Category: K-2 Series

Mark these Key Words: Crucify, Crown, King

John 19:1

“Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him.”

Luke 24:18-21

“But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!”

How do you relate personally to what happened to Barabbas that day?

Matthew 27:29 & 30

“And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head.”

Mark 15:19

“They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him.”

It has been said that Jesus wore the crown of thorns so that we could wear the crown of life. How does that speak to you today?

Mark 15:27

“They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.“

Luke 24:32

“Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.”

 When Jesus was crucified He paid the ultimate price for your salvation. What should be your response to Him in return?

Mark 15:12-15

Answering  again,  Pilate  said  to  them,  “Then  what  shall  I  do  with  Him  whom  you  call  the  King  of  the  Jews?”  13  They  shouted [c]back, “Crucify Him!” 14 But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.”

1 Peter 2:24b

“By His wounds yours have been healed.”

If the afflictions of the heart that you have received were healed by Jesus’ wounds what does His scourging say to you about His love?

Mark 10:34a

“They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him,”

Luke 19:3

“and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face.”

All the anger that you have ever felt, all the bitterness that your heart has ever carried, was represented in Jesus’ beatings. So that he could say, “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.” What do you need to do with that?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:

If you’ve ever been teased or beaten up you know how painful it can be. Jesus knew and willingly was beaten to death for your sins. What can you do in your life to show gratitude?

MEMORY VERSE:

Luke 23:34a   

“Then said Jesus, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark these Key Words: Run     Victory     Crown

 

Like a thoroughly bred, trained and finely tuned Kentucky Derby racehorse standing 16.2 hands, weighing in at precisely 1,175 pounds of perfectly conditioned racing muscle running for “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” to win the coveted 36-year-old Derby crown; so the true believer is supposed to run for “The Great Prize” of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Unfolding below are road markers along God’s biblical path for that very prize promised to every sincere follower of Jesus Christ.

 

Hebrews 12: 1 & 2

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Am I laying aside every encumbrance and sin that has been entangling me that inhibits “the race set before us?”

What encumbrance do I need to lay aside today to run the race with unencumbered speed?

 

1 Corinthians 10:23

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”

What major hurdles are in my way that I need to take to God in “action prayer” for His Holy Spirit’s removal?

 

John 8:36

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed?”

How does Jesus’ death, resurrection and forgiveness set you free to “run free” today?

 

Colossians 3:1 & 2

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

What is the prize you are seeking?

Every great runner sets his focus on the goal he/she wants to achieve. How do you set your eyes on your “run free” goal for the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus?”

 

Romans 8: 16 & 17

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, in indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

How does this verse encourage you, guide you and empower you as you “run free” today?

 

2 Corinthians 10:15

“not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”

Describe three practical ways in your personal life that “bringing every thought captive” could improve your “run free” race to The Cross.

 

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness n the fear of God.”

What role does obedience and “the pursuit of holiness” make in your “run free” race for the prize?

 

 

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  What detours have you faced in recent weeks and what are you doing to stay on the “run free” road?

MEMORY VERSE: Colossians 3:1 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

 

 

My Prayers 

 

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark These Key Words: Gift     Righteous     Adoption

The Prize: God’s Extraordinary Gift

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

“He made Him who knew so no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

“Clothed in Righteousness”: What has Jesus given me by his suffering and death on The Cross?

2 Corinthians 6:18

“’And I will be father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty.”

“Adopted in Christ”: What does it mean to you to be adopted by God?

Romans 8:16 & 17

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”  “Co-Heirs with Christ”: As a follower of Jesus, what is your inheritance?

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” “New creation in Christ”: Describe how God has made you a new creation.

The Race: Our Extraordinary Response

 

1 Corinthians 9:24

“Do you not know those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” “Run to Win”: Describe your race to THE PRIZE today . What is THE PRIZE?

Hebrews 12: 1 & 2

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” “Run for the Prize”: What is the “upward call of God” you’re running for?

What are the hurdles in your life that are getting in the way of your race to win?

1 Corinthians 10:23

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” “Things not Profitable”: What things are in your life that are not “profitable” or helpful in your race?

1 Corinthians 6:12

“All things are for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”  “Not mastered by anything”: How do your hurdles tend to master you?

What can you do today with those hurdles?

John 8:36

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” “Truly free”: How can you “run free” beginning today?

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” “Every thought captive”: As you run your race with total freedom; how can you keep your mind focused on the prize?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  Are you a pace setter when it comes to your relationship with Christ? Who is running alongside you in this race?

