Ignite 35 Days Devotional

Copyright © 2013 • Permission to photocopy this material from Every Nation is granted for personal use. This material is not for sale. ignite.ph | facebook.com/ignitephconference | twitter.com/igniteph


Moses had a very close relationship with God. The Bible says that God spoke with him as a friend, resulting in amazing encounters, miracles, and powerful leadership on Moses’ part. Imagine the pressure Joshua must have felt in taking his place!

But God has been training Joshua even at an early age. While he was still young, Joshua would not leave the tent where God’s presence was. This was the best kind of preparation for him—a consistent face-to-face encounter with God. When the time came, God would also do great wonders through Joshua and during his leadership.

We, too, are called by God to do great things and the best way we can prepare for this is by having a strong relationship with Him. Our ability to share our faith, lead others to Jesus, and make disciples is fueled by a lifestyle of constantly hearing His voice and obeying His Word. There is no doubt that God has a mighty plan for this generation. The question is, will we be like Joshua and have fellowship with our mighty God who wants to do great things through us?

• Are you making a habit of connecting to God regularly and intimately? Is your time in the Word and in prayer consistent?

• What are your greatest distractions when reading the Word and praying?

REFLECT

QuiET MoMEnTs CounT

Exodus 33:7-11 • Psalm 27:4-6 • Luke 10:38-42READDAY 1

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 33:11

• Set aside a time to connect to God without distractions. Don’t forget to unplug from those digital devices that constantly grab your attention.

• Set a regular time of prayer and reading the Bible everyday. Completing this devotional every day is a great start.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


When Moses died, God appointed Joshua to take his place. He was going to have to follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest leaders in history. On top of that, he would also have to lead the people into new territory—the Promised Land.

God’s command to Joshua was simple: be strong and courageous. Three times God gave him that command, each time with a different extension. The first time, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous because he was going to lead the people. The second time, God said to Joshua that if he did everything the Scriptures commanded he would be successful. And the third time, God told Joshua that He would be with him everywhere he went.

In the same way, we can be nervous about what the future has for us. But like Joshua, we can be strong and courageous when we remember that God will use us to lead others to Him, that God gave us His Word to guide us and make us successful, and most importantly, that God will be with us wherever we go.

• What new responsibilities is God calling you into? What are you anxious or fearful about right now? Which of God’s promises to Joshua can best help take away that fear?

• “Encourage”means“toputcourage.”Whoarethepeoplewhoputcourageinyoubyremindingyou of what God has promised? Are you making time for them?

REFLECT

You'vE GoT BACk-uP

Joshua 1:6-9 • Psalm 56:3,4 • Psalm 18:28-36READDAY 2

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

• Thank God for new growth and responsibilities. Ask Him for grace to do what He’s called you to do.

• The next time you feel anxious or fearful about the future, remember that God is with you wherever you go.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


This was a crucial moment in the history of the Israelites. They were about to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Doing this would mean entering into new territory that God had promised them including plenty of blessing and prosperity. But there were also huge obstacles—many nations were occupying their land and they would oppose the Israelites the whole time.

On the night before they crossed over, Joshua commanded them to consecrate themselves. Consecration means to set something apart for divine use, to get rid of things that are not from God while devoting one’s self to God and His plans. After the Israelites did these things, God started off their invasion campaign with a miracle.

Like the Israelites, God has a great plan for our nation and the campuses and He wants us to be a part of it. We prepare ourselves to be part of God’s move when we consecrate ourselves—when we let the Holy Spirit shine a light on things that are not from God so He can replace it with His best for us.

• What amazing things do we need God to do for us (saving our family members, opening doors to share with our friends, opening our campus to the gospel, etc.)? Pray now and ask God to do amazing things among you.

• WhatarethethingsthatarenotfromGodthatyouneedtogetridof?Whatarethethingsthat are from God that you must get more involved in?

REFLECT

PREPARE FoR PowER

Joshua 3:1-13 • Hebrews 12:1,2 • 2 Timothy 2:19-22READDAY 3

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”Joshua 3:5

• Go to a quiet place and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and mind to show you things that are not from Him. Remember that Jesus won the victory over sin on the cross and decide to break away from these things.

• Find other people who also believe for miracles from God and pray together for amazing things that God will do.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


After the Israelites consecrated themselves, they tried to cross the Jordan River. While this would have been impossible in normal circumstances, God made the waters stop flooding so that the people could cross. He did this so that other nations would know that He is the one true God.

This is the kind of God we serve. He is not limited like us. There is nothing that can stop Him from doing what He has decided to do. He created the natural laws of our world, but He can also change them at will.

Sometimes, we think we need to help God by our actions. Our faith and vision are limited by ourownability.“Ican’treachthesepeople,I’mnotinfluential.”“Ican’tdothat,Idon’thavemoney.”ButweforgetthatweserveaGodwhocandoanything!NothingisimpossiblewithHim! And He wants to do miracles so that others will know He is God. God can and will do amazing things. Let’s ask Him!

• Whatlimitationsaffectyourliferightnow?WhatdoestheBiblesayabouthowGodisbeyondyourlimitations?

• AreyouawarethatGodalwaysactsaccordingtoHiswill,whichcanbeknownbyreadingHisWord?AreyouconfidenttoaskGodtomakethistrueinyourlife?

REFLECT

BEYonD LiMiTs

Joshua 3:14-17 • Jeremiah 32:27 • Isaiah 51:10READDAY 4

15Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

Joshua 3:15,16

• Take a step of faith into a new area, maybe sharing your faith with someone else, obeying God in giving something, or volunteering for a new ministry assignment. Let God build your faith up as you see Him come through for you.

• What would you do if you were absolutely sure God would do the amazing things He promised in His Word? Go do those things and watch God do His part.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


After the Israelites consecrated themselves, God dried up the Jordan River even though it was flooding and the people crossed on dry ground. After they crossed, God instructed them to make a memorial of the amazing thing He had done. This memorial would remind them in the future when they would be tempted to doubt and forget God. One of the most faith-building things we can do is to remember what God has done for us. We might be going through challenges or problems now, but when we take time to remember the accomplishments of God in our lives, our faith becomes stronger. This puts our problems in the right perspective and suddenly they are not as big anymore. This is what communion is—remembering the greatest victory Jesus has given us—the victory over sin and death. When we do this, we are remembering that there is nothing in this world that can destroy us because Jesus won the victory when He died on the cross and rose again. Remember,“ifGodisforuswhocanbeagainstus”(Romans8:31)?

