Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM
START SOMETHING TODAY THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER! >> HSM Pastor Eric
© PUBLISHED JUNE 2018
PURPOSE CHURCH STUDENT MINISTRIES WWW.PURPOSECHURCH.COM/HSM
V 02
SCRIPTURES TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE
HIGH SCHOOL PASTOR | ERIC HOLMSTROM DFK PRODUCER | BRENDAN HIDALGO DFK THEME EDITOR | LAURA IRVINE DFK CONTENT EDITOR | ANDREW BERBERIAN
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM DEEPER FAITH KIT
PAGE TITLE 01 INTRODUCTION 02 COVENANT 05 SALVATION 06 BAPTISM 07 SCRIPTURE 08 PRAY 09 SING 10 COMMUNITY 11 SERVE 12 TITHE 15 DEVOTIONALS / READINGS 96 WHAT'S NEXT?
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM ERIC HOLMSTROM BRENDAN HIDALGO HSM PASTOR // HSM PASTOR STUDENT LEADER // DFK EDITOR I will never forget when my We are so happy you picked up the relationship with Jesus took a huge Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew and turn and became something real Mark! I personally believe that this and life-changing. It wasn’t at a devotional will be the start to a camp, retreat, or an amazing youth lifelong journey that will lead to you group night—it was when I started being the change other people will the most adventurous, dangerous to benefit from! I was personally the enemy, and powerful habit of changed by the first Deeper Faith meeting God in His Word. Coming Kit and started making the Bible a face to face with Jesus through the priority because of it—I believe this Bible has transformed my life more could happen for you too! God is a than any other thing I’ve ever done. relational God who wants to talk to We are excited for you to have the you though His Word, and His Word s a m e e x p e r i e n c e a n d s t a r t is something that needs to be taken something today that will change in on a daily basis—why not start your life forever! now!
Over the next 44 days you will have the opportunity to experience: 1. Devotionals by Adult Leaders, Student Leaders, and Purpose Church Staff. 2. Readings from the entire Gospels of Matthew and Mark. 3. Songs, articles, videos, books, and more to help you grow in Christ.
Beginning on page 15, you will find 44 days of devotionals. We invite you to take the Deeper Faith Challenge, which is a daily commitment to read one devotional, one chapter in the bible, and check out one resource for 44 days straight. As you take this challenge and begin this new life-transforming habit, we know God will heal you, restore you, inspire you, challenge you, convict you, and shape you. By taking the challenge, you have decided to start something today that will change your life forever! Once you complete the Deeper Faith Challenge, let your Adult Leader and your Pastor know so we can meet up and celebrate what God has done in your life.
Before you jump in, we want to briefly explain the basics of following Jesus, in other words, WHY and HOW we:
• Follow Jesus [ pg. 5 ] • Sing to God [ pg. 9 ] • Get Baptized [ pg. 6 ] • Live in Community [ pg. 10 ] • Read Scripture [ pg. 7 ] • Serve God and Others [ pg. 11 ] • Pray to God [ pg. 8 ] • Tithe & Live Generously [ pg. 12 ]
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you… because your love is better than life.” _Psalm 63
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 1 BETTER TOGETHER.
As you embark on the Deeper Faith Challenge, it is important you do not adventure alone. In fact, before you even read one devotional or chapter from the Bible, we want you to ask: one Adult Leader and one Student Supporter to hold you accountable and encourage you as you take this challenge.
Once your Adult Leader and Student Supporter agree to hold you accountable in the Deeper Faith Challenge, we want you and them to sign the covenant below as a promise together before God. DEEPER FAITH STUDENT
You are committing to taking the 44 day Deeper Faith Challenge: daily spend time with God through one devotional, one chapter of Bible reading, and one provided resource related to that day’s devotional. DEEPER FAITH SUPPORTER
You are willing to support this Deeper Faith Student, by encouraging them and holding them accountable to this commitment.
______Deeper Faith Student Adult Leader Supporter Student Supporter (Printed Name) (Printed Name) (Printed Name)
______Deeper Faith Student Adult Leader Supporter Student Supporter (Signature) (Signature) (Signature)
______Today’s Date Today’s Date Today’s Date
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 2 FIX THESE WORDS OF MINE IN YOUR HEARTS AND
MINDS.
>> DEUTERONOMY 11:18
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 3 THE BASICS OF FOLLOWING JESUS
WHY & HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 4 WHY FOLLOW JESUS
If there was one Bible verse that would win a popularity contest, it is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Packed into this well-known sentence is the entire Gospel, the center of God’s heart and message for you and me. God created the world and from the very beginning desired to be in a relationship with humanity. He wanted an authentic relationship, so He gave each of us the ability to choose Him or choose ourselves. We all too often choose ourselves which creates brokenness and a fractured relationship with God, others, and our world. So God sent His son to make it crystal clear that He has not forgotten about us or abandoned us. God has always lovingly pursued us. So much so, that He showed it in the greatest way by dying for us. Following Jesus means we surrender everything to God—our way of living, thinking, desires, passions, and all we are—because His plan for our lives is much better than ours could ever be! The Psalmist, David, had a moment where he realized this and all he could say was, “God’s love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). We surrender to God because He gave up everything for us. We surrender to God because we were created for this—a relationship with Him! When you are saved by grace your life will have purpose, meaning, hope, healing, community, and adventure when Christ is at the center of it. You will be able to walk through seasons of suffering, persecution, pain, and doubt knowing God is with you! Eternal Life begins the moment we enter into a relationship with God—is made perfect in Heaven—and will continue forever! Jesus loves us, has always loved us, and will always love us! He can be trusted with your life because He created it. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus and received His salvation and forgiveness? Jesus has invited the whole world to follow Him. Are you? HOW TO FOLLOW JESUS
1. ADMIT - First you have to be honest and admit that you are broken and no matter how hard you try, there is no way for you to be right with God apart from His love, forgiveness, and grace. (Romans 3:23) 2. BELIEVE - Next you need to believe that Jesus Christ gave up His life for you and that only through Him can you know God. (Romans 6:23, John 14:6-7) 3. CHOOSE - Lastly, you need to choose Him! You have a clean slate, a brand new life, and the Holy Spirit lives in you. You have been forgiven and made right with God—now go and live like it! (John 5:24, Romans 8:14-17, 1 Corinthians 5:17-21) If you just surrendered your life to Jesus and received His salvation, make sure to let your Pastor and an Adult Leader know! We are so proud of you for making the most important decision of your life! Welcome to the family of God!
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 5 WHY BAPTISM
The church has been baptizing followers of Jesus for over 2,000 years as a reminder to the world that God takes lost, broken, and dead people and finds them, fixes them, and brings them back to life! Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality that God has changed your life. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person!” You do not need to “have it all together”—because who does? You do not need to have been a Christian for years in order to be baptized. If you love Jesus, then it is time to get baptized! Baptism begins with two questions, “Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?” and “Are you ready to live for Jesus and follow Him wherever He leads?” If your answer to both of those questions is yes, the Pastor baptizing you will dip you under water and as you are coming out of the water you will hear everyone watching cheer you on. Paul explains the symbolism in Romans 6:4, going under water is a reminder that sin equals death and we are drowning apart from God. In order to be right with God we have to believe that Jesus died for our sins and so our life of sin must die as well. Coming out of the water is a reminder that just as Jesus defeated death, sin, and Satan by rising from the grave, so we are forgiven, have new life, and are made right with God through Christ. The cheering you will hear is an important reminder that you were never created to follow Jesus on your own. You are a part of a family now. There is no such thing as an “only child” in the family of God! Do you want to go public for Jesus? HOW TO GET BAPTIZED
1. Ask yourself these two questions to determine if you are ready for baptism: • Is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior? • Am I ready to live for Jesus and follow Him wherever He leads? 2. Research more about baptism by visiting purposechurch.com/hsm and clicking on the “Baptism Information” at the bottom of the page. 3. Contact Courtney our HSM Coordinator and let her know you would like to get baptized. 4. Meet with your Pastor to talk about and schedule your baptism!
COURTNEY ROMERO HSM Coordinator [email protected] (909) 629-5277 ext. 3038
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 6 WHY READ SCRIPTURE
In Deuteronomy 11:18, God gives a very important command to His people whom He wants the best for and deeply loves. “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Through Scripture we encounter our Creator. God has revealed Himself through His love letter to us: the Bible. Reading Scripture should not be viewed as a chore, but as an opportunity to connect with the God who created us, loves us, and has a purpose for our lives. When we connect with God through Scripture, we are inviting Him to comfort, convict, and change us in whatever ways He knows we need. The Bible should be understood as a library with a variety of genres God uses to speak to us. Genres include poetry, historical narrative, letters, biography, prophecy, etc. The Bible is composed of 66 books divided into two larger sections. The 39 Old Testament books tell the story of God including creation, the Law, and the experiences of Israel, who are the people of God. The 27 New Testament books tell the story of Jesus, the explosive growth of the early church, how we are to live, and Jesus’ plan to return! HOW TO READ SCRIPTURE
We recommend you read Scripture using the S.O.A.P. method. It is an easy and memorable way of digesting what you are reading. Having a daily time of prayer and reading the Bible is key to spiritual growth. Reading the Bible can seem a little intimidating, however the “SOAP” method will help you connect with God!
S - SCRIPTURE Read a passage of Scripture. If it is your first time reading the Bible we suggest starting in the Gospel of John. Read a section, paragraph, or entire chapter. It is more about quality than quantity. Write down one verse that stands out to you.
O - OBSERVE Write down anything that stands out to you in your reading. Where? Who? What? Do not be scared to underline and write notes in your Bible.
A - APPLICATION Apply what you have learned to your daily life. Ask yourself this question, “How can I apply what I read to my life today?”
P - PRAY Spend time talking with God; thanking Him and asking for help as you attempt to live out what He has taught you.
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 7 WHY PRAY
In Luke 5:15-16, we see the news about Jesus spreading and in the midst of this busy and exciting time, we learn an important life habit that Jesus was known for. “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus prayed often. Not just when he had time or was bored or worried—Jesus deliberately and intentionally got alone with God and prayed. Praying is a great way to not only share your heart with God but for Him to speak to you. Prayer is a two-way street. Most of us spend the majority of our prayer time talking, but it should not be like that. It should be so much better. For most of us, if we’re honest, prayer is the most boring part of our relationship with God—when in reality it could be the most exciting! Prayer is about conversing with God Almighty! No fancy words or big vocabulary needed —all God is looking for is to meet with you. HOW TO PRAY
A great acronym to help you start praying is A.C.T.S (similar to the prayer Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13). Use this as a road map or guide (not a strict structure). It will ensure you are praying holistically. Next time you are talking with God, try praying in this order:
A - ADORATION “Praise be to God!” -Psalm 68:35. Tell God how much you appreciate Him. Express your love for Him. Praise His power and majesty, creativity, forgiveness, everlasting love. Recognizing who we are talking to is step one when we converse with God.
C - CONFESSION “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us…” -1 John 1:9. Tell Him where you have fallen short. Be specific. Thank Him for the forgiveness you have in Christ and ask for help and strength to turn away from temptations.
T - THANKSGIVING “Glorify Him with thanksgiving.” -Psalm 69:30. You have plenty of reasons to be thankful. Thank God for His love, His faithfulness, His patience, and anything else that comes to mind. Express gratitude for what He is doing in your life.
S - SUPPLICATION “Make your requests known to God.” -Philippians 4:6. Tell God what you want, no matter how minuscule or ordinary, audacious or outlandish, it seems to you. No request too small or too big for God. Be honest and open about your worries and concerns.
