One day you are going to be old! Well, I can't guarantee that for you but keep in mind that the average life expectancy for your generation is 72 years for guys and 75 for the ladies! So the question is, what do you want your life to be like in your 70's? Do you want to have a life of regret?
I realize that sounds far–fetched but I want you to know that the decisions you make today will impact the course of the rest of your life. During this series it is our desire to get you thinking "Beyond the Yearbook." We want to challenge you to begin the process of making wise decisions today that will benefit you for the rest of your life! For the next month I challenge you to engage in this series:
ATTEND WEEKEND SERVICES – The WEEKEND SERVICE is a great place to come together and get charged up about this series. Not only will you benefit from coming to a service programmed with this series in mind, you'll have a great time meeting new people and hanging out.
GO TO SMALL GROUP – If you're not in a group, JOIN ONE TODAY! When a large crowd becomes a few and chairs go from rows to circles, you are in an environment that enables you to talk about these topics with friends your own age. This is the place to feel supported on your journey.
READ THROUGH THE DAILY CHALLENGES - Navigate the entries through the "Blog Archive" located on the right. Each Bible verse is a link to take you directly to an online Bible. Feel free to post your thoughts and comments or work through a personal devotional.
9/25/08
Week 1 - Alive at 45
This week's author:
Hey, my name is Matt Silver! Growing up if you asked me how long I was going to live I would've answered you in one of two ways. When I was younger, I would have said 130 because of the way medical science has extended life. In high school I would have said, I probably won't see 30 because I loved living the "wild" and good life. On my dirt–bike – we could never ride hard enough, on a skateboard – things never were big enough. These are just a few examples. Truth be told, it was that carefree attitude that kept me from living in such a way that I was mindful of the future. I always had a, "It will work itself out" attitude. I hope this book will put your future in perspective. I hope this book will help you think about your life "Beyond the Yearbook!
Week 1 - Day 1
YOUR DAY WILL COME -THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
READ: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Everything has a season, you have a beginning and you will have an end. More than likely you will reach your parents'/guardians' age. One day you'll be 45! Yes, the music that you listen to now
will one day be considered "oldies but goodies." Soon you won't be able to purchase DVDs; movies will be downloaded.
Today’s Drill:
Take some time and make a list of things that you think will be different in the future. What will cars be like? Houses we live in? What will we do for entertainment? Think about your life at 45.
Week 1 - Day 2
FEEL THE BURN-HARD WORK PAYS OFF
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Discipline; just say that word out loud! DIII–SCCCIII–PLLLIINE. Good Job! If you are an athlete, student, or human being you have learned to hate that word. We hate it because we know that it is
exactly what we need to do to be great at something, but discipline requires a TON of work. In fact that's exactly what it's going to take for you to finish this study guide. It is going to require you to set aside time every day to PRAY, STUDY, and then APPLY the ideas discussed in this book. The good news is DISCIPLINE always pays off, regardless of how you feel in the process. Even if you hate working out, you will STILL end up stronger. Over time, it is the results that cause you to want to continue. Commit to this!
TODAY'S DRILL:
Very few good things happen by accident. I don't know of any athlete, gamer, or basket weaver who did not improve through discipline. Much the same way, you need to have a plan to finish this book. Put your commitment and strategy in writing. When will you work on this book (first thing in the morning, on the bus, at school, after school, before bed, etc)? There are five days of challenges for each week, which days will you work on the book (Monday – Friday)? Why don't you buddy up for this one by choosing a friend to call every day to make sure you're both working through this book?
Week 1 - Day 3
COMMUNICATION -
TALK TO GOD
READ: Psalm 5:1-3
The key to every relationship is communication. I moved from West Virginia in 2001 and talk to less than five people with any regularity (my parents weekly, and a few friends monthly at best). When I go back to visit I often see a few people from "the old days" but it's always interesting to see how we have all moved on. Perhaps you had a best friend only a few years ago with whom you no longer talk and you both are way different now.
In our relationships with God, He is always there for us, but it is us who need to make the effort to talk to Him. Make it a part of your day! I suggest you begin tomorrow being like David (the writer of the Psalm) and let God hear your voice in the morning, laying your requests before Him, and wait in expectation for Him to answer your prayers.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Have a prayer time with God and talk to Him the same way you would talk to a friend. Write down how you feel afterwards.
Week 1 - Day 4
INFLUENCE - YOUR FRIENDSHIPS MATTER
READ: PROVERBS 13
"So if Johnny jumped off a cliff would you?" Everybody hates that line, but in it is a nugget of truth. Who we surround ourselves impacts who we are, and in the context of this series, who we will become! Will Smith gave this quote, "You're only as good as the people you associate with. Look at the five friends you spend the most time with–that's who you are... If you're the smartest person in your squad, then you need a new squad. Be around people you want to be like or who will advance you."