• What is the importance of remembering what God has done in the past? How does this prepare me to face the present and the future?

• When are the times that I have forgotten God and what He has done for me? Is it during times of success and blessing, hardship and difficulty, or both? Why is that?

REFLECT

ToTAL RECALL

Joshua 4:4-7 • Psalm 71:14-19 • Psalm 77:11-14READDAY 5

5”. . . Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

Joshua 4:5-7

• Thank God for what Jesus accomplished on the cross, which is removing all of our sins, past, present, and future, giving us His perfect life so we can have a relationship with the Father.

• Take time to write down what God has done in your life. Be as specific as possible. Hold on to this list and go back to it regularly to remind yourself.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


Daniel and his friends were young men brought into a foreign land, far from their families and social network. The Babylonians intended to teach them new learnings and desires that went against what they had received from God. More insidiously, the Babylonians tried to change their names and give them new identities. Their old names reflected their relationship with God(Danielmeans“GodismyJudge”)butthenewnamespointedtofalsegods(Belteshazzarcontainsthename“Bel”whichwasoneoftheBabylonianidols).

In the same way, our sinful world system wants to stamp a false identity on God’s people. It tries to tell us who we are and how we are to live, alter our values, and say that sin is okay. Most of all, it attempts to minimize the greatness of our God.

But like Daniel, we can resolve not to defile ourselves with the world. We can resist the world’ssystembecause“theonewhoisinusisgreaterthantheoneintheworld”(1John4:4,NIV).Goddefinesouridentityandnooneelse.

• What are some ways that the world’s system has tried to influence you and define your identity? What specific areas in your life are being targeted?

• WhatdoesGod’sWordsayaboutthoseareas?Whosewordismorepowerful,theworld’s or God’s?

REFLECT

iDoLs AnD vEGETABLEs

Daniel 1:1-8 • 1 John 4:1-4 • Psalm 119:9-11READDAY 6

7The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. 8But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Daniel 1:7,8

• Daniel’s trust in God produced a specific action. What specific actions is God leading you to take in this area? Is there a temptation from the world to resist or an identity that you should reject?

• Remember that every sin has been defeated when Jesus died on the cross. The next time you struggle with these areas, remember what Jesus did. Thank Him for the victory and live accordingly.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


Daniel and his friends took a risk in resisting the lifestyle of Babylon. But God glorified them and made them ten times better than all those around them. Instead of doing things the world’s way, they trusted God for the result and God showed them and the Babylonians how He could take care of His people.

God is the same today as He was with Daniel and his friends. He wants to bless and promote His people because He loves us and He will use our lives as a testimony that honors Him. If welackwisdom,wecanaskHimandHewillgiveusgenerously(James1:5).Hewillpromoteustobetheheadandnotthetail(Deuteronomy28:13).

Christians should not be afraid to aspire for leadership, believe for excellence in academics, or success at work because we know it is not our strength and wisdom that are doing it, but God’s. And we also know that it is not for our own glory and honor that He does it, but it is to glorify Himself.

• What challenges are you facing in school, home, or extra-curricular activities now? Are you asking God to give you the ability to excel in those areas?

• Are there times that you feel intimidated by the world? Are there times that you think you cannot possibly influence others? Who is truly in charge?

REFLECT

TEn TiMEs BETTER

Daniel 1:8-21 • Psalm 18 • Matthew 5:16READDAY 7

19The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

Daniel 1:19,20

• Read Psalm 18 and see how God comes to the rescue of His people. How does this psalm apply in your situation?

• Is there something God is telling you to step into or attempt with Him? Have you been delaying it? Maybe it’s time to step out and trust God for the results.

REsPonD

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight

Angler

Highlight


Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were forced by the king of Babylon to worship a statue afterhisimage.Everyoneelseinthecountrygavein,exceptthesethree.Whentheyrefusedto bow down, the king threatened to kill them. They responded by choosing to trust in God in life or in death.

Are you in a situation where you are being pressured to disobey God? Some of us feel this pressure from family members, classmates, or friends. Our own sinful nature constantly calls onustogobacktosinfulhabits.Eventheworldsystem—themovieswewatch,thesongswehear, and some ideas on the internet—tells us that we are missing out on what everybody else is doing.

Whatever the source, are we convinced that like these three men, God is able to rescue us?Evenmoreremarkably,theywouldnotbowdownevenifGoddidnotrescuethem.Thisis because they valued their relationship with God more than anything else. God was so precious and satisfying that the world could not bribe or intimidate them.

• What kind of pressure to give in to the world are you currently feeling? What is the most common way that this hits you?

• How does your relationship with God help you deal with the pressures around you?

REFLECT

EvEn iF HE DoEs noT

Daniel 3:1-18 • Matthew 10:22 • 1 Corinthians 15:58READDAY 8

16. . . “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel 3:16-18

• List the most common pressures that affect you the most. Prayerfully ask God to give you the grace to overcome these pressures.

• Make sure you have someone you can talk to about the pressures that you are most affected with. Take time to pray with that person whenever you feel pressured, especially during times when you are tempted to give in.

REsPonD


The three men were thrown into the fire and yet they were not harmed. In fact, the king could see them walking around and not even smelling like smoke or fire. And walking withthemwasonewholookedlike“asonofthegods.”ThiswasJesusenteringtheyoungmen’s situation.

In the same way, we all go through difficult situations. The thing that our Christian faith promises us is we have a God who is willing to enter into our situation. The Bible says that Jesus became human and experienced a full human life. He did this so that He could bring us out of our dark, sinful lives and into the glorious plan that God has for us.

Think about what this means! Right now, your God is walking with you even in your most difficult circumstance. You don’t need to fix it before you go to God. He will come to you and be with you. He will make sure you get through alright. There is nothing to fear.

• Are there moments in your life when you doubt that God is with you? How does this Word help address those doubts?

• What difficult situation are you in right now? How does your perspective change knowing that God is with you and nothing can be against you?

