The Jesus Calling 52-Week Discussion Guide
2016 by Sarah Young
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ISBN-13: 978-0-7180-9488-1 (eBook)
In this ebook edition, please use your devices note-taking function to record your thoughts wherever you see the bracketed instructions [Your Notes] or [Your Response Here]. Use your devices highlighting function to record your response whenever you are asked to checkmark, circle, underline, or otherwise indicate your answer(s).
52 W EEKS OF T OPICS
The Jesus Calling 52-Week Discussion Guide
The following discussion-guide questions are based on entries from the devotional Jesus Calling. The selections are identified by date; however, the discussion sessions do not have to be done on a specific date. The references are simply used to help you locate the passages. Questions can be used for group discussion or personal reflection any time of the year.
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated January 1, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. Do you feel a sense of caution or the thrill of risk-taking when deciding whether or not to try something new or to chase a dream youve always had? Describe a time when you took a risk.
[Your Response Here]
2. The Scripture reference today from Jeremiah 29:11 tells you that God knows the plans [He has] for you,... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Knowing that God has your future in His hands, how much more open does this make you to taking some risks and pursuing your dreams?
[Your Response Here]
3. Because God knows us better than we know ourselves, His vision for us is far beyond the one we can imagine for ourselves. However, if we spend time in His presence, we catch the vision for the life He has for us and can act on the promptings of His Spirit. What is one step you can take today, or this week, to put a dream that Hes planted in your heart into motion?
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated January 9, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. What are some plans you have made for your life, and what do you see as the main action steps you need to take or have taken to achieve these plans?
[Your Response Here]
2. Todays reading tells us that one of the ways God shows His sovereignty is in the timing of events. Think about various key landmarks in your life so far. How did they come to fruition? Were they in the way you planned and in the timing you were expecting?
[Your Response Here]
3. Never Give Up is a great motto to live by, and Romans 8:31 tells us, If God is for us, who can be against us? Sometimes it can be tempting to give up on something when it doesnt come easily or within the time frame you want. How will you endeavor to persevere and let God, in His infinite wisdom, set the pace instead of trying to set it yourself?
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated January 16, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. What difficult moments of your life do you find yourself replaying in your mind in order to think your way through those trials? Does this practice allow you to move forward or is it a detriment to working through these moments in your life?
[Your Response Here]
2. God doesnt expect us to continually carry the burden of trials. Matthew 11:2830 tells us, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Think about why you have allowed yourself to keep reliving difficult moments. Identify ways you can refrain from placing yourself in a state of unrest over such events.
[Your Response Here]
3. Todays reading reminds us that we are only meant to go through our troubles once; rehearsing them over and over multiplies our suffering. Write a prayer asking God to help you release yourself from the bondage of these thoughts and help you live in the present moment with His grace and peace.
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated January 26, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. Do you hunger for a resolution to lifes difficulties? When bad things happen, do you question Gods love for you? How do you deal with these feelings?
[Your Response Here]
2. Todays reading shares the sobering news that Jesus gave His disciples: In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33). How can we allow our hope to navigate this life when we know that life wont be trouble free?
[Your Response Here]
3. John 16:33 illustrates how we can find peace amidst a troubled existence by reminding us that God has overcome the world. What are some ways you can tap into Gods perfect, omnipotent love as you walk through an imperfect life?
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated January 31, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. What causes you to worry? What or who makes you feel secure?
[Your Response Here]
2. Psalm 56:3 encourages us that whenever we are afraid, we should trust in God. How does fear and worry affect your trust in God? In what ways can you rely on God as your strength and shield when your fears and worries overtake you? Write a prayer asking God to help you be more secure in Him.
[Your Response Here]
3. Todays reading speaks to how Gods presence watches over [you] continually. How have you experienced God watching over you in your lifeevents that cant be explained any other way except His hand protecting, helping, and guiding you?