Parent Update 11-09-09

Dear parents,

I want to take a quick moment and say that I’ve been thanking God for what’s been happening in SWIFT lately. We’ve had several new students check us out over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the return of some older faces, and over the last few weeks, we have had over 20 students (last couple of weeks it has been over 25) come out and experience God’s story.  Our times of worship have been full of energy, and students getting involved in discussion has been exciting.  I think God is definitely moving in our youth ministry, and I am asking that you help continue to lift our ministry up in prayer as we hope this continues.

I love having so many conversations, txts, emails, and comments from so many of you. I truly feel valued by you, and I just wanted to say thank you for that.  That is the reason why I want to make sure that I keep you fully informed.

There was not a new update for the Real World Parent Newsletter, so I just wanted to express my gratitude and share the news that I shared with our students and sponsors. We have a busy weekend ahead, so please take note of it, and please contact me with any questions you may have. Thanks!

Tyler

Here’s what’s happening this week!
Wed- FCA is on Wednesday morning at 6:45 AM. Come for breakfast, hang out with friends, and discuss God’s word! It’s a great time!
Thurs- Forreston JH boys play at 4:00 PM.
Sat- Hoops of Hope starts at 11 AM.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=173425365543&ref=ts
Click on the link for more info. Share it with your friends.  Hoops of Hope really makes a difference in the lives of students. The one who raises the most money will win a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card. Raise money, save lives, hang with friends, make a differnce in the world, play ball, eat pizza, see people do the Single Ladies Dance if you raise enuf money, have fun. It’ll be a great day! It should be done by 1:30 PM.
Sunday- Sunday School at 9:00 AM
Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Godbearing Team around 11:15 AM
SWIFT Extreme Home Makeover Night from 5:00-8:00.  Come here for a night of great discussion, games, laughter, worship, and 2 watch the Lena episode on our big screen! Guys bring drinks. Girls bring snacks!
Other News…
This Sunday, we will pass out information for you to know about in December. Times for Christmas caroling, Christmas parties, SWIFT break, and end of year lock in.
There will be a paper drive on November 21 to stack paper and cans for a small fund raiser for SWIFT. We’ll need about 5 students to help out with this! If you can make it, please come! It’s from 9-11 AM.

SWIFT Update 11-09-09

Hey everyone!

I hope you are having a great day off of school and that you get to sleep in a little bit and rest up. I think you deserve it!

Veterans Day Contest- We celebrate Veteran’s Day for a reason. It was actually called “Armistice Day” because November 11 was the day that ended a big war. The first person who texts me (815-541-4291) with the name of the war will win either a music video DVD or cd of their choice. Include your name in the text if I don’t know it.

Here’s what’s happening this week!

Wed- FCA is on Wednesday morning at 6:45 AM. Come for breakfast, hang out with friends, and discuss God’s word! It’s a great time!

Thurs- Forreston JH boys play at 4:00 PM.

Sat- Hoops of Hope starts at 11 AM.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=173425365543&ref=ts
Click on the link for more info. Share it with your friends.  Hoops of Hope really makes a difference in the lives of students. The one who raises the most money will win a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card. Raise money, save lives, hang with friends, make a differnce in the world, play ball, eat pizza, see people do the Single Ladies Dance if you raise enuf money, have fun. It’ll be a great day! It should be done by 1:30 PM.

Sunday- Sunday School at 9:00 AM
Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Godbearing Team around 11:15 AM
SWIFT Extreme Home Makeover Night from 5:00-8:00.  Come here for a night of great discussion, games, laughter, worship, and 2 watch the Lena episode on our big screen! Guys bring drinks. Girls bring snacks!

Other News…
This Sunday, we will pass out information for you to know about in December. Times for Christmas caroling, Christmas parties, SWIFT break, and end of year lock in.

There will be a paper drive on November 21 to stack paper and cans for a small fund raiser for SWIFT. We’ll need about 5 students to help out with this! If you can make it, please come! It’s from 9-11 AM.

Thanks guys! Have a awesome week!

Tyler

Online Devotions 11-09-09

Online Devotions- Luke week 7

 

Day 1- Read Luke 13:1-17

 

V1-4 Jesus’ teaching can provide some comfort here. The Pharisees and leaders (and even people today) believe that bad and tragic things happen to people because they’re especially bad (For example, some people believe that God punished Northern Illinois by sending the shooter in to shoot those 20 people and kill 5). Jesus is saying no, we all are sinners. Those examples given were tragedies, just like tragedies we face. But He reminds us that we all must either own up to our sin, confess it to Him, and leave it behind, or we will perish unforgiven.