REFLECT

THRouGH THE FiRE

Daniel 3:19-30 • Isaiah 43:1,2 • Romans 8:31-35READDAY 9

24Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, O king.” 25He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:24,25

• Read Romans 8:31-35. Remind yourself that nothing can separate you from Jesus’ powerful love.

• Face your next difficult situation with confidence knowing that God is with you and will not abandon you. Remember this even in the middle of the problem.

REsPonD


The events in this passage are much later than the previous ones. At this point, Daniel was an old and experienced member of the government. He did have enemies who tried to attack him but they could not because he was trustworthy. He was neither corrupt nor lazy in his duties so they concluded that the only way they could accuse him was to attack his faith.

God has destined us to be of influence to other people. But if we are to be a good influence, we must watch the way we live. We must be blameless, which means to live in such a way that other people cannot accuse us of doing wrong or taking advantage. Are we setting an example that others cannot accuse? If so, that is a powerful testimony!

Like Daniel, the world will do its best to discredit you and make your testimony worthless. But thanks to Jesus, we can be blameless by acknowledging our own sinfulness and imperfections while receiving His grace and ability to change and improve. As we remember His grace, we begin living a life that is more and more holy.

• Are you living in a way that is blameless? Are your actions good examples or do they cause other people to stumble?

• Have you acknowledged your sins and mistakes before God? Have you asked for His grace to live a holy life?

REFLECT

LiFEsTYLE CHECk

Daniel 6:4,5 • Psalm 15 • Colossians 1:10-12READDAY 10

4At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

Daniel 6:4,5

• Repent from the sins you are committing that are causing others to stumble. Confess them to another mature Christian and ask for prayer if necessary.

• Break away from your sinful lifestyle, may it be cutting off certain habits, deleting files from your computer, avoiding some situations—whatever it may be, ask God for His grace to live out the holy life He has for you.

REsPonD


Estherhadalottobeinsecureabout.ShewasanorphanraisedbyhercousinMordecaiwhowas kind enough to take her as his own daughter. She had no idea how it was to be cared for by a mother or to be loved and affirmed by a father. She was poor—her family belonged totheleastofthetribesofIsrael.Shedidnotbelong—EstherwasraisedatatimewhentheIsraelites had already been carried into exile. She, therefore, was easily the least of the least.

LikeEsther,theenemytriestoplantinourlivesanumberofreasonsforustofeelinsecure.It may be our family background, our mistakes, our financial state, our intelligence, our looks, eventhenumberoffriendswehave.Thelistcangoonandon.ButjustlikeEsther,Godcreated us to have a unique gift, which we can offer up to Him to be used for His glory. Our identity is in Christ—not our past nor what is in the present. We can be secure knowing that He has chosen us from the beginning of time to know Him and make Him known.

• What are the things about yourself that you are most insecure about?

• How are these things hindering you from doing what God wants you to do or being what God wants you to be?

REFLECT

CuT ABovE THE REsT

Esther 2:1-18 • 1 Peter 2:9 • Galatians 3:27-29 • Romans 8:14,15READDAY 11

Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.

Esther 2:7

• Find someone you can be accountable with and ask that person to pray with you whenever you feel insecure.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to constantly remind you of your identity in Christ whenever you feel like your insecurities are hindering you from achieving great things for Him.

REsPonD


Estherwonthefavorofeveryonewhosawher,includingthekinghimself.ThiswasarecurringstatementinEstherchapter2.Itiseasytoconcludethatfavorwasgiventoherbecauseshewas, as the Scriptures would describe her, lovely in form and features. But hers was a beauty thatwasnotjustontheoutside.Estherhadaproperviewofauthorityandhadsuchanobedient spirit. She ended up doing exactly that which would honor God and in effect draw unto her the praise of men.

She was obedient growing up. She listened to the one in-charge of her at the king’s palace. And she continued to listen to Mordecai even when she was already made queen. She did not allow her crown to get into her head and change her character.

This world can offer us crowns in different forms—fame, power, or riches. When we allow these things to get into our heads, we can easily dismiss the authorities that God has placed in our lives. Our parents, our teachers, the people who disciple us can provide us with helpful counsel. We listen and follow them knowing that obeying them is not only submitting to their authority but is also an act of obedience to the greatest Authority there is—Christ.

• AretherepeopleinyourlifethatGodhasgivenauthorityoveryouthatyouarehavingahard timeobeying?

• HaveyouallowedyouraccomplishmentstocloudyourunderstandingofthefactthatitisGodWhogivesyoutheabilitytobeexcellentinwhatyoudo?

REFLECT

sToP, RuLE, AnD LisTEn

Esther 2:19-23 • 1 Peter 2:13-17 • Romans 13:1,2 • Ephesians 6:1-3READDAY 12

But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

Esther 2:20

• Ask God to give you the grace to obey the authorities He has placed in your life even when it is hard or uncomfortable.

• Take time to honor and thank the people who have given you sound advice and godly counsel in your time of need. Write a letter, send them a message, or even tell them

in person.

REsPonD


Esthernowenjoyedthebenefitsofbeingqueen.Shewassafeinthepalace.Shewascomfortable. She had all that she wanted. She was having the time of her life—until she was told of the king’s decree to have all the Israelites killed.

When we come into a relationship with Jesus, we start living our lives anew, enjoying the benefits of being adopted into God’s family. We are assured of His protection, comfort, and provision always. Being in a relationship with Jesus is having the time of our lives.

But there is more to this relationship than just us getting saved. There is a dying world waiting for the message of life to come to it. And while we cannot save the world, we can say that just likeEsther,weareplacedinapositionforsuchatimeasthistoshareHissalvationtothosewhoneedit.Nowisthetimewetakeastandinthecampuseswearein.Nowisthetimetoshare the love that rescued us from darkness into light.

• Aretherepeopleinyoursphereofinfluencewhoclearlyareindesperateneedtohear thegospel?

• Areyoubeingtoocomfortablewiththefactthatyouarealreadysavedthatyouhavelostsightoftheneedtoreachouttoothersaswell?

REFLECT

now is THE TiME

Esther 3:8-10 • Esther 4:1-14 • James 2:14-17 • 2 Peter 1:5-8 • 1 John 3:18READDAY 13

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14

• Pray that God will stir in your heart a passion for the students in your campus and give you the boldness to share the Word.

• List down the people you want to share the gospel to. Pray that God will prepare their hearts as He prepares you to speak to them about Him.

