Community1curriculumv2

foreward by Brett Eastman, Preseident LifeTogether

30 L T IFE

Da y s oof f

OGETHER

A S MALL G ROUP C OMMUNITY S ERIES

(Your Name Here)

Pastor Steve Johnson

1

Senior Pastor, Faith Community Church

2

Copyright © 2014 by _________________ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Lifetogether Ministries

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise -- except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.

Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011

by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN Printed in the United States of America

3

4

Endorsements (your list) “Everyone needs hope. But what do you do when you find yourself without it? Hope Rising will encourage you to hold on to the hope that Christ has for us.”

Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv, Author of Altar Ego, Becoming Who God Says You Are

“Everybody needs hope. Hope Rising is an authentic and gutsy dealing with life, faith and God; especially so when some things are not making sense. I love Gene Appel. I love his heart and I love the way that he treats complex issues with insight, sensitivity and integrity. He speaks as one who has tasted pain but without the negative residue. There is something very powerful about people sharing their stories, too. Hope Rising will birth hope in many who desperately long for it and feel like it is in short supply.”

Dale Stevenson, Senior Pastor, Crossway Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia

“You know restaurants, movies and sports teams all can get vastly over-rated, but not so with hope. That’s why I’m so excited about this series! My buddy Gene Appel knows as much about hanging onto hope through the challenges of life as anybody I know. He’d be the first to tell you that there are a lot of things in life that are over-rated, but HOPE is not one of them!”

Mike Breaux, Author and Teaching Pastor, Heartland Community Church, Rockford, IL

“Everyone needs hope. Without it we curl up and die. With it the giants in our lives can be faced up to and conquered. Hope Rising will remind you of the power and reason for the hope that we have in Christ. This is a message that can change you and your church. I recommend it.”

“I’m so excited that the series Hope Rising has found it’s way into your hands. In a world full of challenges, disappointment, fear, loss, injustice and pain we all need to know that there is still hope.

Without hope we would certainly give up. Without hope we would not have the courage to rise up. Without hope we would not have the strength to speak up. For those feeling hopeless, my prayer is that this series will leave you filled with hope!”

Christine Caine, Founder of The A21 Campaign

“After I watched this video series , my first thought was ‘At last!’ The stories in Hope Rising will awaken your own stories. Each one is a story of triumph and tragedy that will inspire you to believe that God is most obviously present even when he seems apparently absent. Gene’s teaching let me know that there’s someone who truly understands that God’s strength is made perfect in our imperfections. This is a resource you’ll go back to again and again.”

Pete Wilson, Senior Pastor of CrossPoint Church, Nashville, TN “My friend Gene Appel is an encourager, communicator and teacher whose message of hope will strengthen your faith and elevate your life. Hope Rising presents a living message that will enable you to overcome difficult circumstances with the confident expectation that your future is in God’s Hands.”

Jack Graham, Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, TX

“HOPE RISING is a powerful and creative answer to life’s difficult questions about faith and humanity. Gene Appel has assembled stories of real sojourners who’ve traveled the uneven roads and now have gathered to offer a tangible hope to others on the same passage. If you need not only answers but understanding, this is for you. “ Wayne Cordeiro, Author and Pastor New Hope Christian Fellowship

Larry Osborne, Author and Pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, CA

1

2

30 Days of Lifetogether: A Small Group Community Series Table of Contents Contents

Endorsements Foreword by Brett Eastman A Message from Pastor Introduction Using this Workbook (read this first) Outline of each session

SESSION ONE: Connecting with Jesus SESSION TWO: Connecting with One Another SESSION THREE: Connecting in Community SESSION FOUR: Connecting in Deeper Community

Appendices

Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Spiritual Partners Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

Small Group Leaders Hosting an Open House Leading for the First Time Leadership Training Prayer and Praise Report Small Group Roster Notes

3

4

Foreword by Brett Eastman

A Message from our Pastor

Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions in life, but feeling disconnected?

Pulling together a creative curriculum and creating the kind of resource you hold in your hand and the accompanying DVD doesn’t just happen.

