In the journey of our lives we take many steps. The longer we go the stronger and more independent we become. This week we honored our graduating seniors and reflected on this critical step of maturity and budding responsibility. The passage of scripture this week focus us on our maturing faith and God’s desire for us to be responsible with the gifts He gives for the building of the Kingdom.

Mon. April 30 – Graduation marks a significant milestone in life. We master skills we need to navigate life. What do you remember feeling as you graduated High School? What did you want to accomplish next? Read 1 Cor. 10:1-13. How do you learn from the mistakes of others? How have you been tempted in life? How does vs. 13 help you?

Tues. May 1– Read Matthew 6:25-34. What do you most worry about? What advice does Jesus give us about worry? Some say the young have no fear, but moving into full responsibility for one’s life can be daunting. How could this passage be an encouragement to a graduate? What do you “consider” when you get discouraged?

Wed. May 2 – Read Mark 10:13-16. Graduation is a “grown-up moment.” This passage invites us to become like children. Read 1 Cor. 13:11. How do you contrast these two passages? How do we grow in maturity and maintain childlikeness?

Thurs. May 3 – Read Hebrews 11:8-10. What things in your life do you most have to take on faith? When have you been in a “process” that did not make sense to you? What happened during and after? What did you most look forward to after graduation? What do you most anticipate in your future now?

Fri. May 4 – Read James 4:13-17. We all have a tendency to put off the painful and difficult. But we also tend to assume that tomorrow will always come. What does this passage tell us about our futures? How do we best rely on God to plan a path for us and live triumphantly into that future?

Throughout our lives we grow, mature, and change in many ways. There are marked points in our journey that signal for us a new chapter in our lives. We refer to these as rites of passage. Over the next few weeks we will reflect on some of these moments in order that we might better understand our faith in transition. We begin with confirmation.

Mon. April 16 – Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Note how “the word of God was rare in those days.” What do you think this means? When do you first remember hearing from God? Samuel is able to respond to God only after Eli helps him interpret what has been happening. Who in your life helps you interpret what God is saying?

Tues. April 17 – Confirmation is a process of learning about the beliefs of a particular faith tradition and of committing oneself to vows of church membership. What does the church mean to you? Why is it important to affirm our commitment to God and one another? What happens when one neglects their vow of church membership? Read Proverbs 4:23. How does one guard their heart? Why is it important?

Wed. April 18 – Read Acts 11:19-26. What church(s) do you admire? Have you “checked” any of them out? Have you ever been tempted to leave the church for another or all together? Why or why not? What should the church be doing to help others develop faith that is full of the Holy Spirit? What responsibilities do individuals have to contribute to their own faith and the faith of others?

Thurs. April 19 – The book of Colossians has a wonderful description of what it means to live the Christian life. Read 3:12-17. How do you best live up to this ideal? What are the results of this type of living?

Fri. April 20 – Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. What are you most thankful for about your faith/church? How do you help others in this area? What one message about faith do you want people to know?

This week we remember the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. We move from a high moment of Palm Sunday to the grandest moment of Easter. But in between we journey to the depths of human sin, pain, and rejection as we walk with Jesus to the cross. God’s richest blessings be with you as you read, pray, and reflect this week.

Mon. April 2 – Read John 12:1-11. What gift of extravagance have you given in honor of Jesus? When have you been critical of others gifts? What point(s) is Jesus trying to make in this passage? Why did the authorities want to kill Jesus? How do think you would react if you were one of the disciples?

Tues. April 3 – Read John 12:20-36. Has anyone ever asked to see the Jesus you serve? What would your reaction be? Why do we need signs and wonders in order to believe? Why must we “hate” our life? What is the reward? How does this get lived out? How have you witnessed Jesus drawing people to himself?

Wed. April 4 – Read John 13:21-30. Jesus welcomed all people to feast at His table. Even on the night He died Jesus ate with the one that would hand him over to be crucified. The disciples cannot believe one would betray Jesus. When have you been judgmental toward to falling and failure of another’s faith? What is Jesus reaction?

Thurs. April 5 – Read John 13:1-17, 31-35. What does communion mean to you? What things do you think, reflect, and pray about during communion? How would church and your faith be different if we did not serve communion? What kind of example does Jesus give you in this passage? How can you respond this week?

Fri. April 6 – Read John 18:1-19:42. What details of this story seem new to you? Why does Peter stay close yet give into his fear and deny Jesus? Who do you most relate in this passage? What does it mean to you that Christ went to the cross for you?

The good news of Jesus Christ is that we are forgiven, loved, and freed. Christian Atheists believe this but live as if they are unworthy, unwanted, and captured by past mistakes. This week we will look at passages that relate to forgiveness and living abundantly in Christ. God bless you as you approach His word and His grace this week.

Mon. March 26 – What are some things about the Christian faith that you believe but have a hard time living by? What sin(s) are most difficult to let go of? Read Proverbs 14:8-11. Reflect on your consistency of belief and action. For what sins do you need to make amends? What does vs. 10 mean to you?

Tues. March 27 – Why is bitterness such a stumbling block to true fellowship? How has bitterness affected you? Read Romans 3:9-24. This passage tells us that we are all sinners in need of grace. When have you resented another receiving grace? When have you been reluctant to receive good from God?

Wed. March 28 – Read James 3:13-18. What does this passage tell us about humility? What are the signs that pride has taken over our lives? What are the consequences? How does this passage advise us to counteract pride and bitterness? How do you become a peacemaker?

Thurs. March 29 – Read Psalm 145:8-21. What does this passage tell us about God? What does it say about human beings? What does it tell us about the relationship between God and man? What comfort do you find in these truths? When have you felt God is angry with you?

Fri. March 30 – Read Luke 15:11-32. Where do you place yourself in this story? How would you feel if you were the son that squandered his inheritance? When do we do this with God’s grace? How does God treat us? What do you think ever happened to the brother that stayed? How did the father teat him? How might this passage change the way we relate to God and others?