Week 5 - Day 1

Seeking to know God through Prayer
Week 5 – EAT It!

Objective: Seeking to know God through Prayer – What is
prayer?

Key Verse: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12

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Seeking God through prayer is how we become more intimate
with our Heavenly Father. I used to not pray very much. I
looked at prayer as something you do when you have an
important request or a plea for help when tragedy strikes.
Years ago I became aware of my prayer-lessness when I
realized how much my husband was praying throughout the
day.

So began my prayer journey. I wanted to have an authentic
and dynamic relationship with my God through PRAYER.
Now prayer is a vital part of my entire life. Is this what you
want too? You can experience God in such a close way that
sometimes it will seem that you’ve sat down for tea (or
coffee) with your best friend. Whether you’re a beginner or a
prayer warrior, I pray that this next three weeks will move
you into a deeper fellowship with the God, the Lover of your
soul.

DAY 1 – Read Acts 16:13, Rom. 12:11-12, Col. 4:2, 1 Peter
3:12
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river,
where we expected to find a place of prayer. Acts 16:13
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:11-12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Col 4:2

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears
are attentive to their prayer Wow! God hears our prayers
and He wants us to pray! Why do we pray if God already
know what we need before we ask? I’ve thought this so
many times! It’s time to get a new “mind-set” about prayer.

DON’T MISS THIS! First and foremost, look at prayer as
a way to connect in fellowship with your Holy Father.
Seeking His Presence and delighting yourself in HIM is the
best part of prayer!

Take some time today (maybe several times today) and go to
a quiet place and be still before Him. Don’t worry about
words until you’ve quieted your mind and turned your heart
fully to Him. This (quieting) might take a while at first. It
takes some practice because we go at such a busy pace. You
might try kneeling down or any position that will bring more
focus. When you’re ready, begin and end with your authentic
words. Also, it’s always good to express to God your desire
to know and love Him more. 1 Peter 3:12

Week 5 Group it

GROUP SHARE TIME
Why do you fail to pray?

Be honest with yourself, How real/transparent are you with
God? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being most real.) He knows every
thought before it comes from your lips.

Who in your life are you most real/transparent with?
What do you want your prayer life to be 1 year from now?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

Look up Ephesians 1:17-22 and 3:16-20
Pray the following SCRIPTURE prayers together. Pray them
at home. Post them all over your home, car, and desk. Pray
them like breathing - God will change you from the inside
out!!

EPHESIANS 1:17-22
Father God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that You
may grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep and
intimate knowledge of You, By having the eyes of my heart flooded
with light, so that I can know and understand the hope to which
You have called me, and how rich is Your glorious inheritance in
the saints.

And so that I can know and understand what is the immeasurable
and unlimited and surpassing greatness of Your power in and for
me and all those who believe, as demonstrated in the working of
Your mighty strength, Which You exerted in Christ when You
raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your [own] right
hand in the heavenlys, Far above all rule and authority and power
and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age
and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to
come.

And You have put all things under Your feet and has appointed
Christ the universal and supreme Head of the church Which is His
body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives
the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and
Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
I pray this awaiting expectantly on You Father, my God who
watches over His word to perform it! In Jesus Name, Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:16-20
Father, may You grant me out of the rich treasury of Your glory
to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner
man by the [Holy] Spirit. May Christ through my faith [actually]
dwell (make His permanent home) in my heart! May I be rooted
deep in love and founded securely on love, That I may have the
power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints
what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; That I
may really come to know the love of Christ, which far surpasses
mere knowledge; that you may be filled unto all the fullness of
God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and
become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Now to You, Lord Who, by the power that is at work within me, is
able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare]
ask or think or imagine.

To You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

I pray this awaiting expectantly on You Father, my God who
watches over His word to perform it! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Week 5 Share it

Seeking to know God through Prayer
Week 5 – SHARE It!

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Objective: Seeking to know God through Prayer – What is
prayer?

Key Verse: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12

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WATCH THE VIDEO FROM THE PRAYER SERIES – WEEK 1.

What is prayer? It is communication with God. It is like
picking up the phone to call a parent or a friend to share exciting
news, or a really painful day. But...with God, you never get a busy
signal, voicemail, you don't have to wait for Him to call you back.

What are some of the reasons people fail to pray?
Here are some reasons Sheri fails to pray: Since no one talks back to
me, I get bored. I am not really sure how to pray sometimes. I get
really distracted easily and sometimes I actually forget that I am
praying. I might think that God has more important things to
spend His time on. Why pray if my prayers don’t even make a
difference?