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 8 WHY SING
In Psalm 98:1, the Poet David declares, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” A thousand years later, we find Paul echoing a similar sentiment in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” The people of God have been singing their love, adoration, and concerns to Him since the beginning of time. Singing is a beautiful way of expressing ourselves to God. Singing is intimate, personal, and important for every believer—both corporately and privately. Singing to God is not solely reserved for those moments when life is working out. In fact, singing to God is a kind of worship we do all the time because despite our circumstances, God is worthy to be praised! HOW TO SING
Whether it is on your mobile device, in the car, or at church with your community, worshipping God should be a regular rhythm in your relationship with Him. Take a walk, ride your bike, workout, go on a hike, take a drive, play worship music, and sing along. God will show up in awesome ways when we praise Him. Also, as a part of the body of Christ, we need to regularly worship God together in community. It is important for us to worship God alone and also with others on a regular basis. There are a variety of songs and artists out there who produce songs of praise, lament, joy, and longing for deliverance. Download some worship songs and schedule regular times to sing alone and with your Purpose Church family.
Here are some great worship artists and bands to check out: • Hillsong [United] [Young & Free] • David Crowder • Christy Nockels • Chris Tomlin • Jesus Culture • Phil Wickham • Elevation Worship • For All Seasons • Rend Collective • Kari Jobe • For King & Country
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 9 WHY LIVE IN COMMUNITY
Early in the Old Testament, God chose the nation of Israel to bear His name and live by His Law. His followers would come together, read Scripture, remember His faithfulness, and reinvigorate their passion to serve Him. This was all done in community—everyone coming together with one purpose and one desire. As it says in Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength." The writer of Proverbs 27:17 offers this insight, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." In order to chase after God with everything we have, we must do so within a community that reminds us of God’s love and strength for us. We must live in a community where we help one another, pour into one another, learn from each other, and encourage one another to go deeper with God. There is no such thing as an “only child” in the family of God. You were created for community, don’t try to go through life alone! Psychology and science has echoed what God has said all along, humanity is hard-wired to be known and know others—we are relational! There’s always room for one more person in the global and eternal family of God!
HOW TO LIVE IN COMMUNITY
Back when the church was in its infancy, many people were coming to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, but it did not stop there. Look what it says in Acts 2:42, "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer." Continuing in verses 44 and 45, "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." In a nutshell, living in community is about loving others well.
1. Show Up - Make an intentional effort every week to plug into Student Ministries on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. 2. Be Honest - Community only happens when we are honest about the struggles and pains we are going through. When you are building relationships, be open and vulnerable with others about what you’re dealing with and how they can pray for and support you! 3. Invest - Your Small Group is a great place for you to be mentored by an Adult Leader and also by your peers. Invest in those relationships while at church and also outside of church by simply hanging out together. 4. Accountability - Ask your Adult Leader and a peer to hold you accountable to making Christ the center of your life and for your Church community to be a huge priority in your schedule.
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 10 WHY SERVE
How does God want you and me to live? What does God desire us to be passionate about? Micah 6:8 gives us a clear picture of what God expects of us in terms of how we we live out our faith. “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” These three characteristics describe the heart of God; justice, mercy, and humility. They also describe the kind of heart-transformation Jesus does in each of us when we allow Him to be the Lord of our lives. God longs for our hearts to beat for the things His heart beats for! We need to be people who actively pursue justice, mercy, and humility in our decisions and actions. We serve because God served us and continues to serve us. Our God has shown us justice, mercy, and humility so we in turn can share it with the whole world—our friends, classmates, teachers, parents, siblings, neighbors, Small Group, etc. We love and serve because God gave up everything to love and serve us! HOW TO SERVE
Here are a few different opportunities to go about serving your community on a regular basis. Our hope is that these ideas will spur you on towards making sacrificial service a regular part of your worship to God and lifestyle! Contact Pastor Eric or Student Ministries Assistant Courtney to find out more about any of these opportunities to serve or others that are not listed below.
1. Student Ministries - Talk with your Pastor or an Adult Leader about how you can serve the students in your ministry. 2. Purpose Church - We have tons of ministries here at Purpose Church— greeters, Kids Ministry, Senior Adults, human trafficking, work projects, international and local missions, etc. You can find out more and plug into these ministries. 3. Homeless Ministry - The 4th Saturday of every month from 12-5pm, Purpose Church serves the homeless in our community with clothing and food. 4. Your School - Find or create your school’s Christian/Bible Club and become a leader in that group. Help your club share the gospel and encourage your school with Christ’s love. Your club can also serve your community through service projects. 5. Spiritual Grandparents - Connect with your Small Group’s Spiritual Grandparent(s) and ask them how you can serve them.
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 11 WHY TITHE
In the first book of the Bible, one of the central characters has a very important conversation with God. Jacob, who was so close to God that they actually wrestled, made this vow to Him recorded in Genesis 28:20-22, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” Jacob recognized in this vow that God is the giver of all things; talents, personalities, blessings, and even our money. God calls us to be stewards, which is a biblical term for managing our resources wisely. If everything we have ultimately was given to us by God then it actually does not belong to us, but rather God is loaning it to us—expecting us to manage it well. As a steward or manager of God’s resources, He calls us to give 10% and above back to Him—which is the Church, the body of Christ. God has been so generous and loving with us, we are commanded by the Apostle Paul, to “not to be arrogant nor to put [our] hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put [our] hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Tithing is a spiritual discipline that reminds us everything we have belongs to God. Through our tithing, we are able to bless the ministry God is doing in our local church, community, and world! God will use your generosity to grow you as a follower of Jesus. The more we are generous, the more we are aware of God’s generosity towards us! HOW TO TITHE
1. Step One - Every time you make money (job, babysitting, allowance, etc.), determine what 10% of that is and set it aside for your tithe. • For example, if you make $10 a week, then you would tithe $1 or more depending on what you feel God is leading you to give. If you babysit one night and make $50, you would tithe $5 or more. 2. Step Two - Decide if you want to tithe once a week or once a month. • It does not matter which you choose, the important part is that you commit to a schedule of tithing and stick to it. 3. Step Three - When you attend your weekly Purpose Church service, make sure to bring your 10% tithe with you either once per month or every week. • You can also give online by visiting purposechurch.com/giving or through our downloadable church app: Purpose Church.
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 12 ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD BREATHED.
>>2 TIMOTHY 3:16
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 13
DEEPER FAITH 44 DAY CHALLENGE
EVERY DAY: 1 DEVOTIONAL EXPERIENCE 1 CHAPTER OF THE BIBLE 1 JOURNAL & PRAYER
Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 14 DAY 1 D God is in Control DEVOTIONAL Abby Torry // Student Leader
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” _Matthew 1:18-21
Joseph was scared, he was not only going to be a dad, but the earthly father of Jesus Christ. Secretly, he tried to get a divorce. He was confused, scared, and overwhelmed. He wanted an escape. Often times, this is our perspective towards God. Life is full of temptations and pain. Sometimes we just want an escape from the suffering around us. This desire to escape is natural, we see it in Joseph here and in many other people in the Bible at different points in their lives. Joseph isn’t just some old guy from the Bible, he was experiencing the same emotions as we do. What we learn from this story is that even when our situation seems bleak, God is in control and we can trust him. God took care of Joseph. He sent an angel down to send reassure him convince him not to divorce Mary. God is in control and will take care of you. He provided for Joseph in his darkest hours and will do the same for us. God knows the future, He knows what you need. Entrust yourself to him. It can be harder for us sometimes though because God doesn’t seem to communicate to us like he did to people in the Bible. That is one of the reasons it is so important for us to read and know the Bible… because it is the Word of God! In the pages of the Bible we hear what God has to say to us and we can learn to trust him through spending time time in it.
Reflection Questions: 1. What is happening in your life that makes you doubt God’s power and control over the situation? 2. How can you entrust God with this baggage/struggle?
OUR GOD Chris Tomlin R Matthew 1 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1sJWS9Z
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DAY 1 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 1
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Deeper Faith Kit: Matthew & Mark // Purpose Church // HSM 16 DAY 2 God’s Will: Beyond Your Wildest Dreams D DEVOTIONAL Andrew Berberian // Student Ministries Intern
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” _Matthew 2:13-15
Four times in this chapter dreams are mentioned. Three of these dreams come to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. But all of them function as a type of warning of some future danger, the dreams come in order to protect the infant Jesus. In fact, dreams are a powerful symbol in the long history of the Israelite tradition. They are closely tied to the experience of the prophets in the Old Testament, those men and women who had a special connection to God (See Numbers 12:5-6 and Joel 2:28). Just as in the days of the Prophets, God uses dreams in this chapter to actualize his will, a concept known as fulfillment. Just as the prophets were compelled to speak and act on behalf of God, so here, the magi and Joseph seem to be compelled by their dreams to obey the will of God. Many people today have become skeptical that these prophetic dreams still take place. But if we believe that God is still moving and still invites humanity into fulfilling his will, we ought not be so dismissive. You may be one of those skeptics, or you may be someone who believes that God has spoken to you in a dream. Regardless of where you are on that spectrum, here are two helpful guidelines that may help you decipher whether or not a dream came from God. If a dream is prophetic, it is (1) in accordance with the will of God. If a dream pushes you to do something against the desires and purposes of God, you can be assured it is not from God. It is (2) compelling and or motivating. Dreams that come from God nearly always are sent to initiate some kind of action or to alter a course of events. There are many ways in which this is accomplished, but if a dream doesn’t call you to change something, it probably wasn’t from God. Often times when God calls to us, especially through dreams, it will lead to something out of the ordinary. As Christians, we are called to make our lives outside the ordinary. Maybe, we have spent so much time living inside the ordinary that we have cut ourselves off from experiencing the dreams that God wants to give to us. When you are led by the Spirit into something that seems weird, confusing, or even stupid… follow anyways! What you will find is that God is leading us on an adventure that is beyond our wildest dreams.
Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever had or known someone who has had a prophetic dream from God? If you are skeptical, why do you have difficulty believing? 2. Sometimes God speaks in vivid and memorable ways. But oftentimes, he chooses the mundane parts of life to communicate with his people. If you take the time to stop, look, and listen, what is God saying to you?
GOD SPEAKS IN POWERFUL WAYS R Matthew 2 A READING ARTICLE https://goo.gl/PK2zBN
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DAY 2 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 2 ______
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 18 DAY 3 D The Thunder in the Desert DEVOTIONAL Alyssa Jacobs // Student Leader
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it e so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.“ _Matthew 3:13-15
"Change your life. God's Kingdom is here." John the Baptist's words were simple but also powerful. In Matthew 3, John the Baptist refers to Isaiah's prophecy of being the "thunder in the desert,” preparing for God's arrival. John, being a simple man, living in the desert, knew that Jesus' kingdom was coming and wanted everyone to be ready. As Christians we should strive to be servants of God's kingdom and follow His plans for our lives. Constantly being in prayer for God to do His will and having him guide us is an important part in having a relationship with Christ. Our heart must change, not just our outward appearance. Is your life blossoming and green or like dead wood? (as John puts it). In other words, we need to be prepared for the Kingdom doing anything we can to make sure our whole life, inside and out, reflects God. The best part is that we don't have to do it alone. God has already ignited the kingdom life inside each and every Christian, called the Holy Spirit, who changes us from the inside out. With the Holy Spirit guiding us we are able to accomplish God's perfect and pleasing plan for us as long as we put our trust in Him. When John baptized Jesus he was hesitant at first because he felt unworthy. But Jesus reminded him of the Holy Spirit's power and how God's perfect plan was finally coming together through this baptism (verse 15). John was a humble and true servant, but his conception of the Messiah didn't include baptizing him. God's plan, on the other hand, used John, just like it will use us. Our goal should be to honor Him by the way we live. We're here to fulfill his righteous plans, not what we think is best or most appropriate. We should be consistently talking with our Father asking him for guidance and restoration. When we act upon these things and follow God's plan for us, we are paving a smooth and straight pathway for the kingdom. In times of drought or in a desert we need to be ready to blossom and be the thunder.