Our culture keeps us dialed in and “connected” through technology: we can text, email, instant message. We can connect through social media, phone, video conferencing—or even in person.

Brett Eastman, Allen White and the team from LifeTogether have been encouraging, creative, passionate partners who brought an enormous deal of energy and guidance to this project at every step of the way. We could not have done it without them.

But sometimes, despite all these opportunities, we can sometimes feel isolated or alone. We could have 200 friends on Facebook but still feel like no one really knows us.

More than ever, we need a group of friends who can encourage us, pray for us, love on us. Small groups provide that kind of community. It’s life-changing— and electronic connections can’t compare!

This study focuses on connecting— with God and with others. You’ll learn about community, while experiencing it in your group.

In this guide, you’ll find four small group lessons you can use with your small group to explore these invitations. You’ll also find some unique daily devotionals, each written as if it were a personal note from Jesus to you. Each will remind you of his deep love for you, and encourage you to grow closer to him as you prepare your heart for Easter.

Here at LifeTogether, we believe life change happens in small groups. We’ve created resources that have changed millions of people’s lives, and we’d like to invite you to experience something equally profound.

-Brett Eastman President and Founder LifeTogether MInistries

5

Jill Gille, Korry Ashton, and Jan Lynn brought their professional and production expertise in capturing the stories and teaching on top of already full schedules and worked their usual magic.

We can’t do anything at Eastside without feeling the support, protection, and the big picture vision of our elder board who undergird all our ministries and efforts and are the most supportive group of leaders on the planet.

The unsung heroes are the Connection and Small Group leaders who inspire us to resource and bless their contributions with resources like this as they create environments for thousands to belong, grow and serve.

Finally, a special word of appreciation goes to the staff of Eastside who, with great vulnerability, shared their personal stories on the Hope Rising DVD. These are not just Hope Givers doing a video project, but these are people who give hope to thousands of people every day as they selflessly advance God’s work in the hearts and lives of people.

6

Introduction

Welcome to 30 Days of LifeTogether. Over the next four weeks, you’re going to get to experience the joy of life in community.

When God created the world, the only thing he said was “not good” was that a person would be alone. You were designed for community, to do life with others. In the context of community, we connect with one another and with God in life-changing ways.

This unique small group curriculum integrates what you are learning in church on the weekends with what you’re studying in your small group, and with your individual times with God. It provides a taste of small groups for those who are new, while still offering a rich and rewarding experience to those who’ve spent years in small groups.

In the context of your small group, you’ll dig deeper into the topics and Scriptures you’ve heard in the weekend messages. In that faith community, you will learn, discuss and grow. On your own between meetings, you’ll be guided through rich devotional times that again integrate with what you’re learning and experiencing at church and in your group.

This study consists of four sessions, each focused on a different aspect of connecting to God and to others.

You’ll have a chance to learn together, to discuss and share your own stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life application as you find your story in God’s story.

At the end of each session, you’ll find daily devotions that will help you go deeper in your walk with God and each other. You’ll read a Bible verse, then read a reflection written as if Jesus were speaking directly to you. You’ll then have a chance to respond.

In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes a DVD with 4 teaching sessions. In your discussion, you’ll dig into the Bible but also respond to what you watched on the DVD. Our prayer is that you would experience God in a fresh way as a result of this study, and that you would experience Easter in a new way as a result.

7

8

Using this Workbook

Outline of Each Session

(Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience!)

Life change happens in small groups. In the setting of community, we can obey Jesus’ command to love one another. In this study, you’ll not only read and discuss Biblical texts, you’ll think and talk about how to apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life. The goal is not that you’d accumulate knowledge, but that your life would be transformed, and your character will reflect that of Jesus Christ.

1 2 3

4 5

9

otice in the Table of Contents there are N three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendix; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendix parts. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

I f you are facilitating/leading or coleading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some hardlearned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership. se this workbook as a guide, not a U straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

Enjoy your small group experience.

ow read the Outline of Each Session on N the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

A typical group session for the Journey to Easter study will include the following sections:

INTRODUCTION.