WHY DO YOU FAIL TO PRAY?
______________________________________________

LEVELS OF PRAYER
There are levels of prayer based on your relationship with the
Father. You can relate it to a friendship. When you first meet a
friend, you might just talk with them or see them occasionally -
or talk on the phone, but as your friendship grows, you
increase your time together.
As we grow in knowing God as our Father and as our
intimacy with Him increases, our prayer life should follow.
___________

Everyone has a different relationship with God because we
are unique individuals. Isn’t it cool that God loves us and
our individuality?

Various Kinds of Prayers
Just talk! to God
Get real - be transparent
Kneel prayers – Get on your knees
Arrow prayers – short prayers while driving, thinking, talking
with others. These are just short prayers that lift up what is on
your heart at THAT moment. I am the queen of these!
Eat Carpet prayers – Get to the lowest possible place to pray to
the Most High God. I ate a lot of carpet when my mom died.
Pray always – When you finish, start again.
Fasting prayers – Withholding food and using that time and
hunger pains to remind you to pray for something you are really
seeking God on.
Scripture prayers – God’s word never returns void. If you don’t
know what to pray, pray the Word.
Speaking prayers (Mark 11) Speaking to something in Jesus
name because God has already given you authority over it and
you just need to exercise that authority!
Spirit prayers – When you don’t know what to pray.

Most of the time I fail to pray because I get so busy and wrapped up in life that I just run out of time. I try to just talk to God and I do well for a while, then something distracts me. I know He knows what is in my heart, but I don't think its enough to make a difference. What kind of problems do you run into or do you have suggestions to help us out?

Week 4 - Day 3

Romans 9
God's Selection of Israel

1 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. 2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief 3 for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters.* I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. 4 They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God's adopted children.* God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. 5 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.*
6 Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God's people! 7 Being descendants of Abraham doesn't make them truly Abraham's children. For the Scriptures say, "Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,"* though Abraham had other children, too. 8 This means that Abraham's physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham's children. 9 For God had promised, "I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."*

God's word in the form of beautiful covenant promises came to Abraham. Covenant people, the true children of Abraham, are not just his biological descendants. They are all those who trust in God and in what Jesus Christ has done for them.

Week 4 - Day 2

Psalm 104

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord .

O Lord my God, how great you are!
You are robed with honor and majesty.
2 You are dressed in a robe of light.
You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens;
3 you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds.
You make the clouds your chariot;
you ride upon the wings of the wind.
4 The winds are your messengers;
flames of fire are your servants.*

5 You placed the world on its foundation
so it would never be moved.
6 You clothed the earth with floods of water,
water that covered even the mountains.
7 At your command, the water fled;
at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away.
8 Mountains rose and valleys sank
to the levels you decreed.
9 Then you set a firm boundary for the seas,
so they would never again cover the earth.

10 You make springs pour water into the ravines,
so streams gush down from the mountains.
11 They provide water for all the animals,
and the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds nest beside the streams
and sing among the branches of the trees.
13 You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home,
and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor.
14 You cause grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for people to use.
You allow them to produce food from the earth—
15 wine to make them glad,
olive oil to soothe their skin,
and bread to give them strength.
16 The trees of the Lord are well cared for—
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 There the birds make their nests,
and the storks make their homes in the cypresses.
18 High in the mountains live the wild goats,
and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes.*

19 You made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to set.
20 You send the darkness, and it becomes night,
when all the forest animals prowl about.
21 Then the young lions roar for their prey,
stalking the food provided by God.
22 At dawn they slink back
into their dens to rest.
23 Then people go off to their work,
where they labor until evening.

24 O Lord , what a variety of things you have made!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the ocean, vast and wide,
teeming with life of every kind,
both large and small.
26 See the ships sailing along,
and Leviathan,* which you made to play in the sea.

27 They all depend on you
to give them food as they need it.
28 When you supply it, they gather it.
You open your hand to feed them,
and they are richly satisfied.
29 But if you turn away from them, they panic.
When you take away their breath,
they die and turn again to dust.
30 When you give them your breath,* life is created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the Lord continue forever!
The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
32 The earth trembles at his glance;
the mountains smoke at his touch.

33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath!
34 May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord .
35 Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth;
let the wicked disappear forever.

Let all that I am praise the Lord .

Week 4 - Day 1

Seeking to know God the Creator
Week 4 – EAT It!

Objective: In seeking to know God the Creator through all our
surroundings, we will take a fresh look at God’s creation.

Key Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies
proclaim the work of his hands. Ps. 19:1

Our time with the Lord this week will be a real adventure, if you take on
the assignments with your whole heart. We want to take a fresh look at
our Creator. God wants to reveal His glory to you. Look around.
You’re going to see glimpses of His majesty!