Reflection Questions: 1. Is your life blossoming or like deadwood? 2. Father, how can I fulfill your desires and honor your character with my life today?
BE THE CHANGE Britt Nicole R Matthew 3 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2ozaWal
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DAY 3 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: Matthew 3
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 20 DAY 4 D Don’t Throw Shade, Throw the Word DEVOTIONAL Peter Hidalgo // Adult Leader
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” _Matthew 4:8-10
Is it just me, or is there something comforting, as a Christ-follower, about knowing that Jesus endured the same poop that each of us endure each day - temptation. Here's some truth: Satan will work overtime to tempt us. As reflected in today's passage, the evil one will do anything to gain power in our heart through idolatry. See, if we put other things before we rightly put God, it’s idolatry. When we worship other things or other people, we misplace our focus, our mind, our affection, and our will. Maybe your form of idolatry worship is money, status, or power. Or perhaps it’s things like clothes, shoes, or the latest phone. Let's follow Jesus in worshiping God alone. When we follow Christ closely, we are following God. When we are in Him, we are doing God's will. This doesn’t leave any space for us to worship anything else. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations. How? In each case, Jesus turned Satan back by quoting Scripture. Let's use His method to help overcome temptation as our model. Our application is this: know Scripture. This involves both understanding and being able to use the Word of God in making choices between what is good and what is evil.
Reflection Questions: 1. What tempts you? Find a Bible verse that speaks truth to that temptation and memorize it. 2. How do you make decisions? How can you make God a part of that process?
NOT TODAY Hillsong United R Matthew 4 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2xv3t1x
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DAY 4 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 4
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 22 DAY 5 D DEVOTIONAL Love for Enemies?! Brendan Hidalgo // Student Leader
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” _Matthew 5:44-45
Love your enemies!? LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!? Am I reading that right? Yup, Jesus said to love your enemies, and that means all of them! The reason Jesus wanted to make this so clear is because of his example. Jesus’ example is so profound, so different, so weird if you want to call it that, but it was so perfect. Jesus didn’t do stuff just because it came naturally, he did it because he knew it had a purpose to it - a purpose that he KNEW would NEVER fail. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, he was surrounded by Roman guards that wanted nothing to do with him. All they wanted to do was to kill him and bring him to shame, no matter the cost. Jesus, being God, knew what they were thinking, and he knew it better than anyone. He could’ve sent a lightning bolt from the skies that instantly killed every person who persecuted him, lied to him, or hurt him in any way. When you read this, you think that he could have totally done that to each of us, mostly because at one point we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). But he didn’t. Jesus knows that each and every heart is not perfect, but he loves each and every heart equally. One of the most basic human tendencies when we get bullied or mistreated in the slightest is to, Get. Back. At. Them. But if you think about it, should you really? Do you really need to get back at them? When you’re living a life all for Christ, living for his example, living to love your neighbor as yourself, questions of revenge shouldn’t be on your radar. The reason why WWJD was made (What Would Jesus Do?) was to make this be the ultimate question. The answer to the question WWJD is simply that Jesus would love, no matter the cost. The next time anyone mistreats you, love, and love them as much as possible, because that is what Jesus would do, and still does to this day.
Reflection Questions: 1. What can you do now to actively love whenever possible? 2. Reflect on the devotional, how can you ask God to help you love your enemies?
HEART LIKE HEAVEN Hillsong United R Matthew 5 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/1Bkyvli
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DAY 5 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 5
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 24 DAY 6 D Pray More, Worry Less DEVOTIONAL Peter Hidalgo // Adult Leader
“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them.” _Matthew 6:32
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” _Matthew 6:34
At one time, Johnny was a soccer champion, the big man on campus, the life of the party. He was someone I looked up to and knew he would be successful. However, life can take an unexpected turn. Today, he is among a growing number of homeless, ignored faces sitting under street bridges and in alleyways. Johnny is my brother. I grew up in a family where we help and look out for one another. It is tough through when a loved one declines shelter and living assistance, yet accepts an unhealthy lifestyle full of substance abuse. One day Johnny went missing…again. A verse in Matthew rocked my world as I was worried. “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:30) God’s Word to trust Him has helped me cope with Johnny and other challenges I face. Do you worry? Do you panic when you don’t receive a reply text or become anxious when things don’t go your way? The word worry comes from an old English word meaning “to choke or strangle.” Of course, that’s exactly what worry does to your happiness. Here’s what I’ve learned: Worry is unreasonable. To worry about something you can’t change is useless. It reveals that we don’t think God will take care of us. Worry is unnatural. We aren’t born worriers. It’s something we have all learned. Fortunately it can be unlearned.
Reflection Questions: 1. What can we learn from looking at the birds of the sky? 2. What can we do instead of worrying? 3. How can we trust God to take care of all of our needs?
PRINCE OF PEACE Hillsong United R Matthew 6 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1YyOqdq
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 25
DAY 6 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 6
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 26 DAY 7 D DEVOTIONAL No Room for Judgment Brenden Argomaniz // HSM Alumni
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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?” _Matthew 7:1-3
No human is greater than another in God’s eyes; He loves all His children equally. We are often encouraged in the church to strive and “live” or “love” like Jesus everyday. If that is the case, then we should all love and care for each other equally. Yes, it is that simple. Although it is a simple concept to grasp, it is extremely difficult to apply. For some of us, it has become second-nature to judge others due to their faults or sins; it is simply how the world has trained our minds to be. However, this natural tendency to judge others is not only foolish, but it is hypocritical in the eyes of God. We need to fight against our worldly desire to judge others. Nobody is perfect, as that title belongs to Jesus alone. Everyone sins. It does not make any sense to judge others for their sin when we are all susceptible to the enemy’s work. In Matthew 7:1-3, Jesus makes it clear that a person only adds on to their own baggage when they judge others. Sin on top of sin? This is what Jesus sees as a “speck of sawdust” forming into a “plank”, as mentioned in Matthew 7:3. Everyone sins, that is why it is so easy to judge others. However, it is vital that we acknowledge, accept, and advance past our judgment and strive to prevent it from occurring again. Acknowledge the plank in your own eye and get rid of it! There is no room for judgment in the kingdom of the Lord.
Reflection Questions: 1. Is one sin greater than another? Is there any place to judge others? 2. What reasonable steps can be taken to avoid hypocrisy and judgment of others?
JESUS FRIEND OF SINNERS Casting Crowns R Matthew 7 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2lfeltL
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 27
DAY 7 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 7
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 28 DAY 8 D DEVOTIONAL Blessings and Trials Andrew Berberian // Student Ministries Intern
“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” _Matthew 8:16
All throughout this chapter there is a huge emphasis on the sheer power of Jesus’s words. Go back and re-read all of chapter 8 and count how many times you see the words of Christ make a huge difference. Not just in this chapter, but all over the whole Bible we see God doing powerful things with his words. This is a great reminder of the strength of words. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Jesus brings this proverb to life when his words miraculously heal people, calm a storm, and cast out demons. In this chapter we see two times where people had a problem and they came to Jesus. The centurion in verse 5 had traveled some distance to find Jesus because his servant was suffering at home. The centurion approached Jesus with faith and confidence and Jesus was amazed by his faith and healed his servant from afar with his words. The disciples in the boat in verse 23 who had been traveling with Jesus for a while when the storm came upon them. The disciples approached Jesus in fear and Jesus was disappointed in their lack of faith. The difference between these two examples helps us see what it means to have faith. In this context, what is faith besides being confident that Jesus can? When troublesome times come in our life, let us be like the centurion, and approach Jesus in confidence. We can face the storms and trials in our life and know that God is still in control. We can boldly come to Jesus and say, “I can’t, but you can.” And let us be the type of Christians that Jesus looks at our faith and is amazed. Trust in the power of Jesus’s words.
Reflection Questions: 1. Are there any areas of your life where you aren’t confident that Jesus can? Why? 2. Can you remember a situation or conversation that was going fine, but then completely turned around just by using words? What does this say about the power of words? 3. What is one way you can use your words better and one way you can trust in Jesus’s words more?
WORDS R Matthew 8 S Hawk Nelson READING SONG https://bit.ly/12HdKEO
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 29
DAY 8 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 8
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 30 DAY 9 D What Would Jesus Do? DEVOTIONAL Chris Gonzalez // Student Leader
“When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.” _Matthew 9:8
This chapter of scripture from Matthew is dense. We see Jesus performing the most astounding miracles and speaking the most profound truths that could be pondered for a lifetime and never fully comprehended. Jesus is being amazing and awesome and yet it’s not for his own glory, but the glory of his Father God. I love the cliched phrase: WWJD (what would Jesus do?). If I applied this, even once every day, my life would look radically different. Jesus sets a PERFECT example for us in everything he does and says. The verse I want to focus on is verse 8, where in response to Jesus healing a paralyzed man, it says that, “When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God.” This verse stands out because of that simple detail - they praised God, not Jesus, but God! That’s what Jesus would do! Something undeniably amazing that points not to him, but God! Granted, I probably won’t be healing any paralytics, I see this verse as a conviction to not do things that bring me glory but things that bring God glory because apart from God I am nothing.
Reflection Questions: 1. What things in your life that you already do, could you do for God’s glory? 2. Is there anything new you feel God is calling you to do for his glory?
BACKGROUND R Matthew 9 S Lecrae READING SONG http://bit.ly/1m7hXca
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DAY 9 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 9
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 32 DAY 10 D Why Would Jesus Pick Those Guys? DEVOTIONAL Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” _Matthew 10:1-4
Have you ever looked at the guys Jesus picked to help Him launch the global movement that would change the world forever? If you were going to do something that audacious and history-making, you would probably pick the best and brightest, the A-List leaders, people with seemingly everything in their favor. But interestingly enough, Jesus didn’t pick those kinds of people. He in fact chose to build the Church on the efforts and leadership of some pretty surprising people. Quickly, you will see what I mean. Peter was a fisherman, not a trained theologian—and he was known for having a big mouth and speaking way before thinking. Or take James and John. In the Gospels, we always see them fighting, bickering with one another, they had a helicopter mom who tried to control their destiny, and the knuckleheads always seemed to miss the point of Jesus’ sermons. Then we come across Thomas. Everybody remembers that moment he became the Debbie Downer at the Resurrection Party. He doubted Jesus ever made it out of that grave. Then we got Matthew who was arguably the most hated person in his city because he made his living financially exploiting and over taxing everyone. It would have been hilarious to watch Matthew the tax collector meet Simon the Zealot because Simon believed that the only way to purify Israel was to kill tax collectors like Matthew—imagine how awkward those first few conversations were. And lastly you have Judas who after seeing Jesus heal, perform miracles and teach with authority—he decided 30 pieces of silver was more valuable and he betrayed the Rabbi who gave him a shot. I don’t mean to tear these guys down—I actually think their resume looks a lot more like mine and yours. They did not have it all together, they each had baggage. If Jesus had wanted to, He could have found more qualified people. But here’s what I love about Jesus: He qualifies the called, he doesn’t call the qualified. I love that Jesus picked the most unqualified guys to be His disciples because that tells me there’s room for me in Jesus’ plan for today! There is room for everyone in Jesus’ Kingdom and I’ve seen this time and time again: Jesus can do more with a willing person than a talented person. If you and I are willing to bring our whole selves to Jesus, our broken, not so perfect selves to Him—He will use us for greater things than we could ever imagine. If Jesus began the church with those guys, just think what He could do with your life if you will allow Him to write a better story in and through you.
