he will meet our needs. Do you trust and believe that God is going to provide for you everything that you need?

• Do you spend time worrying over little things like clothing and appearance? Worrying over these things communicates that we don’t trust in Jesus, and he commands us not to spend time worrying, but to seek first his kingdom. Would you say you seek first his kingdom, or what you want and desire?

• Take 5 minutes and sit quietly. Try not to worry about anything but just let your mind rest. It’s pretty tough! In our culture, we are constantly moving and thinking about what’s next. Spend time in prayer for 5 minutes now. If you need to, apologize to God for the amount of time you spend worrying and not pursuing Him. Ask him to set your focus on the things that matter most to him.

Friday, November 20

Read Luke 9:18-25

• In this passage, Jesus begins by asking his disciples who other people say he is. He then asks them who they say he is. Who do you think Jesus is? Why do you believe this?

• What does Jesus mean when he says “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for me will save it?

• Based on what you know to be true about Jesus, are you willing to give up the things you desire the most to follow him? If you are a Christian and are already following him, in what ways are you not living for him? How can you “die” to these things and follow after Jesus?

• Bow down on your knees before God. Pray and surrender the things in your life that need to be surrendered over to him. Whether those are plans, friends, desires. Offer him control of your life and ask him to make you more like him.

Monday, November 23

Read 1 Peter 5:5-9

• In your mind, what does it mean for someone to be humble? What does it mean for someone to be prideful?

• Do you think of yourself as someone who is humble or proud?

• Since God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble, is it your desire to be humble or prideful?

• Everyone struggles with pride. We all want things to be our way, look the way we want, or be in control of the situation. Jesus asks us, though, to die to those desires. In Philippians 2, Paul says we should consider others better than ourselves. That is true humility. Spend some time in prayer. Tell the Lord that you desire to be humble. Ask him to make you a humble person and to kill the pride within you. It won’t be easy, but you will know the heart of God.

Tuesday, November 24

Read Ephesians 5:15-17

• Paul is the author of these few verses, writing to the church in Ephesus. What does it mean to you to live wisely?

• Paul reminds the people to make the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil. How can you make the most of every opportunity you have for Christ each day?

• He also tells them not to be foolish, but to know the will of God. List out ways that you can know and learn what God’s will is each day.

• The only way to know the will of God is to know about him. This is done in prayer, reading the Bible, singing songs to him, and being silent before him. Take some time to pray. Ask the Lord to make you wise. If it’s your desire, tell him that you want to make the most of every opportunity. Tell him that you want to know his will.

Wednesday, November 25

Read Philippians 2:14-16

• Think back over the past week. How often do you think you complained or argued about something to someone? How often did you do it in your mind?

• Paul tells the church in Philippi to do everything without complaining or arguing. Why did he tell them to do this?

• The great thing that Paul has realized here is that complaining and arguing corrupts and darkens someone’s heart and soul. If their soul is corrupted and negative, they won’t be able to “shine like stars in the universe.” What does it mean to let your life “shine?” Is it your desire to let your life “shine” to the people around you?

• If this is your desire, pray and ask the Lord to purify your heart and soul. Ask him to remove any bitterness from your heart. Confess to him the times you have complained and ask him to give you an attitude and heart of love and encouragement.

WEEK 3: NOVEMBER 12 - 18

Thursday

Read Judges 2:6-23

• List anything that really stands out to you about this passage.

• This passage follows the speech Joshua gives at the end of the book of Joshua. Joshua dies and a new generation is born that does not know the Lord. They choose to worship other gods instead of God. Because of this disobedience, God gave them over to raiders. Why do you think God gave them over to the raiders if they were His people?

• God raised up Judges, or Leaders, to save the people during this time period. After each Judge died, the people returned to their sinful ways and became more corrupt. The Lord became angry with them and decided to no longer drive out enemies that opposed the people of Israel. These became consequences for their behavior. Can you think of a time recently when you disobeyed God, your parents, or teachers and received consequences? What were they? How did they make you feel?