 

There was intense debate (and sometimes, there still is) about what we can and cannot do on the Sabbath (God’s day, day of rest).  The Pharisees felt that you could not do anything that resembles work, but Jesus taught that you must do good anytime. How can you show good to others today?

 

Day 2- Read Luke 13:18-35

 

V 18-21 Let me share with what my study Bible says (NIV, Life application study Bible, p 1704)- The general expectation among Jesus’ hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing the nation from Rome and restoring Israel’s former glory. But Jesus said his kingdom was beginning quietly. Like the tiny mustard seed that grows into an enormous tree, or the spoonful of yeast that makes the bread dough double in size, the kingdom of God would eventually push outward until the whole world was changed.

 

Jesus reminds us that many know about Him, but only few actually KNOW Him. Few actually acknowledge their sins to Jesus and trust in Him for salvation.  Few actually trust Him and love Him with everything have and their neighbors the same.  Few actually give their lives to Jesus. Are you one of the few? Pray to Him today and offer your whole self to Him.

 

Day 3- Read Luke 14:1-14

 

Jesus is teaching on humility at the Pharisee’s house? What are some ways to show true humility, according to Jesus in this passage?

 

 

 

 

Day 4- Read Luke 14:15-24

 

This parable explained by Jesus reminds me of excuses that we make at times.  We like the idea of being called and used by God, but we often give Him excuses to not do it. “I want to go on the mission trip, but I have to work.” “I’d like to worship and get in the Bible, but I’m too busy with my sports.”  “I want to pray, but this episode of Glee is just too good!” The things we may make ourselves busy for may be good, but is it healthy when we let it turn us away from God? According to Jesus in this passage, the answer is NO. If we are serious about following Jesus, we then have to drop the excuses and follow Him.

 

Day 5- Read Luke 14:25- 35

 

The term “hate” here seems really strong- especially in relation to the family. This a good time to look up the actual Greek word, which in this verse the Greek word written was miseo, which means to “love less.”  Jesus taught that God must be our first love- our first priority- over everything else-including our family and loved ones. We don’t hate our family and loved ones, we simply follow God first- no matter what.

 

Jesus is saying that there is a cost in following Him.  Like anything that you would purchase (a car, shoes, the new HSM DVD), you see if you are willing to pay the price. The price to following Jesus is pretty steep- you are surrendering your life and following Him- but the reward is eternal- it is eternal life in a loving relationship with God.

 

Day 6- Read Luke 15:1-10

 

Many of the words of Jesus are calling out the Pharisee’s. Jesus may come off as harsh and stern to the casual reader, but don’t miss it- the Pharisees were putting ridiculous rules and laws on people that were so hard and impossible that everyone felt distant from God.  Jesus was showing these leaders that God’s love is for everyone, and God is willing to reach out to the “sinners” and the lost.  Who should we try to be more like- Jesus or the Pharisees?

 

Day 7- Read Luke 15:11-31

 

This is one of Jesus’ most famous parables. It is an amazing story. To further catch the meaning behind it, check out songs like Jeremy Camp’s “I’ll take you back.”

 

Which character in the story- the son who left, the father, or the son who stayed did you connect with the most? Why?

 

What did you think about the father welcoming the son back? Helping the other son seeing the need to welcome the lost back in?

 

This story is obviously about God- reaching out to those who wander away, but also reminding those who stay that they are loved and part of His family always as well.  This is a tremendous story that shows the heart of God.

Parent Update 11-02-09

Dear parents!