SO WILL I Hillsong United R Matthew 10 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2v5D6QI
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 33
DAY 10 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 10 ______
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 34 DAY 11 D Look Up DEVOTIONAL Brendan Hidalgo // Student Leader
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” _Matthew 11:28-30
To think that we serve a God who holds the Earth in the palm of His hands can lead us to think it’s too good to be true. He makes us think, “there’s no way anything or anyone can do that.” The crazy reality is that He can. What’s even more crazy is that the God who can do this, came down to Earth and lived a life worse than we could ever imagine. So many times we look down to Earth and think that the things of this Earth will solve our problems and help us cope. Looking up doesn’t even cross our minds. Summer Camp has a powerful place in my heart, and for many reasons. I gave my life to Christ there, I was baptized in the lake, and I solidified the greatest friendship of my life there, and we were baptized on the same day, in the lake. There’s many things that put me closer to God that I did the tree times I have gone, but one thing that sticks out among them is that of me just looking up. I remember on the Wednesday of the trip, instead of going to the Kajabe Finals, I went out to the lake to read Scripture and to pray. I strongly remember just looking out to the lake, the water was so still that it even reflected all the stars in the sky. Then I looked up, and the beauty of the Lord was before me and God was present, all my problems seemed to fade away as I looked at the stars that proved God's greatness and vastness. The stars gave me a strong perspective of how God looks right at me, and how his love for me is like an arrow headed straight for its target. Looking up is the only way to see how we are a part of God’s creation, and that this is true wherever we go. This is a universal truth that is revealed in the universe!
Reflection Questions: 1. What are the burdens that are weighing you down right now? How can you find rest in Jesus? 2. What does God want you to do when troubles or problems come your way?
FULLNESS Elevation Worship R Matthew 11 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2jfjmlC
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 35
DAY 11 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 11
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 36 DAY 12 D What’s In Your Heart? DEVOTIONAL Cheryl Demus // Adult Leader
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” _Matthew 12:33-34
I’ve heard it said that who you really are comes out when you’re shaken (when you’re stressed, going through a tough time, angry, etc.). Think of it as a soda can. When you shake a can then open it, the contents erupt out of it. In Matthew 12:33-34, Jesus is saying that the things you say and do show who you really are at the core. In several places in the Bible, it talks about bearing fruit, good fruit. This is not something we can produce ourselves but is a natural overflow of the heart produced by the Holy Spirit when we are following Jesus. These fruits are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control). Take a look at your life, what you say and do. Is your fruit good or bad? The cool thing about this passage is the word “make.” This word suggests that change is possible. If your language is bad fruit, you can do something about it! The way you effect change is in the passage —fill your hear with different things. Spend more time in the Word of God, spend more time listening to good music, spend more time with friends that will draw you closer to God. If you need to change your fruit, change what’s in your heart!
Reflection Questions: 1. What is your typical reaction or pattern of behavior when you are under stress, going through a tough time, angry, etc.? 2. What would HSM look like if we were pursuing Jesus in such a way that the fruit listed above was erupting from all of us on a continual basis?
Prayer: Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you area(s) of your life He would like to change in order the the Holy Spirit can produce more fruit in your life. Share what God reveals to you with someone so they can pray for you and keep you accountable.
JESUS I COME Elevation Worship R Matthew 12 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1K6Rq5X
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 37
DAY 12 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 12
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 38 DAY 13 D The Greatest Treasure of All DEVOTIONAL Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” _Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus is on a parable roll! In Matthew 13, Jesus tells six parables (stories with a point) each describing some aspect of what the Kingdom of Heaven is all about. In verses 44-46, Jesus focuses His attention on the worth and value of finding life, meaning, and purpose in His Kingdom. Have you ever lost something? Is it not crazy how in a matter of seconds, that thing becomes the most important thought in your mind and you cannot rest until it is found. In our home, there was a one year period where we lived without the ability to control our living room ceiling fan. It was constantly on the slowest setting which was never helpful. In the summers we wished it would go faster. In the winters the slight chilly breeze it brought was so aggravating. Then one day we got that fan fixed and were given a remote to control its speed. A few months later, one of our kiddos lost that remote and once we discovered we were without it, everything in our house stopped as we scoured every square inch of our home for that remote—because its value was immeasurable to us! Jesus uses a similar example to capture the emotion and joy we can have when we wake up to the reality that we have uncovered the greatest treasure in all the world. When Jesus speaks of the ‘Kingdom of Heaven,’ He is referring to a way of living where He is King. The two guys in the parables were looking for something, they were on a journey. James 4:8 reminds us of the importance of seeking Jesus when he says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Notice when the first man finds this treasure, it is with joy, he sells everything because he knows the fullness of what he has found. You were made for this—to live for the greatest story ever told—written and directed by your Creator—for all eternity!
Reflection Questions: 1. Is living in Jesus’ Kingdom worth giving up everything for? 2. What’s getting in the way of you living whole-heartedly sold out for Jesus?
FULLNESS Elevation Worship R Matthew 13 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2jfjmlC
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 39
DAY 13 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 13
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 40 DAY 14 D Get Out of The Boat DEVOTIONAL Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” _Matthew 14:27-29
In Matthew 14, the disciples experience Jesus miraculously feeding over 5,000 people and that’s not even the craziest thing they have witnessed. He healed an untouchable leper (8:1-4), took away the headache of Peter’s mother-in-law (8:14-15), controlled nature by calming a storm (8:23-27), cast out demons (8:28-34), told a bedridden paralyzed man to get up and walk—and he did (9:1-8), raised a girl from the dead and healed a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years (9:18-26), and restored a blind man’s eyes and a mute man’s voice (9:27-34)! Jesus is on a roll. He’s unstoppable. The disciples are on a spiritual high when he sends them off in a boat on the Sea of Galilee while He spends some time praying. What could go wrong? Jesus was unconquerable. Well a few hours go by and all of a sudden their joy turns to fear because a huge storm is about to capsize their boat and Jesus is back on shore. Then they notice what looks like a ghost walking on the water and yet it turns out to be Jesus. They cannot believe this and so Peter asks Jesus if he can come join Him on the lake. In a moment that would forever change Peter’s life, Jesus says “come on out” and so Peter walks on water. Sometimes we settle for a weak, powerless, stagnant kind of Christianity that says God’s greatest concern is our comfort. We believe the lie that if life is hard, God must be distant or worse, non-existent. But here’s the thing, God loves to rock our boats—sometimes so much that it forces us to see where He actually is rather than where we think He is. Jesus is not in the boat, He’s on the water. If you want to experience the Kingdom life Jesus designed you for, you must be willing to step out of your boat and trust Him with every step. When you do that, your prayer life, faith life, adventure life will all increase as you watch God grow and use you in unimaginable ways. Stop holding back, be brave and bold and watch God do the impossible!
Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways are you settling for a comfortable following of Jesus? 2. How can you trust Jesus and step out of the boat this week?
YOU MAKE ME BRAVE Son of God R Matthew 14 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2rCe1Yp
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 41
DAY 14 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 14 ______
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 42 DAY 15 D Faith Through Adversity DEVOTIONAL David Hines // Student Leader
“The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’ She said. He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’” _Matthew 15:25-27
Matthew chapter 15 brings up two key topics that are important to reflect on. The first is trust. Jesus emphasizes this initial point in the confrontation He has with the Woman from Canaan. As many of us have experienced, God’s response to prayer is almost never answered in the way one would expect. For example, when the Canaanite Woman begged for her daughter’s healing, she was met with a peculiar lack of concern from Jesus. Despite the disheartening response, she continued to show faith and determination towards Jesus. What one can learn from this brief encounter is that God will put us through trials frequently- it is His way of testing and building our faith. It is up to us to show our reliance upon Him, even in the moments when it feels as if He is indifferent. The second key topic is faith. In the story of the Canaanite Woman, Jesus demonstrates his ability to execute His will. In her plea, the Woman does all she can to reach Him for help. It is from her strong devotion and focus on the Lord that she receives His mercy. Similarly, in life, God will show us that He wants our full devotion. It is through the difficult and troubling moments that God wants to see if we will remain focused on Him. It is up to us to take the conflicts we confront in life and make a choice. Do we chose stumble once again? Or do we seize the chance to build our relationship with Christ?
Reflection Questions:
1. How do the conflicts in your life compare to that of the Canaanite Woman? 2. How does God use the testing of faith to build a relationship with you?
Quote: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
UNCHANGING Chris Tomlin R Matthew 15 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2F0ZBGe
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 43
DAY 15 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 15 ______
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 44 DAY 16 D The Life Defining Question DEVOTIONAL Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” _Matthew 16:15-16
In the first century when Jesus of Nazareth was traveling, people would have never expected him to go to Caesarea Philippi. The city was known as a modern day Vegas. What happens in Caesarea Philippi stays in Caesarea Philippi! This city was known for sacrificing its children to the pagan god of fertility, mass prostitution, and much more. It was a place you could go to get what you want whenever you wanted it. No accountability, no rules, and any desire could be satisfied there. So naturally, this was a place most religious leaders avoided like the plague. And yet Jesus was not like any other religious leader. His teachings, message, healings, and overall identity (God in a bod) made Him different than anyone before or after. In Matthew 16, Jesus intentionally went to the region of Caesarea Philippi. And while there, He asked His disciples the most life-defining question. In a place where you could have anything you want, whenever you wanted it, where you could be your own god and have it all--Jesus wants to know if His disciples are willing to give up that for Him. Fast forward to this moment right now, when you are reading this. You have all the options in the world and the older you get, the more you can have—whatever you want whenever you want it. You can choose whether your life will be all about you—or about something far greater! Peter declares that Jesus is not just a better option, Jesus is everything! Jesus is the Messiah—the one who came to save all of us from sin, satan, and self. Jesus is God Almighty who the whole Old Testament is pointing towards and the rest of the New Testament can’t stop talking about. Jesus changed the course of history, defined reality, and offers eternal life! The question is, if Jesus is all of that— what are we willing to give up to gain Him? I’m talking about letting ourselves and desires go, and love of sin die, in order to follow with our whole hearts and lives the God who breathed us into existence, left Heaven to rescue us, and has given us a life- long calling and purpose! And how you answer this question will determine all of that: Who do you say Jesus is? Reflection Questions:
1. How do you answer the question Jesus asks in verse 15? 2. What is one thing in your life that competes with Jesus for your #1 priority? How are you going to deal with that so Jesus can reign supreme?
EASTER ANTHEM: WHO DO YOU SAY I AM? R Matthew 16 S READING SPOKEN WORD https://bit.ly/2KKrWER
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 45
DAY 16 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 16
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 46 DAY 17 D You Were Made to Move Mountains DEVOTIONAL Emma Svalstad // HSM Alumni
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” _Matthew 17:20
So what is faith exactly? It’s not an emotion. It’s not a feeling. But it is something that everyone has. For example, when you eat at a restaurant, you have faith that the chef hasn’t poisoned your food. When you sit on a chair, you have faith that it won’t collapse underneath you. Everyone has faith, but the difference is what you put your faith in. As explained in Matthew 17:20, when we put our faith in God, we can move mountains. Just because we serve a BIG God doesn’t mean we have to have BIG faith. God wants us to start with the faith we already have, no matter how small! We don’t have to wait until we need a miracle to have faith. It’s required in everyday situations. Even if something seems small, that doesn’t mean we can take control of it. God isn’t there to only handle the big stuff, he is there to walk with you through everything life throws at you, whether it’s a frustrating computer problem or a sudden family tragedy. He wants you to surrender ALL, not MOST. He wants you to have faith. In our everyday lives, we are called to make an important decision. How am I going to put my faith in God today? Be intentional about asking God to reveal how you can grow, then take action! In order to see true transformation in your life and how you experience God on a daily basis, He needs to be in control. Walk with Him every day, let Him show you how to truly trust in Him, because you aren’t in this alone! So, take your mustard seed faith, place that faith in our BIG God, and He will show you how to move mountains.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is a practical way you can have faith on a daily basis? 2. What stops you from giving God total control?
Memory Verse: I encourage you to commit the verse Matthew 17:20 to memory, so you will always be able to remind yourself that you can do the impossible. When you feel doubt or fear, repeat to yourself, “MY faith can move mountains.”
