SHALOM - PEACE
Your response to the pressures, challenges, and pain in this world will reveal where you find your peace.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.(Romans 5:1-5 NIV)
Verses for the week: Below is a passage and a reflective thought for each day of the upcoming week.
Monday: Romans 5:1-11 Paul’s hope is not a speculative thing, but a joyful expectation. Why? Use this passage throughout the week and with the questions at the bottom of the page.
Tuesday: John 14:25-27 How would you describe the peace that God gives in comparison to the peace of this world? Specifically, where in your life do you need the peace of God today?
Wednesday: John 16:33 What are the promises from Jesus in these words?
Thursday: Philippians 4:6-7 What does this verse challenge us to do to enter into the Peace of God.
Friday: Ephesians 2:14-18 As a member of God’s household, you have lots of brothers and sisters. What would a church (a community of Christians) look like that was truly living out the vision of this passage? How do you see this played out in your team or small group?
Saturday: Psalm 34:14 What does peace have to do with changing your path from evil to Good? Does the way we live effect or peace?
Sunday: Isaiah 53:5 Long before Jesus came to earth it was fortold of a messiah who would come and the peace that comes with him. The prophets were constantly looking for a messiah to bring peace. How does the story of the Gospel help you find peace?
Weekly Group Reflection Questions:
To those who are athletes, have you experienced more peace or pain in you time as an athlete? Why do you think this is?
What are the areas you struggle with in your life to find peace about? Why is this? Wrestle with this question tied to Mondays passage: “ . If you clearly knew God's love when you became a Christian -- when you were enemies and helpless and powerless -- how much more can you count on the fact that God loves you now that you are his child?”
What types of things does our world, our culture try to tell us is where we can find peace? What are the problems with these methods?
How well are you doing right now at rejoicing in your suffering? Why?
Do you think you could describe what it is like to have the love of God in Jesus poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit?
What does it look like when you find your confidence and joy in what God has done?