I hope you are doing great! I know this school year already seems to be flying by as many students are already starting their winter sports and activities.  I’m hoping it looks like fall for a while longer though yet.  All of the information that you may need this week should be in the SWIFT Update and Real World Parent Newsletter. I am copying and pasting both.  Especially note that Hoops of Hope is coming up on November 14 at Forreston High School. We do have one sponsor, Char Stoehr, who has offered to provide a ride at 10:30 AM if students need a ride from Silver Creek to FHS. Thanks! Tyler

Hey everyone!
Happy November 2nd! Did you know that today is digital scrapbooking day? Go on and make your facebook digital scrapbooks…or get excited for tomorrow, November 3rd, as it is National Sandwich Day! Go get a $5 footlong at Subway to celebrate that!
Actually, here are some real things going on this week…check ‘em out!
Tuesday- Forreston choir concert at 7:30. Cheer your singing friends on!
Wednesday-
FCA at Forreston for HS students at 6:45. Get your breakfast and Bible discussion on!
Forreston band concert at 7:30. Cheer your tooting friends on!
Friday-  Talent show starting at 7:00 PM at Forreston- Cheer your talented friends on! (Not necessarily implying that you aren’t talented)
Sunday- Get your Sunday School on at 9 am
Get your Worshiping God on at 10 am
JH Get your SWIFT self on at 5:00 PM
HS Get your SWIFT self on at 7:00 PM
This week- We will look at the fact that many things are calling us for attention and time. In the midst of this, do we seek out God’s call on our life?
Other News…
Hoops of Hope is coming up QUICK!! Keep your fund raising on as we want to raise a total of $2,500 to help kids orphaned by AIDS. If this happens, you will see the basketball coaches and myself participate in a “Single Ladies” dance! People can donate online. Send them this website!
http://www.firstgiving.com/forrestonhighschool
Put that site in your facebook statuses, myspace, twitter, email, wherever, and people have been donating.  There are prizes for people who raise the most money and for people who make the most shots in the free throw drive.  By participating, you can win itunes gift cards, free stuff to mcdonald’s, free movie passes, t-shirts, and so much more!
Extreme Home Makeover SWIFT/discussion/viewing party is Nov 15 from 5-8 PM. Come on out for an unique night!
We will host a papaer drive at the Genandt Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov 21 from 9-11 AM.
Don’t forget to get your SWIFT t-shirt this weekend! Suggested donation- $10. Or whatever u can.
Thanks guys! Have a great week!
Tyler
p.s. Hope you didn’t eat too much candy this weekend! We don’t want you looking like this!

---

Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now.

Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Links to Learn From
4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

What Are You Going to Be?

It’s the question of the week for some kids. The answer often reveals a child’s current hero or role model and their desire to be that person, at least for a day. All kids—all of us—find patterns to follow in…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/what_are_you_going_to_be/

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/

2. Learn Their Lingo

Last Texter = That friend that always sends you a meaningless text after the obvious end of a text conversation, just to get the last text.
KPC = Text shorthand meaning “keep parents clueless.”

3. Links to Learn From

Up Close & Personal with Lisa T. Bergren
http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/2009/sepoct/upcloseandpersonal-lisatbergren.html
Study Reveals More Details About The iPhone Mom
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/26/study-reveals-more-details-about-behavior-of-the-iphone-mom/
“Say Aah” …and, “What’s in Your iPod?”
http://www.thesource4ym.com/youthculturewindow/article.asp?id=99

4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
- Thomas Paine

SWIFT Update 11-02-09

Hey everyone!

Happy November 2nd! Did you know that today is digital scrapbooking day? Go on and make your facebook digital scrapbooks…or get excited for tomorrow, November 3rd, as it is National Sandwich Day! Go get a $5 footlong at Subway to celebrate that!

Actually, here are some real things going on this week…check ‘em out!

Tuesday- Forreston choir concert at 7:30. Cheer your singing friends on!

Wednesday-
FCA at Forreston for HS students at 6:45. Get your breakfast and Bible discussion on!
Forreston band concert at 7:30. Cheer your tooting friends on!

Friday-  Talent show starting at 7:00 PM at Forreston- Cheer your talented friends on! (Not necessarily implying that you aren’t talented)

Sunday- Get your Sunday School on at 9 am
Get your Worshiping God on at 10 am
JH Get your SWIFT self on at 5:00 PM
HS Get your SWIFT self on at 7:00 PM
This week- We will look at the fact that many things are calling us for attention and time. In the midst of this, do we seek out God’s call on our life?

Other News…
Hoops of Hope is coming up QUICK!! Keep your fund raising on as we want to raise a total of $2,500 to help kids orphaned by AIDS. If this happens, you will see the basketball coaches and myself participate in a “Single Ladies” dance! People can donate online. Send them this website!
http://www.firstgiving.com/forrestonhighschool

Put that site in your facebook statuses, myspace, twitter, email, wherever, and people have been donating.  There are prizes for people who raise the most money and for people who make the most shots in the free throw drive.  By participating, you can win itunes gift cards, free stuff to mcdonald’s, free movie passes, t-shirts, and so much more!