BY YOUR SIDE Tenth Avenue North R Matthew 17 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/11hpNYZ
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 47
DAY 17 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 17
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 48 DAY 18 D Cut it Out DEVOTIONAL Laura Irvine // Adult Leader
“ Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” _Matthew 18:7-9
In this passage, Jesus speaks on the sin that can make us stumble in our journey with Him. Jesus says that “if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.” Hmmm. Now, obviously, Jesus is not talking about us physically harming ourselves. However, such strong imagery is used to show us how important it is to get rid of the sin in our lives that drives us further from Christ. Is that easy? Most likely it is not easy. It’s hard because sin so easily invades our lives and we accept its entrance. Sin is appealing to us, it is often in the form of things that seem like they would be more fun to take part in. Often times we can think that sin is only bad actions: I stole something, I lied about something, etc. But some of the toughest sins are the ones we keep internally; for example, being prideful, struggling with lust, judging and gossip, etc. Those ones are easier to hide, but we need to get rid of them! Holding on to sinful actions and thoughts can be detrimental to our faith. Detrimental may seem a bit dramatic, but honestly, the enemy wants us to not take sin too seriously. Because if we let it take up more room in our lives, we are way more likely to let it come in between our relationship with Christ. Now, how do you get rid of sin? Distance yourself from environments where you are tempted, stop partaking in it, ask God to take that desire from you, and find an accountability partner. In James 5:16 it says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Go to people in your life who you trust and who have a relationship with Christ and share with them what you’re struggling with. Ask them to pray for you and to help hold you accountable. It may not be easy to have that initial conversation, but it will ultimately help you!
Reflection Questions: 1. What are some of the sinful things in your life that you really need to cut out? 2. Identify those people in your life that you can go to for accountability and seek them out.
3. CONFESSION The City Harmonic R Matthew 18 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2KSGjXC
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 49
DAY 18 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 18
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 50 DAY 19 D DEVOTIONAL Pure Hearts Courtney Romero // Adult Leader “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” ” _Matthew 19:23-26
It is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. When I hear this, I think, “That’s not me.” I could always make more money, have more, and want the next best thing. I don’t often feel “rich.” The reality is, most of us in the U.S. are considered in the top 1% of the richest people in the world. If you have more than you need, this passage DOES apply to you. Jesus is not implying that believers need to give away all of their possessions in order to get to heaven. Rather, it is intended to show that Jesus cares about the hearts of those who follow him. Having money is not inherently the problem. God is more concerned with your heart and view of money. Money and possessions will never satisfy you, only God can do that. When money is not where you find your worth and value, you are free to be generous with whatever God had given you. In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul teaches followers of Jesus not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. In these verses, Jesus is teaching that a right standing with God flows from a pure heart. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to be generous. I am called to be loving. I am expected to rely on Jesus alone as the one and only way to heaven, and to have a heart for God and his kingdom before all else.
Reflection Questions: 1. Does your heart seek after the things of God, or the things of this world? 2. Is following Jesus enough for you?
CHRIST IS ENOUGH Hillsong Worship R Matthew 19 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/1rYAARU
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 51
DAY 19 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 19
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 52 DAY 20 D Called to Serve DEVOTIONAL Sarah Gunstream // Adult Leader
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” _Matthew 20:25-28
When I was on the color guard team as a sophomore in high school, the captain loved her title more than the responsibility attached. She was unkind and excluded other members of the team, including myself, from her clique. I remember a specific time when I tried to sit with them on a break during practice and she said, “Why don’t you go sit over there with Kristen? Aren’t you friends with her?” I had wanted someone in leadership whom I could trust to look out for me, not just herself, and instead I felt like I’d walked onto the set of Mean Girls. As my leader, she let me down. Many of us have experienced similar situations, where someone we trusted to have our best interests at heart was more concerned with serving themselves. Leaders, by definition, take people who follow them in the direction they’re going. If I say I follow Jesus, but I don’t love others, then I’m not really following him. I've made and will make mistakes as a leader, but God lovingly grows and teaches me how to serve better through his own example. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” If anyone had a right to lord their authority over people, it was the One who created them. Instead, he washed his followers’ feet. He didn’t say that following in his footsteps would be easy. It’s never easy sacrificing your time and energy to serve someone who might not even appreciate it, even if it’s someone you love. But that’s what Jesus did. He sacrificed his time, energy, and ultimately his life out of love for others. Not out of reluctant obligation, but out of love. And if we follow him, we are called to do the same.
Reflection Questions:
1. Think of a leader in your life who has made a difference. How did they do that and how did it make you feel? 2. If you’re a leader, are you setting an example of service to your team? What are some things you could do to serve both them and others better?
IF WE ARE A BODY Casting Crowns R Matthew 20 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2oAa8BR
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 53
DAY 20 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 20
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 54 DAY 21 D Called as Warriors DEVOTIONAL James David // HSM Alumni
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.” _Matthew 21:12-13
We are called as followers of Christ to stand up for what is moral and true. We live in a society that teaches us about “relativism” and how there is no such thing as “Absolute Truth” or “Absolute Morality.” We know this to be false because God’s standard of truth and morality is given to us in the Bible. As warriors for Christ we should be ready to stand up for what we know to be true and moral and not be afraid to meet some adversity. What was happening in the temple was unacceptable. The religious elite were forcing genuine followers of God to pay inflated prices for an animal to sacrifice. Since many people traveled long distances to come to worship God, stye had no other choice. The merchants were exploiting people who loved God just to make some money. Jesus saw the people using the Temple as a place to make profit and did not hesitate or fear what others would think of him. He jumped in, flipped tables, and used Scripture to make his point. Now I’m not saying we should go around judging people, slapping their lattes on the ground, and throwing Scripture in their face. I am saying we should be ready to defend and stand up for what God says in complete love and complete truth. Sometimes taking a stand means confronting the Christian whose words and deeds don’t reflect the truth in the Bible. Sometimes taking a stand means sticking up for the little guy, the one who is getting bullied or made fun of behind their back. Christians are called as warriors to take a stand and show the world the truth and love of God.
Reflection Questions: 1. Are you ready to stand up for God’s truth? 2. How can you ready yourself better to stand for God? 3. Who is your team of spiritual warriors that have your back and you have theirs?
Quote: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke
FOREVER REIGN Hillsong United R Matthew 21 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1eVDvoe
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 55
DAY 21 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 21
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 56 DAY 22 D You Can be a Two-Minute Miracle DEVOTIONAL Juliet Hidalgo // Adult Leader
“But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’ They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.’” _Matthew 22:18-21 What if you only had two minutes to defend your faith? What would you say? Would you stay silent? Stumble on your words? Well if this question is hard for you, you are in good company. Jesus had to constantly defend who he said he was. Scripture is filled with people trying to verbally destroy Jesus. They would ask questions to stump him, or find new ways to ‘catch’ him in a lie to prove he was not God. When their intended purpose of bringing him down didn’t work – they tried to convince others that Jesus was dangerous. Jesus recognized what they were doing and knew how to respond. In Matthew 22, Jesus spent a lot of time getting grilled by the Pharisees, the ‘religious leaders’ of the day. The Pharisees said they believed in God – but their actions and mostly their hearts were far from God. Since Jesus saw them for who they were, he called them out on their ‘authority.’ “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.” Yowza! This can’t be good. But as Scripture unfolds Jesus knew what they were up to and calls them out for their wicked way and gives them an ingenious answer. If you had two minutes to defend your faith—what would you say? Here is a simple suggestion – share your story and how God has changed you. Your personal story is the untouchable part of your life that no one can say ‘not true!’ You are the only one that can share your life. Your story is a living Gospel message. You don’t have to pretend your current life is now problem-free and that everything is peachy. As we all know, life is not like that. Life has a way of taking devastating twists and turns that can fill our life pages with sorrow. The hope we have is that Jesus walks with us through our valleys. God has written eternity on your heart. Since you are His, He wants you to share with others. Your story just may be the cure someone needs to hear that could change their life for eternity. Practice your personal story with your parents, friends, or small group leader. When the time comes – you have a plan!
Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever had to defend your faith before? It not, what would you say? 2. Jesus was brave and prepared when people challenged him. How can you be brave and prepared?
IN CHRIST ALONE Lauren Daigle R Matthew 22 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2qFbcnn
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 57
DAY 22 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 22
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 58 DAY 23 D God Above Yourself DEVOTIONAL Kellan Grant // HSM Alumni
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” _Matthew 23:12
Everyday we are faced with the challenge of either putting God first or putting ourselves first. A lot of putting God first has to do with giving Him credit for the ways He works in our lives every single day. Oftentimes this is difficult to do because it's so much easier for us to “exalt” ourselves instead of humbling ourselves before the Lord. However, no matter how difficult it may be, God has numerous blessings in store for those who choose to put Him first in all they do. As an athlete, I have struggled a number of times to give God the credit for my ability to play my sport. I have often been caught trying to exalt myself before exalting God, and I can honestly say that doing this takes a lot of the enjoyment out of playing. Also, I can recall numerous occasions in which God has humbled me in different ways, and each time I've been convicted to give Him the glory for my achievements, instead of praising myself. I have found that by putting Him first I'm able to glorify Him and essentially share the love of Christ with my teammates and my opponents. So, whenever you're faced with the challenge of exalting yourself or exalting God, always choose to put Him first because you won't regret it.
Reflection Questions: 1. Can you recall a time where you put yourself before God and then He humbled you for doing so? 2. What practical changes can you make in your life to make sure that God receives the credit for all of His wonderful works?
Quote: “When I put God first, God takes care of me and energizes me to do what really needs to be done.” -David Jeremiah
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP Jeremy Camp R Matthew 23 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2F0zXBr
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 59
DAY 23 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 23
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 60 DAY 24 D Walk With Fire DEVOTIONAL McKenna Ollman // Student Leader
“Then you will be handed over to the persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” _Matthew 24:9-13
When we welcome Jesus into our hearts and live according to His plans and purpose, a fire begins to burn within our own spirit. That fire is one of passion, conviction, and longing for God is His “playbook” in our lives. When one becomes a Christ follower others may wonder why there’s change, and the believer can experience persecution for their beliefs. But the Bible tells us that no matter what, no matter who or how we are persecuted, Christ gives us the strength we need. (Philippians 4:13 -- “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”) Acts 28:31 says, “(Paul) proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ- all with boldness and without hindrance!” Paul was the catalyst of one of the biggest Christian awakenings in history! He wasn’t always writing words of encouragement on a park bench, overlooking the ocean, or even in the comfort of his own home. Instead, he became a nomad, traveling from city to city sharing the hope of the gospel, and quite often, he found himself in jail for doing so! He clung to the words of Christ: “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations…” (v. 13-14a) So no matter what, hold on to Jesus’ words and continue walking with the Spirit’s fire of passion, conviction and intention. Don’t ever let discouragement or words from others that are traced back to the lies of the enemy allow your faith to grow cold or hold you back from sharing the truth. You are not alone in this crazy, curvy, bumpy road called “life” because the spirit of Christ -- the Holy Spirit -- is with us!
Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever been persecuted? How so? 2. How did it affect your relationship with Jesus? Was it positive or negative?
