2017 Devotional Study Guide
Questions
Jesus Asks
This journal belongs to: ________________________________ Mission trip dates:______________________________________ Mission trip location: ___________________________________
table of contents Introduction: Questions Jesus Asks 1 DAY 1
Have I not chosen you? 2
DAY 2
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 5
DAY 3
What are you so afraid of? 8
DAY 4
How many loaves do you have? 11
DAY 5
Do you understand what I have done for you? 14
DAY 6
Who by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 17
DAY 7
Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I tell you? 20
DAY 8
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 23
DAY 9
Do you believe that I am able to do this? 26
DAY 10
What is it you want? 29
Additional Questions Jesus Asks 32
When You Get Home 36
Child Sponsorship Opportunities 38
Back2Back Overview 40
We encourage you to take the time to finish this book after you return home. Stories and lessons the staff have learned on African soil, Mexican mountains, Haitian shorelines, and Indian streets fill this book and your heart for what’s to come.
introduction
by Beth Guckenberger Back2Back Ministries Co-Executive Director
Questions Jesus Asks
It was while I was undergoing a series of surgeries this past year that I stopped reading my Bible. I knew I needed the Truth still, and I was just as sinful, but focusing on reading the Word, while managing pain and recovery, was challenging. Oftentimes, during the day, I think very happy thoughts, then sometimes, at night, doubt, discouragement, and even fear can creep in. It was in the midst of a night like this, during my recovery, that I stumbled onto this year’s spiritual theme. I didn’t want to wake my husband, Todd, by turning on the light, but I knew I needed help. I picked up my phone and opened a Bible app, hoping to read a few verses and calm my spirit. I realized my Bible app had an audio feature, so I clicked on it. A calming, male voice began to read to me from the Gospel of Mark. As Jesus’ words were spoken aloud, it felt as if God himself was in the bedroom, talking to me! As I listened to Him that night, I realized for the first time how much He uses questions to stir our thoughts. I now know He uses over 130 questions in the Gospels. That’s a lot of reflection He’s asking of us. The study you now hold is the start of this conversation. We are inviting you this week to consider a few of these questions while you’re with us. Some of my favorites are covered by staff friends, but others we didn’t have room for are in the back for your further study (p32). For example, in John 5:6, when He asks us “Do you want to get well?” I spent time wondering how my desire for wellness plays a role in healing. In John 21:17, He asks us, “Do you love me?” and I found myself challenged with not just what I say to Him, but how my actions reflect this reality. It’s our hope as you answer the questions Jesus asks, you’ll enter into conversations of substance with those around you. We hope in your small groups and debriefing circles, you can hear how others are growing and be challenged. The Bible teaches us in Hebrews 4 that “the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” We, as a staff, want to grow this year with you. We have been asking ourselves these questions and are starting to with the children we serve. While on a Thank you work project, or a front porch, ask us which question we are for being wrestling with this week, and how God has been moving in our with us lives. We want to enter into this dialogue with you. Together, this week. it’s how we will cultivate community and grow up spiritually.
John 6:70
Day
1
Have I not chosen you?
by Jenn Holden, Back2Back Monterrey Staff
Do you know that feeling - the push to do something, a tug on your heart? The one often followed by the doubt, as you wonder if you’re really the right person for the job. Is it Him asking you to approach the little girl sitting alone? Would He really ask you to share your story? Isn’t there someone else God could send to pray alongside that teenager? I remember sitting in a church service watching words flash across the screen: “If not you, then who?” My heart sped up as a truth was reiterated – I needed to serve the orphan, to let go of my plans. Around every corner He was affirming His choice and asking of me the same question He posed to His disciples thousands of years ago. Months later, I landed in Monterrey, Mexico ready to serve the orphan. But it didn’t take long for the doubt and insecurity to creep in. I began to remember that question from months before and could easily list people who were surely more qualified than I. 2
But God… “ My Spanish isn’t adequate enough to stand up and translate for the charismatic preacher standing under the palapa. I will surely stumble over my words…
you sure you want me to connect with those women “ Are who have been hardened? Surely you can find a better candidate to share truth and grace there… want me to stand in front of this mission team and “ You speak on behalf of the orphan. What if I don’t have the words. . . must be someone with more life experience or more “ There Do you training to carry this responsibility. . . But within those felt limits, I chose to remain near Him. I want to be found following Him after the crowds walk away, trusting in His outrageous call: “Have I not chosen you?” Just imagine Jesus speaking these words to His disciples. His eyes, marked with deep love, take in those He has chosen; He loves them, in spite of how they will let Him down – because they are His - His Kingdom crew. “Have I not chosen you?” As He asks them, His words are a challenge to see themselves as He sees them. His words are a comforting reiteration that even if they miss the mark, they are still His.
know that feeling the push to do something, a tug on your heart?