TODAY'S DRILL:
Make a list of the five people you spend the most time with and then do the following:
Make a list of the five people you spend the most time with and then do the following:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Look at that list and think if those friends help your relationship with God, help you do better in school, or make you a better person in relationships.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Look at that list and think through each of them individually. You need to have two sets of friends there:
1) friends you are pouring into and
2) friends who are pouring into you!
How's your squad?
1) friends you are pouring into and
2) friends who are pouring into you!
How's your squad?
Week 1 - Day 5
WALK THE LINE:
LITTLE THINGS MATTER
The things you do today will affect your tomorrow. I remember someone sharing this truth with me through the following illustration:
Think of God's best for your life in terms of a straight line and then think of every decision you make that is outside of God's way as a line angling away from God's way. At first it may seem things aren't that bad. It's only after a span of time and through continuing that same pattern you see just how far off course you've become. The minor decisions, like paying attention in class, seem insignificant to you today. But allow that to become a habit and four years down the road you can graduate without regret. It's the little things that can get you lost on your journey.
Think of God's best for your life in terms of a straight line and then think of every decision you make that is outside of God's way as a line angling away from God's way. At first it may seem things aren't that bad. It's only after a span of time and through continuing that same pattern you see just how far off course you've become. The minor decisions, like paying attention in class, seem insignificant to you today. But allow that to become a habit and four years down the road you can graduate without regret. It's the little things that can get you lost on your journey.
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
What is a "little thing" you don't do but know you should? List a few consequences that could happen if you continue to ignore the right way.
HIGH SCHOOL:
HIGH SCHOOL:
Sometimes we continue to do what we want as opposed to what God wants us to do because we can't see the consequences in our near future. Write down how your life could end up if you
continue down the wrong path.
continue down the wrong path.
Week 2 - Jump In
Hey! My name is Casey Payne. I have been a volunteer leader with student ministries for four years. It's been a blast being a leader at the weekend service and for small groups. I am totally pumped to have written two of the sections you will read. Both are passions of mine; loving and serving others. I believe strongly that to be like Jesus we need to love and serve. Some of the accounts you will read are not to be down on myself but to be honest and tell you how I remember my classmates and myself from my school days. I was not the popular kid or the athlete. I was the border line–nerd with lots of ideals about life. I struggled a lot with friendships during those years. I was a bit of a loner. I hope the true stories you read are a reminder that the Christian life is a never ending journey. I am happy to say I have changed since then. I hope when you look back you will remember yourself fondly. I also pray the moments you live out during your school years are seized for God. You are precious and wonderfully made. I pray God will challenge you over the next few weeks to become more like the person God created you to be!
Much love,
Casey Payne
Week 2 - Day 1
GIVE IT UP -
FOCUS ON OTHERS
These are the key verses this week! This is very simple... God came to save and love us, so we can love and serve others. You have been saved to do good works... in other words serve! God wants you to wake up and realize that yes you are loved... now get going and jump in! He wants us to leave our selfishness and focus on others. There is more to life than video games, sports, fancy jeans, cell phone and an iPod. Don't let these things consume all your time and take your focus away from him. In order to jump in you must take a risk. Serving others is about giving something up that you like in order to help someone who has a need. We are motivated to do this because of God's love for us. We are loved and saved by Him... now it is time to jump in.
TODAY'S DRILL:
What do you need to give up so you can focus your attention on others? How much time a day do you spend texting, on your computer, reading, or playing video games as opposed to serving others? What are you consumed with that keeps you from jumping in? What can you do this week for someone else?
What do you need to give up so you can focus your attention on others? How much time a day do you spend texting, on your computer, reading, or playing video games as opposed to serving others? What are you consumed with that keeps you from jumping in? What can you do this week for someone else?
Week 2 - Day 2
STAND OUT - DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Living "Beyond the Yearbook" is all about how you want to be remembered. God dares us to be different. So often it is easy to be just like everyone else and less like the person you should be. We are told to "throw off everything that entangles." This means to stop doing the stuff that makes us like everyone else, the stuff that consumes and changes your focus. The people I remember from Middle School and High School are those who were different. I remember Curtis from Middle School who wore very large glasses and was into all things considered nerdy. I remember Curtis always talking about church and his family serving others. He spoke quietly while giving up his lunch to someone else. I remember Katie who had a brother with special needs and how her heart broke for those with special needs. She volunteered weekly with a special needs group – playing games, providing snacks, and being a friend. I remember these classmates for what they did for others, rather than how popular they were.