REsPonD


In those days, the law states that anyone who approaches the king in the inner court withoutbeingsummonedbyhimwillbeputtodeath.Esther,therefore,wascaughtbetweenchoosing whether she gets killed together with her people (if and when the fact that she is an Israelite gets discovered) or get killed first for breaking the law. This is clearly a matter of life and death!

When we find ourselves in this situation, we usually come up with a myriad of strategies. Esther’sinitialresponsewastofastandpray,andhaveothersbackherupinthesameway.Our default is to face circumstances with our own strength only to find out later that our strength is never enough to sustain us. It is one thing to know that God can bless our ways but it is another to understand that He has the best of strategies.

In taking a stand in your campus, in reaching out to your classmates and friends, in fighting the good fight of faith, our strategy only needs a single step—to birth our plan of actions through coming to Him in prayer and fasting.

• HaveyouspentmoretimestrategizingandfiguringthingsoutonyourownratherthancommuningwithGodandaskingHimtorevealHisplanstoyou?

• Whatareministrystrategiesyouhavecomeupwiththatyouhavenotreallyinquiredof Godabout?

REFLECT

THE onE-sTEP sTRATEGY

Esther 4:15-17 • Luke 11:9 • Isaiah 58:6 • Philippians 4:6,7READDAY 14

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16

• Schedule a time for prayer and fasting.• Ask someone to cover you in prayer while you are fasting or encourage the people you

are doing ministry with in your campus to join you.

REsPonD


Afterthreedaysofprayerandfasting,Esthersetouttofacetheking.WewillfindinthenextfewversesthatEstherhadaplanlaidoutonhowtoaccomplishhermission.Also,whileshe knew that what she was about to do was forbidden (approaching the king without being summoned), she took the step of faith, trusting that God will give her favor.

Just as God has a rescue mission for the Israelites then, He also has a rescue mission for every student in every campus today. And while He is more than able to carry it out on His own, He has chosen us, His followers, to be part of the strategy. As we take part in this mission, may we be bold enough to step out in faith amidst all uncertainty, trusting not on our own abilities or on the connections that we have, but only on the power of God.

• Whatarethingsthatareholdingyoubackwhiledoingministryinsideyourcampus?

• WhatarethethingsthatyoufindhardtotrustGodwith(i.e.,Hisabilitytoprepareandchangetheheartsofthestudentsyouplantosharethegospelto,Hisabilitytograntyoufavorfromschooladministrators,etc.)?

REFLECT

THE GREATEsT

REsCuE Mission

Esther 5:1-7 • Matthew 28:16-20READDAY 15

1When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. 2But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.

Esther 5:1,2

• Make a list of the things that God has specifically called you to do in your campus.• Pray that God will strengthen your faith and give you the boldness to carry out the

things on your list.

REsPonD


Samson was a judge of Israel who experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in one of the most dramatic ways recorded in Scripture. His birth was also very significant—an angel promised his mother a son when she was then barren. The angel also gave strict instructions for the upbringing of the boy because he was set apart for a purpose. Samson’s boundaries were not given to restrict him but to release him into God’s purpose.

In the same way, God gives us boundaries through His Word, godly friends, and the Holy Spirit, in order for us to fulfill the great plan He has for our lives. He is not trying to restrict our freedom but He does want us to have the best that He has prepared for us.

Evennow,Godwantstodomightythingsthroughyou.Evenbeforeyouwereborn,Godknewthe plans He had for you. Do not ever think that you merely exist or that you do not have any part to play. God has set up your life, like Samson’s, for a significant purpose.

• DoyoubelievethatGodhasformedyouwithapurpose?Howwouldyoureverydayactivities(goingtoschool,beingathome,hangingoutwithfriends)changeifyoubelieveeverydaythatGodhasasignificantplanforyourlife?

• WhataresomeboundariesthatGodhasplacedinyourlife?Howdoyourespondtothem?

REFLECT

THE PuRPosE

oF BounDARiEs

Judges 13 • Psalm 16:1-6 • Jeremiah 1:5READDAY 16

4“Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean, 5because you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

Judges 13:4,5

• Thank God for the purpose He has given you.• Thank God for the boundaries He has placed in your life. It may be time to even restore

some of those boundaries you have broken or crossed in the past.

REsPonD


Samson’s life was full of moments of the power of God being displayed. In this instance, a lion attacked him and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands! The Bible says this was the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

The exciting part is God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. This means we can expect God to do amazing things in us and through us because His Holy Spirit gives us the power,love,andsoundmind(2Timothy1:7)todoso.

Power includes the courage to share our faith, to pray for the sick so that they recover, and to ask God for miracles. Love is God giving us the ability to forgive those who hurt us, to reach out to the unlovable, and to have compassion on people who do not know Jesus. A sound mind is God giving us wisdom to make decisions, discipline our thoughts, and figure out what His will is. All of these are available to all believers because God gives us His Holy Spirit!

• WhichofthesethreemanifestationsoftheHolySpirit—power,love,andsoundmind—doyouneedthemostrightnow?

• DidyoueverfeelthatGodcoulduseotherpeoplebutnotyou?HowwillthischangeknowingthatGodgivesHisHolySpiritgenerouslytoallpeople?

REFLECT

PowERED BY THE sPiRiT

Judges 14:1-6 • Acts 1:8 • 2 Timothy 1:6,7 • Acts 2:17,18READDAY 17

5Samson went down to Timnah together with his father and mother. As they approached the vineyards of Timnah, suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him. 6The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.

Judges 14:5,6

• Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you power, love, and sound mind to get through today. Make it a daily habit of always asking God for His Spirit to empower you.

• Share your faith boldly with someone today. Do not be afraid of the result; leave it up to God!

REsPonD


Despite being set apart for God’s purpose, Samson began to make some compromises. First, he ate honey from the body of the lion he killed. This was already in violation of his callingasaNazirite,whichincludedstayingawayfromdeadbodies.ButSamsondidnotthinkit was a big deal. Also, he insisted on marrying a woman who would lead him away from his faith in God.

That is how sin always works. It starts out small and harmless. But if we are not alert, it will grow bigger and bigger in our lives till it destroys much. Maybe it starts with one drink, or going too far physically than you intended, or visiting certain websites just once, or hanging out with people who have a bad influence on you. Whatever the case, sin will always try to package itself as harmless.

