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BEFORE YOU START: This series is designed to help you develop your relationship with God. There will be a “Focus Bible Verse” for the day, some thoughts to read, and some questions to help you think about what you have read and to start listening to what God might be saying to you about it. Here are a few things that will help you get started: - Get a Bible (or the YouVersion Bible App on your phone / try the NIV translation for starters) - Get a journal to write/draw in and a pen - Set aside 10-15 minutes each time - Find a quiet place so you are not distracted The main thing to remember is that God wants you to know Him better - He has designed you to hear His voice. He is with you always and you have his Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you about Him. He is NOT far away or so mysterious that only a chosen few can really connect with Him. Reading the Bible and talking to Him is a really great place to start!! As you answer the questions ASK God to help you to hear and understand what He wants to say to you and BELIEVE that He is speaking to you. There probably won’t be a huge lightening bolt moment, but it will more likely be a growing “knowing” that He is speaking to you through your thoughts and ideas and you will know it’s God because it will be things you may not have thought on your own and it will always be for your ultimate GOOD. Each one of these studies is based around something that our Father God says to us in the Bible. Each one is just the beginning of the idea and hopefully you will be excited to keep asking God to teach you and help you understand just how that aspect of who He is and how He sees you can apply to your life! There are some extra Bible verses mentioned in some of the studies - we recommend looking them up in your Bible as you go so you get the FULL story. Here’s to a fun journey getting to know our Loving Father even better! We are praying for you and so excited for what God is going to show you over the next few days! Let's get started on Session #1..... BIBLE: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 MESSAGE FROM MARK: Okay, quick quiz… How many hairs do you think are on an average person's head? A) 7,000 B) 120,000 C) 9 trillion. The answer? About 100,000 hairs! (depending on color, type of hair, age, etc.). According to this Bible verse, God knows exactly the number of hairs on YOUR head. Exactly! Have you ever wondered WHY God, the God who made the entire universe, would know about your head? It’s because YOU matter to GOD - every part of you matters to God. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] Write down 7 random things that God probably also knows about you (eg. the colour socks you're wearing).
[B] Ask God to tell you 3 things He loves about you (write down whatever you think - trust that God will speak to you)
[C] Read the bible verse again two or three more times. Pause. Take time to listen in your heart and write down what you think God wants you to know through that verse. Write a response to Him "God..." BIBLE: Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26 & 27 MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: God who is Father, Son, and Spirit decided together to create us (human beings) IN THEIR image and likeness - WOW! "In our image" means “resembling them” - similar to them in likeness and manner - sort of like a child resembles their parents in many different ways. And this is God the Creator of the Universe we are talking about - WHAT!!!!? What does that say about you? This makes you so much MORE than just a human robot or some accidental atoms floating around that happened to come together. You are NOT an accident or random. YOU have been created on purpose to display a part of who God is and what He is like. I love to think about what aspects of God’s character and likeness can be found in me - is it my strong mindedness, the way I love sunsets and discovering new places to explore, is it how I love spending time with other people? The more we get to know who God is and what He is like, the more we can start to discover who we are and what our true nature is. It’s an exciting journey! In verse 26 it says that because we have been made in God’s image we can rule over the earth and everything in it - that seems pretty important. Even being male or female is part of being created in God’s likeness - neither is more or less valuable, both are evident in God - YOU have been created just the way you are so that you can connect with and express who God is. What a privileged position we have! Ask God to help you understand just what that all means and how knowing this truth about yourself can effect how you live your life. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] What do you think it means that being created in the image of God makes us capable of ruling over all the creatures of the earth? Why do you think that is important? Are we all supposed to be farmers or veterinarians? [B] List some things about who YOU are that show aspects of God - Father, Son, or Spirit? Ask God to give you some ideas if you are stuck… [C] How does knowing you have been created in the likeness of God make you feel about yourself? What does this say about YOU? BIBLE: From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