TODAY'S DRILL:
How are you different? What makes you stand out from the rest? What needs to change with you personally, socially, spiritually, to make you different? If Jesus were to look at your day at school how were you more like Him today? List ways you can be different tomorrow to be more like Jesus.
How are you different? What makes you stand out from the rest? What needs to change with you personally, socially, spiritually, to make you different? If Jesus were to look at your day at school how were you more like Him today? List ways you can be different tomorrow to be more like Jesus.
Week 2 - Day 3
GIVE IT AWAY - TAKE A RISK
Read Judges 7
I love the story of Gideon. Gideon is one of those guys in the Bible who is often overlooked. He was small in stature but had great focus and took a larger than life risk for God. He cut his huge army (over 32,000) down to a few (300) and trusted God to deliver on His promises. He left room for God to work within the situation at hand. A year ago, as a result of a church series on the crisis in Africa, Nicole decided she needed to do something! Her heart was broken by the stories she heard about the millions of children who did not have clothes or shoes as a result of extreme poverty. So Nicole talked with her mom and decided that she was going to gather a bunch of gently used clothes and send them to Africa. Nicole attended a large private high school in the area and knew her friends had lots of clothes that either didn't fit or simply weren't worn. She didn't know if her friends would give up their clothes or refuse and laugh in her face. She took the risk and let God do the rest. In the end, Nicole raised several boxes full of clothes for Africa. She had a donation given for the postage to send the clothes to the orphanage in Africa. Nicole continues to donate old clothes to this day.
TODAY'S DRILL:
What could you do to make a difference in your community, school or world? Gideon started with a dream, Nicole with a few stories from Africa. What can you do now to make a difference... take a trip... serve on the weekends at a shelter... give away your stuff... Write down a risk and let God fill in the rest.
What could you do to make a difference in your community, school or world? Gideon started with a dream, Nicole with a few stories from Africa. What can you do now to make a difference... take a trip... serve on the weekends at a shelter... give away your stuff... Write down a risk and let God fill in the rest.
Week 2 - Day 4
TOP OF THE CLASS - KNOWING GOD IS WITH YOU
Read Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua was the man! He inherited Moses' responsibility to lead the people to the Promised Land. Joshua was a bit nervous; after all he had huge shoes to fill. I would be too, if I were Joshua. He was nervous like we are on the first day of school, try–outs on a sports team, or trying out for the school play. He needed some confidence. God kept reassuring Joshua he was able to lead the people and that HE (God) was going to take care of his worries. Joshua is remembered for having enough courage and strength to stay focused on the task. Joshua, like you, needed to depend on God. He took a huge leap of faith and followed God. I think he left room in his life for God to use him whenever and however. The passage in Joshua says: "The Lord your God will be wherever you go." I know a Joshua in my own life. Cathy has been a friend since high school. She has a way of staying focused; living for the moment. Even in school she would always have an encouraging word, give up her money, lunch or whatever she could give so others would be fulfilled. Cathy had the courage of Joshua. She didn't worry about the drama or the pressures that school can bring; she had confidence God would fill in the gaps. She didn't care about the clothes she wore or how popular she was. I remember that the only thing she cared about was her life in Christ. I only wish, now as I look back, that I could have been that bold.
TODAY'S DRILL:
What kind of pressure do you feel from school or friends? How confident are you that God is on your side? How hard is it for you to be bold in your faith and to do and go where God leads you? What can you do tomorrow knowing God is with you?
What kind of pressure do you feel from school or friends? How confident are you that God is on your side? How hard is it for you to be bold in your faith and to do and go where God leads you? What can you do tomorrow knowing God is with you?
Week 2 - Day 5
LETTING GO -NO REGRET
Read 2 Samuel 22.1-10
Living a life with no regrets is hard to do. I have a ton of regrets now that I am "Beyond the Yearbook." Some of my deepest regrets are from my middle and high school years. I was selfish and uncompassionate towards everyone around me. I was consumed with my own problems, the drama of school and my reputation. The order of my life was friends, family, books and movies, clothes, then God somewhere toward the bottom of the list. People like, Curtis, Katie, and Cathy stick out, even now, because they were different, different for God. They stood out, they lived their life loving God and others, not fearing what others would think. I stayed in the corner fearing what others would think instead of taking a bold risk for God and jumping into the love and life He offers. Start now. Start taking bold risks in serving God, loving others, and living a life with no regrets. Years from now, who do you want to be?
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Do you care about other people? Do you try to meet the needs of others? What kind of person do your friends think you are?
HIGH SCHOOL:
What are some of your regrets so far? How bold is your life? Do you hide from your faith? What do you need to do now to take a risk? How comfortable are you in your life? Do people even know that you are a Christian?