Each lesson will open with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session.

SHARE YOUR STORY.

The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. That connection is built by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get your talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you want. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members—your spiritual partner(s)—for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.a small group come to life. As the group develops intimacy, use the Spiritual Partner’s Check-In Page and Prayer and Praise Report to keep the group connected.

HEAR GOD’S STORY.

In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how his story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. The focus won’t be on accumulating information but on how we should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically, creatively, and from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in

10

Christ is our greatest aim.

STUDY NOTES.

This is a brief section with additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

CREATE A NEW STORY

God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to help outsiders connect with Him, to know Him personally, and to carry out His commands. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners.

It could mean welcoming a few newcomers into your group, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God.

options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study, while still accom¬modating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

DAILY DEVOTIONS.

Each week on the Daily Devotions pages we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between group meetings—a month’s worth of reflections that will prepare your heart for Easter. This is a chance to slow down, to read just a small portion of Scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. Each day, you’ll not only read a verse, but you’ll also read a paragraph written as if it were a personal note to you from Jesus. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES.

Each week on the Daily Reflections pages we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between group meetings. We suggest you use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY.

If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions. Your group may choose to do study homework ahead of each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. If you prefer not to do study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These

11

12

Session1 Connecting

with Jesus

Memory Verse: “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13) Look around at the group of people gathered around you—in a living room, perhaps, or a coffee shop. They may look like they’ve got it all together, but the truth is: they are imperfect.

They’re great people, each with strengths. But each has flaws, is wounded in some way.

And that is all right. That’s the beauty of small group community—every gathering is one where people can be accepted for who they are, yet challenged to grow in who they are becoming. The pressure’s off—you don’t need to be perfect.

We’d rather have you be real.

We are all in need of the grace of God, the healing touch of Jesus in our lives. The amazing thing is, Jesus doesn’t avoid imperfect people—sinners like you and I. Instead, he seeks them out, invites them to the table, or into the living room, and welcomes them.

Jesus was known for reaching out to the marginalized, the people labeled by his society as “sinners.” When questioned about this, he said that those far from God needed his love and teaching more than those who already knew all of God’s laws and traditions.

So welcome one another, fellow sinners, as Jesus would.

13

14

SHARE YOUR STORY Each of us has a story. The events of our life—good, bad, challenging or wonderful—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and he intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to himself. When we tell our stories, sharing them with others, we give others the opportunity to see God at work.

When we share our stories, we realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can be a path to freedom for you, and for those you share it with.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

As you begin at this first meeting, take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page ???, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster. Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

1 --------------------------------------------------------------2 --------------------------------------------------------------------3 hat one character trait do W you look for in leaders you are willing to follow?

• What are you hoping to get out of this group?

• Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages ???-??? is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting.

We recommend that you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. We’ve come to realize that healthy groups rotate leadership.

This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix additional information about hosting or leading the group.

The Small Group Calendar on page ??? is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page ??? to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Grow section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

15

16

HEAR GOD’S STORY God uses stories to guide us. When we read the true stories of Scripture, we learn what God is like, we see His plan unfolding. And we learn principles for our own lives. How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. By not just understanding what it means to follow Him, but actually doing it—changing our attitudes and actions to live as he would live. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage below. You may want to use the study notes on page ?? to guide your reading and discussion.

Read Matthew 9:9-13 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man 9 named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

17

1

What do you think made Matthew respond to Jesus as he did?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 What changes would you expect to see in Matthew’s life as a result of

this decision?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 What was it about Jesus that made Matthew want to invite his friends

to meet him, do you think?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Matthew was a tax collector, which did not make him popular with his

fellow Jews. (See study notes) What profession or type of person would be equivalent to a tax collector in our culture? Why do you think he hung out with “sinners”?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Pharisees question Jesus’ disciples, rather than Jesus himself. Why do you think they did that?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5

6 In your life, who are the “tax collectors and sinners”? How often do you spend time with them?

18

STUDY NOTES Tax collectors and sinners (Mark 10:17) Jesus made it a point to reach out to people who were outside the religious subculture of his day—the outcasts of His society.