And as we hear Jesus engage His disciples with this question, we can’t help but hear it echoing throughout history, as it echoes within us. Moses stumbling over his words before the burning bush while God calls him to speak on behalf of His people. . . Jonah inside the belly of a giant fish while God instructs him to go share truth and grace with the people of Ninevah. . . Esther, an orphan in the palace of the king who intends to exterminate her people, using her voice “for such a time as this . . .” Mary, terrified as an angel shares with her the miraculous responsibility she will soon carry…
“Have I not chosen
you?”
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 What does it mean for your story, that you are chosen by the King?
What do you believe He may be choosing you to do for His Kingdom today? This week?
2 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s
special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
3
4
How might the Lord use the dark parts of your story to not only redeem you, but work through you to reach others?
Consider the Biblical names Jenn listed for us – all chosen and frightened at the prospect of what they were being called to do, to commit to, to begin on behalf of Kingdom work. How does it make you feel to know you are not alone in feeling inadequate in the face of being called to action? How might you glean confidence from these, and countless other stories of being among the chosen?
Matthew 7:3
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
Day
2
by Leah Smart, Back2Back Nigeria Staff
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
In Nigerian culture, when someone arrives at a meeting, everyone is greeted individually. This often feels like it takes a prolonged, unnecessary amount of time. If someone arrives late to a meeting, we generally stop what we are doing so the new arrival can greet everyone, and be greeted in return. But they are late! Shouldn’t they come in quietly so as not to disturb those already working? Living, and learning, in this culture so different from the one I became accustomed to growing up, forces me to consider planks and logs in a whole new light. I’ve gone about my days presuming my eyes were mostly clear of wood, but now I imagine them clogged with floating timber. Planks can be our cultural perspective or reactions to things uncomfortable to us; more often than not, these planks are revealed in my irritation. Someone new may arrive in the 5
middle of a conversation. If I do not stop to greet them, I am admonished, “Auntie, he is trying to greet you.” But I was just interrupted. Isn’t that impolite? In the midst of attempting to still fully grasp Nigerian perspective on this, I admittedly struggle to make it second nature as I go about my work. Jesus’ question requires me, requires us, to turn the mirror on ourselves and look honestly at our own sin.
The Bible teaches us over and again only the Lord has the right to judge and his way is mercy.
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My sin is impatience. My sin is a lack of respect for something valued in Nigerian society. My sin is not returning to them the honor afforded me in greeting. We must draw back to this question again, and again, applying it to our lives, and pray it never loses its bite.
Confronting our own sin and shortcomings can be a painful process. It is much easier to point to those around us, calling out the areas in which they are lacking, but what growth can occur from focusing outward instead of inward? The Bible teaches us over and again only the Lord has the right to judge and His way is mercy. While you may have never lived cross-culturally, like Leah, there are surely situations in which we all feel compelled to point the finger instead of considering where we are wrong. As Leah shares vulnerably with us about the planks and specks she’s experiencing, she reminds us we must continually draw back to this question and apply it to our own lives. As we invite the Lord into our interactions, let us pray, also, for conviction over behaviors that do not lead our eyes back to the Cross.
your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 Which situations from the past have you felt blameless, but upon further reflection, realize you, too, have planks in your eyes? How did you address that particular situation?
2 What is something you feel the Lord asking you to examine in your behaviors or attitudes? What can you do to draw nearer to the Lord as you reflect?
3
4
What are one or two “planks� you are currently working through or have been brought to your attention during your stay with us? How is the Lord using this trip to open your heart?
Read these verses on judgment and write your favorite one. (James 4:11-12; Galatians 6:1-6; Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14:1-13, Romans 12:16-18)
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Matthew 8:26 Mark 4:40
Day
3
by Matt Cooper, Back2Back Mexico Staff
What are you so afraid of?
When we moved to Mexico my Spanish was a little rough. Vocabulary and conjugation of verbs was one thing, but trying to actually have a conversation was an entirely different matter. You can imagine my reaction when God prompted me to spend time with teenage boys at one of the local children’s homes upon our arrival in Monterrey. I felt resistant to say the least. I longed to move in faithfulness to God’s prompting, but honestly felt like He might as well have been asking me to pilot a plane. Although feelings of incompetence were present, the overwhelming emotion I felt was good oldfashioned fear. A stream of questions surfaced from within me. Will these boys even be able to understand my robotic, classroom Spanish? Would I be able to understand them with their intense accents? Would I be able to decipher the extreme amounts of slang they use? Then I began to calculate the speed at which they speak. Panic consumed me. If I don’t catch what they are saying, 8
I’ll look like an idiot. I will be the brunt of countless jokes and complete rejection. I might as well give up now because I’m just not cut out for this. This small insecurity had transported me from a place of wanting to follow God’s heart to feeling like I was plummeting into the deep abyss of hopelessness. But, in the midst of the myriad of negative thoughts and emotions, I could hear Jesus asking, “What are you so afraid of?” His words stopped me abruptly and ministered to me. I was reminded my fears had no real foundation, that God always goes before me. He calms the storms within me, and I felt certain He would be with me in my interactions with the boys. I overcame fear by reflecting on spiritual truths. I pressed on and my Spanish skills grew, incredible relationships were formed with the boys, and once again, Jesus showed me there is nothing to be afraid of.