Week 3 - Tough Love
Hey! My name is Casey Payne. I have been a volunteer leader with student ministries for four years. It's been a blast being a leader at the weekend service and for small groups. I am totally pumped to have written two of the sections you will read. Both are passions of mine; loving and serving others. I believe strongly that to be like Jesus we need to love and serve. Some of the accounts you will read are not to be down on myself but to be honest and tell you how I remember my classmates and myself from my school days. I was not the popular kid or the athlete. I was the border line–nerd with lots of ideals about life. I struggled a lot with friendships during those years. I was a bit of a loner. I hope the true stories you read are a reminder that the Christian life is a never ending journey. I am happy to say I have changed since then. I hope when you look back you will remember yourself fondly. I also pray the moments you live out during your school years are seized for God. You are precious and wonderfully made. I pray God will challenge you over the next few weeks to become more like the person God created you to be!
Much love,
Casey Payne
Much love,
Casey Payne
Week 3 - Day 1
DO I HAVE TO -LOVING OTHERS
Read John 13:34-35
School is all about relationships. You may think that I was going to say that school is about education and sports. But the entire eight hours you spend in school is about relationships. While in class your mind drifts from boring biology to the cute guy or girl next to you or the drama that just went down in the hall. You are lucky if you remember what is due for homework in between all the "OMG" moments. This entire week is focused on relationships. Not romantic love; the love that we are called to show one another. In John, Jesus gives a command to love one another. Being a command, it's bigger than just a rule. We are to love the same way Christ loves us. Jesus tells us we must love all people regardless of how much drama they cause or how difficult they are to get along with. Last week we talked about taking risks. Love is a huge, God–size risk. If you can love like Jesus you will be remembered long after high school as someone who was different.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Write down someone in your life who is easy to love and why. Then write down why it is hard to love others like Jesus. Why is this a risk?
Write down someone in your life who is easy to love and why. Then write down why it is hard to love others like Jesus. Why is this a risk?
Week 3 - Day 2
STICKS AND STONES -GOSSIP
Read James 3:1-12
I hated gym class for several reasons. I did not like getting dressed in a large room with a bunch of other girls, you were rushed with fewer than 5 minutes to get ready to sweat, and the bathroom and locker room were the worst places in my school. The walls were covered with graffiti about who loves who and names of people surrounded by profanity. Not only did the walls have a lot to say about others, the girls in the class shared even more! Gossip was a normal part of gym class. The funny thing is people who gossip think they look good putting others down. The more bad things that they say about others, they think they themselves look better. The truth is, gossipers cannot be trusted. Although it may feel good to have someone share gossip with you, you can be sure that they will certainly share anything you tell them with others. Gossiping is a selfish act that does not show love to others. You and I both have stories of how friendships were damaged permanently because of gossip. Do you want to be known as a gossip?
TODAY'S DRILL:
How do you respond when someone comes up to you with some gossip about others? Think in terms of water putting out the flame of gossip and gasoline growing up the flame. Which image best describes you? Write down what you can say the next time someone approaches you with some "news."
How do you respond when someone comes up to you with some gossip about others? Think in terms of water putting out the flame of gossip and gasoline growing up the flame. Which image best describes you? Write down what you can say the next time someone approaches you with some "news."
Week 3 - Day 3
ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE -LOOKING OUT FOR THE LONELY
Read 1 John 4:7-12
Lunch time is the best time of any school day. It is the place where tator–tots are eaten and carrots are swapped for cookies. At lunch, we would all get together, sit and chat about homework or the plans for the evening or weekend. I remember Tony. Tony was very shy, loved video games and pets and had an extreme passion for baseball. He always would get to lunch before everyone else and would sit in the far corner of the lunch room in the same spot. He would bring his Nintendo Game Boy (yes... Game Boy) and play for the entire lunch hour. No one ever invited him to join them at lunch. My friends and I knew who he was. Our school was small so he was the new kid. One day, I remember Tony didn't show up for school. And we didn't see him for several days. Finally, it got around that Tony's mom had died suddenly and he wouldn't be returning to school. Now that I am "Beyond the Yearbook," I wonder if he ever had a friend to help him get through that time in his life or where he ended up in life. It breaks my heart now to think that he had no friends to share life with. No one took the time to reach out, and to love Tony.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Name people in your school that are loners... people who need you as a friend. What can you do to branch out your circle and be a friend to all? Tomorrow, invite someone new to eat lunch with you.
Name people in your school that are loners... people who need you as a friend. What can you do to branch out your circle and be a friend to all? Tomorrow, invite someone new to eat lunch with you.