Suggested Daily Scripture Readings
Genesis 1 & 2, Psalms 8, Psalms 19, Psalms 104, Romans 1:18-32 with
Romans 8:18-25, Romans 9:1-8, and Isaiah 44 & 45

Begin each day asking God to reveal Himself through His Word.
Read a suggested Bible passage slowly and take in every detail, even
though you may have read it numerous times before. You may want to
stop from time to time and reflect on the significance of what you’re
reading. As you go, realize and enjoy the Presence of God with you
and in you!

Try not to worry or get “hung up” on parts of the Bible that you don’t
fully understand. By faith, the Holy Spirit, and persistence in studying
the entire Word you will grow more and more. All Scripture is Godbreathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training
in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work! 2 Tim. 3:16

After selecting and reading the Bible verses, choose an activity from
the following suggestions or make up your own.

* Take some time to write down some thoughts in your SOAR journal.
Express these thoughts to God in a prayer of praise.

* Friends and/or family might want to join you for the following:

* Watch the weather and choose the best day to take a walk outside. A
nearby park might provide the right atmosphere.

* Watch a nature show on television or video. Your local library or the
Internet will have some good selections, too.

* Stargazing is great for an awe-inspiring time. If it’s cold, gather
blankets and make a hot cocoa!

* Read your Scripture passage aloud. Write a favorite verse or two and
place it in a prominent place in your home.

* If you like to dabble in arts and crafts, then create your own nature
scene.

* If there is a good “cloud day”, then go outside and lie down to watch
the clouds. Just don’t look directly at the sun!

* Express your love to God the way that best suits your personality.
Sing, shout, dance, play an instrument, write poetry or sit in quiet
stillness and acknowledge His Presence.

* Here’s a good exercise to get you thinking: Try to describe the
attributes of God without using any of your previous knowledge of
Him through the Word of God or His people. Try to understand Him
from what has been made by Him. (not through circumstances that
have been brought about through sin or the curse of sin.) An example
would be, “God must be Creative” because of the pallet of colors He
provided! Keep a growing list of your discoveries. (This may take a
while, but it’s fascinating!) You may want to share this list with your
SOAR group!

Week 4 Group it

GROUP SHARE TIME

Select and read 1 or more of the following passages. These passages, we
pray will spur you on to seeing God in ALL of creation – every seed,
every season, every weed, every leaf, every person – God made
everything beautiful in its time. ☺

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the
wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he
meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of
water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not
wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in
the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from
beginning to end. Ecc. 3:11

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22
Keep these passages in mind for the following activities as we search to
see God in a new way today.

GOD MADE THAT! GAME

Look around the room, in 2 minutes, have each individual make a list
of all the things you can see in your surroundings that were created by
God.

Share your answers. If more than one person has the same answer,
everyone crosses that answer off their list. If the answer is unique,
circle it. Score all circled items at the end. Consider a prize at the end
of the game for the most unique answers.
NATURE HIKE

Weather permitting, take a nature hike outside (if not, imagine you are
taking a hike outside).

On this hike, what do you smell? What do you hear? What do you
see? Describe colors and details of any sort. What do you feel?
Talk about these things with your group.

What names or Character traits God did you find? List, discuss or
journal the names or attributes of God.

THANK MY CREATOR

God created you too! If feasible, stand in front of or pass around a
mirror and have each person look into the mirror and thank God from
head to toe for creating them.

Pray, praise, and thank God together for all that He has made!

Week 4 - Share it

Seeking to know God the Creator
Week 4 – SHARE It!
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Objective: In seeking to know God the Creator through all our
surroundings, we will take a fresh look at God’s creation.

Key Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies
proclaim the work of his hands. Ps. 19:1

IN THE BEGINNING
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
God created the world and all of its contents! He created you!

God created all the resources for everything our eyes can see today.
Have you taken a fresh look around your home to see God’s handiwork?

NIV Study Bible Psalm 19:1 "We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's craftsmanship - the heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, his care. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd. Its design, intricacy, and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator. As you look at God's handiwork in nature and the heavens, thank him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator."

Genesis 1:1 "The creation story teaches us much about God and ourselves. First we learn about God: (1) He is creative, (2) as the Creator, he is distinct from his creation, (3) heis eternal and in control of the world. We also learn about ourselves: (1) Since Gd chose to create us, we are valuable in his eyes, (2) we are more imporatnt than the animals."