Extreme Home Makeover SWIFT/discussion/viewing party is Nov 15 from 5-8 PM. Come on out for an unique night!

We will host a papaer drive at the Genandt Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov 21 from 9-11 AM.

Don’t forget to get your SWIFT t-shirt this weekend! Suggested donation- $10. Or whatever u can.

Thanks guys! Have a great week!

Tyler
p.s. Hope you didn’t eat too much candy this weekend! We don’t want you looking like this!

---

Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now.

Fat_man_mcdonalds.jpg

Online Devotions 11-02-09

Online Devotions- Luke week 6

 

Day 1- Read Luke 11:29-36

 

Jesus was explaining to the crowd that they were wicked because they saw and heard greater things than the town of Nineveh, but yet they accused Jesus of being Satan.  The people of Nineveh turned to God when Jonah told them that God was upset with they way they were living, but this crowd was not listening to Jesus.

 

We have the recorded words of Jesus. We have his teaching and know what He wants from us. Are we going to be like the Ninevites, and turn to God, or like this evil crowd, and not listen to Jesus at all?

 

Day 2- Read Luke 11:37-54

 

Jesus tore into the Pharisees and the teachers of the law in this passage. Jesus made it clear that leaders who force their followers to do things and not receive the grace of God will have nothing to do with Him. Jesus is showing us that He cares more about us than rules.  He cares more about loving others and showing love to others than religious rules.

 

How can you let go of religious rules today and learn to simply love God and love others?

 

Day 3- Read Luke 12:1-11

 

Jesus is encouraging His followers to not worry about any persecutions, insults, or anything that will happen to you because of your faith and trust in Him. Jesus will take care of you. In fact, God knows the hairs on your head and says that you are very important to Him. Live for God, and He will be proud of you!

 

Day 4- Read Luke 12:13-21

 

Money and materialism is a tricky thing.  It causes us to want more more and more.  We want a bigger tv, more music on our ipod, bigger ipods for the more music, more dvds, more games, more shoes, more clothes, etc. But yet Jesus is telling us that we should also be rich towards God. Rather than demanding more and more, we should work to give more and more and be more generous with what God has blessed us with.  How can we be more generous to those in need?

 

 

 

Day 5- Read Luke 12:22-34

 

What is the main point of today’s reading? That’s right! Do no worry! Jesus said that God knows we need things, and God will provide for us.  Rather, we are to seek God’s will first, and our needs will be provided.  Trust God in that.

 

Day 6- Read Luke 12:35-48

 

Jesus is going to return to earth, and he is going to gather his followers and live with them forever. However, we do not know when this will happen, so as we wait, we must constantly live for God and love and serve others.  This is how we “keep watch.” After all, we want Jesus to find us doing his will right? That’s the only way to guarantee that.

 

Day 7- Read Luke 12:49-59

 

This passage is a stern warning.  Jesus wants us to know that not all will follow Him, but for those who do, we must cling to Him and choose Him- even if some family members will not do so.  Jesus is saying that times will be tough, but if we stick with Him, we will have our reward in Heaven.

Parent Update 10-26-09

Dear parents,

I think some of you are concerned about the growing threat of the H1N1 virus.  Every day for the past week, someone has told me that they have come down with symptoms of it either at school, home, or wherever.  I just wanted you to know that we are trying to make sure that we don’t contribute in the spread of it. PLEASE, if your child is showing symptoms, please keep them home. We love them, and we don’t want them getting worse by pushing themselves to be with us. Have them take a week off, and then have them come fully healthy the following week.  Silver Creek also has asked to stop handshaking for a while. Students don’t usually do that anyways (I have yet to see students greet me with a handshake), so we’re not concerned about that.  We will not cancel any activities due to the H1N1 (the majority of students ARE healthy) virus, so please use your own wisdom and discernment in sending your children. I hope that helps.