This week you may find yourself in a similar situation to Matt. You may not be skilled in a foreign language and feeling unsure of how to connect. You may find yourself thinking, “I’ve nothing to offer without being able to speak to the children…” Or, if you can speak to the children you’re sharing time with this week, you may be questioning how to connect with them – what to talk about, what questions to ask or not ask, what to share with them about your own life.
God will step into our fears; we need only to ask it of Him. Then when He does, He brings with Him peace.
When we begin to wrestle with these sorts of questions, when we begin to act, or not act in some cases, out of fear, we can lose sight of a God who does the equipping. He will step into our fears; we need only to ask it of Him.Then when he does, he brings with him peace. That peace is evidence God is with us in all circumstances.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 In 1 Peter 5:7 we are instructed to “cast all our anxieties on Him, because
He cares for you.” What does casting your anxieties on God entail? What do you feel Him calling you to hand over?
2 What is one fear you walked into this trip with? How have you seen God at work against that fear?
3
4
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Read Psalm 139:5 What should we glean from these words about what God can do in the midst of our fear?
Name one fear you are experiencing. Imagine God is sitting next to you. What do you think He would say in this moment, to you, about that fear?
DAY
Day
4
Matthew 15:34
How many loaves do you have?
by Dana Metzger, Back2Back Mazatlán Staff
As His followers, Jesus asks us to offer Him everything we have and trust Him to multiply it. There are a few specific times in my life when obeying has meant complete upheaval and absolute dependence on His miraculous intervention. In moments of weakness, I have felt unprepared and unworthy of answering His call perhaps afraid of my shortcomings, confused by His plan, or hesitant to leave my comfort zone. I imagine Jesus’ disciples felt something similar when they stood before a hungry crowd, with only a meager pile of bread and fish to offer. When we moved to Mazatlán in 2012, leaving everything familiar required complete surrender. There have been moments over the past five years, when we’ve stared into the eyes of children who have lived very difficult stories, and realized they are just a few of 163,000,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in the world. There have been moments we’ve wondered if God can really use us. It has been an ongoing lesson in releasing control and the certainty of results this world tells us to grip tightly. 11
More recently He has called my family and I to adoption, and again it feels like what we have to give won’t be enough. My husband and I aren’t child psychologists, physical therapists, nutritionists, or parenting super-stars; we’re normal people with many flaws. Yet He continues to nudge - Do you trust Me? Will you surrender what you have and let Me use you?
Consider what God has equipped us with and how He will magnify the gifts for His glory.
On a day-to-day basis the loaves I have to share may not be all that dramatic. They may be a few extra plates at the dinner table, an afternoon of babysitting, or 15 minutes to write an encouraging note or pray for a friend. These gifts seem far from revolutionary, but when I've turned to Jesus with doubts, He has gently reminded me it's not my job to perform miracles. In His compassion and generosity, He's proven He can take small things, offered to Him with open hands, and multiply them by 4,000.
How many times have you been asked to provide loaves of bread? For most of us, we’ve literally never been asked this question, but how often are we asked to give what we have, no matter how meager it feels to us, and give it willingly? In Matthew 15:36-37, it says, “Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied.” That’s what happens when God partners with you to impact others, He satisfies the need in miraculous ways through our offering. We know it’s His provision that does the satisfying, but it’s still incredible He chooses to use what’s in our hand. Dana illustrates what our loaves may be, in the day in and day out. Acts of service and whispered prayers to an all-knowing God on another’s behalf may feel insignificant to us. However, against the backdrop of a God who feeds thousands and walks on water, who are we to put a lid on the ways He works? How many loaves you have seems to be less of a question of literal numbers and more a request to consider what He has equipped us with and how He will magnify the gifts for His glory.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 What are loaves you’re being asked to give openly and freely? Are you hesitating to hand these over in fear that they aren’t enough?
2 In the midst of your stay with us this week, do you feel the Lord asking you to
surrender something to Him? What “loaves” do you have to give this week?
