The Power of Emotion
When I was younger, I remember having an outrageous anger problem when it came to sports. A good example of this was when I moved to Illinois. The town we lived in didn’t start organized tackle football until 5th grade. So as a 4th grader, it was flag football only for me. I was disappointed at first because where we had just moved from in Missouri, I got to play tackle as a 3rd grader. I had a realization though that flag football meant that this big boy got to play quarterback, no weight limits there! So as a freshly moved 4th grader, whose idol was Peyton Manning, I knew I had the opportunity to prove my mettle and worth through my time running the show. (Continue Reading Here)
MONDAY, MARCH 14
Connect: Luke 7:36-50
DISCOVER:
- What is significant about the jar of perfume?
- What is the importance of wiping his feet with her hair?
- What is the meaning of verse 47’s ending?
RESPOND:
- After reading the essay, do you need to release some sin or regret you’ve been holding against yourself?
- Have you been withholding forgiveness from someone? Why or why not?
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
Connect: Exodus 2 and 3
DISCOVER:
- What is significant about the events surrounding Moses’ rescue as a baby?
- What miracle happened in verses 3:2-3? From this miracle, what did God ask of Moses?
- What miracles happened in verses 4:3-7? What should we learn from verses 4:14-17?
RESPOND:
- Moses was the founder of the Jewish nation, yet he began as a fugitive. What lessons does this hold for you about getting past your past?
- Moses doubted his abilities. Do you ever doubt your purpose/abilities? Why or why not? What abilities has God gifted you for His kingdom?
- What motivates you from Moses’ story?
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
Connect: Romans 8
DISCOVER:
- Read verse 1, what does condemnation mean?
- How does Christ save someone from condemnation?
- What is the law of sin and death?
RESPOND:
- Does your past determine your future? Explain
- Has Christ set you free? Why or why not?
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
Connect: Luke 7:36-50
DISCOVER:
- What were the common courtesies a host has to do in that culture?
- What can we learn about the woman with the alabaster jar from this passage?
- What was the main idea of the parable of moneylender and debtors?
RESPOND:
- Who is someone you know who radically turned his life around? Why?
- Discuss the implications of this statement: sin is not just what you do but also what was done to you.
- Can you relate to holding on to shame too long? What are the consequences of this?
- What are some helpful steps to releasing shame? Have others given you words of wisdom that helped you let go of shame?
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
Connect: 1 Timothy 1
DISCOVER:
- Read verse 15, what does Paul say this is a trustworthy saying?
- Why does Paul describe himself as “the worst?”
- From verse 15, what is Jesus’ purpose?
RESPOND:
- Have you trusted Christ with your life? Why or why not?
- If you’ve given Christ your heart, is there another aspect of your life that you haven’t committed to Him yet? Relationships? Career? Finances? School? Anger? Grief? Worry? Ego? etc
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
Connect: 1 John 1
DISCOVER:
- Read verse 9, what does confess mean? Knowing this definition, how should Christians apply this to their relationship with Christ?
- Knowing that we must confess our sins, we must define what sin is. What is sin? Where can we find this answer? Are Christians ever “exempt” from certain sins? Why or why not?
- What does purifying us from sin look like?
RESPOND:
- If Christians are not exempt from any sins, then are there sins you have in your life you feel are “ok” with? What about your secret sins that aren’t exposed? Are these still wrong if no one knows about them?
- Do you weigh/compare your sins? Example: Cussing vs Murder. Gluttony vs Adultery. Are Christians to do this? Why? What areas of your life do you need the Lord’s help to purify?
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Connect: Luke 23
DISCOVER:
- In Luke 23, metaphorically, who are WE in verse 18? Why?
- How does Jesus taking Barabbas’ place equal exactly what happened on the cross?
- Why would the Pharisees choose Barabbas over Jesus?
RESPOND:
- Read verse 45–Who is now our high priest since the veil was torn?
- How much does verse 34 mean to you? How can you represent Jesus’ forgiveness and understanding to your family and friends?