Week 3 - Day 4
WHAT ARE YOU DOING SUNDAY?INVITE A FRIEND
Read Phillipians 3:8-10
When I was in sixth grade, a friend from school named Erin invited me to a concert for student ministries. I had a blast and was hooked. I started to attend other things offered by the group including retreats, camps, and large group gatherings. As a result, I started my journey with Christ. If Erin had not invited me to that concert, and if I hadn't said yes, then I don't know where I would be. I attribute my relationship with God to her and the love she gave me. I tell you my story to let you know you can make an impact on others! You need to be inviting others to experience what you know. One invite is all it takes. My story is not all that unique. There are plenty of stories of students who invited their friends, because they wanted them to experience Christ. Sometimes it can be scary to invite someone. What if they say no? What if they de–friend me? What if they think I am weird? Last week, was about taking risks and leaving room for God. He will fill in all the rest. Don't be afraid to invite! You may be remembered for saving their life.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Think of a time when you were invited to something special. How did you feel? Now, make a list of 5 friends you need to invite to FUEL. Begin praying for them this week and continue doing so for the rest of the series.
Think of a time when you were invited to something special. How did you feel? Now, make a list of 5 friends you need to invite to FUEL. Begin praying for them this week and continue doing so for the rest of the series.
Week 3 - Day 5
LOVE IS A VERB -ACTING OUT LOVE
Read 1 John 3: 16-20
Love is an action. Love is something we are called to do. As you get older and look back and remember your school years one of the major things you will remember is who was kind to you and who was the bully in your life. Even now, you may remember a time when you were showered with love either by family or friends or maybe a time when you failed to love. The goal of this life is to love God and others. Loving others is shown through kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, and thankfulness. Are you treating others the way God would want you to treat them? Are you being judgmental? Are you gossiping? Are you excluding others because they aren't like you? Love is about self sacrifice and doing acts of kindness. Love is an action that is seen. Actions do speak louder than words. Thirty years from now, how do you want to be remembered?
TODAY'S DRILL:
Rewrite the key verse of the day in your own words. Ask a friend to tell you how well you express love to others. Ask for a way you can do better.
Rewrite the key verse of the day in your own words. Ask a friend to tell you how well you express love to others. Ask for a way you can do better.
Week 4 - Beyond Recognition
My name is Tracy Phass, and I have been a leader in Student Ministries for four years. I have also been blessed to be a Small Group Leader for the past three years. When asked to write for this series, I was excited to write about being "Beyond Recognition," because I know how difficult and how rewarding it can be to live your life in a way that is pleasing to God and effective for His Kingdom. As I wrote each daily devotional, and researched God's Word for the scripture, I was reminded of my own walk. I reflected on my weaknesses, my strengths, my trials (and believe me there have been many), and my triumphs (and yes, God has blessed me in so many ways). But most of all, I was encouraged and renewed by God's unfailing love for us. My hope for you this week is that you will also be encouraged to seek Him, to grab hold of the gift of salvation, and allow each challenge to change you. I pray that you begin to realize that conformity (becoming like everyone else) is easy but unfulfilling. Living a life that is different from that of the world's standards is not always easy, but it is always pleasing to God. It is when our lives become unrecognizable to the word's standards, and the focus is not on ourselves but on our one true God, that we become "beyond recognition!"
Week 4 - Day 1
FLOWER - WHAT KIND WILL YOU BE?Read Phillipians 3:12-14
Science is always changing and expanding. New discoveries are happening daily. Why so much change? It is simple really. The science community never stops researching, learning, and challenging themselves. They make growth a goal, knowing the opposite of growth is death. How is your "spiritual seed" doing? Is it continuing to grow or has it been uncared for and dying Without spiritual growth you can become content where you are. God does not want that. He wants you to always be moving forward to the growth He has planned for you. Do not become proud of where you are right now or think: I will become spiritually mature when I am in my 30's. God wants you to keep your eye on your future by continuing to grow in your faith now, never ceasing to seek Him and the plans He has. As we learn from our passage in Philippians, Paul is a great example of pressing on. Even with many accomplishments, he looks to the future. So, what do you want your seed to turn into: a never ending fern or a wilted rose?
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
What things are required for a flower or plant to grow? What things do you need to do to grow spiritually? Write below three things you can do to help yourself grow in your faith and do one this week.
What things are required for a flower or plant to grow? What things do you need to do to grow spiritually? Write below three things you can do to help yourself grow in your faith and do one this week.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Reflect on how you have changed over the past 5 or 10 years. Obviously, you have grown physically. What about spiritually? Write a goal you have for yourself when you are 25. Will this goal be affected by your spiritual walk? Write down some behaviors that are stunting your spiritual growth then choose at least one to replace with a growing one.