Acts 17:26 MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: Do you ever wonder what on earth you are doing here? Are you an accident? Did God even know what He was doing when He put you in your family or made you born in this generation and not another? It’s quite common to have thoughts about not really fitting in in the world, or in your family, or that you would rather be a different colour or shape - you are not the only one who thinks like this. Growing up I definitely thought I was born to the wrong culture - I always felt like Scottish and English was just so boring and wanted more flavour and colour in who I was. Accepting who I am has been a bit of a journey. The facts are though, that God created us all ON purpose - you are not a mistake or an experiment - there are things about you being born into your family situation and into this very time in history that are intentional and for GOOD. It can sometimes be really hard to understand if your family situation is difficult or painful or life feels like it has dealt you some pretty hard blows…. Part of learning about who we are and how God has created us uniquely is TRUSTING that He knew what He was doing when He made us. He can then start to unfold it to you and help you see His intention in it all. Go back to your Bible and read the other verses around this one - Paul is speaking to the people of Athens who were very spiritual and worshipped a god, but they just didn’t know who their god was… read Acts 17: 22-28. God’s intention in determining the exact time and place of our birth is for us to seek Him out - to look for Him and find Him - he isn’t far away and He knows what we need in order to connect with Him. Maybe God wants to turn the stuff you struggle with about your life into the very things that draw you towards Him and open your eyes to see that you are ABSOLUTELY the right person, in the right space, at the right time. And you are so loved. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] Do you know the story of your birth? Write what you know here… [B] What questions do you have for God around your birth, your family, the country and culture you arrived into? [C] Spend a few minutes listening to God’s answers - just start writing what comes to mind. It’s ok if you don’t get all the answers today, but it’s so good to be honest with God about what you are feeling and the questions you have. They don't bug Him or make Him mad at all. Start the conversation with Him today and keep coming back to it… BIBLE: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 MESSAGE FROM MARK: This verse was written as a message from God to the Israelites when they had messed up big time. How big did they mess up? Seriously big! So much so that their nation was attacked by a foreign power, and most of the people were captured as slaves and taken to a distant country. So, what did God say? “Serves you right!” or “You brought this on yourselves, fools!” Nope. Did he say "Okay, that's it! I'm leaving!" or "I give up on this mess!". Nope! Nope! Nope! He said "I have good plans for you! Plans to prosper you! Plans for your future!". Here's something amazing - this is the same thing God says to us when we need hope or when we've had a bad day. Did you know that in the bible, one of the descriptions of the word Hope is: A confident expectation of GOOD. That means God has made it so YOU can expect to see His goodness in the end - even if stuff is not looking like that now. Thanks, God! IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] How does God respond when you mess up? Think of a time you messed up… then read this verse and write down what He might say to you. [B] What might it mean that ‘God has plans to prosper you and not harm you’? Does that mean He’ll help you find $10 on the street? Does that mean He won’t chase after you with knives? Write down what that might mean in your life (ask God to inspire your ideas). [C] God has good plans for your future. Is it easy to trust God with your future? Talk to God about that. Challenge: Pray a prayer that says “God - for all my future choices and decisions… I’m going to trust you have the BEST for me” 'BIBLE: (Jesus talking) "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:31–33 NOTE: The word ‘pagan’ used in this verse means 'people who do not know God'. MESSAGE FROM MARK: I LOVE this verse! In it Jesus gives us a secret key to life. Let’s break it down (if anyone literally started dancing when they read ‘let’s break it down’ … you are 1000% awesome). According to this verse, there is a way we can live life free from having to worry about ‘stuff’ (enough food and drink/clothes to wear). “What is it?” you say. “Tell me the secret!” you say. “This sounds amazing!” It is! Here’s the secret: Seek first God's Kingdom. That means fixing our eyes (Hebrews 12:2), our attention, and our thoughts on God (who He is, what He has done for us, who He says we are). The second part of the secret says ‘And seek His righteousness.’ That means keep in mind (especially when we have days when we are hard on ourselves) that He has paid for all our sins (past, present, and future) and declares us righteous (100% right with God). It has already happened through Jesus! And what happens when we focus on that? Instead of worry, we’ll rest in the knowledge that God promises to supply everything we need (and God's VERY good at keeping His promises). It’s ALL covered. Thanks, God! IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] Write down the three biggest things you worry about
[B] We’re not made to worry (Matthew 11:28-30). Ask Jesus to tell you what He’d like to do with each one of those things you worry about.