"God did not need to creat the iniverse; he chose to create it. Why? God is love and love is best expressed toward something or someone else - so God created the world and people as an expression of his love. We should avoud reducing God's creation to merely scientific terms. Remember that God created the universe because he loves each of us"

Week 3 - Day 5

DAY 5 - Rest
Take time to rest, be still (even if for just 5 min) and listen.
Meditate on the names of God on the following page – thank
Him! When finances are short, thank God that He is the Provider.
When a loved one is lost, thank God that He is our Comfort.
When we feel rejected, remember God is your Father!

CRAVE IT! THE EXTRA MILE
Pick any chapter of the Bible. Search for and underline God’s Names
and character.


NAMES AND CHARACTER OF GOD:

MOST HIGH GOD ~ DELIVERER ~ FORTRESS
CREATOR I AM! ~ ABBA ~ FATHER
THE LORD MY BANNER ~ ALL-KNOWING ~ ABUNDANT
PROVIDER~ ABOVE ALL ~ BEGINNING
RESTORER ~ BRIDEGROOM ~ BREAD OF LIFE
THE LORD OF LORDS ~ JUST ~ IMMANUEL
KING OF KINGS ~ JESUS! ~ LAMB OF GOD
EVERLASTING GOD ~ LOVE ~ LIVING WATER
SHEPHERD ~ COMFORTER ~ PROTECTED
HEALER ~ DWELLING PLACE ~ FRIEND
MASTER ~ REDEEMER ~ TEACHER
ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE ~ SHEPHERD ~ WAY
SAVIOR ~ PROTECTOR ~ OMNISCIENT
TRUTH ~ NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES ~ NEAR
EQUIPPER ~ HOLY ~ GOOD
PRINCE OF PEACE ~ RIGHTEOUS ~ MERCIFUL
FAITHFUL ~ UNCHANGING ~ OMNIPOTENT
OMNIPRESENT ~ SOVEREIGN ~ PURSUER

Dwell on Him. Where does God meet you today?

Challenge: Can you list more names or character of God from
the reading this week?

Week 3 - Day 4

DAY 4 - Select and read a passage from above.
What attribute of God is especially in your mind this week?
Thank God for it in prayer today.

John 15:1-17

The Vine and the Branches
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17 This is my command: Love each other.

Jesus is my friend, and loves me. He wants me to love everyone as he loves me. This has been on my mind quite a bit this week. As I deal with people that are unloveable or that are just plain irritating me at that moment, or when I want to strangle the person in front of me, I have to remind myself of these verses. It usually calms me down, and I ask for forgiveness for being so hot-headed.

What attribute of God is on your mind a lot this week?

Week 3 - Day 3

DAY 3 - Select and read a passage from above.
From the readings this week, what has been your favorite
passage? Consider committing it to memory. ☺

John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

My study Bible says "Jesus says he is the only way to God the Father. Some people may argue that this way is too narrow. In reality, is it wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, "Thank you God for providing a sure way to get to you!" As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, he is reality of all God's promises. As the life, he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally."

What is your favorite passage?

Week 3 - Day 2

DAY 2 - Select and read a passage from above.
Journal your thoughts and prayers.

I picked 2 Samuel 12:1-24

http://www.youversion.com/reader.php?startverse=2Sam.12.1

My study Bible says "As a prophet, Nathan was required to confront sin, even the sin of a king. It took great courage, skill, and tact to speak to David in a way that would make him aware of his wrong actions. When you have to confront someone with unpleasant news, pray for courage, skill, and tact. If you want that person to respond constructively, think through what you are going to say. How you present your message may be as important as what you say. Season your words with wisdom."

Verse 12:14 "David confessed and repented of his sin (12:13), but God's judgment was that his child would die. The consequences of David's sin were irreversible. Sometimes an apology isn't enough. When God forgives us and restores our relationship with him, he doesn't eliminate all the consequences of our wrong-doing. We may be tempted to say, "If this is wrong, I can always apologize to God," but we must remember that we may set into motion events with irreversible consequences."

"Why did this child have to die? This was not a judgment on the child for being conceived out of wedlock, but a judgment on David for his sin. David and Bathsheba deserved to die, but God spared their lives and took the child instead. God still had work for David t do in building the kingdom. Perhaps the child's death was a greater punishment for David than his own death would have been."

"It is also possible that had the child lived, God's name would have been dishonored among Israel's pagan neighbors. What would they have thought of a God who rewards murder and adultery by giving the king a new heir? A baby's death is tragic, but despising God brings death to entire nations. While God readily forgave David's sin, he did not negate all its consequences."