Reflect on how you have changed over the past 5 or 10 years. Obviously, you have grown physically. What about spiritually? Write a goal you have for yourself when you are 25. Will this goal be affected by your spiritual walk? Write down some behaviors that are stunting your spiritual growth then choose at least one to replace with a growing one.
Week 4 - Day 2
LIFE'S CURVEBALLS - HOW TO DEALRead James 1:2-4
You have probably heard the saying: "Life's not fair!" You may have even heard that from your parents. Guess what? That statement is true! You may have already experienced the unfairness this world can throw your way. A divorce you had no control over, a friend who betrayed your trust, or maybe you did not make the basketball team. Did you know that God understands? Did you know that His Word warned us about such trials and temptations? Did you also know that He gives us guidance, like an effective teacher? He equips us with His Word; a "How To" manual when times of trouble come our way. God does not cause evil in our lives, but He can use our hard times to help us mature and learn if we let Him. Jesus is the best teacher you will ever have. In the school of Jesus, there is hope.
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Think about a time when you felt really bad and nothing was going right in your life. How did you feel? What did you do? Did you talk to God during this time? Ask God to help you grow in this area. Ask Him to guide you when times are hard.
Think about a time when you felt really bad and nothing was going right in your life. How did you feel? What did you do? Did you talk to God during this time? Ask God to help you grow in this area. Ask Him to guide you when times are hard.
HIGH SCHOOL:
What trials are you facing today? How have you acted during this time? Whom have you turned to? God is waiting. Are you willing to share with Him and allow Him to coach and love you through this time? Have a conversation with the best friend you have. Ask God to use this time to teach and grow you spiritually.
What trials are you facing today? How have you acted during this time? Whom have you turned to? God is waiting. Are you willing to share with Him and allow Him to coach and love you through this time? Have a conversation with the best friend you have. Ask God to use this time to teach and grow you spiritually.
Week 4 - Day 3
STUDY HALL - TIME TO LEARNRead Proverbs 1:5-7
What is the purpose of study hall? It is a block of time for students to focus on the skills they've already learned and to put them into practice by writing a research paper or memorizing information for a test. It is a place, where if used correctly, can help the student to retain information, go deeper in understanding, and encourage new learning. You should be in study hall everyday, because you still have things to learn. No matter your age or grade, you should be open to God's teachings and to the people and relationships God places in your life. If you begin to think that you have it all figured out and no one can teach you anything new, then you are not as smart as you think! God uses many situations and different types of people to teach us. Sometimes God teaches us things that may not appear to be relevant for the here and now, but later it becomes apparent why God revealed that particular lesson. If you are too proud to learn from such times and people, you may just miss what God needs to teach you.
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:Is there a subject you know a lot about? Do you think you know all there is to learn about that subject? Is it possible someone else could teach you something more? Would your family and friends say that you think you know it all or you are open to learning more? Ask God to open your heart to guidance from Him and others.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Reflect on a time when someone tried to teach you something you felt you had plenty knowledge about. Did you allow yourself to be open to hear what that person had to say or did you zone out? Have you ever tried to teach a friend something, only to have them ignore you? How did that make you feel? How do you think God feels when you do not follow His instructions? Ask God for wisdom, a humble heart, and a teachable spirit.
Week 4 - Day 4
FIRST PERIOD - SPENDING TIME WITH GODRead Revelation 3:20
Every era can accurately say times have changed. You live in the technology era. Browse the internet and you can see new gadgets that are produced to save us time; like cell phones. They allow you to make calls, take pictures, play your favorite music, and give you access to the internet. Ironically, cell phones can also do the complete opposite; they can be time suckers and remove the need for one on one personal conversation. I bet you could easily spend an hour on Facebook, or an hour texting your best friend about your weekend plans. When was the last time you spent an hour with God? Did you know that He longs to spend time with you? God wants you to seek Him and get to know Him on a personal basis. Sometimes spending time with God will require you to be adventurous, or hardworking, like on a mission trip. But at other times, spending time with God will mean resting quietly in His presence. Want to be really connected? Turn off that cell phone, put down the iPod and move away from the computer, and invite God into your room, into your heart.
TODAY'S DRILL:
List your three favorite things to do and time spent on each activity. Do you spend quiet time with God each day? This week set aside time with God (try for 20–30 minutes). Go somewhere where you can be completely alone with God. Pray, talk quietly, listen, and rest in His presence. After that time, write about your experience.
List your three favorite things to do and time spent on each activity. Do you spend quiet time with God each day? This week set aside time with God (try for 20–30 minutes). Go somewhere where you can be completely alone with God. Pray, talk quietly, listen, and rest in His presence. After that time, write about your experience.
