Worship Is…
Week 4
Wednesday
Read: John 4:15-18
When we invite Jesus into our hearts, it doesn’t mean that life will suddenly become easy. In fact, it will probably become more difficult. That’s because Jesus wants to fill every part of our lives, and that means he’ll have to reveal the bad to replace it with good.
Why does the woman want the living water? (she says in vs. 15)
Do you think she really understands what this water is? What is it that she might not be seeing?
Why do you think that Jesus tells her to bring her husband?
What is Jesus asking you to bring before him today?
Ask yourself today what you’re not giving to God. It’s usually those things that we don’t really want to talk about—maybe not even with our family or close friends. But God wants to wash you clean of anything that keeps you from being close to him. Remember that he brings out the scary facts because he loves you and he chose you.
Worship Is…
Week 4
Tuesday
Read: John 4:11-14
All that this woman expected was to get some water to take home. Instead, she meets Jesus, the God of the universe, face to face. She tries to answer his seemingly impossible claims about living water with practical reasoning, but is told about our wonderful savior instead. What a day it must have been for her!
Have you ever been going about your day and was hit unexpectedly with a truth about God? What did you learn?
Jesus could have come up to her and just told her that she needed to go to church and be saved. Rather, he takes something she uses everyday—getting water—and relates it back to himself. God loves to throw in the spiritual stuff with the practical stuff. How does Jesus’ answer show that he will meet more than her everyday needs?
What kind of thirst is Jesus talking about?
How is that thirst quenched?
It’s hard to remember sometimes that Jesus is the only one that can really satisfy the desires of our hearts. As you think about the things that your heart needs most today, pray that Jesus will fill you with his living water.
Another thing I forgot to mention, is that I cannot take credit for all of these. Various middle school leaders will be writing these throughout the weeks. This week Amanda Setser is the author, so next time you see her be sure to tell her she has done a swell job.
Worship Is…
Week 4
Monday
Read: John 4:1-10
Jesus was a Jew in the first century (and now it’s the 21st century….) and the Jews of his day were not friends with the Samaritans. Samaritans had Jewish roots, but they chose to marry non-Jewish people and worship other gods. The Jews hated them so much that it was normal for the Jews and Samaritans not to even speak to one another. But here we have Jesus, a guy didn’t let any of that stand in the way of showing God’s love.
Why do you think that Jesus chose to speak with her?
What do you notice about how he spoke with her? What kind of effect do you think he had on this woman?
There are always those that are looked down upon by most of the people around them. There are the weird kids at school who don’t have friends, the smelly old lady that lives next door, or the teacher that gets on everyone’s nerves. How can you reach out to them as Jesus would today?
Hey! We’re starting to do devotions for the middle school ministry. They are a couple of verses a day with some questions. The idea is to get you as middle school students to be in the Word daily, but also to apply it to your life. To be doers of the Word, not just hearers. So here is day 1! Make comments, ask questions, lets get a dialogue going!
Worship Is…
Week 4
Sunday
Read: Matthew 25:35-36
When most people hear the word ‘missions’ they think about Christians that move to other countries and live in a hut. While that’s a noble thing, Jesus makes the word ‘mission’ even more simple. We can be missionaries by giving to those around us that have needs.
Why do you think Jesus expects us to help other people?
Have you ever seen people give their food, clothes, time and money to the poor?
How do you think that the person that received those things felt?
As you go about your day, look out for people that God has called you to reach out to. Listen to God closely, though—it’s often someone that you wouldn’t expect.
So apparently my parents have another kid, other than my older brother and younger sister, that my siblings and I never knew about. She is a bit older than my older brother and was shipped to England at an early age and left to fend for herself. However, her recent popularity has brought to light (thanks to the ever encouraging Pastor Dave) my uncanny resemblance to her. This led me to some deep soul searching. And thanks to a Maury Povich DNA test, it’s been confirmed that I have a 47-year old sister.
 I'm angry my parents mailed me to England when I was a baby
|
 I'm angry because my older sister is more famous than me
|
 Here's hoping my long lost family will love me
|
 Here's hoping my new sister will send me some prize money
|
 I have a mommy!
|
 You sing purty!
|
 Shoefoooooooooooooord!
|
 Pizzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! |
So there you have it. The proof is in the pictures. My long lost sister is Susan Boyle, the amazing woman who everyone was ready to laugh off the stage and instead ended up crying as they were put in their place. The words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2 comes to mind. ”Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you too will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I think Susan Boyle is a prime example that I am so willing to judge people based on looks, clothing, and thickness of eyebrows. However, when I stop to see people how Jesus sees them, I see a beautiful woman singing a song that joins with creation and says, “God is awesome and worthy of worship.” May our lives represent Christ well as they sing the wonderfulness of our Savior.
So, I now have a blog. I’ll be using this space to challenge, provoke conversation, share laughs and life. Of course it will be on a middle school level so even I can keep up. I’d love for this to be a place where young and old alike can come and worship the Creator by enjoying the life He has given us and passing that along to one another. Looking forward to the journey ahead with all of you!
Chaudoin out