The message given to Jesus for you

 God audibly spoke to those who witnessed the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:11). The voice clearly stated that Jesus had a family relationship with the very creator of all existence. The good news of the gospel is that we get to join that family and share the in love God has for His children. How do you experience and share your family relationship with The God?

Held back by fear

 Sometimes we see a need and want to help, but fear prevents us from providing assistance. When Elijah's life was threatened, he hid and began to feel that he was the only person who still worshipped God (1 Kings 19). God's ministry to Elijah motivated the prophet to return to his service to God. How can God use you to encourage others who are too fearful to provide help to others?

Nicodemus seems reluctant

 

The Jewish teacher, Nicodemus, seemed to reject Christ's teaching on the need for a second birth (John 3). The quick dismissal of an obvious metaphor might lead us to believe that Nicodemus wasn't really open to new ideas like those Christ was presenting. Do you find some of Christ's hard to accept?

When change is common

Nicodemas, a religious teacher, seemed confused by Jesus's teachings (John 3). It seemed like Nicodemas was reluctant to accept the radical teachings of Christ and had trouble understanding how to interpret and apply these teachings to his own life. What aspects of Christ's teachings do you have trouble accepting and applying?

Leaving your cave

 God called Elijah out of his cave of despair so that he could receive a final mission (1 Kings 19). God seems to have consoled Elijah by reminding him that God is still all-powerful and that He still had work for Elijah. Are you able to find consolation in God's mission for your life?

Hiding Out

 

After his greatest victory, Elijah feared for his life and went into hiding (1 Kings 19). In his cave of despair, Elijah rehearsed all of the evil his country was facing and began to see an exaggerated version of the problem, where he was the only one left who loved God and that God had abandoned him. Do you have exaggerated versions of your problems? Are you feeling abandoned by God? Can you tell God how you feel?

Are you ashamed?

 David was called a "man after God's heart (1 Sam 13:14) but was later guilty of adultery and murder. He loved God deeply, but still fell to the most vile sins of his day. David's redemption came a steep price, but during those times of shame, he humbled himself and wrote stirring Psalms begging God for forgiveness. How do you respond when your sins are exposed? Are you able to humble yourself and beg God for help?

Healing that angers religious men

 

Rather than waiting for another time, Jesus chose to heal a man on the Sabbath day (Lk 6). In doing this, he reminded the law-keepers that God's law was given for our good, not as a way to find fault with each other. Jesus saw a man in need, and in healing that man, he gave those around him an opportunity to receive his forgiveness and instruction. Are you able to rejoice when underserving receive blessings?

Considering Hell

 

Jesus told a story of a man who finds himself suffering in Hell (Lk 16). The suffering described all stems from the man excluding God from his life. While considering the horrors of Hell, we should also consider that God loved us so much that He allowed His Son to suffer the pain of Hell of for us. Jesus took the Hell we deserve, Rom 3:25. The darkest punishment you can conceiver has been applied to Jesus for you.

What are you worth?

 

Jesus told of a woman who searched diligently for a lost coin (Lk 15:8-10). Once she found the coin, she rejoiced greatly and even called her friends to join her in her celebration. This story reveals how God feels when we return to His care. At times we all feel worthless, but this story reminds us that the creator of everything values us greatly and rejoices when we seek Him. How can you seek Him today?

God can protect you, but will He?

The famous story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan 3:16-28) provides modern Christians with a sound way of anticipating God's deliverance, while accepting His hard decisions. The faithful trio believed that God could save them, but were willing to accept God's plan, even if He decided not to. What trying circumstances do you want to be delivered from, and have you asked God to do this?

How to change what you're thoughts

Almost everyone suffers from what seems like uncontrollable fear, worry, or some other thoughts we wish we could stop. One method that has proven helpful for Christians has been to memorize portions of the Bible and rehearse those passages as a way of breaking the unwanted thought cycle. Philippians 4:l8-19 tells us to change the way we think.