12:24 "David did not continue to dwell on his sin. He returned to God, and God forgave him, opening the way to begin life anew. Even the name God gave Solomon, Jedidiah ("beloved of the Lord"; 12:25) was a reminder of God's grace when we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives is a fresh start. To feel forgiven as David did, admit your sins to God and turn to him. Then move ahead with a new and fresh approach to life."

Apologizing to God isn't always enough. You must ask for forgiveness, accept it, and then change your ways. And sometimes, just asking for forgiveness, does not always get rid of the consequences of your sin. So before succumbing to the pleasure of the moment, think of what the consequences might be of your actions, and ask God to help you do the right thing.

Week 3 - Day 1

Seeking to know God's Names and Character
Week 3 – EAT It!

Objective: Week 3 - Seeking to know God's Names and
Character through a Word Search in the bible.

Key Verse: God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps
reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one
of us. Acts 17:27

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Seeking God on our own is a wonderful opportunity to know God.
Seeking Him to know Him through the Word is a privilege. About 500
years ago, we didn’t even have access to the Word. People died so that
we could have a bible today! Don’t take for-granted what others gave
their lives up so we could have it.

These suggested assignments are to help you grow and seek God. They
are not required, nor should you feel guilty if you don’t complete them.
If you have 5 minutes to spend, spend 5. If you have 30 mins. spend 30
– you decide. Ask God to lead you and give you wisdom to understand.

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WORD SEARCH! I love word searches!
Pick one or more of the following scripture passages to read every
day this week. As you read the scriptures, look for the names of
God. Use the Names of God chart (below) as a tool. You may want
to underline God’s attributes in your Bible &/or keep a growing list
in your SOAR journal.

Suggested Passages
Matthew 26:36-56; John 15:1-17; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 2 Samuel 12:1-24;
Ephesians 1; Matthew 10:1-16; Matthew 11:20-29; John 14; John 10:1-
42; John 8:1-11; Jeremiah 1

DAY 1 - Select and read a passage from above.
What attributes of God did you find? Did you know this about
God? If not, renew your mind with this passage by: writing them
out, read them out loud, meditate on them throughout the day.

I picked John 15:1-17. It's pretty poignant for Valentine's Day.

My study Bible says "God is the Gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with Christ produce much fruit. "
God is love and wants us to love each other. We obey Jesus because we love him, and by his choice, Jesus is our friend.

Did you pick a different passage? What attributes did you find?

Week 3 Group it

GROUP SHARE TIME
Have everyone share how they got names and nick names.

I was named Kelli after my dad, Keith. Steve calls me pooky, which is ironic because all growing up my mother called me bear. Funny how nicknames stick. What is yours?

Open your bibles to John 10:1-18 (example below) or Eph. 2
Make a list of the Character traits you see in this passage.
Leader: Help the participants get started by giving an example or 2.
Here are some examples. We used the alphabet to see how many names
we could find.
Alphabet Names and Character of God Verse
A Authority 18
C Calls you by name 3
F Full Life 10
G Gate 7
G Goes ahead of you 4
G Good Shepherd 2
H He speaks - His voice can be heard 3
L Lays down his life 11
L Leads you 3
O Obeys the Father's commands - sinless 18
P Provider (finds pasture - food - provision) 9
S Savior 9
T Takes up His life - resurrection 17
U Unity - one flock and one shepherd 16
Celebrate God’s wonderful Names and Character!
What other traits can you find?

Week 3 Share it

Seek to know God's Names and Character
Week 3 – SHARE It!
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Objective: Seeking to know God's Names and Character
through a Word Search in the bible.

Key Verse: God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps
reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one
of us. Acts 17:27

NLT Study Bible: God is known in his creation, and he is close to every one of us. But he is not trapped in his creation - he is transcendent. God is the Creator, not the creation. This means that God is sovereign and in control, while at the same time he is close and personal. Let the Creator of the universe rule your life.

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Names and nick names tell a little bit about who we are or how
others may see us.

God has many names. They tell us more about WHO He is
(Creator). Some are endearing and like a sweet expression of love
(Comforter or Father). As we get to know God through seeking His
names and attributes throughout the Word, it will bring us into a
sweeter, more intimate relationship with Him.

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

So, how do you get to know those sweeter things of God? To keep it
simple, I like to relate it to how I get to know a new friend.

Make a list of how you would get to know a new friend.
I ask them a million questions.
I go to dinner with them or the movies.
Spend time with them.
What else?

One way is to Seek Him with your eyes through the Word – your Bible!

If we seek out KNOWING God in the Word – like we would
complete a fun word search game, we WILL find God’s names that
define his character. Let’s get into the word to DISCOVER the
names of God…just like a WORD SEARCH!