HIGH ABOVE IT ALL For All Seasons R Matthew 24 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2J2Z6Ci
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 61
DAY 24 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 24
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 62 DAY 25 D How Do I get Closer to Jesus? DEVOTIONAL Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ‘The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” _Matthew 25:37-40
A lot of us have at one time or another said something like, "I wish I was closer to Jesus.” Maybe it was during a dry season in your faith and somehow, deep down, you knew there was more—you just didn’t know how to get there. Maybe you are in that season right now. Rewind 2,000 years, Jesus was in the middle of a really long sermon in Matthew 25 when he tells them a story about goats and sheep. This story begins like any great movie—with an opening scene that leaves you asking so many questions. There’s a king who separates people like a shepherd would separate sheep from goats. The sheep get to spend eternity with the King because apparently there was a time when the King was in need and these ‘sheep’ provided for him. With a drink, food, visitation, clothes, remedies and their presence—they cared for this King! Now the interesting part of the story is the sheep do not remember doing this. In fact, they push back and say to the King, ‘When did we see you hungry...” And the King’s reply shocks everyone, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these you did for me.” In a reality altering way, Jesus identifies with the lowest, the hurting, the ones in our communities who cannot give us anything in return and He says when you love them you are loving me. Christianity is the only faith that says the closer you get to the broken, the closer you get to God Almighty. What if you and me went about our day looking for opportunities to love and serve without expecting anything in return, knowing our greatest reward would be the encounter with Jesus we would have through our sacrificial serving. Let’s choose to look for Jesus where He says He will be found. If you want to get closer to Jesus—maybe it is time to start serving!
Reflection Questions: 1. How does it change the way you serve people knowing that Jesus says when you do you are serving him? 2. What is a commitment you and your family or friends could make to start stepping out of your comfort zones and serving the ‘least of these’?
HEARTBEAT Mosaic MSC R Matthew 25 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2ETSzru
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 63
DAY 25 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 25
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 64 DAY 26
D What A Forgiving God! DEVOTIONAL Peter Mocabee // Adult Leader
“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out
for many for the forgiveness of sins.” _Matthew 26:27-28
It is from this last meal Jesus has with his friends that the church gets it’s practice of communion. Has communion lost its importance in your walk with Christ? Have you been going to church your whole life and don’t realize what happens on every first Sunday of every month? The ritual of passing and eating a tiny cracker, and drinking a little cup of grape juice could very well have lost its meaning. Friends, don’t lose sight of the chance to eat and drink with Jesus. Please do not miss the fact that Jesus goes from telling his disciples that one of them is going to betray Him, and directly into the most inspiring rituals the Christian church has ever seen. Jesus tells us the power of his blood, “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” What a forgiving God! He knows he’s going to be betrayed by one of his disciples, and re-affirms the forgiveness of sins to ALL! Next time you take communion, remember how Jesus’ blood covers sin. Think of how much you constantly need that forgiveness and thank him for it.
Reflection Questions: 1. What sins has Jesus forgiven you for? 2. Do you believe you are truly forgiven?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for letting me know that whenever I take of the bread and the cup during communion, that you paid it all for the forgiveness of my sins. Your covenant is alive and well in my life, and your Spirit reigns. Amen.
RECKLESS LOVE Passion ft. Melodie Malone R Matthew 26 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2reV8uq
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 65
DAY 26 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 26
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 66 DAY 27 D Truth Trigger DEVOTIONAL McKenna Ollman // Student Leader
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.” _Matthew 27:50-52
The veil in the temple had torn. This veil was a dividing blanket, about 5 inches thick and very elegantly decorated, that separated man from the most holy place, where God dwelled. Only the high priests were allowed to go into the most holy place; anyone else would be struck dead instantly. The tearing of the veil instantly allowed there to be no division between God and man—a totally radical thought. Eliminated was the need for daily physical sacrifice performed by a priest—Jesus was THE ultimate sacrifice and ultimately gives us LIFE. Jesus gave up his spirit to create a bridge between God and man—to become our High Priest. The more one reads the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit reveals itself and employs what I like to call the “Truth Trigger”—prompting the conscience when there’s disobedience or conviction or you simply need to be more in-step with God. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, God hears our prayers and answers them according to his plan. There’s comfort in knowing that He will never prompt us to do anything that goes against the Scriptures! As followers of Jesus, if we walk in His Spirit, there is LIFE. Eternal life, yes, but also the promise of a full life by trusting in Him, reading God’s Word, praying and seeking wisdom and discernment about what our eyes see and ears hear. Our Father God has given us direct access to Him through His Spirit. No more ritual, no more separation only the freedom that Christ can give.
Reflection Questions: 1. Has your Truth Trigger ever been pulled? What was the result? 2. How can you be more discerning in what you listen to and watch?
RESSURECTING Elevation Worship R Matthew 27 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1QUNP34
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 67
DAY 27 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 27
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 68 DAY 28 D You Make Me Brave DEVOTIONAL Soleil Torry // HSM Student
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” _Matthew 28:18-20
I grew up in a Christian household. My grandpa was a pastor and so was my dad. Throughout my life I heard this passage multiple times and it eventually lost its meaning. So when I was asked to do a devotional I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the last words Jesus ever said while in human form. His final commission can be broken down into 3 main commands. 1. Make Disciples 2. Baptize Them 3. Teach Them I've learned that things are easier said than done. These commands are so simple yet we find following them one of the hardest things to do. Why? Because we are earthly beings. Sin seeps into our lives and we make the wrong choice. But imagine how different the world would be if every Christian lived out their faith without holding back and tried to obey this final command of Jesus. What if we actually went and made disciples, baptizing them and teaching them? The very last sentence Jesus says is “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I think he says this because if we forget everything else, he wants us to remember how he is always with us—no matter what. He wants us to remember that we can become fearless to live our life for Him with no restraints. With him, we get to live our life free of fear and shame and anything else that holds us back.
Reflection Questions: 1. Who can you disciple to and share Christ with? 2. What fear do you have that you need to give to Jesus?
YOU MAKE ME BRAVE Amanda Cook & Bethel Music R Matthew 28 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2EVHmma
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 69
DAY 28 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MATTHEW 28
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 70 DAY 29 D Jesus Called - Drop the Mic… DEVOTIONAL Chanel De Los Reyes // Adult Leader “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their net and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called him, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” _Mark 1:16-20
Have you ever wondered how Jesus got his disciples? The first chapter in Mark talks about when Jesus called his first disciples. So, Jesus is walking, he sees some fisherman, and calls out to them to come follow him. Their response? They left their fishing gear and followed Jesus. Literally, they left what they had behind and walked forward with God. It always amazes me to think that they were willing to sacrifice what they had, not knowing the future, to pursue living in fellowship with Jesus. Jesus went a little farther, saw more fisherman, and did the exact same thing. Boom...in those two encounters, Jesus got four of his disciples! Now put yourself in the disciple’s position. Would you drop everything, all your worldly possessions, to go and follow God? If I’m being honest, I’m sitting here writing this thinking about all the things that I need to function on a daily basis! I can’t give everything up! Here’s the kicker, I’m sitting here thinking about it and these disciples did not need to. They just got up and followed. Jesus didn’t have to persuade or bribe them with money or fame. He didn’t even let them know where they were going. He just asked, and they responded. These disciples did not live easy lives, but they did live a life full of Jesus. They got to see some of the most amazing miracles and preaching that this earth has ever seen, and it all started with listening to Jesus’s call.
Reflection Questions: 1. If Jesus was to call you right now to drop everything and follow Him, what are the things that would hold you back? 2. What are some areas in your life that take up more time than walking with Jesus?
I WILL FOLLOW Chris Tomlin R Mark 1 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/1o8QloA
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 71
DAY 29 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 1
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 72 DAY 30 D The Power of Faith DEVOTIONAL Laura Irvine // Adult Leader
“A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’…So he said to the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and
go home.’ He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’”_Mark 2:1-5, 11-12
Read Mark 2:1-12. In verse 3, we see that some men bring the paralytic to Jesus. These men were not discouraged by the fact that the home was full with people. They worked to find another way to get the paralytic to see Jesus. They took him up on the roof, removed a part of it, and lowered the man down to see Jesus. This was not a small effort. It says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son your sins are forgiven’” (v 5). It was obvious to Jesus that the men who lowered the paralytic had great faith in Him. These men believed in the healing power of Jesus. But Jesus surprised everyone by not only healing him, but forgiving him of his sins as well. The faith of the men who dropped the man through the roof was so strong that it led them to do big, and even strange (to others) things. They went out of their way to put their friend in Jesus’ presence. We need to be like these men and bring our friends in to the presence of Jesus. As Christians, one of our biggest mission fields is our friends and family who aren’t in a relationship with Christ! Sometimes there will be times to verbally share what Christ has done in your life. Sometimes though, and maybe more importantly, your actions towards them will show Christ in a way your words cannot. There will be opportunities to work hard to show your friends what it is to be a Christian. Pray that your words and interactions, with those who don’t know Christ, will show His love and care for them. Pray for opportunities to share what Christ has done in your life. It might be years before you see any movement in their hearts towards Christ, but don’t lose heart because it is worth it! Reflection Questions: 1. Who are the friends you need to work hard to show Christ to? 2. Take some time to pray for them individually, asking God how you can best show them His love.
DO IT AGAIN Elevation Worship R Mark 2 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2hxNtk8
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 73
DAY 30 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 2
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 74 DAY 31 D You Were Called for a Reason DEVOTIONAL Courtney Romero // Adult Leader
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means ‘sons of thunder’), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” _Mark 3:13-19
Jesus called twelve men to be his closest disciples. The word disciple is defined as a “follower of Jesus.” I find it so encouraging that the people Jesus chose to be his disciples were just simple and ordinary men. He invited them to “do life” with him and he invested in their lives. He hung out and ate meals with them. He taught them through words and actions - and loved them. The disciples watched and observed Jesus and learned how to emulate his life. The way Jesus influenced the world is a strategy that we can use today. He picked ordinary people and invited them into a relationship with him. Through investment in their lives, he was able to influence people and draw them to him. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul implemented this strategy by his investment in Timothy’s life. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to spend our lives inviting and investing in people’s lives just like Jesus did. Remember, the disciples of Jesus are called to draw close to him, but they are also called to go out with authority and invite others in.
Reflection Questions: 1. What does it look like in your life to be a follower of Jesus? 2. Do you have a mentor or someone who is investing in your life? 3. Who is one person who YOU can personally invite and invest in his/her life?
NO OUTSIDERS Rend Collective R Mark 3 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2qirRzl
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 75
DAY 31 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 3
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 76 DAY 32 D Grow DEVOTIONAL Bronte Grant // Adult Leader
“Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the world, they quickly fall away.” _Mark 4:15-17
Often it is easy for one to hear the Word of God and accept what is being said. Other times we allow His Words to drift away. There are so many reasons God’s Word doesn’t always take root. This passage mentions how active the devil is to prevent Scripture from permeating and taking root in the lives of Christians. The devil hates anything to do with the Word and will do anything possible to keep people away from it. The devil can easily succeed at this if one does not have roots to keep them grounded. It’s the same as a plant: without deep roots it will have a hard time growing and thriving. Being a follower is hard. Hard is not a word that people generally like to hear, but it’s true. Following the Word takes work, but what good thing doesn’t? To avoid being broken by the many things attacking your faith, we all must daily sink our roots deeper into God. Faith takes practice, and like everything else- the more you work on it, the easier it gets. So why not apply that kind of effort to your faith? Take the time to continue to grow. When things get hard and it seems like the devil is attacking, your roots in Christ will help you to stay grounded. Trust me, without those roots, keeping a strong faith will be almost impossible, so take the time to grow.
Reflection Questions: 1. How are you growing your roots? 2. When it feels like the devil is attacking you, what helps you to stay rooted?