Tax collectors were particularly scorned because they were Jews, but they worked for the oppressive government that occupied the land, the Romans. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating—collecting what Rome demanded, then whatever profit they could add for themselves, at the expense of their fellow Jews. Reasonably, the Jews saw them as traitors.

While all people are “sinners” (see Romans 3:23), those labeled “tax collectors and sinners” by the Pharisees were those who deliberately ignored the law—people who lived a lifestyle of sin, such as moneylenders, tax collectors and prostitutes.

NOTES Use this space to record your thoughts, questions and ponderings as you watch the video and discuss the Bible passage.

Mercy, not sacrifice (Mark 10:21) The religious leaders of Jesus’ day spent much of their time studying and discussing the Torah, and how to live it out. They would have had most of what we call the Old Testament completely memorized, word for word.

So when Jesus quotes just a short phrase from Hosea 6, they would immediately recall the entire passage—just as we might recall a whole pop song when we hear one line from it.

In Hosea 6, God accuses his people of not truly loving him of unfaithfulness to Him, describing them with words like “footprints of blood,” “evildoers,” “wicked,” and worse. The accusations, delivered by the prophet Hosea, concludes ominously and succinctly: “Israel is defiled.”

It is not surprising that the Pharisees didn’t like what they heard from Jesus.

19

20

CREATE A NEW STORY God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

1 L ike Matthew, Jesus invites you to follow him. How did you feel when you first became aware of this invitation? How did you respond?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------2 What type of people would be a modern equivalent of “sinners and tax collectors”? Do you ever spend time with that sort of people?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 What do you think Jesus meant when he said he desire mercy, not sacrifices? Why is mercy (the attitude we have toward sinners) more important than sacrifice (thing we do for God such as good deeds or attending church)?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------4 How might reaching out to marginalized or rejected people help you to connect with Jesus?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 What do you need to let go of in order to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow him?

8 This week, how will you nurture that connection with Jesus? Can you

commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you). Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

9 To close your time together, spend some time worshiping God together—praying, singing, reading Scripture.

- Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

- Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

- Ask everyone to share: “How can we pray for you this week?” Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page ???.

- Close your meeting with prayer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 W hat is one thing you’d change about the way you’re doing things at work in order to follow Jesus while you’re there? What would it look

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21

22

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into His word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight on a passage is to read it in several different translations. You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus initiates his connection with Simon Peter by asking him to do a favor—to use his boat as a speaking platform. How does letting someone help you out build connection with them?

What does Simon Peter think of Jesus’ idea to try fishing again? What does he give as his reason for agreeing to Jesus’ directions?

What do you think motivated Peter, James and John to “leave everything” and follow Jesus? What would you have done if you’d been in their situation?

------------------------------------------Read Luke 9:23-26 What do you think it means to have love abound in knowledge?

When you try to “discern what is best,” how do you do it? How does your connection with Jesus help you to do this?

Righteousness, or right behavior and attitudes, comes from who or what, according to this verse?

------------------------------------------Read Hebrews 12:1-3 Have you ever felt judged by others? What did they say or do to make you feel that way?

What do you think Jesus means when he says “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Most of us would never say we judge others. But how do you feel about people who vote differently than you do? How about welfare moms, prostitutes, or gay rights advocates?

Why is it so much easier to focus on the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye than the plank in our own? following him?

-------------------------------------------

23

24

25

Daily Devotionals

Day 1

Continue on your 30-Day journey toward Easter. Each day, read the verse given. Take your time. Imagine that Jesus is sitting with you. Then, imagine him saying the words in the “reflect” section to you—reassuring you with his presence and loving you with his words of comfort and strength. After reflecting on Jesus’ words to you, take some time to journal your response back to him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. You may want to go another direction and that is exactly what you’re free to do. On the first day, you may want to read over all the verses for the week to get the “big picture” of the passage. But then walk slowly verse by verse, listening to Jesus and responding to him as you meditate on the truths of Scripture and experience his presence. (This week’s devotions are taken from The Message Bible.)