[C] Pray (write down if it’s helpful) a prayer to entrust your worries and cares to Jesus. (If those worries try to creep back into your life - just speak to those worries and say ‘God’s got it!’) BIBLE: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1 NIV MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: I love this verse because it has a very emphatic explanation mark! John even repeats himself here to really make a point. God calls us His children - and that is what we ARE! There is no question or doubt about it - you ARE a child of God and for that very reason He loves you absolutely and completely - not because of anything you have done OR could ever do to earn His love. He even LAVISHES His love on you. That is a fancy word for “giving generously and extravagantly”. It comes from an old French word meaning “torrential downpour of rain” - I think you get the idea from that - God’s love comes at us like a huge, extravagant, over the top downpour that we really can’t measure or contain. If you don’t like the thought of being lavished with attention or hugs and kisses, then imagine an incredible spread of your favourite food and drinks instead, or an extravagant day at the most over the top adventure park where everything is free and just for you - that's what lavish means! This verse shows us that God’s love comes at it’s most extravagant when He calls us His own child. The most powerful being in the Universe - the One who spoke and the whole earth was formed - the One who holds the whole of existence inside His hands - that One is your Father/Source and He says you are His child - that is what you ARE! What better identity could we ask for? Here is another version of this verse from the NKJV Bible. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 NKJV Let’s unpack it in the original language it was written in… “Behold” - this word means to see, to truly experience and to perceive with your spirit - “What manner” - literally means “from what country?” It’s like John is saying… What type of love is this? It’s so unheard of and not something we have ever experienced before… it is CRAZY, out of this world LOVE and we cannot get it from anywhere else except from God. Why don’t you stop for a minute and say “I (add your name) am a child of God”, “I (add your name) am loved so massively by God who is my Father” - let that sink IN because that is who you ARE. Let your spirit perceive it/experience it. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] Write in your journal the statement above that you just spoke out loud about yourself: “I _____________________ am a child of God”, “I ________________ am loved so massively by God who IS my Father” [B] Once you have taken some time to let that sink in write down what other thoughts God wants you to know about that. [C] What does it mean to you that you ARE a child of God? How is that different from being a child of your human parents? BIBLE: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11 MESSAGE FROM MARK: So, in this verse, we are being compared to sheep. Let that sink in. Sheep. Lions are fierce, gorillas are strong, eagles soar… but we get to be ‘sheep’. Baaaa! Sheep are kind of dumb (sorry to any sheep reading this... just keeping it real) and have no natural defences. But maybe that’s the point! Perhaps this verse is about our shepherd! And even when we do things that are dumb or when we are in trouble, we have someone looking after us, who picks us up and carries us to safety. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [1] Write down what would be the BEST animal to be compared to? (And why) [2] Write down what a shepherd (or sheep farmer) does for His sheep. How do those things relate to what God does for us? [3] What could it mean that 'God gathers the lambs and carries them close to His heart'. What could God be saying to us through that verse? BIBLE: (God speaking) Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:1-2 MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: When God says to you “Don’t be afraid” it’s because He knows that we can sometimes feel worried and scared about things in life - He’s not saying we will never have hard or scary things happen to us and around us, but He is giving us some things in this verse to remember when we are in those situations… Read over the verse again. God is saying - You don’t have to fear because you are MINE. I am always with you. You may have to walk through some hard and overwhelming things, but they DON’T get to take you out - you won’t get damaged or destroyed by them. I have called you by name - you are not just one out of billions to God, you are not just a number in a crowd - He knows you individually and calls you by name. You belong to Him - not like a slave but like a child - you are dearly loved and deeply known by God. He paid a high price in Jesus to let you know and experience this. Did you ever have a favourite possession as a kid? A special Pokemon card, a shell from the beach or a gemstone, a special stuffed animal? Think about how you always wanted to carry it with you and keep it safe and secure - nobody else was getting their hands on that valuable item! This is how God feels about YOU - His precious possession. It’s so important to know this truth and let it sink in - this gives us security and safety and belonging. We all have hard things to go through in life, but instead of always thinking on how hard it is - think on this truth - You belong to God, He will never leave you alone (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) so You don’t need to fear. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] What was your most precious possession as a kid? [B] Write down some of the things that might feel like “deep water”, “raging rivers”, or “fires” in your life at the moment - things that are overwhelming or causing you to worry. [C] Ask God to show you what walking THROUGH that WITH HIM beside you might be like. Write down His response. Spend some time reminding yourself that He is there and invite Him to show you how near He is. BIBLE: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39
MESSAGE FROM MARK: (Warning: Mark's version of this verse to follow) I am convinced … that neither ninjas nor UFC fighters, explosions nor surprising sinkholes, Lynx body spray nor bad sunburn after a day at the beach, nor temper tantrums nor indigestion…. Nothing… nothing… nothing… can ever separate you from what? God’s love! God's love for you will never change. He just LOVES YOU! Why is that a big deal? Because God’s love changes us (for good). God's love is like water for a thirsty soul. It's the good soil we need to grow. It’s the gateway to peace in our hearts and minds and even to believing for His provision. It’s never far from us and we can NEVER be separated from it. How good is that?! NOTE: This would be an amazing verse to know by heart. Challenge: See if you can memorise it! IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] What could it mean that even ‘death’ is powerless to separate us from Gods love? [B] What could it mean that even the ‘future’ can’t separate us from God’s love? [C] Write a message to God and tell Him what it means to you that His love is with you always. BIBLE: (God speaking) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: Here is a promise from God that we can really hold onto (see what I did there? “Hold on to”). There are so many verses in the Bible that talk about God holding us up - and they often mention that He does this with His right hand - the symbolism here according to ancient writings from that time is that the right hand speaks of “someone’s ultimate strength and power” - for about 90% of the population the right hand is the dominant hand which naturally has more strength. If you go to pull someone up who has fallen over you would reach out your strongest hand to grab theirs and lift them up right? In the same way, if you are standing beside someone and they start to faint or lose their balance - you would reach out and steady them with your hand. This is the picture that this verse gives us. God is right there beside us ready to steady and strengthen us with His hand - ready to reach out and grab us if we fall. We just need to ask Him, but sometimes we believe that we need to be strong all by ourselves. Sometimes we can feel really stuck in life - like we have fallen into a pit and it’s slimy and muddy and we can’t climb ourselves out - God’s hand can pull us up and out of our stuckness too. Read Psalm 40:1-3. David talks about God pulling Him out of a pit of despair and putting him on a firm foundation so He can find his feet again. God wants to do this for you too. Let Him tell you this today - “I am with you, I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you and hold you up.” His hand in your situation gives you a feeling of confidence and strength that you cannot get on your own. You can trust Him and these promises about Him in the Bible. IN YOUR JOURNAL: [A] We often feel like we should be strong and do things on our own. Is it easy for you to ask for help? Why or why not? [B] Is there something going on in your life or your thoughts that you would really like God to help you with? Or a pit you feel you are stuck in that He could pull you out of? Tell God about it or write it here… [C] Take a minute to imagine God’s hand (powerful, kind, strong, loving) reaching out to you to steady you or lift you out of where you feel stuck. See Him doing that for you. Notice what it feels like - notice what He is doing or saying to you. Thank Him for His help and that His hand is always ready to save you. BEFORE WE FINISH: You made it! Message Andrea or Mark and lets us know! And we'll send you a special 'you did it gif' and probably give you a high five next time we see you! TO FINISH: Here is a review of what you have been learning these last 10 days - read over these truths from God like a letter straight from Him to you. Spend time thanking Him for all of this and come back and read this any time you need reminding. Dear Favourite Child, I KNOW you personally and you matter to me. I made you in my image. You are not a mistake - I planned for you. I have GOOD in store for you. I will meet ALL your needs. I LOVE you just because you are MY child. I will look after you. You are mine and I will never leave you. You will have my LOVE always - no matter what. I am your helper and your strength in every situation. Your Loving Father, GOD. |