• God uses consequences for disobedience to help train and grow us in our character. Without consequences, we wouldn’t grow and learn from our mistakes. Take some time to pray. Thank God for consequences. Thank him for caring for us enough to teach us lessons, even if it sometimes is the hard way.

Friday

Read Ruth 1:1-18

• This section is loaded with tons of sadness. Imagine being Naomi, your husband and sons have all died and you were left alone (guys vise-versa for you). How would you feel?

• Naomi was very upset and frustrated. She wanted to head back to her homeland and be left alone. She commands both of her daughters in-law to leave her and return to their homes. Orpah chooses to leave and go home, but Ruth demands to stay with her and not let her be lonely. Ruth saw that she was in need and ran to her aid. If you were placed in Ruth’s situation, what would you have chosen to do? Would you have been loyal no matter what?

• The definition of loyalty is giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. Ruth was an incredibly loyal woman during a time period where most people were far from loyal. Do you wish that your friends and people in your life were as loyal as Ruth is?

• Ruth’s example is one we can all learn from. Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord to make you, your friends, and family loyal like Ruth.

Monday

Read 1 Samuel 16: 1-13

• In this section, Israel has recently begun its new monarchy system. Saul was anointed as the first king, but the Lord ends up rejecting him because of his disobedience. God sends Samuel to anoint the new king. As Samuel sees Jesse’s first son, he believes he is the one to anoint, but God says, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” What does it mean when he says, “but the Lord looks at the heart”?

• With the people around you (friends, family, teachers, etc) do you typically accept people based on what they look like, or based on their heart?

• What does it look like to judge or accept someone based on their heart in your everyday life?

• It’s refreshing to know that God doesn’t judge you and I based on our appearance either, but based on our heart. Take a moment and pray, thanking God for that. Ask God to help you look for the good in people’s hearts, and not judge them based on their appearance.

Tuesday

Read Daniel 1:1-9

• Place yourself in the shoes of the Israelites. In this passage, they have just been conquered by the Babylonians. They are moved from their homes, families, and customs. Everything they once knew is gone. How would you feel in this situation? How do you think you would respond?

• The majority of the Israelites conformed to the traditions of the Babylonians, all but Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. It says, “but Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” Daniel had a ton of courage to stand up for what God was calling him to. In what ways do you need to stand up to the culture, environment, or choices that others are making and resist the lies and temptations of the enemy?

• It says in James 4:7 “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” Take some time to pray, asking God to give you the strength and wisdom to resist the enemy like Daniel.

Wednesday

Read Ezra 10: 1-12

• In this passage, the people of Israel have returned to Jerusalem. Ezra has assembled them together and is calling them out for their sin and unfaithfulness to God. In what ways have you sinned against God and been unfaithful to him within this last week?

• The people responded by confessing their sin and unfaithfulness to God. Confess the sins you previously listed to God.

• What steps, if any, do you feel like the Lord is leading you to take? Does he want you to forgive someone? To apologize for something you did? To turn away from a destructive habit? List what out what you believe is the next step for you.

• Pray over the things you listed. Ask God to be glorified in and through your life, and to give you the strength to make things right with Him and the people around you.

WEEK 2: NOVEMBER 5 - 11

Thursday, November 5

Read Genesis 1

• According to this passage, what did God create in the beginning?

• It’s mind-blowing to think that God created everything in 6 days! What stood out most to you after reading this chapter?

• What did God do differently when He created man in his image? The Hebrew word for image is selem, which means to have someone’s characteristics (life, personality, truth, wisdom, etc.) Why do you think he did this?

• Spend some time in prayer, thanking the Lord for creating you. Thank him for the beautiful creation that we are surrounded with each day. Thank him for making you in His image.

Friday, November 6

Read Genesis 32: 24-30

• In this passage, Jacob wrestles with God. What do you think it would be like to wrestle with God physically?

• Have you ever wrestled with God mentally over issues in your life? Why? What did you wrestle with him about?

• Jacob named the place Peniel, which means face of God. He said “It is because I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared.” What do you think it would be like to see God face to face?

• What issues do you need to quit wrestling with God over? List them and spend some time in prayer, surrendering these things over to the Lord.