Week 4 - Day 5
GYM CLASS - WHAT SHAPE ARE YOU IN?Read Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 5:8-10
Gym class is a love/hate relationship depending on what shape you are in. If you struggle physically, then running around the track or doing pull ups can be miserable. However, if you are physically fit, then you may find enjoyment in these activities. Our culture cheers on the "athlete" and ridicules the "outcast." Our culture tries to shape our attitudes, our thoughts, our actions, and even our spending. We are a cookie cutter society that supports conformity. God calls us differently. When God is our coach, He transforms us from the inside. He transforms us into the shape (likeness) of Jesus Christ. In God's gymnasium, known as the world, the athletes are the ones who resist conformity and reach out to the outcasts. If you are a Christian, then you must renew your mind with God's Word and use your body as His temple. So hop to it, get on the right track, and get in shape for God's call.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Write down three things that make people popular at your school. Do these things match up with your faith? Do they support your Christian walk? Answer this: It is (more, not) important for me to be part of the accepted crowd at school. Ask God to help you to overcome the desire to be shaped by society. If you are doing what God calls you to do, pray for continued strength to resist the daily temptations. God hears your prayers and is with you always. Write down what you will do tomorrow to "work out" for God.
Write down three things that make people popular at your school. Do these things match up with your faith? Do they support your Christian walk? Answer this: It is (more, not) important for me to be part of the accepted crowd at school. Ask God to help you to overcome the desire to be shaped by society. If you are doing what God calls you to do, pray for continued strength to resist the daily temptations. God hears your prayers and is with you always. Write down what you will do tomorrow to "work out" for God.
Week 5 - What If
My name is Jenna Howell and I have been a volunteer leader and small group leader for five years. I have worked for Mountain Christian Church for three years. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work and serve in the same ministry that I grew up in. I began in Student Ministries as a 6th grade student 12 years ago. I am excited to write this final section of the "Beyond the Yearbook" series called "What If." Life is full of "what ifs." There are vast possibilities out there, but this is one "what if" possibility that has a 100% probability of occurring. This "what if" is based on the fact that one day you will die. In fact, we can be 100% sure that you will one day pass on. This section is about what if you don't live "Beyond the Yearbook," what if you die today. We will be discussing the following topics: everyone dies but only Jesus can provide eternal life, sharing Jesus' love and the good news of His sacrifice with others, repairing relationships, not living a lukewarm life, and leaving a Christ–centered legacy. My prayer for you, this week, is that you allow God to speak to your heart and that you are willing to listen to His word.
Week 5 - Day 1
EASY BIOLOGY - BORN TO DIERead 1 John 5:1 & 11-13
You were born to die. All living things will one day die. We do not know exactly when we will die but we know inevitably that we will die. Most of us will live until we are senior citizens but there is the possibility that some will not. If you were to die today, would you be prepared? Are there any important decisions that you need to make before you die? Would you know where you would go? There is only one way to have eternal life and that is through Jesus Christ.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Jesus is God's son and he died on a cross and rose from the dead to save us from our sins. God desires every person to have a relationship with Him. If you have made Jesus your leader and forgiver take this time to thank him for creating a way to have a relationship with God. If you are still checking out what having a relationship with God looks like, read the following verses in the Bible and have a conversation with God and a leader.
Romans 3:23 – Who has sinned (did something against God)?
Romans 6:23 – What is the penalty for sin?
Romans 10:9 & Acts 2:38 – What should our response be?
Jesus is God's son and he died on a cross and rose from the dead to save us from our sins. God desires every person to have a relationship with Him. If you have made Jesus your leader and forgiver take this time to thank him for creating a way to have a relationship with God. If you are still checking out what having a relationship with God looks like, read the following verses in the Bible and have a conversation with God and a leader.
Romans 3:23 – Who has sinned (did something against God)?
Romans 6:23 – What is the penalty for sin?
Romans 10:9 & Acts 2:38 – What should our response be?
Week 5 - Day 2
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS - MORNING NEWSRead Matthew 28:16-20
Every morning, your school day starts off with the morning announcements. Perhaps you may be listening for your lunch options or for the after school sports schedule. The morning announcements tell you your game plan; what to look forward to. Just like the morning announcements, Jesus gave the disciples some instructions on how to begin the Christian church. You just read in Matthew 28:16–20, that you are a part of the GAME PLAN! These instructions are so important because the good news you read about yesterday needs to be shared with everyone! Think about your classmates, do they know what you believe? Have you shared that game plan with others? If you were to die today, did you live in such a way they knew you were committed to that game plan?
TODAY'S DRILL:
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Who do you need to talk to about Jesus? Name three people that you need to talk to about Jesus' love for them, and invite one person from your list to Sunday church service, Sunday evening Student Ministries service, or your small group.