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 9:24“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

MY PRAYERS:

 

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark These Key Words: Fellowship     Sharpens     Rejoice Proverbs 18:24

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  What top qualities, habits and practices do friends bring into a relationship where true brotherhood can develop?

Hebrews 10:24

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. “As a cowboy spurs his horse to victory in a race, how do friends “spur one another to love and good deeds?”

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Like an axe on a sharpening iron, true friends bring an edge to the sword of the spiritual battle. How do friendships truly begin to sharpen each other?

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” 2 Timothy 1:4“longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.”  What role does emotional interest and care play in developing true brotherhood?

Philippians 1: 3 & 4

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.”  Why is it so important to pray regularly and often for your friends if you want true brotherhood to develop?

2 Timothy 2:2

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” As I “become a man” in this bond of brothers, what childhood qualities do I need to leave behind?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  What is your greatest need for being personally sharp-ened today?

MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 10:24“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

MY PRAYERS

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

In what specific places will it be important to God that you represent Him in such a way that it brings Him glory?

Place 1:

Place 2:

Place 3:

Place 4:

Place 5:

Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” What does it mean to you when Jesus says, “you are My witness”?

Where is your “Jerusalem”?

Where is your “Judea”?

Where is your “Samaria”?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  Who are specific people in your life that you can be the “witness of Christ” to this week?

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark These Key Words: Jesus     God     Holy Spirit

Understanding His Comfort

John 14:16 & 17

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

The word “Helper” is the Greek word “PARAKLETE” that means “one who is called alongside.” The context in this passage is the way a commanding General would “speak a word of bravery” to a defeated army to encourage his army to “go back into battle.” How has the Holy Spirit done this for you?

Understanding His Power

Acts 1:8

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

The Greek word for power is “Dunimos” from which we get the word dynamite. However, in this passage the context is more like the generator of a car that continues to provide power to operate the entire automobile. Describe how the Holy Spirit empowers you to share your faith.

Understanding His Personality (Humility) And His Role in The Trinity

John 16:13-15

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify My for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.”

What is Jesus communicating in this passage about the Holy Spirit’s role in The Trinity?

Understanding His Teaching

John 14:26

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

John 16:8-10

“And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me;”

What do you hear these two passages saying?

How is the Holy Spirit accomplishing this ministry of conviction, righteousness, judgement and truth in your life?

Mark these Key Words: Life, Jesus, Truth

John 12:24 & 5

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.”

Compare and contrast your commitment to Jesus to Jesus’ commitment to you on the day He was crucified.

John 13:5

“Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

Describe Jesus’ humility and compare it to the way you treat the members of your family.

John 14:6

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

Why is Jesus saying that He is the only way to eternal life?

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart rom Me you can do nothing.” 

How do you apply this verse to your mental attitude towards your successes in sports, school and other hobbies and interests?

John 16:13

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” 

How has the Holy Spirit been speaking truth in your life lately and how are you responding?

John 7:21

“…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

What do you need to do in your family life to make your home a place where people see Jesus?

John 18:26

“One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him?’” 

In what ways do your actions and attitudes “deny Jesus” and what’s your solution to that issue?

John 19:35

“And he who has seen as testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.”

What evidences surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion make his resurrection historically reliable?

“Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’”

How do you compare your tendencies to doubt Jesus with Thomas’ lack of faith?

John 21:17

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’”

How do you personally show your love for Jesus? How is God asking you to show your love for Jesus more consistently?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life? 

LOCKER ROOM: 

Some people believe that truth is relative. How do we know that Jesus is the truth and that His Word is true?

MEMORY VERSE:

John 14:6 

 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark these Key Words: Life, Jesus, Truth

John 12:24 & 5

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.”

Compare and contrast your commitment to Jesus to Jesus’ commitment to you on the day He was crucified.

John 13:5

“Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

Describe Jesus’ humility and compare it to the way you treat the members of your family.

John 14:6

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

Why is Jesus saying that He is the only way to eternal life?

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart rom Me you can do nothing.” 

How do you apply this verse to your mental attitude towards your successes in sports, school and other hobbies and interests?

John 16:13

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” 

How has the Holy Spirit been speaking truth in your life lately and how are you responding?

John 7:21

“…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

What do you need to do in your family life to make your home a place where people see Jesus?

John 18:26

“One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him?’” 

In what ways do your actions and attitudes “deny Jesus” and what’s your solution to that issue?

John 19:35

“And he who has seen as testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.”

What evidences surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion make his resurrection historically reliable?

“Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’”

How do you compare your tendencies to doubt Jesus with Thomas’ lack of faith?

John 21:17

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’”

How do you personally show your love for Jesus? How is God asking you to show your love for Jesus more consistently?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life? 

LOCKER ROOM: 

Some people believe that truth is relative. How do we know that Jesus is the truth and that His Word is true?

MEMORY VERSE:

John 14:6 

 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark these Key Words: Faithful, Pure, Dedication

Daniel 1:3-6

“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch  of  wisdom,  endowed  with  understanding  and  discerning  knowledge,  and  who  had  ability  for  serving  in  the  king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.”

Proverbs 1:1-7

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equality; to give prudence to the naïve, to the youth knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

”What qualities did Daniel display that made him a candidate for the king’s service?

What does Proverbs teach about how you can become such a candidate for the Lord’s service?

What practices do you need to put in place to become such a candidate?

Daniel 1: 7-9, 17-19

“Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abedinego. But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials.”

“As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the kings’ personal service.”

Proverbs 1:10

“My sin, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.”

What character quality does Daniel display that set him apart for God’s entrusted service?

Describe the development process for that character quality in your life.

Daniel 6:3

“Then  this  Daniel  began  distinguishing  himself  among  the  commissioners  and  satraps  because  he  possessed  an  extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom.”

Proverbs 1:29-32

“Because  they  hated  knowledge  and  did  not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  ‘They  would  not  accept  my  counsel,  they  spurned  all  my  reproof.  So  they  shall  eat  the  fruit  of  their  own  way  and  be  satiated  with  their  own  devise.  For  the  waywardness of the naïve will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.’

What is holding you back from being one like Daniel who is known for his “extraordinary spirit” to your coaches, friends, and parents?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  

What makes a Christian distinguished in whatever occupation they hold?

MEMORY VERSE:

Daniel 2:44 

“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be [a]left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Daniel 6:3

“Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, ‘We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.’ Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to  the  king  and  spoke  to  him  as  follows:  ‘King  Darius,  live  forever!  All  the  commissioners  of  the  kingdom,  the  prefects  and  the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  which  may  not  be  revoked.’  Therefore  King  Darius  signed  the  document,  that  is,  the  injunction.  Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, ‘Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?’ The king replied, ‘the statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.’ Then they answered and spoke before the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.’ Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, ‘Recognize, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.’ Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.’”

Proverbs 1:33

“But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”

How do you relate to Daniel in 21st Century teenage life?

What false idols are you tempted to bow down to, and how do you honor God by not yielding to the temptation?

Daniel 6:19-23

“Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch I was found innocent before Him and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”

Proverbs 2:1-6

“My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; They you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

How does Daniel inspire you to live before God?

What is Proverbs saying about achieving such a goal?

Daniel 6:25-27

“Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;” Proverbs 2:7-22“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things; from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; Who delight in doing evil and rejoice in the perversity of evil; whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways; to deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatters with her words; That leaves the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for the house sinks down to death and her tracks lead to the dead; None who go to her return again, nor do they reach the paths of life. So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of righteous. For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the treacherous will be uprooted from it. “

How did Daniel’s quest for purity, dedication and unwavering loyalty bring glory to God?

How is God using you today to do the same?

How do you want him to use you tomorrow?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life? 

LOCKER ROOM: 

What is the most difficult thing you have ever faced? How did you deal with it?

MEMORY VERSE:

Daniel 1:8  

“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permis-sion from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…

Mark these Key Words: Follow, Faith, Ransom

Matthew 16:24-27

“Then  Jesus  said  to  His  disciples,  ‘If  anyone  wishes  to  come  after  Me,  he  must  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.’”

What Cross are you carrying for Jesus?

How are you “denying yourself” to follow Jesus in your current lifestyle?

Matthew 17:20

“And He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.’”

In what ways are you exercising your faith lately?

Matthew 18:3 & 4

“And said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

What is Jesus saying to you personally in this passage?

Matthew 19: 5 & 6

“and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” 

How are you honoring your future wife in the way you are treating girls in the past 30 days?

Matthew 20:26-28

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for man.”

How are you living this passage out with your mom lately? Your team/classmates?

Matthew 22:35-40

“One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

The greatest commandment! I’m Third! How are you living out that motto and how do you intend to live it out this week?

APPLICATION:

How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life? 

LOCKER ROOM: 

What are some practical ways that you can practice “putting yourself last” this week?

MEMORY VERSE:

Matthew 20:28   “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

MY PRAYER

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…