OH HOW I NEED YOU R Mark 4 S All Sons and Daughters READING SONG http://bit.ly/1ekyamP
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 77
DAY 32 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 4
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 78 DAY 33 D DEVOTIONAL Hope Despite Affliction Geoff Pino // Adult Leader
“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had sent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’…Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” _Mark 5:25-30, 33-34
Mark Chapter 5 really displays the compassion and power of Jesus. He frees a man who was demon-possessed, raises a girl who recently passed- back to life, and also heals a woman who had been struggling with illness (bleeding) for 12 years. Not only does illness and the forces of darkness submit to God's authority, but so does death itself! Freedom is found in Jesus. Sometimes, it can be hard to wrap our minds around such power and love. In the passage above, Jesus knew the woman's faith simply by her touch on the hem of Jesus's robe. Her faith resulted in her healing. Of course, there is no sure-fire formula to being healed. Sometimes it's the faith of those involved, sometimes it's God's sovereign choice. But one thing remains the same, He is ABLE. He has the power to heal, and the compassion to see us through our most difficult days. I don't know what you are facing, but I do know that God has already lived out tomorrow. Cling to Him and trust in Him, and know this-there will be an end date to your struggle and suffering. Whether it’s in this life or the next, healing is on the horizon. I am still sick every minute of every day, and I don't know if I will be healed while on earth. I do know that God sees me, and knows me, and ultimately, loves me. I've seen Him work wonders through this season just as it says in Romans 8:28. If He can beat death, cast out demons, heal the sick, then He can meet our needs as well!
Reflection Questions: 1. If you could touch Jesus now, what would you be healed from? 2. What does Jesus say healed the woman? What does that mean for you? 3. Pray that God would give you his peace through the process.
THOUGH YOU SLAY ME Shane & Shane R Mark 5 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/OoLNLo
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 79
DAY 33 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 5
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 80 DAY 34 D His Peace in Pain DEVOTIONAL Juliet Hidalgo // Adult Leader
“When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. ‘Where did this man get these things?’ They asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.” Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’” _Mark 6:2-4
My mom passed away this year. She had been very ill and was in the hospital for a long time. As difficult as this time was, I saw Jesus show up in our pain and sorrow. What made this time so incredible was my history with my parents. I grew up going to church, but not having a personal relationship with Jesus. When I went to college I found what I had been looking for—Jesus. I was super excited about my new faith. I went home that night and shared with my parents—they did not share my joy. In fact, they were concerned and worried about me. This caused an epic rift with my family. In Mark 6, Jesus talks about being a prophet without honor. When I read this Scripture I could totally relate. I spent my adulthood being an outcast for my faith. I was called the religious fanatic, weird and a fool. Over time, the game changed. My mom was in a horrible car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. During this time, I saw her heart soften towards God. We had meaningful and amazing discussions about what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus, heaven, and her faith. The last day of my mom’s life felt like we were on sacred ground in that hospital room. She let us know she was ready to say goodbye. I read Scripture to her about the goodness of the Lord, His unconditional love for us, His sacrifice, and what happens once we die. I read to her John 14:3 ‘When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.’ When my mom passed, the we had at the end could only come from Him. He wrapped up our crushed hearts in His hands, all the while loving my mom and He took her home. If you feel rejected, there is comfort in knowing that Jesus was also rejected, even by his closest friends and family. If you are truly living out your faith, people will reject you. My encouragement for you in those dark times is that our victory has already been won by Jesus. The prophet without honor secured our place on the winning team so that we could have peace in the process.
I WILL RISE Chris Tomlin R Mark 6 S READING SONG http://bit.ly/2EUQU0F
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 81
DAY 34 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 6
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 82 DAY 35 D Sin is a Choice DEVOTIONAL Brendan Hidalgo // Student Leader
“He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” _Mark 7:20-23
To defile means to spoil, or to ruin/violate. Mark 7 has a clear description of what that looks like. In the Old Testament the way to restore your relationship with God was through a sacrifice. You burn it, to get rid of the sin that defiled you. That was what they were used to. When Jesus came into the story being fully human and fully God, he explained to the Pharisees the true way that God intended; sin is a choice. We as followers of the most Holy sacrifice, Jesus, can have assurance that our sins are forgiven, and we don’t need to earn the grace so freely given to us. God sees us pure and clean through Jesus, undefiled. When I was a little kid I looked up to almost everything in my life, my big brother, my dad, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, superheroes, even Spencer, the fastest train in Thomas the Tank Engine. Through seasons of my life, I would shuttle through all these people and characters. They would all influence me in different ways, either being a hero, being the cool guy, or getting whatever they wanted. I would them and was never satisfied with what I had. Most of my childhood consisted of me looking to these idols and letting them fill me with things that would defile me. As humans we are exposed to television, magazines, videos, movies, etc. that change the way we think. Their words eventually become our words. The words we speak can either be good or bad, and as Christians, we can decide whether or not to defile ourselves. Instead of filling myself with idols, I fill myself with Jesus and it has changed everything.
Reflection Questions: 1. What defiles you? 2. How can you change what goes into your heart to change what comes out of it?
KING OF MY HEART Steffany Gretzinger R Mark 7 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2t2Mf7Y
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 83
DAY 35 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 7
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 84 DAY 36 D Compassion DEVOTIONAL Terry Heskett // Adult Leader
“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.’ His disciples answered, ‘But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?’ ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Jesus asked. ‘Seven,’ they replied.” _Mark 8:1-5
Jesus showed compassion to the multitude that followed him for three days. He did not want them to go grow faint and go away hungry. Sometimes showing compassion means giving of yourself and what you have to help others and meet their needs. Jesus did this with his disciples. Jesus asked them, "how many loaves do you have?” His disciples gave up the loaves that they had for themselves so that others could eat. Compassion comes in different forms such as praying for those in need, befriending someone, listening, not judging, giving your time and talents to help others and show God’s love. Compassion is doing whatever you can to help others around you in a quiet, unselfish, and loving way. Compassion moves you to act on someone else’s behalf. I have learned that compassion takes action and sacrifice. I love helping and serving others in the name of the Lord. It can be a sleepless night of praying, spending time with others in need, and the list goes on. All of this is to show God’s love. I love being used by our Lord to further his Kingdom. Everything is for his glory. The blessings are far greater than you will ever know. Try it for yourself!
Reflection Questions: 1. How can you put compassion into action? 2. In what ways can you give of yourself to help others?
Further Reading: Matthew 19:30, Matthew 25:34-46, Mark 8:1-13
FUTURE/PAST John Mark McMillan R Mark 8 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1GLbEpr
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 85
DAY 36 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 8
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 86 DAY 37 D Ask, Listen, Grow DEVOTIONAL Emily Gunstream // Adult Leader
“They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.’ But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” _Mark 9:30-32
When I was really young, I would ask my parents and my coaches so many questions. Most of the time, it was to try and seem smarter, or in the case of my coaches, it was to delay our rest time in between sprints so we could have longer breaks! I was always good at asking the infamous question, “But…why?” However, sometimes when it comes to spiritual things, we begin to feel as if questions do not have a place with God. Somewhere along the line we believed a false idea that asking when we do not understand is a sign of weakness. Here’s the thing: God delights in answering our questions. In this passage from Mark, we can see that Jesus tells His disciples something radical, something that clearly didn’t make sense to them. What was their response? They didn’t have one; they simply left that conversation without any clarity. Some of us might think, “Man, if I were there, I would have totally asked Jesus what He meant.” Yet, how many of us have questions about spiritual things and leave them unanswered, when the answers are freely available? Jesus just told His closest friends the bitter, yet so very sweet truth of His death and resurrection which was and is the most important piece of information that he could have given them. But what they didn’t realize is that He was inviting them to have a conversation. Today, God is inviting you to have a conversation with Him. Ask Him those questions that don’t make sense. Ask Him why hard things are happening in your life right now, or why they have happened in the past. Sometimes, he will answer in ways that don’t seem clear, or sometimes our questions simply cannot be answered until we get to heaven. But, there’s more than enough room for you to ask and seek Him out on those tough subjects. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for you and me; He is not afraid to answer your questions. More than that, He welcomes, delights, and longs for you to draw near to His throne to do so.
Reflection Questions: 1. What confuses you about God? Ask Him for clarification. 2. Who is someone you can share your questions with?
MIGHTY CROSS Elevation Worship R Mark 9 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/2nRzCgx
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 87
DAY 37 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 9
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 88 DAY 38 D DEVOTIONAL God, Our Father Adrian Pichay // JHM Pastor
“…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” _Mark 10:14-15
Take a second and think about what you were like as a kid. In your earlier memories, do you remember what you thought about the world? Do you remember what you were afraid of, what made you happy, what made you sad? Think about the people you trusted, the people who comforted you when you were upset. Chances are as you think back to your childhood you probably pictured the world in a much simpler way. When we were kids we didn’t really have much to stress about, we basically wanted to be fed, we wanted to have fun. Even when we were scared we could run to a loved one for comfort and feel totally safe and protected. Sometimes, even a stuffed animal or a blanket would do the trick! The adults (disciples) in this passage are trying to keep the excited kids from mobbing Jesus. But Jesus gets frustrated with the disciples and tells them that they should never hinder a child from coming to Him. Jesus embraces the kids because they are genuinely loving and eager to know Him. Not only does Jesus tell everyone how much He loves the children, but he also says that all of us should emulate the childrens’ trust and acceptance. Having faith like a child can be really hard. As we get older we become more skeptical about things. We have doubts and questions, we have deeper fears and worries, we stress a lot! But Jesus is calling us to think back to how we saw the world when we were kids. He calls us to think back to a time when we eagerly ran up to Him and gave Him a giant hug that maybe knocked Him over! You might be going through a challenging season of life. You might also be wrestling with your thoughts about God, wondering if He is going to show up in the middle of your situation. Let me remind you that you are a child of God that is deeply loved and cared for. Take a moment and soak that in. God wants us to run to Him, to seek Him, and trust Him even in the midst of all of our fears and insecurities. If we can take the time to narrow our focus, to forget the things that hold us back from fully trusting in God, then we might be able to see God and the world like we did when were children.
Reflection Questions: 1. How can you have a more childlike faith? 2. In what ways is God your perfect father?
NO LONGER SLAVES Jonathan David & Melissa Helser R Mark 10 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/1yB4n3p
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 89
DAY 38 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 10
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 90 DAY 39 D DEVOTIONAL Angry Jesus Eric Holmstrom // HSM Pastor
“And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of robbers.’ ” _Mark 11:17
Jesus is angry! You might be feeling uncomfortable about that first sentence. Maybe you have always thought Jesus floated around smiling, singing, and sowing clouds in the sky! And yet when you read the historical accounts of the life of Jesus, it becomes clear that on numerous occasions Jesus experienced anger. One of those times, Jesus was walking up to the temple in Jerusalem, and within the snap of a finger, He goes ballistic. This story recorded in Mark 11 actually shows up in the other three Gospels and is the only recorded time Jesus ever engaged in violence. In the first century, the temple was not just for Jews but Gentiles as well. Early in the ministry of Jesus, the Jewish religious community made it acceptable to sell and distribute goods in the part of the temple where non-Jews prayed. This made it nearly impossible for anyone traveling through to connect with God in a meaningful way because the chaos and noise of the merchants was too distracting. And this makes Jesus angry! Whenever anyone is exploited, overlooked, or taken advantage of, Jesus has a problem with it. Since the earliest stories of the Old Testament, God called His people to be a light to the whole world. God’s vision was never just for one nation but for all people. And when Jesus showed up on planet Earth, the religion of the day said God was only for a select few—and that angered Jesus! With lots of passion and muscle, Jesus reminds Israel that God’s house is not a place to profit or exploit or minimize others—God’s house is a place for connecting with Him in powerful ways. God is angered when we get in the way of Him loving and communing with someone. Knowing that, followers of Jesus are called to acts of justice, ensuring that all people have an opportunity to know the Gospel, the deep love of God expressed through Jesus, and that nothing gets in the way of that!
Reflection Questions: 1. Is there anything in your life that is angering Jesus and getting in the way of you or others connecting with Him? 2. What things in our world are getting in the way of people knowing Jesus and how does He want you to work against those?