That is why the best way to respond to sin is to remove it completely—to run away from it. Jesus died on the cross, taking away our sins. Paul said, since we have died with Christ we cannot live in sin any longer. It is time for us to flee from sin and pursue God’s best for us.

• Areyoucurrentlyplayingaroundwith“littlesins”thatdonotseemtobeabigdeal?Doyouseenowhowtheyleadtodeath?

• HowdidJesus’deathonthecrosssetyoufreefromthoseparticularsins?Howdoesthathelpyouwalkinvictoryoverthem?

REFLECT

THE PRiCE oF CoMPRoMisE

Judges 14:1-9 • Romans 6:1-7 • 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 • 2 Timothy 2:22READDAY 18

8Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass. In it was a swarm of bees and some honey, 9which he scooped out with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass.

Judges 14:8,9

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life where you might be allowing sin to take root. Share this with someone to help you and pray with you.

• Put to death any sinful habit that might be taking root by changing your lifestyle, confessing to another person, or even getting rid of things that lead you to sin. Ask God to give you the grace to walk in victory over sin.

REsPonD


Samson’s weakness for women comes into play once more. This time, he fell in love with a woman named Delilah whom he thought loved him back. Little did he know that this woman had already betrayed him and was looking for a way to enrich herself by bringing about his downfall.

That is the way that sin works in our lives—we think it is harmless, we think it is helping us, but it is really trying to destroy us. It feels good for a while but it will destroy whatever it touches. There is no middle ground with sin. It goes completely against what God wants for us. Sin wants our death; God wants us to have His full life. Sin wants to ruin us; God wants to satisfy us.

Too often we are drawn into sin because we do not know how bad it is. That is how twisted our minds are apart from God. That is why Jesus died on the cross for us. It should have been ussufferingthatpunishment,butHetookourplace.NotonlydidHisdeathandresurrectionset us free from sin, He also gives us the power to live a totally new life.

• Whatsinsareeasyforyoutoavoidandresist?Whichsinseemsharmlessorevenattractivetoyou?Whatdothosesinspromisetogiveyouthattheycannotfulfill?

• AreyousosatisfiedwithGodtothepointthatthepromiseofsinisnolongerappealing?HowareyoupursuingGodandHiskingdom?

REFLECT

no MiDDLE GRounD

Judges 16:1-6 • John 10:10 • James 1:13-16 • Proverbs 14:12READDAY 19

4Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” 6So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.”

Judges 16:4-6

• Ask God to open your eyes to sins that may be deceiving you into thinking they are harmless or good. Work out a practical plan to flee from them.

• Find a friend or partner whom you trust to hold you accountable in these areas. This means you are giving them the right to pray for you, ask you questions, and even correct you in love.

REsPonD


Noonecancontinueparticipatinginsinwithoutbeingaffectedbyit.Afterconstantlycompromising and ignoring the warnings given to him, Samson was captured by the Philistines. He thought that he would still have the strength to fight them, but he did not.

Theversesays,“hedidnotknowtheLordhadlefthim.”Thathastobeoneofthesaddestverses in the whole Bible! The worst consequence of sin is separation from God—the One who is the source of all life, truth, and beauty. This is why God constantly warns us against sin, because He does not want this to happen to us because He loves us.

Out of His love for us, God made a way that no one need ever be separated from Him. He sent Jesus to take our place. Jesus experienced the ultimate separation from God on the cross,makingHimcryout,“MyGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?”Jesuswasseparatedsowecould be included. He was rejected so we could be accepted. He died so we could live. It is the sacrifice of Jesus that ultimately beat sin once and for all.

• Aretheresinsthatyouarewillfully,consistentlyparticipatingin,evenagainsttheadviceandcorrectionoffriendsandspiritualfamily?AreyouwillingtoturnawayfromthemtoreceivethebestthatGodhasforyou?

• Areyouundercondemnationforsinsanderrorsyouhavemadeinthepast?HaveyoureceivedGod’sforgivenessthroughJesus’deathonthecross?

REFLECT

THE GREAT ExCHAnGE

Judges 16:1-22 • Romans 6:23 • Matthew 27:45,46 • Ephesians 2:13READDAY 20

19Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. 20Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

Judges 16:19,20

• Repentance is a regular part of the Christian life. As we encounter God’s truth, this leads us to turn away from sins that the truth exposes. Turn away now from any sin that God has shown you.

• Faith is another regular part of the Christian life. By repenting, we acknowledge our error and receive the covering for it through what Jesus did on the cross. Have faith today, knowing your sins are forgiven and God has given you new life.

REsPonD


Ananias is not a very famous character in the Bible. He appears for ten verses in Acts 9, is mentioned briefly in Acts 22, then he is never mentioned again. We do not know much about him. He seems very ordinary—nothing special and even a little bit afraid. But God would use him in a significant way to reach someone who would reach the world for Jesus—the Apostle Paul. You see, Ananias may not have been very talented, skillful, eloquent, or famous, but he was a disciple.

In the same way, we might not think we are that significant, like we have no part to play. But in Ananias’ life, we see that God does not only use talented or famous people. He uses disciples.

WhenJesuscalledthefirstdisciples,HesaidHewouldmakethem“fishersofmen.”Everydisciple can and will make disciples of others. We do not need to pursue being on stage, having dozens in our small groups, or being the biggest campus ministry. Like Ananias, we just need to be disciples and make disciples. Simple, right?

• AdiscipleissomeonewhofollowsJesus,fellowshipswithotherbelievers,andfishesforpeople.Howareyoudoinginthesethreeareas?Whichonesareyoustrongin?WhichonesdoyouneedGod’sgracetoimprovein?

• DoyouhaveanyreasonsorexcusesforwhyyouthinkGodcannotuseyou?HowdoesthestoryofAnaniashelpyougetoverthisinsecurity?

REFLECT

THE invisiBLE MAn

Acts 9:10-12 • Matthew 4:18-22 • Acts 4:13READDAY 21

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Acts 9:10-12

• Talk to your small group leader about these three areas (follow Jesus, fellowship with believers, fish for people) that you are doing well in and which ones you need to improve in. Ask for his/her advice on how to grow more in these.