3
List three to four characteristics you know to be true of God below – how will each of these help you better surrender your life to Him in a manner that is both open and with trust?
13
John 13:12
Day
5
Do you understand what I have done for you?
by Hope Garcia, Back2Back Monterrey Staff
During college I was one of those students who actually studied. I don’t want to call myself a nerd, but in all actuality I’m sure I was. I never missed a class. I strived to get papers done a week in advance. I earned 90s on nearly every test. It is a safe assumption to say up until I completed college, I had never truly failed. God understood more than I did how much I leaned on my own achievements for identity and worth. My perfect achievement streak changed abruptly when I began to teach at Sierra Madre Christian Academy, Back2Back’s school for staff children, in Monterrey, Mexico. I thought I was a well-prepared teacher until I was thrown into a room with 12 kids in four different grades. I taught all their core subjects, including their Bible education. I wanted the absolute best for the missionary kids and I soon found myself trying to prepare 32 top-notch, creative lesson plans a day. Between early mornings, late nights, and working weekends, I was overwhelmed and still lacking the fruit I was so hopeful to see. After the first semester I felt exhausted and ready to fly home. I sat on my bed 14
one night and sobbed; failing for the first time in my life left me feeling worthless. It was in this moment I sensed Jesus’ presence come into my room, and sit at the end of my bed. “Hope,” He said with so much grace, “Do you understand what my death on the cross means for you?” Those were not the words I was expecting. “It means you have freedom to fail. You don’t have to be perfect because your worth is not based on your achievements; it is based on mine. I love you, period. There is nothing you can do to make me love you less or more than I do in this moment. I love you fully and completely right now, even if you feel like you are failing!” The peace and freedom that came from truly understanding what Christ had done for me was unreal. To this day I thank Him for interrupting my perfect world to teach me about my true identity.
Who does God say we are? We may often find ourselves needing the reminder the Lord does not define us by our accomplishments on this side of Heaven. Just a quick glance through our Bibles will swiftly assure us He knows, and calls, us valuable (Genesis 2:7, Matthew 10:30, Psalm 139:4, 139:14), free (Romans 8:1-2), saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8), secure in Him (Romans 8:39), His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6), His heirs (Galatians 4:7), chosen (Ephesians 1:4) and complete in Him (Colossians 2:10). But we are quick to let our eyes stray from these Truths, we allow misconceptions of this world into our hearts and lose sight of who He calls us to be.
This means you have freedom to fail. You don’t have to be perfect because your worth is not based on your achievements.
In what situations have you found yourself in - feeling less than, worthless, ill-equipped? May we be quick to remind ourselves, and those around us, in these moments of forgetting Who we belong to, our God doesn’t make mistakes. He designs and looks on us lovingly and with affection.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 Read back through the list of who God says we are. Which one of the bold
words sticks out to you the most? How is God reminding you of this truth this week?
2 How does understanding what God has done for us and who we are in Him go hand in hand? Can you have a grasp on one without the other?
3 When have you felt most loved by God? List 2 to 3 ways you are feeling loved this week?
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Luke 12:25
Day
6
by Jeff Hickman, Back2Back Haiti Staff
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
We began tracking the storm at the end of September. It would develop into Hurricane Matthew and set its sights on Haiti in October. As we were making our preparations, the experts predicted the storm would turn towards Jamaica. While bad news for Jamaica, we felt relief. It quickly dwindled when the storm began tracking back towards Haiti and grew to a devastating strength. While we anticipated landfall on a Sunday evening, the storm moved at a painfully slow pace and met us on a Tuesday morning. I worried from the time we knew it became a category 4 hurricane, until Tuesday night. It was only then we were confident the homes we served and the Back2Back property had missed the brunt of the storm. Until then I was fixated on How bad would the storm actually be? How much damage would be sustained? What will recovery look like? Will there be injuries? These were just concerns regarding the kids we served, I still had my own family and the other staff families to worry about. 17
In my head, I’ve known Luke 12:25, but only as an abstract concept. “Who by worrying can add one hour to his life?” The idea of adding one hour to my life when I didn’t know when it would end wasn’t tangible enough for me to grasp.
What gifts from the Father are we overlooking or sidestepping as a result of living with worry?
After the storm passed and life began to return to normal, I was challenged with the idea of what if, instead of one hour, it was, “who by worrying can add...joy, happiness, time with his kids, peace, laughter, a great conversation with his wife, extra moments in prayer...to his life?” This gave me a different perspective. Should I have been concerned about what could have happened during the hurricane? Absolutely. Should I have allowed worry to consume my mind and stop me from being fully present with my family? No. I pray this is a lesson learned.