Week 2 - Day 5

Day 5 - Read this slowly! Make it your prayer and hearts
desire.
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my
fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take
refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and
I am saved from my enemies. Ps 18:1-3

My study Bible says:
"God's protection of his people is limitless and can take many forms. David characterized God's care with five military symbols. God is like (1) a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us, (2) a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow, (3) a shield that comes between us and harm, (4) strength of salvation, a symbol of might and power, (5) a stronghold high above our enemies. If you need protection, look to God."


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CRAVE IT! THE EXTRA MILE
• Read 2 Cor. 3:7-18 - Spending time in God’s presence
changes us! What do you sense changing in you? Tell God
about it. Maybe tell someone else, too. Try journaling!
• Read the Book of Colossians! It is not long and oh, so
rich!
• Psalm 18 – the whole chapter ☺

Week 2 - Day 4

Day 4- Read Philippians 2:1-15

What does your attitude usually look like? Does it resemble the
attitude of Christ? Spend time meditating on the Nature of Jesus.
Ask the Father to change you more and more into the image of
His Son.

Philippians 2

Have the Attitude of Christ

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal's death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Shine Brightly for Christ

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.


My study Bible says:

"Many people - even Christians - live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit. and purpose. When we work together , caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ's example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don't be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God's family.

People often excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. They think "I can cheat on this test; after all I deserve to pass this class, " or "I can spend all this money on myself - I worked hard for it," or "I can get an abortion; I have a right to control my own body." But as believers, we should have a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as he lived. We should develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognized for our efforts. Are you selfishly clinging to your rights , or are you willing to serve?

Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ and the Good News. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ.

Our life should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that we will "shine brightly" in a dark and depraved world. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. Is your life shining brightly, or is it clouded by complaining and arguing? Shine out for God!"

That is awesome advice!

I am not always patient, and there are times that I am just one big complainer. I used to be THE biggest Debbie Downer of all time; always negative, complaining, just and all around crouch. I can't believe anyone wanted to hang out with me! Now I try very hard to bite my tongue even when I don't want to, and try to have a positive happy attitude. People are much more willing to hang out with a sweet girl than a Debbie Downer.

What do you guys think?

Week 2 - Day 3

Day 3 - Finish day 2, then read through your attributes list. Take
some time to quietly reflect on who God is.

Did anyone get different attributes than I did in Day 2?

Week 2 - Day 2

Day 2

Make an “Attributes of God” list in your SOAR
notebook or journal.

Read Exodus 33 & 34 and record His
attributes (i.e. loving, merciful, etc.). You might need to finish
this assignment tomorrow. If so, that’s just fine! Your focus
should be on enjoying God and His Word.

God is loving, merciful, compassionate, faithful, forgiving, just.

Exodus 33

1 The Lord said to Moses, "Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, `I will give this land to your descendants.' 2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3 Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way."
4 When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes. 5 For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, "You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you." 6 So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.
7 It was Moses' practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.
8 Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. 9 As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. 11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.

Moses Sees the LORD's Glory

12 One day Moses said to the Lord , "You have been telling me, `Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, `I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' 13 If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people."
14 The Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you."
15 Then Moses said, "If you don't personally go with us, don't make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don't go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth."
17 The Lord replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name."
18 Moses responded, "Then show me your glorious presence."
19 The Lord replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live." 21 The Lord continued, "Look, stand near me on this rock. 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen."

Exodus 34

A New Copy of the Covenant

1 Then the Lord told Moses, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed. 2 Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. 3 No one else may come with you. In fact, no one is to appear anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or herds graze near the mountain."
4 So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.
5 Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. 6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

"Yahweh! The Lord !
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
But I do not excuse the guilty.
I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations."