• Make a list of people that God has placed around you. Ask God for opportunities to share your faith with them.

REsPonD


EvenbeforeAnaniasmetSaul,thepersecutorofChristians,Jesushadalreadymadeanimpact in Saul’s life. Saul had a run-in with Jesus that would mark him forever. Jesus just sent Ananias to follow up on what He had started.

This is a great source of encouragement to us because it takes away the pressure of saving our friends ourselves. We cannot save them and we do not need to try. What we need is for Jesus to touch them and lead them. An encounter with Jesus will open the hardest heart, break through any lie, and humble the proudest sinner.

When we disciple people, all we are doing is allowing ourselves to be used by God to reach out. God is the One who will work out the results. When we want to bring people into maturity as Christians, all we need to do is connect them to Jesus by teaching them to hear from Him through the Bible, prayer, Christians friends, and the church. And as our friends encounter Jesus, they will grow as disciples.

• Aretheretimesthatyougetfrustratedorpressuredwiththepeopleyouarereachingouttoordiscipling?AreyoutrustingJesustocontinueandfinishtheworkHestartedintheirlives?

• AreyouconsistentwithhelpingthepeopleyoudiscipletoencounterJesus?AretheyabletoknowJesusbetterinsmallgroupmeetings,atchurch,infellowshippingwithotherbelievers,andinpersonaltimesofdevotion?

REFLECT

THE iRREsisTiBLE GoD

Acts 9:1-9 • Matthew 9:35-38 • John 12:32-36READDAY 22

5”Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6”Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:5,6

• If you are leading a small group, pray for those you are leading that they would continue in Christian maturity. If you do not have one yet, pray for your unsaved friends and family that Jesus will reveal Himself to them.

• Pray to Jesus the next time you share or talk to someone else. Ask Him to create the opportunity to witness to that person.

REsPonD


When Ananias heard Jesus calling him to visit Saul, he responded with fear and nervousness. Saul was known as a violently anti-Christian person. Ananias had a good reason to be afraid but Jesus told him to go anyway. He also showed him the plan that He had for Saul.

Some of the people we are reaching out to can also be very intimidating. Maybe they are parents who do not know Jesus. Maybe they are our friends who might laugh at us. Or maybe it is the campus bully. Regardless of their background, we do not need to be afraid because Jesus is with us and He is sending us.

The other thing we need to remember is that God has a great and glorious plan for them. In the same way that Jesus saved us and set us on a great and glorious mission, God intends to do the same with them. So the next time you share the gospel to people, remember that God has a great plan for them, too.

• Whatarethespecifictimes,situations,orpeoplethatsometimesintimidateyouinsharingyourfaith?Whatareyouafraidofinthesesituations?

• DoyoubelievethatthepeopleyouaredisciplingorreachingouttohaveagreatpurposefromGod?Areyoucommittedtohelpthemaccomplishit?

REFLECT

THE MAsTER's PLAn

Acts 9:10-16 • Proverbs 29:25 • Matthew 10:26-33READDAY 23

13”Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.” . . . 15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9:13,15,16

• Pray for the people you are following up. Ask God to show you His great plan for their lives. Remind yourself of these things the next time you talk with them.

• Have there been times or opportunities in the past where you have backed out from sharing your faith because of fear? Ask for God’s forgiveness for not being in faith. Try to contact that person to resume the conversation if possible.

REsPonD


Ananias was going to meet with the scariest Christian persecutor of his time. He was all alone with nothing but Jesus’ Word as his source of comfort and security. But Ananias was able to go despite his fear because he knew that Jesus sent him. This simple disciple, who at first responded with fear, was now courageous and confident because he knew his orders came from no one but Jesus.

We can also gain security and confidence in discipling our family and friends when we know it is Jesus who sends us. We are not just sent by our church, spiritual leader, or any organization. We are sent by Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

There is nothing to be afraid of. There is nothing that can stop us or hinder the work of God. When we know this, we can move with confidence and security because greater is the One withinusthantheonethatisintheworld(1John4:4).

• DoyouwalkintoyourcampusandyourfamilywithconfidenceknowingthatJesushascalledyouthere?Whyorwhynot?

• HowconfidentareyouthatthepoweroftheHolySpiritwillbewithyouwhenyousharethegospeltoothers?

REFLECT

wHo is sEnDinG You?

Acts 9:17-19 • Mark 16:15-18 • Matthew 10:1-8READDAY 24

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Acts 9:17-19

• Pray and thank God for the calling He has given you and for sending you to your family, friends, and campus.

• Ask God daily for the power of the Holy Spirit to be with you as you reach out to those who need to hear the gospel.

REsPonD


The transformation in Saul’s life was unbelievable! In the beginning of the chapter, he was trying to imprison and kill Christians. Twenty verses later, he was preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. That is the power of an encounter with Jesus!

That, too, is the power of discipleship. Ananias was used by God to establish Saul in the church and Saul became more powerful. We do not see much of Ananias in the Bible again, but the impact of his life benefited all Christians everywhere.

This is our goal when we disciple someone. We are helping them walk in their God given purpose.Wearenottryingtokeepthem“underus.”Wearenotcollectingthemtomakeourselves feel good that we have a large discipleship group. And we do not want to stop them from growing in God. If they excel and become better than us in many ways then that is our joy. We celebrate what God is doing and we thank Him for allowing us to be involved in the process. This is the legacy of Ananias.

• AreyouhelpingthepeopleyouaredisciplingreachtheirGod-givenpurpose?

• Doyoueverbecomeinsecureorjealouswhenthepeopleyoudisciplestarttodobetter thanyou?

REFLECT

suCCEss is suCCEssion

Acts 9:17-22 • 2 Timothy 2:2 • John 14:11-14READDAY 25

20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 9:20-22

• Thank God for the people you are reaching out to or discipling. Pray for them and ask God to help you bring out the best in them.

• Send a message to the person you are reaching out to or discipling. Encourage them by saying that you believe God has a great plan for them and that you are excited to be a part of it.

REsPonD


Jonah was a prophet who could hear from God. This means he already had a relationship with God and was serving Him by sharing His Word with other people. But when God gave himacalltogotoNineveh,thecapitaloftheAssyrianEmpire,JonahrejectedGod’scallandran away.