Who do you need to talk to about Jesus? Name three people that you need to talk to about Jesus' love for them, and invite one person from your list to Sunday church service, Sunday evening Student Ministries service, or your small group.
HIGH SCHOOL:
What hinders you from talking to others about Jesus? Write your answer. Who do you need to talk to about Jesus? List three people that you need to talk to about Jesus. Invite one person to a Sunday church service, Sunday evening Student Ministries service, or your small group. You may need to invite this person more than once before he/she accepts your invitation.
What hinders you from talking to others about Jesus? Write your answer. Who do you need to talk to about Jesus? List three people that you need to talk to about Jesus. Invite one person to a Sunday church service, Sunday evening Student Ministries service, or your small group. You may need to invite this person more than once before he/she accepts your invitation.
Week 5 - Day 3
THE CAFETERIA - PICK YOUR CLIQUERead Matthew 5: 23-24
The cafeteria serves two purposes: to eat and to socialize. What if this lunch was your last meal with your friends? Would there be relationships that you would need to repair? Would you need to ask for forgiveness or would you need to forgive another? Is there a grudge that you need to give up? What would your friends say about your relationship after you passed?
TODAY'S DRILL:
What relationship do you need to repair? Is it your relationship with your parents, siblings, teachers, or friends? Name one person that you need to forgive and write down what you would like to say to them about rebuilding your relationship. What words and actions do you need to set into motion? Write down other people you need to forgive and the people you need to ask for forgiveness. Write down your plan of action. Try to repair one of these relationships this week.
What relationship do you need to repair? Is it your relationship with your parents, siblings, teachers, or friends? Name one person that you need to forgive and write down what you would like to say to them about rebuilding your relationship. What words and actions do you need to set into motion? Write down other people you need to forgive and the people you need to ask for forgiveness. Write down your plan of action. Try to repair one of these relationships this week.
Week 5 - Day 4
GYM CLASS - HERO OR ZERORead Revelation 3:15-16
In gym class, you see three different types of people. The competitive types are people that are passionate about winning and are not afraid to jump in the game. The non–athletic types are the people who purposefully forget their uniforms so that they do not have to change for class. Finally, the lukewarm types are those who do not care if they win or lose. They are weak and cannot stand up against the competitive players. And unlike the non–athletic people, you do not whether they are for you or against you. Are they going to help your team win the game or are they going to cost you the game? Much like these lukewarm teammates in gym class, lukewarm Christians are dangerous. They may know what to say or do in church settings but they do not live their lives as they should. Jesus is not in the center of their lives.
TODAY'S DRILL:
Would you describe your life as hot, cold, or lukewarm? Why have you chosen this lifestyle? Is Jesus the #1 person in your life? Are you living for him or yourself? What attitudes, behaviors or unhealthy habits do you need to change? Take a moment and take an introspective look at yourself. What do you like about the way you are living your life? What don't you like? List the dangers of living a lukewarm life. What changes in your life do you need to make?
Would you describe your life as hot, cold, or lukewarm? Why have you chosen this lifestyle? Is Jesus the #1 person in your life? Are you living for him or yourself? What attitudes, behaviors or unhealthy habits do you need to change? Take a moment and take an introspective look at yourself. What do you like about the way you are living your life? What don't you like? List the dangers of living a lukewarm life. What changes in your life do you need to make?
Week 5 - Day 5
YOUR YEARBOOK QUOTE - YOUR LEGACYRead Acts 7:54-60
Your yearbook quote says a lot about you. Will you quote a historic theologian, lyrics from a popular song, or words from an author? Your yearbook quote is your legacy. It reminds your classmates what you were like in school. What would your yearbook quote say about you? Would it be funny and goofy? Would it be deep and insightful? Would it state your beliefs? Read Acts 7:54–60. These verses are about Stephen, a disciple of the early Christian church, and about the legacy that he left. Stephen was wrongly accused of teaching false information about God and Moses. Those who opposed him stoned him to death (death caused by throwing stones/large rocks at a person). Stephen died for his faith leaving the ultimate legacy behind. What will your legacy look like?
TODAY'S DRILL:
How do you want to be remembered? Write down three things that you would like others to remember about you. Go and ask three people what they will always remember about you. Do these qualities match up? I challenge you to live your life, this week, in a way that you would like to be remembered. Make changes in your life that will allow you to leave the legacy you want.
How do you want to be remembered? Write down three things that you would like others to remember about you. Go and ask three people what they will always remember about you. Do these qualities match up? I challenge you to live your life, this week, in a way that you would like to be remembered. Make changes in your life that will allow you to leave the legacy you want.
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