8 Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. 9 And he said, "O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession."
10 The Lord replied, "Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord —the awesome power I will display for you. 11 But listen carefully to everything I command you today. Then I will go ahead of you and drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
12 "Be very careful never to make a treaty with the people who live in the land where you are going. If you do, you will follow their evil ways and be trapped. 13 Instead, you must break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles. 14 You must worship no other gods, for the Lord , whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
15 "You must not make a treaty of any kind with the people living in the land. They lust after their gods, offering sacrifices to them. They will invite you to join them in their sacrificial meals, and you will go with them. 16 Then you will accept their daughters, who sacrifice to other gods, as wives for your sons. And they will seduce your sons to commit adultery against me by worshiping other gods. 17 You must not make any gods of molten metal for yourselves.
18 "You must celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt.
19 "The firstborn of every animal belongs to me, including the firstborn males from your herds of cattle and your flocks of sheep and goats. 20 A firstborn donkey may be bought back from the Lord by presenting a lamb or young goat in its place. But if you do not buy it back, you must break its neck. However, you must buy back every firstborn son.
"No one may appear before me without an offering.
21 "You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.
22 "You must celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first crop of the wheat harvest, and celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season. 23 Three times each year every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the Lord , the God of Israel. 24 I will drive out the other nations ahead of you and expand your territory, so no one will covet and conquer your land while you appear before the Lord your God three times each year.
25 "You must not offer the blood of my sacrificial offerings together with any baked goods containing yeast. And none of the meat of the Passover sacrifice may be kept over until the next morning.
26 "As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the Lord your God.
"You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk."
27 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of the covenant I am making with you and with Israel."
28 Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments —on the stone tablets.
29 When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn't aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord . 30 So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses' face, they were afraid to come near him.
31 But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. 32 Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. 34 But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord , he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the Lord had given him, 35 and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord .

Week 2 - Day 1

SEEK GOD WITH YOUR EYES AND MIND
Week 2 – WORD IT!

Objective: The Greatest Treasure Hunt is to Seek to Know
God through the Bible with our eyes and minds.

Begin each day turning your mind, heart and eyes to God.
Enter into your time in the Word with a hunger and thirst for
His Presence.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. John 16:13

Do not rush the lessons or feel the need to complete a “task”.
This is your time to spend with “Daddy”. Enjoy, delight and
savor the Word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

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Day 1 - Establish a regular quiet time (even if it’s 5 minutes).
Today, ask God to give you a hunger and thirst for Him!
Read Psalm 23 and take time to relish in your SHEPHERD!

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David. (NLT)

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

My study Bible says:
"In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because eh had spent his early years caring for sheep (1 Samuel 16:10,11). Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd (John 10:11); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) ; and the head Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As the Lord is the good shepherd, so we are his sheep - not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and right ways. This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep but n the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the good shepherd, follow him!

When we allow God, our shepherd, to guide us, we have contentment. When we chose to sin and go our own way, however, we cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the "green meadows" and "peaceful streams" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following Him obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd's leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherd's way.

Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, at a banquet it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil as lotion. Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs. God offers the protection of a host even when enemies surround us. In the final scene of this psalm, we see that believers will dwell with God. God, the perfect shepherd and host, promises to guide and protect us throughout our life and to bring us int his house forever."

Week 2 Group it

Week 2 - GROUP SEEK TIME

Spend some time with your favorite person and discuss the following:

Read the Key verse (Mt. 6:21) together.

Name your Greatest Treasure - Mine right now is the gym and getting healthy. I have become obsessed with it. Which I guess is good in a way, because God wants you to be healthy and good to your body. But don't let it take over everything.

Name your Roadblocks - Mine are being busy and disobedient. I know I should put God first but I let things get in the way.

Right in front of you is your treasure map to know God better! It is
the BIBLE.
Let’s Open it!
• Is God scheduled DAILY in your life? Do you have
a planned time to meet with God? Schedule God
in your calendar. Commit to it and hold each other
accountable.

I don't have a "planned" time every day, but now that I am doing this blog, I make sure I do the study every day and post it for you guys.

• Be real and transparent with each other - Confess
your lack of seeking Him to one another and pray
for and encourage each other!

I will pray for you if you will pray that I can ALWAYS put Him first before everything else.

• Pick and read a passage. Ps. 83; Matt 5; John 17;
Ps 99, Ps 103; Eph. 1; Eph. 2; Eph. 3

I love Psalm 103 (all my verses are NLT):

A psalm of David.
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord ;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord ;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children's children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord , you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord , you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord , everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord .


• List the attributes of God that you learned today.
Gather back as a group to share what you found.

He is a forgiver, a healer, a redeemer. He gives us love and compassion. He satisfies our desires and gives us righteousness and justice. He is slow to anger and quick to forgive. He does not give us the punishment we deserve! He is our Father and I am SO thankful for all that he does.

Week 2 Share it

SEEK GOD WITH YOUR EYES AND MIND
Week 2

Objective: The Greatest Treasure Hunt is to Seek to Know God through the Bible with our eyes and minds.

Key Verse: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mathew 6:21

Have you ever won a grand prize, door prize or anything? One year at the state fair, I won 3 LARGE prizes. I played games the rest of the evening for free because everyone that saw my prizes asked me to try and win them a prize too! It was fun! I didn’t even consider giving one of them away or sharing them with my little sister. They were my treasure. Like Matthew 6:21 says, “my heart was there also.”

