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!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Week 4 - Share it
Seeking to know God the Creator
Week 4 – SHARE 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
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 4 – SHARE 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
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"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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?
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?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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?
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?
Monday, February 16, 2009
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?
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?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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
---------------------------
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.
---------------------------
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 – 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
---------------------------
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.
---------------------------
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?
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