What worry consumes you? We each can be found fretting over something we may never have the chance to control. How does that thinking impact our quality of life? Our relationships? God calls us to live a life of joy and peace, patience and trust. Yet often we hunker down in our concern and make ourselves at home. This doesn’t help anything and in the end, can feel like a waste of precious time. Why are we so quick to saddle ourselves to worry? We pick up what isn’t ours to carry and we move through stories only half-present, preoccupied with something ahead we can’t change. What gifts from the Father are we overlooking or sidestepping as a result of living with worry? Did he want to give us peace? Joy? Patience with someone? Did He offer to us mercy or wisdom, but instead of having our hand out to receive it, we closed our hand and missed out. “Who by worrying can add one hour to his life?” Jesus asks of His children. He is a King ready and willing to carry the burdens of this world on our behalf. What will it take for us to lay it down?
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a
good word makes him glad.” What are good words or truths you can cling to in seasons of worry?
2 Think about a time worry was prominent in your thoughts and actions.What did you miss out on? How did it effect the way you interacted with people in your day-to-day life?
3
What do you think God wants you to remember about Him in the midst of your worry? List them below.
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Luke 6:46
Day
7
by Ben Riggs, Back2Back Cancun Staff
Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
The smell of dust and sound of motorbikes filled my senses walking in the Tres Reyes Community. I was visiting the Back2Back Cancun site with my wife, Emily. I wrestled with deep hesitance over the idea of moving to Mexico. I knew Jesus shapes and sends us with His heart for the vulnerable, but this wasn’t how I’d planned things. As a cool breeze whispered, I thought of a question Jesus posed long ago, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Just a few months later, emboldened by Emily’s bravery, we moved. My deepest reluctance was the language barrier. I love conversation, so anxiety filled me as I thought about the hundreds of things I’d want to say, but wouldn’t be able to. Over the first months, I watched God not only work around my lack of fluency, but use it to create relationships with children and families. It was through laughing over the wrong word, asking them for help, and taking time to listen, God used this deep reluctance to create relationships I never thought possible. 20
Recently, I reflected on that first walk through Tres Reyes. I thought about how although I’d found a way to settle for saying Jesus was the Author of our story, I still sought to be editor-in-chief. Why do we find ways to say He’s Lord, but not do what He says? It’s this: believing Jesus is Lord with your life is risky. His Story of steadfast love is stubborn. Not even a tomb could out-stubborn Him. He took the hard stop of death and turned it into a plot twist. It seems we want the benefits of the plot twist without participating in the twist itself. We want to say, “Jesus is in charge,” with our mouths, but not risk our stories. If He’s Lord of our stories, there’s nothing He cannot ask of us. Is there a better Author to submit to, than the One who promises mercy and justice will win? He is the only Author you can point to and say, “He’s writing my story. It’s risky, but only leading toward good.”
This is the dilemma. We want to say Jesus is our Lord, our Author, but we want editor’s rights. We tend to forget the One writing our stories is the One writing this world’s story, and He doesn’t share editing privileges. This gives him perspective as He writes scenes into each life that grow us up, or uses our gifts, or partners us with His work.
He calls us to risk the stories we want because it’s the only way we’ll live in the story we need – His.
And that’s good news. Jesus calls us to do what He says, to embody His plot twist. He may not send you overseas, but He will send you out of your comfort zone. Maybe even today. He calls us to risk the stories we want because it’s the only way we’ll live in the story we need – His.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 How might God be calling you outside your comfort zone? What is one
way you feel God asking you to take a step towards something unfamiliar? What do you expect will happen on the other side?
2 What do you worry about? What may the Lord be calling you to step into? List one to three anxieties you feel over something new; it could be a new relationship, circumstance, or a change in your life ahead. Can you think of Biblical truths that would quiet these anxieties?
3
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Ben writes, “If He’s Lord of our stories, there’s nothing He cannot ask of us.” What do you want to control of? What does knowing the Lord can, and often will, ask anything from us tell you about His character? What does it tell you about what He knows of your character?
Luke 15:4
Day
8
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
by Chris Childs, Back2Back India Staff
In India, shepherds guide their flocks from field to field in order to provide them with ample food and water. These flocks often go very far and are guided down busy city streets and country roads with many other shepherds and their flocks. The shepherds use their voice and call to guide their own flock among the larger herd. Sometimes I see animals become distracted, tired from the heat, or even wounded – falling behind the flock as they move towards the next field or head back home. If a sheep or goat becomes separated from the flock, they can no longer hear their shepherd’s call. Lost and without inclination of which direction to go, many of the animals stand still and cry out in fear, waiting hopefully to hear a return call from the other animals or their shepherd. Jesus uses this question in Matthew to help us understand how our Shepherd feels about us. He implores, if we have become distracted, too tired, or hurt, would God no longer care about 23
us? God, who loves us and created us, made us special for a purpose (Jer 29:11). The Good Shepherd would never allow us to become so lost He wouldn’t leave the rest of the flock to come to our rescue. Even in the midst of feeling alone and abandoned, God never abandons us – whether we are working a 9-to-5 day job or are an orphaned or vulnerable child. Instead, in our wandering, He searches us out, calling our names, seeking to find and bring us back into His reach.
