The Jesus Always 52-Week Discussion Guide
2016 by Sarah Young
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ISBN 978-0-7180-9487-4 (eBook)
52 W EEKS OF T OPICS
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).
The Jesus Always 52-Week Discussion Guide
Embracing Joy in His Presence
The following discussion-guide questions are based on readings from the devotional Jesus Always and are designed to help an individual or group gain a deeper understanding of embracing joy in His presence. The selections are identified by date; however, the discussion sessions do not have to be done on a specific datethe 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 Always audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Always dated January 1, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. What past events of your life do you find yourself dwelling on? Do you tend to let the disappointments and failures of yesterday overshadow your life today?
[Your Response Here]
2. Todays reading tells us that today is a precious gift and that we should rejoice and be glad in it. What are some ways you can pay attention to whats going on today and be grateful for the moment that is in front of you?
[Your Response Here]
3. One of the scriptures associated with the reading today promises this: You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11 NKJV ). Do you believe that by seeking God daily you can find fullness of joy? What does this look like in your daily life?
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Always audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Always dated January 8, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. What adversities are you facing today? Do you believe its possible to still find joy in life amidst even the more difficult times? Describe a time when you found joy during a tough situation.
[Your Response Here]
2. Todays reading advises us to refuse to let adversity keep you from enjoying Me. Why do you think its important to lean on God during difficult times? What does the text tell us will happen when we keep [our] hope fully fastened on God?
[Your Response Here]
3. One of the scriptures for today explains, Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8 NKJV ). Write a prayer asking God for the courage to face your troubles boldly so that you may find inexpressible joy in Him.
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Always audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Always dated January 15, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. How have you found strength when going through a dark time in your life? What are some blessings youve been able to bestow on others when they needed a light during their own dark times?
[Your Response Here]
2. In the reading today, we are assured that God has an eternal grip on us and that He will never let us go. What does this reading tell us we can receive when we cry out for His assistance with even the smallest prayers for help?
[Your Response Here]
3. When you trust in him at all times and pour out your hearts to him as Psalm 62:8 exhorts us to do, you can know that God will be your refuge. Think about how God is your refuge. How, as todays reading suggests, might you see Gods light shining on in surpassing splendor as you emerge from the shadows of difficult times?
[Your Response Here]
Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Always audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Always dated January 22, and then answer/discuss these questions:
1. Todays reading reminds us that God is worthy of all [our] confidence, all [our] trust. What are some ways God has empowered you with confidence to take on changes or shifting circumstances in your life?
[Your Response Here]
2. Psalm 18:2 provides this encouragement: The L ORD 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. In recognizing that the Lord is our rock, how does this knowledge have the potential to change how you approach difficult decisions in your life?
[Your Response Here]
3. Whenever we feel insecure, anxiety sets in. But when we choose to trust in God, our Rock, we can have power over anxious feelings. Whenever you feel anxious this week, take time to voice your feelings to God. Write a prayer asking God to lift you out of anxiety-ridden moments and find complete joy in Him.