Unlikely Followers

Posted by Karah

IMG_7896Pause

What kind of person do you think would make the ideal disciple? List a few descriptions or characteristics below.

Jesus replied to them, “The healthy don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” —Luke 5:31-32

Now, read Luke 5:27-32 in your Bible. At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, tax collectors were among the most despised people in society. They collected taxes for the Romans, and their profit depended upon how much money they collected, which led them to overcharge. To put it simply, tax collectors were the last people you’d expect Jesus to call to follow Him.

Read through the passage once more and think through these questions:

Is your concept of the ideal disciple the same as the people Jesus actually called? Why or why not?

Examine Jesus’ response in verses 31-32. How would you write it in your own words?

Why is it important to understand that Jesus’ salvation isn’t about what we deserve or what we can earn? Explain.

Respond

We are all unlikely followers, yet Jesus has called us to follow Him.

Reflect on how Jesus has saved you and made you whole. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the way He reached out to you when you didn’t deserve it.

Because they kept all the religious rules and regulation, the Pharisees and scribes thought they were better than the “sinners.” Sometimes, as believers, this attitude can creep into our lives, too. Ask God to reveal any areas in which you’ve allowed it to. In the margin, list two actions you will take to prevent your heart from becoming like the Pharisees’ hearts.

For further study of God’s grace toward us in Jesus, read Romans 5:6-11 and Ephesians 2:1-10.

Behind the Story

In a parallel account of this event in the Gospel of Matthew, the tax collector’s name is given as Matthew (Matt. 9:9). “Matthew the tax collector” is also mentioned in Matthew 10:3. Scholars generally accept Matthew and Levi as the same person. It was common for men of that day to have two names: one in Hebrew or Aramaic; the other Latin or Greek. In this case, Matthew is a Greek name while Levi is a Hebrew name.

The Point

Jesus came for sinners, not just for those who have it all together or seem to deserve Him.


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Perspective

Posted by Karah

Read Isaiah 55:8-9 in your Bible. As you read, consider what these verses tell you about how God’s thinking process is different from your own. Think about how His thoughts are different from ours.

Perspective.God’s perspective on life and the universe is much greater than ours, which is one very important reason why He doesn’t act like we do.

JOURNAL

Evaluate your life and the things you’re dealing with right now in light of these verses. Then, record your thoughts in your journal. Ask yourself: How can I see things from God’s perspective? Can I see His purpose? How could what I’m facing today be a part of God’s plan for my future?

TAKE ACTION

The certain thing about God’s words is that they are productive. Take some time to meditate upon them or memorize them today. What steps will you take this week to make Scripture a vital part of each day of your life?


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Suit Up

Posted by Karah

If you’ve ever played on a sports team, you know the importance of putting on the uniform. It helps you focus your mind on the game ahead. If you dress up for church on Sundays or have to put on business attire for work, you know that those outfits are significant, too. They reflect the propriety of the service you’re about to attend or the work you’re about to do.

READ JEREMIAH 1:17-19.

God was telling Jeremiah to “get ready,” because he needed to stand tall and proclaim the truth in the face of adversity. Now, check out verse 17 in a couple of other translations or paraphrases:

“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.” —Jeremiah 1:17 (ESV)

“But you—up on your feet and get dressed for work! Stand up and say your piece. Say exactly what I tell you to say. Don’t pull your punches or I’ll pull you out of the lineup.” —Jeremiah 1:17 (The Message)

THE POINT

When Jeremiah was wearing God’s authority, he was like “a fortified city,” “an iron pillar” and “bronze walls” against his enemies. When you’re doing what God has called you to, don’t be afraid. Stand in His power and strength.

TAKE ACTION

Focus on your calling. If you know what God is asking you to do, don’t be afraid to move forward.

Do what it takes to suit up. How can you prepare yourself to do God’s work?


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Trusting God’s Promises

Posted by Karah

Who is the most trustworthy person you know? Why?  List a few reasons.

Probably one of your answers was that a trustworthy person keeps his or her word. She does what she says she will; he keeps his commitments. The Bible tells us that God does everything that He says He’ll do. Every promise He makes gets fulfilled. A promise from God is more than a guarantee—it’s as good as if it were already done.