God yearns for us to remain close so that He can guide us and provide for us.
In this passage in Luke, the parable addresses our salvation, how we can’t save ourselves, but need a Shepherd to come and rescue us. He leaves the ninety-nine sheep, His eye on the one who isn’t home. That rescue doesn’t just happen once, when we come to know Him the first time personally. Instead, even after our salvation, the Shepherd never stops His pursuit of us, picking us up again and again when we’ve fallen. We are never too far out for His rescue to reach us. And we are never long enough into our walk with the Lord that He will cease with lovingly pursuing each of us. You are never too far gone for your Father. No matter where you are today, whether you can hear His voice or not, He is still calling and searching for you. God is the great Provider, leading us to areas of ample food and water, like the shepherds seen near the India Hope Campus. God yearns for us to remain close so that He can guide us and provide for us.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 Read Psalm 23
What are the characteristics of the shepherd and what does it tell us about Jesus?
2 When is a moment in your life when you’ve felt away from the ninety-nine? How did God rescue you?
3
4
How can we tell it’s the shepherd’s voice we hear? How do you listen to God?
Do you feel God providing for you in same way on this trip? If so, how?
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Matthew 9:28
Day
9
Do you believe that I am able to do this?
by Katie Zayner, Back2Back Monterrey Staff
I think Peter and I would have been fast friends. I, too, am quick to hear God’s voice and take a step forward in faith. I can also often feel afraid, take my eyes off Jesus, and begin to sink. After taking a step onto the water the feeling of, “Oh no! What did I do? Where are you, Jesus?” can paralyze us. This year, when God asked my husband and I to take a step of faith, and invite a seventeenyear-old Hope Program student into our home as our foster daughter, we heard Him clearly the first time. We began taking steps out onto the water to bring her into a forever home and Jesus showed up faithfully along the way, confirming our call and encouraging our hearts. However, I still doubted my ability. Who am I, an American mother of boys, in my early thirties, with limited Spanish, to raise and nurture a teenage daughter? Do I have what it takes? The accuser began reminding me over and over of my faults and shortcomings and I started to sink. I was discouraged, anxious, insecure, afraid. 26
“Lord, save me!” was all it took for Him to immediately and gently remind me of who I am and Whose I am. “Why did you doubt?” He asked and, as I poured out my heart, He pointed out the root of all of these feelings was fear. Praise God that He is a God of Peace and not of fear. He hears our cry and delivers us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). His voice brings life, encouragement, comfort. He leads, convicts, reassures, stills. Our family is so blessed with a new foster daughter and we can’t imagine life without her. And I am grateful for a Good Father who immediately reaches out and pulls me out of fear when I am sinking.
When was the last time you doubted? What caused you to doubt? And did it consume you or were you able to call out, “Lord, save me!” like Katie in your time of need? Katie reminds us our God is one of Peace and He is always in control. In Luke 12:6-7 we can read,“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.Why even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Do you believe you posses inherent value? In seasons of disbelief we may be quick to only recall all the ways we will fall short or fail, but how can we combat these untruths? If the God of the universe knows the number of hairs on our heads, can’t we find confidence that He will accomplish everything He has set out to do through us? In times of doubt, of wondering aloud how we will ever be able to move forward in obedience, we can still our hearts and remember doubt robs us of the peace He promises.
If the God of the universe knows the number of hairs on our head, can’t we find confidence that He will accomplish everything He has set out to do through us?
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 What do you know to be true about God that helps curb doubt in your relationship with Him?
2 How often do you call out to the Lord when you feel doubt creep in? If you don’t call out to the Lord, how do you cope with your disbelief?
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Read Lamentations 3:25-26 How can our stance of seeking Him help us in the midst of our doubt?
Matthew 20:21, 32
Day
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by Chris Cox, One21 Director
What is it you want?
Music filled the room, reverberating off the walls. The students’ voices rose above it; a hopeful reminder of the reckless abandon an emerging generation can possess when the environment prompts it. Canvased by the beauty of southwest Ohio trees in the fall, a community of students and leaders gathered for a One21 retreat. As leaves fell, music could be heard from the large barn-like building tucked away in the hills of the camp. The room was packed, yet students navigated through the masses to one corner of the room where hundreds of ceramic tiles were stacked in the corner. Above the tiles, the question “What lies are you believing?” illuminated a dark wall. Students came to the tiles, and recorded lies they believed about themselves. Beside the pile of tiles was a giant box with the words, “What do you want me to do?” on the front. The sound of smashing tiles could be heard as students hurled written deceptions into the 29
box, illustrating desire for God to break through their lies. Freedom rang through the room as students gave themselves wholly to their God.