MaybeitwasoutoffearorofhatredfortheNinevitesforenslavingtheIsraelites,butwhatever his reason, Jonah wanted nothing to do with God’s call in his life. He ran as far as he couldtoTarshish,whichwastotallyintheoppositedirectionofNineveh.Buthislifeonlygotworse as he ran away from the call of God.

Like Jonah, it is possible for us to have a relationship with God and still reject a specific call He gives us. Maybe it is a call to pray for someone we do not like or to forgive people who have wronged us. Maybe it is a call to step up to a new level of leadership. Whatever it is, trust that God knows what He is doing when He calls you. And the safest, best, most peaceful, and prosperous place to be is right in the middle of His will.

• WhatisonethingthatyouknowGodiscallingyoutodobutyouarefleeingfrom?

• HowdoesknowingthatGodhascalledyouforaspecificpurposeaffectthewaythatyou liveeveryday?

REFLECT

MAn on THE Run

Jonah 1 • Psalms 139:7-24 • Jerermiah 20:9READDAY 26

1The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2”Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. . . .

Jonah 1:1-3

• Take the time to pray and ask God for His grace in order to obey what He has called you to do. Repent for disobeying and running away from His call if necessary.

• Knowing that God has called you for a purpose, think and list down some attitudes and habits that you know are hindering you from walking into the purposes of God.

REsPonD


GodcalledJonahtopreachtotheNinevitessothattheywouldrepent,returntoGod,andbesaved from destruction. Jonah responded by rejecting God’s call and running in the complete opposite direction. His disobedience led him to a storm and eventually had him swallowed by a fish.

But while he was there suffering the consequence of his disobedience, he knew he could call out to God. And when he did, God heard him, removed him from the fish and restored him. Later on, God would even call him again into his ministry.

VeryoftenwhenwedisobeyGod,weknowourguiltandtheconsequencesofouractionsand we feel too ashamed to go to Him. We tend not to pray and read our Bibles. We avoid church and the company of other Christians. But Jonah’s example shows us that God hears us when we pray, even when it is at our lowest point. He listens not because we are perfect, but because we have faith when we pray—faith that believes God will restore whatever sin has tried to destroy. Reading our Bibles, praying, and enjoying Christian fellowship—we do all of these things when we are motivated by that faith in God.

• Whatdifficultcircumstancesareyoufacingnow?Itcouldbetheresultofyourowndisobedienceorjustthecircumstancesoflife.DoyoubelieveGodisneartoyouwhenyouprayevenin

thesesituations?

• DoyoubelievethatJesuscanandwillhearyouwhenyoucryouttoHim?AretheresinsthatyoufeelstillseparateyoufromHim?

REFLECT

AT ouR LowEsT PoinT

Jonah 2 • Psalm 142 • Psalm 18:4-6READDAY 27

6To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. 7”When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”

Jonah 2:6,7

• Take time to pray and ask God to be with you in whatever challenging situation you are in right now. Pray in faith knowing that He hears those who pray to Him.

• If you are going through a difficult situation now, remember how Jesus intervened on your behalf. If not, take time today to encourage someone who is in a hard situation.

REsPonD


God called Jonah and he ran away. He was swallowed by a fish where he cried out to God. God heard him and brought him back to land. But God went even beyond that.

He called Jonah again with the same offer that he made before—giving Jonah an important and significant assignment. He was to preach in one of the largest and most strategic cities of the world at the time. How amazing that God would bring him back again after Jonah’s first response!

God is the same way with us. When we fall and disobey, He does not just save us from our sins and restore us into right relationship with Him—He also includes us in His great plan to save others.

We may have made mistakes in the past. We may be going through a tough time right now. But none of that can keep us from participating in God’s plan for us. His call is based on how good He is, not on how good we are.

• Whenwasthetimeyoureceivedasecondchance?Whatwasyourresponsetoit?

• AretheretimesorsituationsthatmakeyoudoubtthatGodcangiveyouasecondchance?HowdoesJonah’sexampleincreaseyourhopethatGodcangiveyoumorethanonechance?

REFLECT

onE MoRE CHAnCE

Jonah 3:1-4 • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 • John 21:15-20READDAY 28

1Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2”Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days.

Jonah 3:1-3

• Thank God now for His grace in giving us second chances.• Has God used someone to help you get that second chance? Take time now to thank

that person. Send a message or talk to him/her in person.

REsPonD


Jonah began preaching in one of the most influential cities of the world at the time. He was from a tiny, insignificant country and he was alone. But with God sending him and going with him,hewasunstoppable.TheBiblesaysthatthewholecityofNinevehrepentedandturnedfrom their wickedness.

This is the power of God that accompanies His people. The Bible calls us His ambassadors. This means that wherever you share your faith, make disciples, and preach His gospel, you are speaking with the authority and power of God Himself. He will back you up!

ThisalsomeansthatwecanbelieveandaskGodtosaveourcampus,likeNineveh.Wearenot studying there by accident. Our classmates and teachers are not there by chance. God sent us there and He will move powerfully. When we invite our friends, when we share our testimony, when we lead a small group, God will back us up and many will come to know Him.

• HowdifferentwouldyourdailyandweeklyroutineinschoolbeifyoureallybelievedthatGodiswithyouandthatHewouldmovepowerfullyinyourlife?

• Thinkofyourcampus.WhatkindofchangeswouldyouliketoseeGoddothere?

REFLECT

ouR GoD sAvEs

Jonah 3:5-10 • Jeremiah 18:7-10 • Philippians 2:9-11READDAY 29

5The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.

Jonah 3:5,6

• Take some time now to pray for your campus. Pray for the salvation of your classmates and friends, for the teachers and administrators of your school. Pray that they will all come to know Jesus.

• Share your faith with someone this week. It does not have to be long or dramatic. The important thing is to step out in faith and do it.

REsPonD


The last chapter of Jonah brings this beautiful story to its climax. It shows us just how ugly thehumanheartisapartfromGod.NowweknowwhyJonahranawayinthefirstplace.HehadsomuchangerandunforgivenesstowardstheNinevites.HewaswillingtolettheNinevitesdie,andwasmoreconcernedaboutthevinethatgavehimshadeandcomfort.Itwas a twisted set of priorities.