READ JEREMIAH 1:11-14. Notice that God promised disaster from the north, and soon enough, Babylon came from the north and conquered Jerusalem. God always does what He says He’ll do. Ask yourself:

When and how have you seen God fulfill His promises to you?

Do you doubt God’s ability to come through for you? Why or why not?

TAKE ACTION

In what areas of your life are you not trusting God to fulfill His promises to you? Turn them over to Him in prayer today.
What specific steps will you take to actively trust God with your life and your plans this week? List two or three.

GOING DEEPER

Want to know more about the things God has promised to those who love and seek Him? Read the following verses:

Isaiah 40:29-31
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 11:28-29
John 14:27
Romans 8:37-39
Romans 6:23
Romans 10:9
Philippians 4:19


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Be An Example

Posted by Karah

“Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – The apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 4:12

Think about the things (past or present) that you’ve been told you’re too young to do. (Don’t worry! We’ve started the list for you.)

drive

date

 stay home alone

Parents have many reasons for making us wait to do things, but you’re never too young to be obedient to God. Read Jeremiah 1:6-8 to learn more.

What was Jeremiah’s excuse for being afraid to go where God was going to send him?

Why does God tell Jeremiah that he shouldn’t be afraid?

When has God helped you to be obedient when you were afraid?

Do you believe that God will go with you when you follow His plans? Why or why not?

Does being young stop you from doing what God wants you to do? Why or why not?

THE POINT

God hasn’t made a plan for your life and left you to figure it out on your own. He has promised to be with you and to help you accomplish what He’s planned for you to do. Being young and alone are not obstacles in God’s eyes.

Take Action
Is there something you believe God has called you to do, but you’ve resisted because you felt too young or unqualified? How will you trust God with that this week?
Write Jeremiah 1:8 on a note card and place it somewhere you will see it every day. Memorize it so you can recall it when you are scared to step out in faith.


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A Plan for You

Posted by Karah

Before you were born, your parents wondered what you would be like. After your birth, they watched you grow and figured out your likes and dislikes. As you started making friends, your personality blossomed. By now, all your relatives, teachers and neighbors have a solid grasp on who you are and who you are not.

But did you know that God knew you completely BEFORE you were born?

Read Jeremiah 1:1-5 to learn more. Focus on verse 5.

What do you think it means to be “set apart”?

Why is it important to recognize God had plans for Jeremiah before he was even born?

What are some of the plans you think God has for your life? Explain.

How does knowing that God knows you and has a unique design for your future affect the way you live your life today? Explain.

The Point

Long before your parents had even an inkling of your existence, God was drawing up the blueprints for your life. He made great plans for you—and He wants to put them into action.

Take Action
Take stock of your life. Are you trying to plan your own life or are you trusting God to show you His plans? Explain.
List three steps you’ll take this week to let God have absolute control of your life and your plans for the future.
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Behind the Story

According to the opening verses of his book, Jeremiah was the son of a priest and lived in Anathoth, about three miles northeast of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s career as a prophet began during the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign. Jeremiah was probably born around 650-645 B.C. during King Manasseh’s rule, meaning he was probably young and unmarried at the time God called him into prophecy. Despite being mocked, scorned, ignored, and rejected throughout his ministry, Jeremiah continued to faithfully proclaim God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.


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No Pride

Posted by anthologycreative

It’s the cocky guy who has a “better-than” attitude and pushes you around. It’s the popular girl who wields her power, crushing you when you try to get in her way.

You’ve seen these characters portrayed throughout pop culture in films and books. The reality, though, is that you know people just like them. Pride is at the core of who they are.

Read over Romans 12:13-16, paying close attention to verse 16.

How are you encouraged to treat others—especially those who create conflict with you—in these verses?

What does it mean to pursue hospitality? How will you do so this week?

With whom in your life are you not in agreement? What steps will you take so that you are?

How have you seen your own pride get in the way of resolving a conflict?

In a culture that tells you, “You’re number one in your life, and no one else matters,” pride is quick to jump in the front seat when you’re facing conflict with someone else head-on. In verse 16, Paul says three very important things that are extremely opposite of what you’ve been told:

• Live in harmony.