Sometimes in the longing to give Jesus what He wants, He reminds us we are not just called to give of ourselves, but also to receive from Him.
Sometimes in the longing to give Jesus what He wants, He reminds us we are not just called to give of ourselves, but also to receive from Him. “What do you want?” He asks of us. Because there is a choice. We can choose freedom, but more often we choose comfort. Freedom or comfort. We usually want Jesus to give us one or the other. Years after those breaking tiles rang through the air, I realized along the road, I stopped asking for freedom. I began asking for comfort. I looked over a packed summer schedule of retreats and trips and realized I had accepted a lie as if it was truth. If you, Chris, aren’t here, this camp will fail. I wanted Jesus to tell me I had a comfortable seat of leadership in His Kingdom. This is the tension of Jesus’ question in Matthew chapter 20. “What do you want from me?” Jesus asks both the mother of James and John (verse 21) and two blind men (verse 32). Their responses are very different. The mother asks for comfort. The blind men ask for freedom. I wanted a seat next to Jesus. Planning and leading numerous events myself would, in my mind, inch me closer to the head of His table. But that wasn’t really my heart - it never was. I’ve always loved getting people in the right seat at the right time. I realized, as I stewed on this question from Jesus, what I really wanted was for students to have the best seats at the table. I sat before an open journal, listing each role I was trying to fill well. Next to it, I wrote the names of students, volunteers, and youth workers. Lord, who are you inviting to lead this? Who will mentor them? My pen began to move, scribing names next to roles; within minutes I was calling each person, inviting them to join God in what He was doing. Jesus, in His grace, met me in a place of questioning and asked, “What do you want from me?” Each person I contacted was freed to lead, and I was freed to rise from their seat.
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your thoughts QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1 Describe a moment where you really wanted comfort?
2 How does the response of the blind men reflect a request for “freedom”?
3
If Jesus were asking you “What do you want from me?” how would you answer?
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additional
Questions Jesus Asks
• If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Matthew 5:46) • Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? (Matthew 12:48) • Who do you say I am? (Matthew 16:15) • What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26) • Why do you ask me about what is good? (Matthew 19:17) • What do you think about the Christ? (Matthew 22:42) • Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? (Mark 4:21) • Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? (Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34) • What do you want me to do for you? (Mark 10:51, John 1:38) • Are you asleep? (Mark 14:37) • Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? (Luke 5:22) • Where is your faith? (Luke 8:25) • Do you want to get well? (John 5:6) • Does this offend you? (John 6:61) • If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? (John 8:46, John 11:26) • Do you love me? (John 21:17)
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YOU
WHEN GET
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HOME
YOU.
You have this one precious life. Every day, you choose how to invest your time… your life. Some days, you invest in friends. Some days, you invest in family. Some days, you invest in community. Some days, you invest in you. And some days…you feel a holy desire – the desire to invest in something new. Something that grows your world perspective, that serves, that loves, that gives. Something that makes you feel alive. And perhaps this week, you have felt a stirring, a joy, a yearning to remain a part of the story started here on this soil. Thank you for coming alongside Back2Back Ministries as we serve orphans and vulnerable children around the globe. Wherever you come from, whatever your gifts, whoever you are… thank you for joining us. Thank you for traveling with us across oceans and through the mountains to whisper God’s words in the ears of children: “I will extend you mercy. I will uphold your cause. I will help secure justice. You are not forgotten.”
Stay involved in one of these 3 ways...
Connect
Receive current prayer requests and inspiring stories and updates via monthly email. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. www.back2back.org
Give Give to the Back2Back Care Fund - every dollar invested goes directly to the holistic care of the children we serve. www.back2back.org/give
Go
Join us on another international mission trip. engaging in a week of service for orphans and vulnerable children. back2back.org/go
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sponsor a child today
BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR ONE!
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R E STO R E
TRANSFORM
EVERY CHILD
EVERY HOME
Connect with a child personally and help meet spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs.
Invest in transformational change for a child’s orphanage or community to make a lasting impact.
$100 A MONTH
$250 A MONTH
God tells the best stories.
When you sponsor a child, perhaps one of the children you’ve met this week, you’re not just giving money or putting a picture on your fridge (although those aren’t bad things). You are stepping into his or her life in a unique way; you become a supporting character in the child’s God-given epic storyline. You become a cheerleader, a guide, a helper. God can use you uniquely to bring change into a child’s life.
