August 20
Philippians 2:15b
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1. When you spend time with Jesus, His love changes you. How does that love look different than the way the world talks about love?
JR Questions:
1. What is your favorite way to spend time with Jesus? Reading Bible stories? Praying? Singing worship songs?
2. How often do you spend time with Jesus? How can you make it a habit this school year?
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August 27
Philippians 2:15b
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1. Jesus is the light of the world. How does He shine through you?
2. Who do you know that needs to experience the light of Jesus?
JR Questions:
1. Do you have a nightlight that makes you feel safe? How does Jesus make you feel safe?
2. How can you be kind to others this week and show them the light of Jesus?
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September 3
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1. When have you felt God’s peace?
2. What worry do you need to present to God?
JR Questions:
1. What makes you feel scared? Who or what makes you feel safe?
2. Pray to God and ask him to help you be brave when you are afraid or worried.
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September 10
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
1. What do you think or talk about that is less than God’s best?
2. How is this verse challenging the things you think about?
JR Questions:
1. What are some things that make you feel happy?
2. Make a list of all the good and wonderful things God has given you. Tell God thank you and ask him to remind you of those things when you’re feeling sad or angry.
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September 17
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
1. When have you devoted yourself to something? What was that like?
2. Of the things listed (learning about Jesus, being in Christian community, attending worship or prayer) which one is Jesus nudging you to devote yourself to this coming week?
JR Questions:
1. Who do you spend time with that helps you spend time with Jesus?
2. How can you help someone else spend time with Jesus this week?
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September 24
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
1. When have you experienced Satan’s threat in your life? What does a full life in Jesus look like to you?
2. How might God be inviting you to practice one of the dream disciple postures?
JR Questions:
1. Have you ever had someone steal something from you? How did
that make you feel?
2. How does knowing Jesus forgives your sins make you feel?
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October 1
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
1. What are some things that show you the way to go?
2. Jesus calls himself 3 things in this verse. Which one do you relate to the most and why?
JR Questions:
1. Who or what helps you find the way to Jesus?
2. Who can you help learn the truth about Jesus this week?
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October 8
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all... are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.“
1. Who do people say you look like?
2. When do your thoughts or actions look like Jesus?
JR Questions:
1. Ask your grown ups who you look most like? A family member? A famous person?
2. How can you be more like Jesus this week?
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October 15
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
1. Name a time when you were scared. What did you do?
2. How can those times be different when you know God is always with you?
JR Questions:
1. Who or what helps you be brave when you’re scared?
2. How does God help you be brave when you’re scared?
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October 22
I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1. What is something you have worked hard at? How did it make you feel?
2. The work of the Lord includes the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control). Which one is Jesus inviting you to work at this week?
JR Questions:
1. What distracts you from giving yourself fully to God? Are there things that get in the way of your time with Jesus?
2. How can you make Jesus a priority over the distractions?
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October 29
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
1. With God we are able to do great things. Looking at the verse what happens without God?
2. What area of your life do you need to invite God’s power into?
JR Questions:
1. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these is easiest for you? Which of them is hardest?
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November 5
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1. In view of God’s love and mercy to you, how might you offer your life to God?
2. Who can you make a sacrifice for and serve this week?
JR Questions:
1. How has God (or someone else) shown you mercy this week by forgiving you or putting you first?
2. How can you put others first this week?
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November 12
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1. How easy is it to change your mind about something?
2. Where might God be inviting you to change your mind about something or someone?
JR Questions:
1. Do you ever think that what you want is different than what God wants?
2. How can you find out what God wants for you and your life?
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November 19
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
1. What one word would describe your heart and thoughts right now?
2. How do you let God lead your thoughts and heart?
JR Questions:
1. Are there things you get worried about?
2. Spend time talking to God about the things that worry you and ask for His help and comfort.
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December 3
Matthew 1:21
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
1. Discuss a time when you tried to save someone from something harmful.
2. Who can you can think of, during this advent season, that needs to hear about our Savior Jesus?
JR Questions:
1. What are some sins/mistakes you’ve made? Have you done something you shouldn’t have or not done something you should have?
2. Spend some time talking to Jesus about your sins and ask for his forgiveness.
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December 10
Luke 2:10-12
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
1. What is the best news you have ever received?
2. Who do you need to tell about Jesus and the good news of His birth?
JR Questions:
1. Why is Jesus being born such good news?
2. Who can you share the good news of Jesus’ birth with this week?
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December 17
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
1. Imagine being in the field and experiencing the multitude of angels praise God. What would that be like?
2. Reread the verse and hear the angels proclaim that God is pleased with you and gifts you with His peace. How does that change your perspective today?