• Don’t be arrogant.

• Don’t be a know-it-all. Be humble.

Based on that, here’s a new and improved role you can play: drop the pride, take on humility, and reach out to the ones you disagree with. That’s bound to get people talking!


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Let Love Lead

Posted by anthologycreative

Your family is probably perfect. I’m sure no one ever fights. There’s never any tension. I’ll bet you’re a “Brady Bunch” look-alike, right?

I didn’t think so. None of us look like that. All families are flawed—even Christian families. But what makes a healthy family is that Jesus is the foundation, the love is unconditional, and the forgiveness flows freely.

Read Romans 12:9-12, and zone in on verse 10.

What do these verses teach you about how Christians should treat other believers and non-Christians?

What does it mean to “show family affection” to others?

How can you outdo someone in showing honor?

How often do you display genuine love to those you know? Explain.

What does it mean to be fervent in the spirit? Are you?

How have you rejoiced in hope? Been patient in affliction? Been persistent in prayer?

What did God teach you through those times?

There wasn’t a specific rhyme or reason to Paul’s list of love in Romans 12. But one thing is for sure—he started by making a bold statement. I love how the New Living Translation phrases it: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” What he really means is: don’t be fake; instead, love others like you would your own family. It’s not as easy as it sounds, right? It is easier to avoid the unlovable and dismiss those you don’t like. But here’s what you need to understand: the love Paul talks about isn’t the kind you can produce on your own; rather, it’s the kind that can only come from Jesus and is funneled through you. Stop and ask God to give you that kind of love. Let it be your guide!


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Be The Bigger Person

Posted by anthologycreative

“Choose your battles.” You’ve probably heard that before, right? I’ve picked some battles that were totally worth it, and I’ve picked some that have sent me down in flames.

This is what I learned: unless it affects the moral character and integrity of someone or some situation, or unless it has an impact on God’s bigger story of eternity, then it’s probably not worth going to bat for.

Can you think of a disagreement you’ve put on your boxing gloves for? How about something you chose to walk away from? Go through those scenarios again. How could you have done things differently?

Take a look Genesis 13:8-12. Focus in on verses 8-9.

Why do you think Abram took the high road and worked to resolve the conflict quickly?

Do you work to resolve conflicts quickly? Why or why not?

Whom do you identify with more—Abram or Lot?

When you’re faced with a conflict, do you ever choose to be the bigger person? Why or why not?

Are you someone who seems to incite conflict or quell it? Explain.

Plotting out land ownership wasn’t a hill Abram wanted to die on. Even though he was the one in authority, Abram took the high road.

When things get heated, it’s easy to get mixed up in the hype. But being the bigger person is more than just forfeiting and letting the other person win. Abram was able to let it go because he knew God would provide for his future and bless his faith, regardless of the outcome. Do you trust God with the outcome of your conflict? Someone has to be the bigger person in a disagreement and let it go, or it can get ugly—really ugly. Let that person be you.


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How Do You Handle Conflict

Posted by anthologycreative

Read Genesis 13:1-7.

In a perfect world, we’d all get along. All the beauty queens who wished for world peace would get it. But since our world is extremely broken, conflict is inevitable. What matters the most is how we handle it—in front of believers and non-believers.

We know this: all people are created differently—with different passions, gifts, personalities, and talents; therefore, disagreements are bound to take place.

As you read through Genesis 13:1-7, what did you notice about Abram and Lot?

They were family. But, even more than that, they were extremely close, having lived and traveled together for a long time. Through poverty and trouble, wanderings and miracles, they were never separated. Not until their meddlesome herdsman started causing trouble did it put a wedge between them.

Whether you’ve known someone for five minutes or your whole life, trouble is bound to show up sooner or later. The question is: will you let it come between you? Will you let conflict drive you apart? Or will you let it go and hand it over to God?

The family of God has a strong bond under the leadership of Jesus. This month, we’ll talk about what Scripture says about conflict, how you should deal with it among believers and non-believers, and what your role is as a peacemaker in Christ’s kingdom.


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