Monday, November 9

Read Exodus 20: 1-20

• In this passage, God is giving Moses what has become known as the Ten Commandments. Which of these is most difficult for you to live out each day? Why?

• Verse 4 says that we should not make for ourselves idols and worship them. In today’s age, we don’t make idols out of material, but many of us worship and adore celebrities, athletes, or musicians. Which of these do you struggle with? How is this dangerous for our relationship with God?

• Verse 17 says that we should not covet of neighbor’s house. This ultimately means that we should not be jealous of anything that belongs to other people. Is there anything that you are jealous of that your friends have? List them.

• Spend some time in prayer. Tell the Lord that you want to love and worship him and him alone. Surrender to him the idols you worship and the things you are jealous of in other people’s lives.

Tuesday, November 10

Read Joshua 1:1-9

• Joshua lived much of his life following and serving Moses. The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for 40 years before Moses’ death. The Lord is now calling Joshua to go into battle for the Promise Land. How do you think Joshua is feeling at this point in time? How would you feel? Why?

• The Lord comforts Joshua with the promise that he will never leave him or forsake him. This promise is also true for people who have a relationship with Christ. Do you believe this promise? Why or why not?

• The Lord then tells him to be strong and courageous three times. God is clearly making a point to Joshua. He also tells him to not let His word depart from his mouth, but to meditate on it day and night. Why do you think he tells him these things?

• God’s word is what leads and guides us. Spend time in prayer asking God to make you strong and courageous like Joshua. Thank him for being with you no matter what. Pray that you not let his word depart from your life.

Wednesday, November 11

Read Joshua 24: 1-15

• This passage is a summary of Israel’s history as a nation and covers everything we discussed during Sublime, Creation to Conquest. It tells how God chose them as a people and the amazing things he did among them. How much of this was prior knowledge to you before this past week at Sublime?

• In verse 14, Joshua tells them to fear the Lord and serve Him but tells them if that’s not desirable to them to serve other gods. He then tells them a famous quote “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Who do you want to serve with your life, God or other gods? Why?

• Reread Joshua: 24:1-15. After you finish, spend 10 minutes in silence, reflecting on all that God has done in your lifetime. When the 10 minutes is up, thank Him for those things. If it’s your desire, tell Him that you want to serve Him and Him alone.

WEEK 1: OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3

Wednesday, October 28

Read Psalm 1

• Where is a man’s delight found who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked?

• What are the differences between the wicked man and the man who delight’s in the Lord’s word? List them out.

• How often does he meditate on the Lord’s word? How often do you meditate on his word?

• Pray and ask the Lord to fill your mind with his word throughout the day. Thank him for “texting” you his word.

Thursday, October 29

Read Psalm 119:9-16

• According to this passage, how can a man keep his way pure?

• What does it mean to hide God’s word in your heart?

• Do you delight in the Lord’s word? Do you rejoice in his statutes? Why or why not? If not, do you wish you did? If yes, why?

• Spend some time in prayer now. Ask the Lord to help you to delight in his word each day.

Friday, October 30

Read Psalm 119:33-37

• How can you be taught to follow God’s decrees, laws, or statutes?

• If the God of the universe gave you his words, would you obey them with all of your heart? Why or why not? Why is it so difficult to obey God’s word?

• According to this passage, can God’s word preserve your life? What does this mean to you?

• Spend some time now in prayer. Ask the Lord to help you to obey his word with all your heart. Ask him to preserve your life with it.

Monday, November 2

Read Psalm 119:97-105

• What stood out to you most about this passage?

• What does it look like for you to meditate on God’s word all day long?

• The author of this psalm spends a lot of time listening to God and reading his “text messages.” How can meditating on God’s word affect our worldviews?

• Spend a few minutes in prayer. Thank the Lord for his word and the way it guides and directs us each day.

Tuesday, November 3

Read Proverbs 2:1-6

• According to this passage, where does knowledge and understanding come from?

• If someone wants to know God’s word, what should they do?

• Why is God’s word so important? Is it important to you?

• Take a minute and pray. Cry out to the Lord for knowledge and understanding.