BAD LIP READING JESUS R Mark 11 V READING VIDEO https://bit.ly/2wlToFO
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 91
DAY 39 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 11
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 92 DAY 40 D After God’s Heart DEVOTIONAL Bekka Evans // Adult Leader
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” _Mark 12:30
When I read this passage, I specifically think of David. Through a book called Psalms, David did this by pouring out his heart to God. David not only poured out his heart to God, but also his soul. Your soul is who you are, it’s a sacred place where your spirit and God Spirit abide with each other in your inmost being. When I read these verses, God took me deeper with Him, when I searched within my soul, and not just my heart and mind. Love is a strong word that is usually not defined in the right context. When I read the passage “LOVE your neighbor as yourself,” I need to be honest with myself and ask, “If I can’t love myself, then how am I going to love God and His children?” If we look in the mirror and see ourselves as nothing and don’t love ourselves, then we view God as nothing and don’t love him, because we were created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Now, David was a man after God own heart, but he was also a man after his own heart, which shattered his soul and mind. You can read about his selfishness and sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 1. But in the end, David was still defined as a man after Gods own heart because he repented of his sin and turned back to God with everything he had. David trusted God to define him. If we do this too, we can be men and women after God’s heart, as well. If we put our identity in relationships (toxic or not), social media (good or bad), ourselves (healthy or not), and not in God alone, when everything else breaks, we too will be broken and shattered with it. Can I encourage you for a second? When you place your faith and stand firm in Christ, nothing can ever take away your identity. Your identity is in the God who healed, is healing and will continue to heal. That’s the God that we are invited to be in relationship with. Now that’s good news! Lets live it out and not just proclaim it verbally.
Reflection Questions: 1. How can you love God with more of your heart? 2. How can you love God with more of your soul? 3. How can you love God with more of your mind? 4. How can you love God with more of your strength?
YOU ARE MY KING (AMAZING LOVE) R Mark 12 S The Newsboys READING SONG https://bit.ly/2FyzMxb
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 93
DAY 40 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 12
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 94 DAY 41 D Are You a Fake Christian? DEVOTIONAL Nicole Padilla // Adult Leader
“So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” _Mark 13:23
In Mark 13, Jesus describes for His followers the signs of when the end is drawing near and His second coming will take place. Jesus warns Christians six times to "be on your guard" and "stay awake." Why? The answer is found in verses 32-37. When Jesus returns will He find you living in disobedience to His call on your life, delighting in gratifying your flesh and squandering of the gifts and talents He gave you? Or when Jesus returns will He find you obedient to His call on your life, delighting in denying yourself and picking up your cross and building up His kingdom on Earth by using your gifts and talents to influence others for righteousness? In 2 Timothy 3:1-7 Paul describes how people will behave in the years leading up to the second coming of Jesus: lovers of self, lovers of money, disobedient to parents, gossips, unholy, proud, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Didn't Paul just describe things like Snapchat, Pretty Little Liars and Selena Gomez song lyrics? Many T.V. shows, celebrities and social media exist to gratify our desire for self- indulgence, gossip and ungodliness. Paul goes on to say that these people have the "appearance of godliness, but deny its power." In other words, people in the last days will claim to be followers of Christ, ‘saved’ with their words, but their lifestyles prove opposite. Which one are you? Mark 13:5-6, 9-13 and 21-23 are warnings against people who claim to be Christians or Jesus Himself, but actually lead many people astray including genuine followers of Christ (v22). Flee from those fake Christians. Delete them, delete Snapchat, delete your playlist, and delete the Netflix shows that cause you to live in disobedience to the standards and freedoms God has for you in the Bible. If you say you're a follower of Christ, its time your lifestyle proves your claims.
Reflection Questions: 1. Honestly come before God and search your heart. Have you been a fake Christian? Now is the time to repent, deny yourself, pick up your cross and start building up God’s kingdom on earth using your gifts and talents to influence others for His name, His fame, and His glory. 2. For two weeks delete all social media apps from your phone, don’t watch Netflix and remove any in appropriate music from your playlist. Keep a journal, pray, and see how that simple act of obedience will strengthen your relationship with Jesus and with others.
IMMEASURABLY MORE Rend Collective R Mark 13 S READING SONG https://bit.ly/ODEuz6
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 95
DAY 41 JOURNAL
TODAY’S DATE: ______
DEVOTIONAL NOTES:
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READING NOTES: MARK 13
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 96 DAY 42 D Do You Pray Like Jesus? DEVOTIONAL Amy Frazier // Adult Leader “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” _Mark 14:32-36
When I think about how to pray the way Jesus taught us, I usually think of the Lord’s Prayer. In the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus first gave the crowd specific instructions about how to pray. “Remember that God knows exactly what you need before you ask him” (Matt 6:8). He admonishes them, before he teaches them what they should say. That’s why when I read about how Jesus prayed that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, I am reminded that he lived out his own teachings on prayer, even in his darkest hour. When Jesus prays in the garden, he first acknowledges God’s power. “All things are possible for you.” (vs.36) But he is also overwhelmed and anxious, reminding us that he is fully human. He asks God to take away the pain and to change the course of the future he knows is ahead of him. But in that moment of pain he also acknowledges that God’s plan will prevail, not Jesus’s human ideas of how the events should unfold. One sentence shows us His true strength in the face of adversity, “yet not what I will, but what you will.” The first thing Jesus did was to cry out to God. Just like he teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shows here that God knows exactly the plan for our lives before we ever utter one word in prayer. Pray as Jesus did, knowing with certainty that God already knows what you need. He will always be faithful.
Reflection Questions: 1. How do you pray when you are stressed and overwhelmed? Do you call out to God with abandon as Jesus did? 2. Do you acknowledge that he is the God of the universe and is able to do all things? And then do you also acknowledge that God sees the bigger plan and is able to orchestrate all things to his glory, even the very death of his own son?
PRAYER FOR ANXIETY AND WORRY R Mark 14 P READING PRAYER https://bit.ly/2HI3Zg3
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 97
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READING NOTES: MARK 14
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 98 DAY 43 D Better Together DEVOTIONAL Glenn Gunderson // Senior Pastor
“‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” _Mark 15:14-15
This verse sends chills down my spine! Pilate didn’t really want to kill Jesus, he wanted to keep his power. Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate chooses to execute Jesus. That has got to be about the worst decision in human history! But it is followed closely by the bad decision I make whenever I choose to bend to the pressures of the crowd over obedience to Christ. Where are you being pressured by the people around you to do something you know is in disobedience to following Jesus? Now I would encourage you to be strong in those situations and I hope you will be. But there is a practical step you can take to increase your odds of choosing Christ over the crowd. Do you have an accountability partner? Do you have an accountability group? Whatever comes at us in life, we have a better chance of defeating it if we work together. If Pilate had a co-worker he trusted, he might have been able to make a better choice.Two of us or more can mutually encourage each other to choose Jesus over the pressures of school, work or the crowd around us. Satan would love nothing more than for you to believe in the ie that you can face whatever struggles or trials in your life alone. Don’t give him the satisfaction, we are better together!
Reflection Questions: 1. Where are you most pressured, like Pilate, to give into the pressures of the crowd? 2. Who is your accountability partner or what is your accountability group that will help you to make the right decision in that situation?
YOUR WORDS R Mark 15 S Third Day READING SONG https://bit.ly/1SqNwe7
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 99
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READING NOTES: MARK 15
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 100 DAY 44 D The Father’s Love DEVOTIONAL Brenden Hidalgo // Student Leader “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” _Mark 16:19-20
Do you ever see the story of Jesus and think, wow, he really loves ME that much? The fact is that sometimes people miss that. I’ve heard the story of Jesus many times, but every time I hear it, there’s one thing that always gets me every time. The fact that he loves me that much. Every time I hear the story of Jesus, my heart overflows with joy because I feel loved by the creator and Father of the universe. I’m a huge Dodger fan, and I’ve been a Dodger fan for as long as I can remember. If you follow baseball, you know about this thing called the National League Championship Series (NLCS). It’s a seven-game series on who will represent the National League in the World Series. Last year in 2016 the Dodgers went on to this series against the Chicago Cubs. Game three of that series I got the chance to go with my dad and friends. Since it was the first time I had been to a playoff game, I expected mayhem. Before the game started I was so mystified by both teams that I couldn’t keep my eyes off the field. My dad on the other hand, couldn’t keep his eyes off me. It was my dad’s first playoff game too. While most fans were watching the game, my dad noticed me get excited as I watched the game. His love for me took his focus from the game, even with his favorite team in the playoffs. Just those little moments of me being so excited and screaming made his heart so filled with joy that all he wanted to do was look at me. God is like this, but in such an overwhelming way that we can’t even comprehend it. Scripture says that we are His creation and we are loved by Him. We are his children. God looks at us with this big smile on His face because He loves us so much. Nothing in this world will take that away. Just like my father looks at his children with love, so does God with love for us, for eternity.
Reflection Questions: 1. What are 5 things you love about your parents that you would never replace about them? 2. How much do you think God loves you? Do you love him that much back?
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE R Mark 16 S Liberty Campus Band READING SONG http://bit.ly/2GaaPfZ
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 101
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READING NOTES: MARK 16
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Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 102 THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND
ACTIVE.
>>HEBREWS 4:12
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 103 CONGRATS.
Congratulations! You have completed the Deeper_Faith Challenge. We are so proud of you for starting and finishing the race!
Here’s the best part, this is only the beginning.
You may have not noticed, but you not only committed to this task and completed it, you also cultivated a new habit, a new rhythm in your life. 44 days ago you decided spending time with God daily would be a priority and you have now successfully begun a new life-long transforming-habit of saturating yourself in God’s presence on a regular basis. There is no better way to spend your time. We are confident that over these past 44 days, God has used the devotionals, Scripture readings, and the resources at the end of each devotional to challenge your faith, inspire you, and shape you into the person He created you to be.
Now we have one more challenge for you: Don’t stop!
Continue spending time with Jesus daily. Allow God to continue drawing you closer to Himself. Continue reading Scripture, praying, singing, living in community, serving, and tithing.
Continue seeking God first—fixing your eyes on Jesus! WHAT’S NEXT?
1. Call your Adult Leader, Student Supporter, and Pastor. • Let your team of people holding you accountable know that you completed the 44 day challenge. They want to take you out, celebrate, and share what God has done in your life. 2. Commit to a Bible reading plan and try out a 365 day devotional. • “You Version” has a great app for your mobile device or tablet with a variety of different reading plans and Bible translations. • We encourage you start in Matthew (first book in the New Testament) and read straight through Revelation (last book in the New Testament). • Check out these two popular and highly recommend 365 day devotionals: [1] Jesus Calling by Sarah Young [2] My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers 3. Encourage someone else to take the 44 day Deeper_Faith Challenge. • Share with them how God worked in your life and offer to be their Student Supporter as they take this step of faith and adventure with God.
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries 104 DEEPER_ FAITH KIT? The Deeper_Faith Kit is a 44 day challenge that will create an unbreakable habit inside you to spend time with God everyday. We created the Deeper_Faith Kit as a resource for students who want to understand the basics of following Jesus and then actually begin doing so on a regular basis through devotionals, reading Scripture, and checking out amazing resources that relate to each devotional. We invite you to start something today that will change your life forever! And it is our desire that after taking the 44 day challenge, you would be closer to Jesus and more passionate about sharing the Gospel with your friends and family than ever before. We are praying Jesus does an amazing work in your heart and life as you embark on this journey! _HSM Pastor Eric WHAT IS THE WHAT START SOMETHING TODAY THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER!
Deeper_Faith was envisioned and developed by the brilliant, amazing, talented, and incredibly committed Student Ministries Adult Leaders,
FAITH Student Leaders, Purpose Church Staff, and the fairly average HSM Pastor Eric. Together they spent countless hours creating content, devotionals, designing, and editing what you now are reading. Our hope is that the Deeper_Faith Kit helps us see everyone, everywhere following Jesus, beginning with you! TEAM DEEPER_
DEEPER_FAITH DEEPER_FAITH KIT ONLINE PURPOSECHURCH.COM/HSM
Deeper_Faith Kit // Purpose Church // Student Ministries