Reflect: The only barrier between you and I is not just sin, but unconfessed sin—the sin you’d rather ignore or pretend I don’t notice. I’ve died to erase it; all you need to do is confess it.

I’m longing to show you my compassion—which truly is bigger and more complete than you can even imagine. I’m truly able to forgive and forget, to bury your sins. It’s when you experience my forgiveness that you can extend that same forgiveness to others.

You’ll connect with me and share that connection with others.

Read: John 15: 4 (MSG) “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

Respond: Read also Psalm 103:12. How does having mercy shown to you soften your heart toward “sinners”?

26

Day 2

Day 3

Read: Psalm 51: 2-3 “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Read: Psalm 51:4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Reflect: Sometimes, I know, you feel like a mess. But you can still come to me, and let me clean you up. Nothing you’ve done could make me stop loving you—but I do want to help you get cleaned up.

The goal is not to impress others, but to point others toward me with your changed life. So let’s look honestly at the problems in your life, and work toward changing what can be changed. And letting go of the shame about things that can’t change, or were never your fault to begin with.

Reflect: I’m the only one who really has a right to judge anyone, including you. And here’s the thing—I see your sin. You can’t hide it from me. But when you confess, and turn away from it, I gladly forgive.

My goal is to restore our relationship, to set you free from your sin, so that you can love me without restraint or shame. In that freedom, you can invite others to be set free as well.

Respond: We all sin at times—we all make mistakes and bad choices. But which sin, for you, is always before you? Can you surrender that to Jesus, allow him to cleanse you from it?

27

Respond: What sin do you need to confess to Jesus today? What shame do you need to be set free from?

28

29

Day 4

Day 5

Read: Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Read: Psalm 51:6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Reflect: Because all human beings are born with the freedom to choose: life or death, freedom or bondage—you sometimes choose sin. It’s in your nature.

But when you trust me, when you let me lead your life, I don’t just forgive past mistakes. I give you a whole new nature, and the Holy Spirit to lead you. You become a whole new person.

Reflect: My child, I’ve known you since you were conceived.

Before you were even born, I knew and loved you. And I looked forward to the day you’d be able to respond to that love.

What gives me joy is that you have indeed responded to my love, and you’re seeking to grow closer to me. Keep seeking me, and you’ll discover more of me.

Respond: Read also 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Romans 7. How does denying our sinful nature keep us from moving forward in our spiritual journey?

Respond: Read also Psalm 139:13-16. How do you feel about the fact that God’s known and loved you since before you were born?

30

Day 6

Day 7

Read: Psalm 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Read: Psalm 51:8ILet me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Reflect: Have you ever tried to erase writing on a piece of paper, and no matter how hard you rub, you can still see the faint marks? It’s not perfectly clean. You can still see the mistakes that you’re trying to get rid of.

When I cleanse you, there’s no marks, no residue of sin. When I wash you, you’ll be clean like fresh-fallen snow, pure and blameless.

Respond: Read also Philippians 1:9-11. How do we become pure and blameless? How does forgiveness strengthen our connection with Jesus?

31

Reflect: Have you ever felt crushed by life and it’s problems?

Weighed down by your own sins and shortcomings? Let me lift you up, let me restore your joy. I am the great healer.

Even in difficult times, when you feel overwhelmed, I’m with you, and I want to give you joy, in spite of your circumstances. Trust me, and I’ll heal your soul.

Respond: What situation or struggle needs the healing touch of Jesus right now? Talk to him about it.

32

Day 8 Read: Psalm 51:9-10 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Reflect: My deep desire for you, my precious one, is that you would be set free from the bondage of sin. My forgiveness deepens our connection, because it allows you to change, to be transformed.

Trust me, and I’ll create a pure heart in you. I’ll change who you are from the inside out, enabling you to connect deeply with me, and with others. When I cleanse you, life begins afresh.

Respond: Spend some time just thanking God for his amazing gift of forgiveness and grace.

33

34