Anticipation

Hey guys. Welcome to the first devotional for the 2017 mission trip. We will be putting two devotionals online every week (ideally Monday and Thursday). Occasionally these devotionals will be written by a "guest." This week we are starting with a thought from Russ Taylor. Don't forget to read all the way to the bottom and respond to the devotionals accordingly. Not responding to the devos could cost you a chance to go on the mission trip.

From Russ:

Anticipation: the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen. I would assume that all of us are doing this in regard to the upcoming mission trip to Birmingham.

I was fourteen when my dad purchased our first television and visual images came into our home. I was an avid reader through my childhood. As I read those books, I formed my own "images" in my mind in regard to those stories. I could picture exactly what each character looked like and all the settings the story was taking place in. I remember often being somewhat disappointed when on of those books was made into a movie. The just hadn't gotten it "right." The people who were cast to play the parts just didn't look like they were suppose to look.

We all fantasize at times, picturing in our minds the outcome of a sporting event or some type of competition. We fantasize a first date, playing it all out in our mind. We imagine what we will say and how they will respond in turn. Often, the fantasy is much more enjoyable and to our liking than the actual event turns out to be.

As we prepare to go on this mission trip, I am trying very hard not to fantasize very much. I want to be a "blank canvas" that the Lord can use. I am praying, "Lord, show me what you want me to see, teach me what you want me to learn, guide me to experience what you want me to experience!" As we anticipate this trip, let us keep our "fantasies" to a minimum and our availability and openness to a maximum. In this way, we will be able to be used to be a blessing to others in return, be blessed ourselves more than we could have imagined!

-Russ Taylor

Take a second to reflect on what Russ said. Then reply to this blog with answers to these questions:

1. What does it mean to be a "blank slate" in regards to the mission trip?
2. How can you have a teachable attitude towards this mission trip? In other words, how will you keep your anticipation about the mission trip from limiting what God wants to do in and through you?

Side Note: Students and parents, we would love to have more guest devotionals throughout the spring. If you would like to submit a devotional, you can email it to me at norm@klmc.us or type up a physical copy.

1MB: May 4

I know it's May 5, but we're just going to focus on May 4, because it was Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you). If you don't get that reference, don't dwell on it too much.

1. Do you think the laws from Exodus and Leviticus (the first two passages) are fair? Why/why not?
2. Do you think what Jesus says in Matthew is fair (third passage)? Why/why not?
3. Why would Jesus seem to change what was written in the Old Testament for His followers? What good would it have done?

1MB: May 2 & 3

This is the beginning of the Law that is recorded in the Old Testament. Understanding this will actually help us to understand Jesus and how He fulfills the Law.

1. From May 2: Holy cow, those seem like extreme measures. Why do you think God was so extreme in what He said about this subject?
2. From May 3: Why did God command people to pay back more than they took?
3. From May 3: Read Matthew 5:23-24 (yes, actually look it up and read it). Why would Jesus command that? Why would you suspend your worship to God in that way?

1MB: May 1

We're just about 1.5 months away from The Jerusalem Project! I'm so excited about what God has already been doing and what He is going to do. We've been off for a bit with the devos, but we're getting back on it.

Remember, read the devo from the One Minute Bible, then answer these questions below. If you are behind, make sure to go through and catch up with the other devos.

1. From the first passage, why would God command the Israelites to constantly talk and think about the "words" He was giving them?
2. From the second passage, why would Jesus add the second command when the man only asked for the one greatest command?
3. How would you describe the love that is commanded towards God and the love commanded towards others (your neighbor)? What does love look like towards God and towards others?

Sorry if that third question seems odd. Couldn't think of how to ask it better.

1MB: March 11 & 12

Read from the One Minute Bible: March 11 & 12. Watch this video (7 minutes):

1. How can focusing on the verses from March 12 help us in our pursuit of joy?

Watch this video (I know how this works...you will watch just enough to be able to answer the questions. But seriously watch this video. It was been a game changer for me):

1. How would you describe joy from this video?
2. What kinds of things stick out you to from this video?

1 MB: March 9 & 10

Make sure to read both days out of the One Minute Bible (March 9 &10).

1. In what ways does God display His love for us?
2. How can we show love for others around us? Be specific. Is there any specific way that you can display God's love for someone in your circle of influence (people around you)?
3. Read the last passage on March 10. How does this verse bring comfort and hope to you?

1 MB: March 8

1. From the first passage, which of the fruits (actions) of the Spirit do you need to work on the most?
2. From the second passage, how can we discern what is pleasing to the Lord?
3. What do you think the third passage on this page means?