Below are some things to be aware of! Have a great week! Tyler

Tuesday- Support the JH guys at their game at home in Forreston at 4:00 PM.
Wednesday- FCA is at 6:45 AM at Forreston High School for HS students.  Text me on Tues if you need a ride.
The HS Girls have their regional game in Polo at 6:00 PM.
Saturday- For those of you who are running in the Baileyville Youth Group 5K, check in is at 9 AM.
Sunday- Sunday School at 9 AM
Worship service at 10 AM
Sponsor meeting after worship.
JH SWIFT- 5:00-6:30 PM
HS SWIFT- 7:00-8:30 PM
This week at SWIFT- We all have a ton of emotions. Some we like to have (happy, excited) and others we don’t like to have (anger, anxiety, fear, and sadness). Is it godly to have all these emotions? What does God want us to do with these emotions? Come this Sunday and find out!
Other news…
Keep on raising funds for Hoops of Hope- Nov 14
SWIFT will meet at a special time from 5-8 PM on Nov 15 for the Extreme Home Makeover Night.

Contents

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Links to Learn From
4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens

From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

Self-Control

None of us like to say “no” to ourselves, and that might go double for teenagers. Facing the strongest appetites of their lives, a natural urge toward independence, and pressure from peers to go along with the crowd, the ability…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/self-control/

Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens

In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/

2. Learn Their Lingo

Bootsie = Something undesirable
Bamboozled = to get tricked or decieved

4. Links to Learn From

Question To Ask
http://www.youthspecialties.com/blog/2009/question-to-ask/
Pastor “Daddy”: Juggling Ministry and Fatherhood
http://www.youthspecialties.com/blog/2009/pastor-daddy/
Media Multitaskers: “Suckers for Irrelevancy”
http://www.realworldparents.com/blog/article/media_multitaskers_suckers_for_irrelevancy/

5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor

When you wholeheartedly adopt a “with all your heart” attitude and go out with the positive principle, you can do incredible things.
- Norman Vincent Peale

SWIFT Update 10-26-09

Hey everyone,

Thanks again to everyone who stayed a little later and helped move everything from my office and the youth room to the upstairs in order for the floor cleaners to come in and do their thing today.  That was really cool. I may send out text messages later this week or put something on facebook to let you know when we’re going to try and move stuff back down, so if you’re free to help out with that, that would be AWESOME!

Here are some things that we’re planning on doing this week…

Tuesday- Support the JH guys at their game at home in Forreston at 4:00 PM.

Wednesday- FCA is at 6:45 AM at Forreston High School for HS students.  Text me on Tues if you need a ride.

The HS Girls have their regional game in Polo at 6:00 PM.

Saturday- For those of you who are running in the Baileyville Youth Group 5K, check in is at 9 AM.

Sunday- Sunday School at 9 AM
Worship service at 10 AM
Sponsor meeting after worship.
JH SWIFT- 5:00-6:30 PM
HS SWIFT- 7:00-8:30 PM

This week at SWIFT- We all have a ton of emotions. Some we like to have (happy, excited) and others we don’t like to have (anger, anxiety, fear, and sadness). Is it godly to have all these emotions? What does God want us to do with these emotions? Come this Sunday and find out!

Other news…
Keep on raising funds for Hoops of Hope- Nov 14
SWIFT will meet at a special time from 5-8 PM on Nov 15 for the Extreme Home Makeover Night.

Hope you guys are staying healthy! Praying for ya!
Tyler

SWIFT Update- 10-26-09

Online Devotions- Luke Week 5

Day 1- Read Luke 9:37-45

After Jesus performed another miracle, he told them something terrible was going to happen. But what was their response? Why were they afraid to ask for clarification?

It may be scary to ask some questions, but go ahead and do it. Most teachers love to answer questions. Got questions about God, life, the Bible, ask Tyler or a trusted mentor, and they would love to meet up with you and discuss it.

Day 2- Read Luke 9:46-62

Jesus wanted to make it abundantly clear that He welcomes all who will come to Him, no matter what. He wants us to be humble and not think ourselves as greater than others. Do we think we are better than others? Spend time confessing that sin to God.

Jesus wants His followers to follow Him whole-heartedly. There is no excuse to follow Jesus half-heartedly. Some followers may have to give up some things to follow Jesus. What do you need to leave behind to follow Jesus whole heartedly?

Day 3- Read Luke 10:1-24

Jesus sent his followers out on a short mission trip to other towns to heal others and tell about God’s love and kingdom to those who would hear it.  Did this mission trip sound successful? It did, and as the disciples were celebrating, Jesus reminded them to be more thankful that they will be in Heaven than what they saw.

