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Transformation Journal

Abingdon Press

Chapter One

sunday What Was God's Reason For Creating The Bible?

The Bible, known and accepted as the written word of God, is an important way God communicates with people in order to develop their relationship with God and to give life direction. Jesus demonstrated the importance of God's word by strategically quoting from the Old Testament throughout his earthly ministry.

Deuteronomy 8:1-11 and Matthew 4:1-11

? According to Deuteronomy 8, what did God promise God's people if they obeyed God's instructions (commands and laws) as written in the Scriptures?

? Think of a time when, as it did for Jesus in the wilderness, God's word came alive and made a strong difference as you faced a difficult situation or temptation. What happened? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

monday What Can Help Me Understand The Bible Better?

The Holy Spirit actually comes to live within you when you open your life and heart to Jesus. The presence of the Spirit makes a personal relationship with God possible, and all of life begins to change, including your ability to grasp the meaning of God's written word and apply it to your daily living.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and Psalm 119:1-16

? According to 1 Corinthians 2, what effect does the Holy Spirit have in helping you understand spiritual truths from the Bible?

? From Psalm 119, list at least three transforming results that happen in your life as you internalize the Bible's message (here also called statutes, precepts, laws, and commands). ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

tuesday How Important Is God's Word, The Bible, To My Daily Life?

Most people want a life of meaning, fulfillment, and purpose—a life matching what God designed it to be. Yet your tendency may be to react to life experiences rather than to proactively seek the will of God. Every day, every follower of Christ needs to stop and think about where his or her life is headed, and that is best done in the revealing light of God's word—the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:10-17 and James 1:19-25

? What purpose does Bible study serve in the life of a believer (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?

? Just as you physically look into a mirror every morning before you face the world, James encourages you to do a daily spiritual check. As you look into the mirror of God's word, what needed adjustments to your life direction do you believe God is revealing to you? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

wednesday How Can I Prepare Myself To Get The Most Out Of The Bible?

The old saying "You only get as much out of something as you put into it" is especially applicable when it comes to Bible study. As a follower of Jesus, you can't expect your life to have maximum spiritual growth and impact in others' lives without your first immersing yourself in God's training manual, the Bible. In today's reading, the Israelites had disregarded their copy of the Scriptures many years before. But when God's word was rediscovered and its truths read, King Josiah went to work setting all things right according to what God desired.

2 Kings 22:1–23:25

? How did King Josiah respond personally to the newfound book of the Law, God's word? What actions did he take in response to hearing God's word for the first time?

? Is there anything in your life that needs to be "cleaned up" in order to line up with God's word, just as Josiah had to "clean up" his nation and the sinful activities they were practicing? If so, what? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

thursday What Results Can I Expect As I Study And Apply The Bible To My Life?

As you hear God speak through God's word about needed change in your life—and respond in obedience and surrender to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit—you will gradually begin to see yourself change, bit by bit, to take on the character and purpose of Jesus. Old habits will fade away, new habits reflecting God will take their place and a clearer picture of God's purpose for your life will begin to form.

Mark 4:1-20 and Deuteronomy 30:11-20

? Jesus understood the tendency to make excuses and rationalize disobedience. In Mark 4, what were the reasons preventing three of the seeds from producing a crop? What was the result of hearing and accepting (applying) the word, as symbolized by the fourth seed?

? In asking for full obedience as described in Deuteronomy 30, is God asking you to do something impossible? Why or why not? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

friday Why Do Some Christians Refer To The Bible As Their "Sword"?

Paul, perhaps inspired by the Roman soldiers surrounding him during his imprisonment in Rome, used a sword to symbolize the word of God. Paul was very aware of the spiritual attack by forces of evil that comes against those who follow Jesus. The "sword of the Spirit" is the sharp instrument that helps you come against the enemy of evil, and it penetrates and judges your spirit as well.

Ephesians 6:10-18 and Hebrews 4:12-13

? Why do you think Paul chose to use the image of a sword when describing God's word, the Bible, to us?

? Read today's verses from Hebrews again. Think of a truth you have read in the Bible that has penetrated your heart and brought you new insight. What was it? How did it change your thinking and your actions?

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

saturday What Did Jesus Have To Say About The Bible?

Jesus validated the Scriptures as God-inspired and as God's means of communication with humanity. He presented the word of God as alive, transformational, and consisting of one central message—that Jesus was God's plan to reconnect and be in relationship with the people God loves. Jesus confronted the misuse of Scripture that reduced it to an intellectual exercise or a belief system made up of rules that judge and divide, rather than the living word of God that frees and transforms.

John 5:36-47 and 2 Timothy 2:15

? In John 5, Jesus was speaking to Jewish leaders. How were they misunderstanding and thereby misusing the Old Testament Scriptures?

? The "word of truth" in 2 Timothy is a reference to the Bible, God's word. If this verse describes God's expectation of you, what steps can you take to help yourself become better and better at being a "workman" as described? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

the word on ... PRAYER

sunday What Advice Did Jesus Give About How To Pray?

Prayer was an integral part of Jesus' life, and the twelve men who surrounded him during his three years of ministry were privileged to have Jesus as a model in this area. This intimate connection with the Father, which gave Jesus power to accomplish God's mission, remained a mystery to them until they finally said to Jesus, "Teach us to pray."

Luke 11:1-11 and Matthew 6:5-15

? Matthew and Luke each gave their own unique perspective on Jesus' instructions on prayer, with certain things standing out in importance to each one. What did each one report?

? Which of their instructions are most helpful to improving your daily prayer life? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

monday How Long Do I Need To Keep Praying For Needs And Requests?