Think about what you have treasured in your life – maybe a wedding ring, a new car, your first home, a child, a spouse, your work, or maybe you won the lottery. All of those treasures pale in comparison to the love of God through Jesus Christ! HE is the greatest treasure!

Be honest: Right now what is your greatest treasure? What are you seeking after? What does your heart and mind continually turn to? The answer probably lies in how you spend your time and money. Look at the way Jesus said it in our key verse.

Check this out: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need. Mathew 6:33

Our goal, our aim, our yearning desire should be TO KNOW CHRIST!So why don’t you pursue and desire God more?Like me, maybe you have roadblocks that keep you from seeking God.

What are some roadblocks?
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1st Roadblock –Too busy! “I want to make time for God, but I just don’t have time!” If we really want to do something, we will make time for it. If this is you, then God is not first. Ouch! We must plan time to seek God.
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2nd Roadblock - Disobedience – Sometimes sin is unconfessed. God calls us to holiness. Fully surrendering our lives to Him sets us free!
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3rd Roadblock - Apathetic – “I am Lukewarm. I have tried quiet time with God and it wasn’t so great.” You’ve tried reading the Bible and praying and it wasn’t so great, so you gave up. How can you and I gain a greater hunger and thirst for God?

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.” So, what if you lack this hunger and thirst?

How do you get these desires if they’re not there?

1st – Tell God about it. Tell Him you want to desire and love Him more. Continue this prayer until your heart changes. Pursue God like this and it will!!

2nd - Make God your daily nourishment! Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water. Does your body require daily food and water? Sure it does! Your Spirit is really no different. Nourish it daily!

Week 1 - Day 5

Day 5- Read this Slowly! Make it your prayer and hearts desire.
Psalm 63:1-8
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

My study Bible says "Hiding from his enemies in the barren wilderness of Judah, David was intensely lonely. He longed for a friend he could trust to ease his loneliness. No wonder he cried out 'O God...my soul thirsts for you...in this parched and weary land.' If you are lonely or thirsty for something lasting in your life, remember David's prayer. God alone can satisfy our deepest longings!"

What longings has God satisfied?

Let me tell you girls..........my whole life I have wanted to be a part of something big. I mean deeply, intensely wanted to be part of something big. When I was little, I wanted to be a singer and get up on stage and sing for thousands of fans. Later, when the show "West Wing" was on I wanted to work at the White House. I mean c'mon! Those people make can a difference! I longed for so long that my heart ached and something felt like it was missing. Then I met my husband, and he took me to a place called Lifechurch. I saw what was going on there, how lives were changed, and they showed me how AWESOME God is! Now I have the privilege to tell other people of the Good News! And let me tell you, my heart isn't longing or aching any more!! I AM part of something HUGE. I CAN make a difference. God answered my prayer. He can answer yours. Just ask him!

Want more?
Read Psalm 23 and take time to relish in your SHEPHERD!
Read Isaiah 40 and soar with God!
Read Psalm 19 and revel in God as Creator of the universe!
Read Psalm 42 and seek God’s help in your trials!

Also, go check out Sheri's blog at http://sheriyates.blogspot.com/. Watch the video she posted today (February 2nd). It is amazing!

Week 1 - Day 4

Day 4- Read Matthew 6: 19-34
Matt 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What does seeking (God and His Kingdom) look like in your life?
Be honest. Journal, pray, or just ponder this today. Tell God that you want to know Him and love Him MORE! Cry out to Him for more of His presence in your life.
Ask God for a greater measure of faith in Him and His Word!!!
Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The word earnest means serious and sincere.


My study Bible says:
Mathew 6:25 Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your heath, (2) disrupt your productivity, (3) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (4) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern – worry immobilizes, but concern moves you into action.

6:33 To “make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place in EVERY area of your life.

6:34 Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

Hebrews 11:6 Believing that God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much (James 2:19, 20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of his existence. He wants a personal dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life. Those who seek God will find that they are rewarded with his intimate presence.

11:6 Sometimes we wonder about the fate of those who haven’t heard of Christ and have not even a Bible to read. God assures us that all who honestly seek him – who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess – will be rewarded. When you tell others the Good News, encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth. Those who hear the Good News are responsible for what they have heard (see 2 Corinthians 6:2, 2).

What I am doing to seek God and his Kingdom? In addition to writing this blog, I spend each day reading the words of other Godly women and try to gain some of their wisdom. I try to make every decision with God in mind, asking what He would want me to do, and I always pray for God’s guidance in the major decisions. I also teach my children how to act in their lives according to God’s will.

Tell me how you are seeking God in your life.