Fear or Panic
This past weekend Katie and I watched one of my all time favorite movies: Chasing Mavericks. Honestly, it’s a PG movie that critics would absolutely rip to shreds. I don’t blame them, 25% of the movie is garbage…. But that other 75%... That dang other 75…. It is like Michaelangelo and the Sistine chapel. It hit’s all the right notes. It’s fun, it’s emotional, and it has the right amount of danger to suck you in. I love it. There are few movies that I enjoy more. (Continue Reading Here)
MONDAY, APRIL 11
Connect: Mark 4:35-5:20
Discover:
- How do the disciples react to Jesus sleeping?
- What is Jesus’ response to the disciples?
- What did Jesus do with the Legion of demons? How did the people react to this? What was Jesus’ response?
Respond:
- After reading the essay, think through one simple question: Are you more afraid of Jesus or the storm you face?
- How calm are you through your “storms?” Do you turn to the Lord first? Why or why not?
- Jesus did not plead with the people of the pig region; He left when they wanted Him to leave. Do you tend to plea your case in relationships or do you stay quiet and allow your reputation to speak for itself? How can what Jesus did help manage your relationships?
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
Connect: Psalm 2
Discover:
- Look at the cross-references of Psalm 2 in the margin of a study Bible to discover the three verses of Psalm 2 that are quoted in the New Testament. Each is a prophecy about Jesus. Read them in the context of each New Testament passage. What do they affirm about Jesus and his ability to take us through storms?
- Verse 3: “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” Who was David speaking about? Who has you in chains?
- What does verse 8 mean? How does this comfort you?
Respond:
- Read verse 7: How is this verse personal to you?
- How can you “take refuge” (vs 12) in the Lord?
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
Connect: Ephesians 1
Discover:
- Read verses 20-21: Who was risen from the Dead? Where does Christ sit now?
- Who name is above all names? Above all gods? Whose name has the same power in the past? The present? The future?
Respond:
- This is a powerful prayer: “ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Take time now to pray this over yourself, your family, your friends, your co-workers, and your Enemies/those who have hurt you.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14
Connect: Matthew 8:23-34
Discover:
- After reading this story, ponder this: Following Jesus doesn’t mean smooth seas but it does mean that you’re with the Master.
- Even nature obeys Christ–What are you not obeying Christ with in your life?
Respond:
- Share the story of someone you know whose past pain has been a great encouragement or inspiration to you.
- If you are willing, share the most difficult thing you have ever had to go through.
- What advice or encouragement would you give to the ex-demoniac between when Jesus left in the boat and when he returned home to share his experience?
- Which piece of advice that you just heard do you need to implement to share your story more broadly?
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
Connect: Colossians 2
Discover:
- Focus reading on verse 9: what does Fullness of the Deity mean?
- The syncretism and traditions of the world does not have Christ as the focal point. Here, Paul was warning the Colossian believers to not adopt these basic, world philosophies of mankind or their legalistic laws. Why? Because they cloud the true concept of Christ and distort the biblical truth of the Lord Jesus in the mind of the believer. The World’s Views rob the Christian of a proper understanding of the wonderful sufficiency and amazing adequacy of Christ in the life of ALL believers. Verse 9 confirms the completeness and wholeness we receive of Christ.
Respond:
- Have you ever been taught or perhaps have felt that you needed to do something more than just accept Christ as your savior in order to Earn God’s love and forgiveness? Why or Why not?
- Do you believe that in Christ Jesus, you have been made complete? Why or Why not?
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Connect: Luke 23
Discover:
- What did verse 4 mean about Jesus?
- Verse 22 referred to the death penalty. Whose crimes should have received the death penalty–read verse 19.
- Verse 25 is the most powerful verse in explaining the purpose and purity of Christ. Why?
- What prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion and death?
Respond:
- Jesus literally took the punishment that was meant for the murderer Barabas; in turn, Christ took our punishment for our sins too. What does this mean to you?
- With verse 45, what does “And the curtain of the temple was torn in two” mean for all Christians? How is this good news?
SUNDAY, APRIL 17
Connect: John 19
Discover:
- What is flogging? Why did they do this to Jesus? What did the flogging do to Jesus’ body?
- What is significant about the crown of thorns? Read Genesis 3:18. Were thorns created before or after the fall of man/sin entered the world? Jesus was crowned with the Consequence of Sin (thorns & death)–to take our Sin–to Become Sin–to Defeat Sin & Death.
- What is significant about verse 28 with prophecy being fulfilled?
Respond:
- The two men who helped bury Jesus lived lives of secrecy. Do you worship Jesus in secret? Are you ashamed of the gospel? If no, then could people know you’re a Christ follower by your language? By your social media accounts? By your texts? By your private content on your computer? By the movies you watch? By how you treat people? Reflect on what you can do better to show the world Jesus through you.