God's word teaches that perseverance in prayer yields amazing results. Rather than a grocery list of requests submitted for God's approval, prayer becomes an ongoing conversation with God about God's will for you, the well-being of others, and the fulfillment of God's purpose on Earth. Even back in Old Testament times, Abraham's persevering prayers yielded miraculous results.

Luke 18:1-8 and Genesis 18:16-33

? What in today's Scriptures would encourage a follower of Christ to persevere long term in prayer?

? For what or whom have you let go of praying and need to resume?

tuesday When I Pray, What Is My Ultimate Goal?

True prayer ultimately brings a close connection with God, through which you submit your mind, heart, and will to God for alignment with God's heart and will. This truly is the most important purpose of prayer (not just asking for protection and blessings!). The night before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his followers' alignment with God's will and heart, and then began the journey to the cross with his own time of painfully surrendering himself to God's will and greater purpose.

John 17:1-26 and Matthew 26:36-46

? From John 17, list at least three "alignment" requests Jesus makes to God on behalf of his followers. What request does he make for himself in Matthew 26?

? Some call Jesus' prayer for God's will to be done, not his own (Matthew 26:42), "the prayer that never fails." Why do you think this is—and do you agree? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

wednesday What Is The Value Of Praying With Other Believers?

Following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, his followers gathered together and formed communities that shared all things in common, especially prayer. They continued to grow in their understanding of God's plan and their trust in God to handle all things. Their experiences give followers of Jesus today the assurance that miracles can happen when believers pray together.

Matthew 18:18-20 and Acts 12:1-19

? In Matthew 18, Jesus taught that group accountability in prayer brings miraculous results. What did he say is the supernatural component when believers gather together to pray?

? The people in Acts 12 prayed together for Peter's situation—and God responded with a miracle that surprised them. Have you ever been surprised by a miraculous answer to prayer? How did you and others react? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

thursday What Difference Does Praying Before Making A Decision Really Make?

Within just a few chapters of Scripture (Luke 5–9), four different occasions are described in which Jesus sought God in prayer, either alone or in the company of his disciples. It is clear that going to God in prayer was a regular pattern in Jesus' life and always happened before major decisions, significant ministry, and the working of miracles.

Luke 5:12-16, 6:12-19, and 9:18-36

? In each of today's readings, what God-empowered event happened in conjunction with Jesus' spending time in prayer?

? What decision or life situation are you facing that needs intentional time in prayer with God? After reading today's Scriptures, what result can you expect? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

friday How Confident Can I Be That God Will Always Answer My Prayers?

The Bible clearly teaches that your state of heart and mind have everything to do with your prayer life. It is only when you have asked forgiveness for your wrongs and have brought yourself sincerely and wholly before God that your prayers can become aligned with God's best intentions and miraculous power. Although you do not need certain words or posture for effective prayer, examining your intent and preparing the state of your heart for prayer are vitally important.

Mark 11:12-24 and James 4:2-10

? According to today's Scriptures, what is necessary in order to pray effectively? What can make your prayer life ineffective?

? Which of these most challenge you in your prayer life?

saturday What Happens If I Don't Pray?

The Old Testament contains a story of a king whose pride prevented him from praying or even paying attention to God. After God's servant Daniel interpreted the king's dream, God allowed painful life experiences to happen that eventually drove the king into true prayer. Without a healthy relationship with God through prayer, your personal welfare and future are at stake.

Daniel 4:19-37 and 2 Chronicles 7:14

? When King Nebuchadnezzar's focus changed to prayer (Daniel 4:34-37), his life changed. How?

? Daniel's advice to King Nebuchadnezzar in 4:27 reflects the priorities of a humble servant of God. How does this advice offer guidance for your prayer life?

the word on ... COMMUNITY

sunday What Is It That Seems To Draw Me Into Christian Community?

If you are like most people, you have an innate desire to be with other people. This desire comes directly from God, because God created you for relationship. As a Christian, however, an even more specific calling is on your life for community. As a follower of Jesus, you have been inducted into a powerful community of believers that has God as its center and sharing the love of Jesus Christ as its mission.

1 John 1:1-10 and 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

? What are the benefits of belonging to God's "fellowship of believers"? What do those who are called into God's community share in common?

? According to today's readings, around what has God drawn us together as Christians? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

monday Why Should I Commit Myself Regularly To Be With God's Community Of Believers?

The earliest group of Christian believers probably asked this question too, but they quickly decided what was important for them as a group. A first priority was the need to be in close Christian community in order to be encouraged and inspired to do the mission to which Jesus had called them. The spiritual growth and support they experienced in Christian community allowed them to begin the incredible task of making disciples of the whole world.

Acts 2:29-47

? What made this community of believers so committed to one another? How did they show it?

? If you totally devoted yourself daily to a Christian community that included biblical teaching, deep fellowship, and prayer, how would your spiritual life grow? Which of these is lacking right now for you? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

monday How Does Christian Community And Fellowship Make Me A Stronger Christian?

What is it about being in Christian fellowship that makes you stronger in your faith? There is definitely strength in numbers, and the Christian life is no different. It would be to your peril to think you can be just as strong and grow just as much in your spiritual life without the help and encouragement of your Christian brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 10:19-25, 3:12-13, and Galatians 6:1-2

? List the five "let us" statements, or callings on the community, from Hebrews 10:22-25. Why do you think it is easier to worship or have hope in Christ in a community of people rather than by yourself?

? Describe a time when you were encouraged or spurred on by another Christian brother or sister. Have you ever encouraged another believer? What happened? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Transformation Journalby Sue Nilson Kibbey Copyright © 2008 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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