Daniel is 7 and lives in Bonfil, a small community outside Cancun. He is 100% boy: he loves to eat (especially sweets) and smile. Unfortunately, Daniel’s story has not always been about a boy who loves to smile. Until last year, Daniel faced a tough obstacle. His teeth were black and rotten, a problem culminating from not being able to visit a dentist. Daniel is a bright boy. He knew he didn’t have a healthy smile. Taking pictures meant battles with shame, and other than his affinity for sweets, eating was painful. Unless something drastic happened soon, his problem would worsen. He needed dental treatment to ensure he’d have a smile today and as an adult. Without it, he was in danger of not having permanent teeth. His family wanted Daniel to love to smile. Unfortunately, the cost was too much for Daniel’s family. Daniel’s story, like all good stories, isn’t about a hero overcoming an obstacle by himself. When the problem seems
too large, the darkness too deep, or hope is lost, someone steps in from the outside: a supporting character. No matter who they are – a guide, a coach, a sidekick – when they enter, a story gets a good shot of hope. Daniel has had a host of supporting characters in his life: a loving family and Back2Back staff. They wanted Daniel to overcome this obstacle. The deciding factor came because two more supporting characters stepped into Daniel’s life: his sponsors. Because of his sponsors’ support, Back2Back Cancun staff found a way to help Daniel’s family get him his needed dental procedure.The family received a scholarship for 85% of the cost. Shortly after Daniel began to see the dentist. His smile - and story - has never been the same. Daniel’s sponsors, his supporting characters, chose to step into his story. Now, Daniel loves to smile for pictures.
Be the difference for one! sponsor a child today back2back.org/sponsor
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In 1997, Back2Back followed God’s call to be His hands and feet to serve orphans in Monterrey, Mexico. We started small by sheltering, nourishing, and teaching children about God’s love.
The children you will meet this week have experienced abandonment, loss, abuse and neglect. This influences how they communicate and behave. Your investment will impact their lives as it will impact your own. 163,000,000 orphans is not a statistic. It is a story.
After years of experience, w importance of investing on level in the lives of children. I the Back2Back 5-Point Development Plan was cr an approach to orphan ministry that addresses crucial areas of child develo (spiritual, physical, educational, and social needs).
We all have a role in this mission. Tog
We value healthy Galatia partners and children. Galatia
way you will fulfill the law of Christ” G load.” In Greek, “burden” means so while a “load” refers to the weight o
We value what is best for the child. T filter from which we make decisions.
We value education and training on
communicate God is the hero and He is using us
We value relationships. We believe givin the hope of the Gospel. We are not victims of o are all “orphans” but when we receive Christ, we b
You will demonstrate these values all week through projects and intentional play (what we call play with a purpose). You might be a part of a game or activity that teaches sticking together, taking turns, or showing perseverance. However we engage,we promise to lead you in thoughtful, trauma-informed care.
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we realized the a deeper In 2011, Child reated, n care s five opment emotional
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Back2Back is about sustainability and development of the orphan and vulnerable child.
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ogether... You are here
ans 6 relationships with ministry
ans 6:2 “Carry each others burdens and in this Galatians 6:5 “For each one should carry his own omething one is incapable of carrying himself of a soldier’s backpack.
The 5-Point Child Development Plan provides a
trauma-informed care. We want to
s to fulfill His will.
ng ourselves is paramount. We want to share our circumstances, but restored in Christ. We become adopted into His Kingdom as co-heirs.
Whether you are engaging in this Mazatlan story in Cancun Haiti Monterrey, Mazatlan, Monterrey Cancun, Haiti, Nigeria or India...
India Nigeria
You are invited to make a difference for one. Learn more at www.back2back.org
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Back2Back Ministries is an international Christian non-profit organization that is dedicated to being a voice for orphans. We exist to love and care for orphans and impoverished children, by meeting their spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs that they may overcome their life circumstances and break free from the cycle
UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS KNOWN AND LOVED. CHILD SPONSORSHIP
Tallie Betscher at childsponsorship@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1705
STAY CONNECTED
Receive current prayer requests and inspiring stories and updates via monthly email. Sign up at: back2back.org
GIVE
Karen Holliday at kholliday@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1707
MISSION TRIPS
Chelsie Standeford at missiontrip@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1701
INTERNSHIP
Chris Ramos at cramos@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1709
TRAUMA COMPETENT CARE
To learn more about Trauma Competent Care, go to: back2back.org/tcc
of generational poverty.
For more information, contact the U.S. office Back2Back Ministries, P.O. Box 70, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 754-0300 • info@back2back.org back2back.org