JR Questions:
1. What is your favorite Christmas song about Jesus? Sing it together to praise God and declare his glory.
January 7
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
1. Name some things you cannot see but know are there.
2. What is one way you can fix your eyes on Jesus?
JR Questions:
1. How do you know someone loves you if you can’t see love?
2. How do you know that God loves you?
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January 14
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
1. When have your prayers gone unanswered?
2. How can it help you to know that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our own broken and sinful ones?
JR Questions:
1. What do you think God thinks about? Do you think he thinks about the same things as you?
2. How can you think more like Jesus?
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January 21
Philippians 2:15b - 2:16a
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1. What talent or skill has God given you that you can use to shine for Him?
2. How will you use it to serve others over the school year?
JR Questions:
1. What talent or skill has God given you that you can use to shine for Him?
2. How will you use it to serve others over the school year?
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January 28
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
1. What kinds of things do you work hard at? School? Chores? Sports?
2. Who do you work to please? Teachers? Parents? Coaches? What would be different if you did your work for Jesus?
JR Questions:
1. What do you work hard at?
2. Who helps you work hard when you don’t want to do something?
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February 4
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1. What is God up to in your life right now and who need to hear about it?
2. What holds you back from telling someone about Jesus?
3. Whose story are you listening to and how is it leading to spiritual conversations?
JR Questions:
1. Who teaches you the story of Jesus?
2. How can you share the story of Jesus with someone this week?
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February 11
Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
1. What are some wonderful qualities that God has given you?
2. Who has helped you discover those qualities or strengthen those qualities?
JR Questions:
1. What are some skills and talents God gave you? What are you good at?
2. How can you use those talents to love like Jesus this week?
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February 18
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth
1. Who do you call when you need help? Why?
2. Have you seen God help you when you needed it?
JR Questions:
1. Who do you call when you need help? Why?
2. What do you need help with? Pray to God for His help.
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February 25
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
1. Where do you go to find wisdom? Who are the wise people in your life?
2. How can you incorporate God’s wisdom into your life?
JR Questions:
1. Who helps you make good and wise decisions?
2. Which fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control) can you focus on this week?
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March 4
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
1. When do you feel God’s presence the most?
2. What does it mean to you to know God rejoices over you?
JR Questions:
1. Does anyone ever sing to you? What song do you think God would sing to you?
2. You make God feel happy. How does that make you feel?”
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March 11
Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
1. What is your favorite way to hear God’s Word?
2. What is the difference between hearing what’s in the Bible and doing what Jesus says?
JR Questions:
1. Who helps you read the Bible? What is your favorite story?
2. How can you live like Jesus this week?
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March 18
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
1. When is the last time someone encouraged you? How did it make you feel?
2. Who is God asking you to encourage?
JR Questions:
1. Who encourages you by telling you “good job” or ”you can do it”?
2. Who can you encourage by telling them ”good job” or ”you can do it”?
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April 1
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
1. What makes it challenging for you to live in peace with one another?
2. Is God calling you to forgive someone?
JR Questions:
1. What does it mean to live in peace?
2. What makes it challenging to live in peace?
3. How can God help you live in peace with one another?
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April 8
Matthew 28:5-6
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
1. Put yourself in the passage. What would it be like to look for Jesus and not find him? Have your ever felt that way?
2. How does knowing that Jesus rose from the dead affect your life?
JR Questions:
1. What is your favorite way to celebrate Jesus during Easter?
2. Who can you share the story of Easter with?
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April 15
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
1. In what ways is it easy to trust God? In what ways is it hard?
2. What are you anxious about? Pray to God for His guidance right now.
JR Questions:
1. What makes it easy or hard to trust someone?
2. What are the things you’re worried about? Tell God about them and ask for his help.
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April 22
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.
1. What is something you know is there even if you can’t see it?
2. How is God asking you to “live by faith”?
3. Who or what helps strengthen your faith?
JR Questions:
1. How do you know Jesus is with you even though you can’t see him?
2. How can you show your faith to others this week?
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April 29
Philippians 2:2
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
1. Why do you think Jesus wants us to be of the same mind?
2. How can you show the love of Jesus this week?
JR Questions:
1. How can you think more like Jesus this week? What does Jesus think about?
2. How can you show the love of Jesus this week?
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May 6
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
1. What plans do you have for the summer?
2. What plans do you think God has for you this summer?
JR Questions:
1. What plans do you have for the summer?
2. What plans do you think God has for you this summer?
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May 13
1 Peter 5:5b
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1. When do you find it easy to be humble? When is it hard?
2. How can you show humility to someone in your life this week?
JR Questions:
1. When is it easy to put others first? When is it hard?
2. Who can you put first this week?
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May 20
Philippians 2:15b - 2:16a
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
1. What are the ways that you hold firmly to God’s Word?
2. How will you continue to make God’s Word a part of your life over the summer?
JR Questions:
1. How will you make a habit of spending time with God’s Word over the summer?
2. Is there someone you can share that Word with?