Have you ever served on a mission trip? What was that experience like? If not, work to go on one soon.

Day 4- Read Luke 10:25-37

After reading this parable, how should we show love to others? Who should we show love to?

Jesus has called us to live a life of love- meet the needs of those we come into contact to. Some people may need a word of encouragement, a hug, or something more done for them. How will you love others today?

Day 5- Read Luke 10:38-42

What keeps you busy?

Martha isn’t a bad person, but she was busy. She kept on worrying about the next thing that needed to be done.  In fact, she got so busy that she was jealous of Mary, who was listening to Jesus.  Jesus remarked that it is important to spend time with God. The things that keep us busy will always be there, but we must remember to take some time to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus.

Day 6- Read Luke 11:1-13

What are some points that Jesus makes about prayer?

Jesus is teaching us to completely depend on God in prayer. Whatever needs, events, tasks, anything- take it to God in prayer. Jesus shows that God is listening, and He will provide for you and take care of you.  What is preventing you from having a deep prayer life? Take steps to take your prayer time with God to the next level today.

Day 7- Read Luke 11:14-28

In this passage, we see Jesus’ accusers become more and more desperate. They are saying that Jesus is of Satan because he is driving out demons.  Jesus first says that is absurd because why would a member of one team ruin another member of the same team? Then he reminds the accusers that they also drive out demons, so they must be of Satan. Then Jesus describes that although Satan and demons have taken over the world and caused others to sin, His driving them out is showing them that He is more powerful than they are and that their end is almost near.  We are reminded again that Jesus and God are in control and more powerful even than Satan and the demons.

Online Devotions 10-26-09

Online Devotions- Luke Week 5

Day 1- Read Luke 9:37-45

After Jesus performed another miracle, he told them something terrible was going to happen. But what was their response? Why were they afraid to ask for clarification?

It may be scary to ask some questions, but go ahead and do it. Most teachers love to answer questions. Got questions about God, life, the Bible, ask Tyler or a trusted mentor, and they would love to meet up with you and discuss it.

Day 2- Read Luke 9:46-62

Jesus wanted to make it abundantly clear that He welcomes all who will come to Him, no matter what. He wants us to be humble and not think ourselves as greater than others. Do we think we are better than others? Spend time confessing that sin to God.

Jesus wants His followers to follow Him whole-heartedly. There is no excuse to follow Jesus half-heartedly. Some followers may have to give up some things to follow Jesus. What do you need to leave behind to follow Jesus whole heartedly?

Day 3- Read Luke 10:1-24

Jesus sent his followers out on a short mission trip to other towns to heal others and tell about God’s love and kingdom to those who would hear it.  Did this mission trip sound successful? It did, and as the disciples were celebrating, Jesus reminded them to be more thankful that they will be in Heaven than what they saw.

Have you ever served on a mission trip? What was that experience like? If not, work to go on one soon.

Day 4- Read Luke 10:25-37

After reading this parable, how should we show love to others? Who should we show love to?

Jesus has called us to live a life of love- meet the needs of those we come into contact to. Some people may need a word of encouragement, a hug, or something more done for them. How will you love others today?

Day 5- Read Luke 10:38-42

What keeps you busy?

Martha isn’t a bad person, but she was busy. She kept on worrying about the next thing that needed to be done.  In fact, she got so busy that she was jealous of Mary, who was listening to Jesus.  Jesus remarked that it is important to spend time with God. The things that keep us busy will always be there, but we must remember to take some time to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus.

Day 6- Read Luke 11:1-13

What are some points that Jesus makes about prayer?

Jesus is teaching us to completely depend on God in prayer. Whatever needs, events, tasks, anything- take it to God in prayer. Jesus shows that God is listening, and He will provide for you and take care of you.  What is preventing you from having a deep prayer life? Take steps to take your prayer time with God to the next level today.

Day 7- Read Luke 11:14-28

In this passage, we see Jesus’ accusers become more and more desperate. They are saying that Jesus is of Satan because he is driving out demons.  Jesus first says that is absurd because why would a member of one team ruin another member of the same team? Then he reminds the accusers that they also drive out demons, so they must be of Satan. Then Jesus describes that although Satan and demons have taken over the world and caused others to sin, His driving them out is showing them that He is more powerful than they are and that their end is almost near.  We are reminded again that Jesus and God are in control and more powerful even than Satan and the demons.