Day One: Sunday, August 1st
Read John 1:1-5.
What is your first impression as you read this (confused, excited, wondering what’s for breakfast)?
Who is “the Word”?
Why would that name be given to them?
In your opinion, why would the writer of John think it was important to start their gospel with these confusing verses?
What difference could it make to know that “the Word” was with God in the beginning?
What do you think is John referring to when he mentions the “light” and the “darkness”? Try writing down your own definitions…
How does the darkness try to overcome the light?
Read 2 Kings 5:1-18.
Naaman was a man of great accomplishment and wealth. Why would he go to the king of Aram for permission to heal himself?
Why would the King of Israel react as he did in verse 7?
What was Naaman’s reaction to Elisha’s message in verse 10?
Why would he react like that?
How did his servants change his mind?
Why would Elisha not accept any of Naaman’s gifts of gratitude?
What did Naaman pledge to do instead? Why would he make this decision?
Read Ephesians 5:6-17.
How would you describe the “light of the Lord”?
“Live as children of light” is a short but very powerful command. What do you think that means for you and where you are?
The writer in Ephesians encourages us to “live carefully”- explain what he means by that...
Spend some time with these questions as you journal your thoughts on the next page...
• If Scripture references Jesus as “the Word” why does God need you to speak on His behalf?
• How can you “live carefully?”
• Whew- understanding the will of God- not an easy task! It doesn’t mean that we should stay away from trying, though. Write down three things that you believe God might want you to be thinking about doing for His Kingdom.
This week, you will encounter tons of opportunities to be active in a community in the light of God. Challenge yourself to seek out those opportunities and, as you participate in them, think about how you might translate your actions once you get back home. As you do these things through the week, write down a couple below or on the next page so that you have a source of reference when you get back. As you close this devotional time, spend the remainder of the time reflecting on your mind and heart at this moment. Are you in a place where you are open to living a life that others see as serving God? Maybe you want to get better at showing God in your life. Maybe you want to spend the time figuring out if God is really something for you. Maybe there are some things that you and God need to work through. Maybe there are some things that you need to work through with someone on this trip. Do not fail o understand that God put you here, this week, to make an impact on your life. How will you choose to respond? Will you simply go through the motions or will you take advantage and experience what freedom in Christ truly means..?
One Person I am praying for today is:
One change in me I am praying for today is:
A Light in the Darkness
Before you start reading God’s Word, take some time in prayer to prepare your heart. Ask the Spirit to invade your thoughts so that you might enter God’s Word with a desire for wisdom and understanding...Read John 1:1-5.
What is your first impression as you read this (confused, excited, wondering what’s for breakfast)?
Who is “the Word”?
Why would that name be given to them?
In your opinion, why would the writer of John think it was important to start their gospel with these confusing verses?
What difference could it make to know that “the Word” was with God in the beginning?
What do you think is John referring to when he mentions the “light” and the “darkness”? Try writing down your own definitions…
How does the darkness try to overcome the light?
Read 2 Kings 5:1-18.
Naaman was a man of great accomplishment and wealth. Why would he go to the king of Aram for permission to heal himself?
Why would the King of Israel react as he did in verse 7?
What was Naaman’s reaction to Elisha’s message in verse 10?
Why would he react like that?
How did his servants change his mind?
Why would Elisha not accept any of Naaman’s gifts of gratitude?
What did Naaman pledge to do instead? Why would he make this decision?
Read Ephesians 5:6-17.
How would you describe the “light of the Lord”?
“Live as children of light” is a short but very powerful command. What do you think that means for you and where you are?
The writer in Ephesians encourages us to “live carefully”- explain what he means by that...
Spend some time with these questions as you journal your thoughts on the next page...
• If Scripture references Jesus as “the Word” why does God need you to speak on His behalf?
• How can you “live carefully?”
• Whew- understanding the will of God- not an easy task! It doesn’t mean that we should stay away from trying, though. Write down three things that you believe God might want you to be thinking about doing for His Kingdom.
This week, you will encounter tons of opportunities to be active in a community in the light of God. Challenge yourself to seek out those opportunities and, as you participate in them, think about how you might translate your actions once you get back home. As you do these things through the week, write down a couple below or on the next page so that you have a source of reference when you get back. As you close this devotional time, spend the remainder of the time reflecting on your mind and heart at this moment. Are you in a place where you are open to living a life that others see as serving God? Maybe you want to get better at showing God in your life. Maybe you want to spend the time figuring out if God is really something for you. Maybe there are some things that you and God need to work through. Maybe there are some things that you need to work through with someone on this trip. Do not fail o understand that God put you here, this week, to make an impact on your life. How will you choose to respond? Will you simply go through the motions or will you take advantage and experience what freedom in Christ truly means..?
One Person I am praying for today is:
One change in me I am praying for today is:
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