Adult & Teen Challenge

12 / Sun  | Read (see below)

Overview: MN Adult & Teen Challenge led worship on Sunday.

20 / Mon – God is faithful  |  Read 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Everyone faces temptation. Probably the time you are most vulnerable is when you think you are not. Paul challenged the Corinthian believers to keep watch so they would not stumble. What encouragement did he give in v13 for times when they did fall? The strength of this encouragement is based on God’s faithfulness. How has God shown you His faithfulness in the past? Remembering those times will keep you steady in the future, as you stay focused on Him.

21 / Tue – God is merciful  |  Read Matthew 5:7 / Luke 6:35-36

Mercy is not getting what you deserve. In Matthew 5, which comes first…giving or receiving mercy? Why is that significant? And who should you be merciful toward? In Luke 6, Jesus tells you to give unexpected mercy to an odd group of people. How unnatural that seems. What reason does he give for this command in v36? When you see the way Jesus interacted with those who disagreed or mocked or hated him, you know it was not ‘natural.’ Will you make the same kind of choices he did? It will be difficult, but what an impact it can have on others, especially those watching!

22 / Wed – God is forgiving  |  Read Matthew 18:21-22

Think of the many times God has forgiven you. Can you even count them? If He has such unlimited patience with you – despite your sins, failures, and mistakes – how can you limit the forgiveness you give to others? Patience is part of the equation. There was an old saying…please be patient, God is not finished with me yet. It might be good to think about the next time someone seems to need repeated forgiveness from you. They are as much in process as you are.

23 / Thu – God enables  |  Read Luke 1:74 / Acts 4:29

Look at these interesting prayer requests. It seems that God loves to use people who are called but feel unqualified. Look at Esther, Gideon, or Moses. What have you asked the Lord to enable you to do? Your humility and heartfelt prayers open the door for God to do amazing things. All you have to do is ask and then obey. As you look around, what is God calling you to do? Don’t say no until you have considered who He is and what He can do through you.

24 / Fri – Look back  |  Read 1 Peter 5:8-10

Have you gone through challenging times in the past? Looking back, do you see them differently? How did God work through them to help you grow? What are some specific things you’ve learned from the past that you could pass along to encourage others? Being open about your own struggles and how God has helped you gives Him glory and other people hope. Paul suffered much, even though he was doing God’s will, but what a treasure trove of teachings he has passed on. Some things are only learned from suffering, and suffering is never for nothing.

25 / Sat – Look ahead  |  Read Hebrews 13:8 / Daniel 3:24-27 / Isaiah 43:2-3a 

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, right? Your level of confidence is proportional to the degree you’ve seen His faithfulness in the past. You can face the future, no matter what it holds, because of who your God is. It helps to be realistic and know life will never be perfect on this side of heaven, but enjoy the blessings. In fact, look for them. And don’t be surprised when fiery trials come. Remember the three friends in Daniel 3? They felt the heat, but they emerged unharmed because Jesus walked there with them. This promise is for you, too.