ButherewealsoseehowlovingandkindGodis.HeknewaboutthesinsoftheNinevitesbutHesaid,“ShouldInotbeconcernedaboutthatgreatcity?”God’sconcernisforsinners.Heloves them and does not want any to perish. That is why He sent Jesus to die for us while we were still sinful.

Sometimes we are like Jonah—spiritually proud, unloving, and unforgiving to lost people. Maybe they are our friends or family members who do not know Jesus. What we need is to remember what Jesus did for us. When we are changed by the love of God for us as shown in Jesus, we become like God—loving and serving the lost.

• HowhasGodshownyouunconditionallove?DoyourememberhowhopelessandhelplessyouwereinsinapartfromHim?Howdoesthismakeyougrateful?

• AretheretimesthatyouarelikeJonah—angry,irritated,andunlovingtoyourlostfriendsandfamily?Why?HowdoesJesus’unconditionalloveforyouhelpyoulovethem?

REFLECT

LovE THE CiTY

Jonah 4 • Matthew 9:9-13 • John 3:16READDAY 30

10But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Jonah 4:10,11

• Thank God now for His love that never runs out and never gives up on us. Remember how terrible our sin was and how much greater God’s love is.

• Let us practice Jesus’ command to love our enemies. Pray and ask God to give you one tangible action you can do for someone who has hurt you. Whatever it is, let us remember that Jesus gives us the ability to love because He first loved us.

REsPonD


Paul had already begun preaching in different cities all over the region. He drew a lot of attention after healing a lame man in Lystra. Unfortunately, his enemies followed him, turned the people against him, stoned him, and left him for dead. Amazingly, he was revived and he went back into the city and continued to make disciples.

Paul knew that making disciples was a beautiful and noble call from God. But he also knew that it would be difficult and challenging. He expected to be opposed and persecuted for it. But all of the problems were worth it if it meant he could bring others to Jesus. In1Corinthians9:19,hewritesthatheiswillingtogiveuphisrightslikeaslaveifonlytoreach others. Paul knew the value of lost people.

Many times Christians give up quickly when it becomes difficult to make disciples. Maybe people do not listen to us or accept our invitation. Maybe they even become hostile and persecute us for our faith. Whatever the case, we will be able to overcome when we remember how valuable lost people are to God, especially when we remember that we were lost once, but Jesus loved us so much He reached out for us.

• Whatchallengesareyoufacingnowindisciplingotherpeople?Whatmakesitdifficult?AreyouwillingtobeinconveniencedinordertobringsomepeopletoJesus?

• Howvaluablearethelostforyou?DoyouhavethesameheartasJesushasforthelost?

REFLECT

LEFT FoR DEAD

Acts 14:8-23 • Romans 10:12-15 • 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27READDAY 31

19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. . . .

Acts 14:19-21

• From whom will you get the strength to overcome your hesitations in reaching out to the lost? Who are the friends who can help you overcome these? Take time to pray with someone about your hesitations and believe that you can overcome them by God’s grace.

• What are some sacrifices you can make to your own personal convenience and comfort that could help bring others to Jesus? Come up with a specific action plan you can do this week.

REsPonD


Again Paul was ministering in a city where they cast a demon out of a poor girl who was being manipulated by her slave masters. Immediately the masters took Paul and Silas and had them beaten, whipped, and imprisoned by the authorities. They responded to this by praying and singing worship songs to God. That night, God sent an earthquake to break their bonds. Instead of escaping, they used that opportunity to share the gospel to the jailer and his whole family. Sometimes the biggest impact we can make in sharing our faith with others is when they see how we respond to times of difficulty and persecution. When the world sees the people of God go through a difficult time with grace, gentleness, and love, it sees the power of God moving. Are you in a difficult situation now? Do not let it get you down. Remember that God will be with you in whatever situation. Remember that Jesus has defeated every enemy so this trial will only purify you, not destroy you. Remember, too, that there is a reward for us in heaven. So let us ask God for the grace to go through hard times well.

• Areyouanxious,worried,orfearfulaboutanythingrightnow?Howcanyouapplywhat Philippians4says?

• Howdoyouusuallyrespondtodifficultsituations?WillthepeoplewhoobserveyouduringthesetimesknowthatyouhaveaGodwhogivesyougrace?

REFLECT

An unBREAkABLE sPiRiT

Acts 16:16-40 • Philippians 4:4-9 • 1 Peter 4:12-16READDAY 32

23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Acts 16:23-25

• Are you going through a difficult season now? Choose to praise and worship God knowing that He is in control and your breakthrough is about to come.

• Encourage someone you know this week who is going through a difficult season.

REsPonD


Paul’sministryhadamajorbreakthroughinEphesus.Itstartedwhenhearrivedthereandbaptized a few disciples in the Holy Spirit. Then they began to meet everyday in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This lecture hall was very similar to our universities today.

Sobasically,PaulspenttwoyearsinEphesusdoingcampusministryeveryday.Theresultwas“alltheJewsandGreekswholivedintheprovinceofAsiaheardthewordoftheLord.”This is because people from all over the region study on campus. The campus is also the place where future leaders are trained. By simply making disciples on campus, Paul was able to have an impact on a very large number of people in a very wide area. Yes, he did encounter significant opposition, but that couldn’t stop the gospel from going forward.

In the same way, God is calling our movement to make disciples on the campuses. Our high schools and universities are places where people from different areas gather. One of the most strategic things we can do to disciple the nations is to reach the campuses. There is no substitute for our being present and active in our campuses. God is using what we do today to make a greater impact than we know.

• Whatisthestrategicvalueofyourcampus?Areyouactivelyengagingthecultureandcommunityofyourcampusinordertomakedisciples?

• Whataresomeoftheoppositionsyoufaceinyourcampus?

REFLECT

A sTRATEGiC vEnuE

Acts 19:8-10 • Acts 2:42-47 • Acts 13:49READDAY 33

23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Acts 20:23,24

• Pray for your campus today. Pray for future leaders to be discipled there and for the impact they will make in your society in the future.

• Pray for the issues and challenges that can be found in your campus. These issues will one day be reflected in society. Pray for God to move and change the culture in

your campus.

REsPonD


This is one of the most emotional moments in Paul’s life. He is saying goodbye to the church inEphesus—hisfriendsformanyyears.NowGod’scallwastakingPaultoJerusalemwherehewould be in great danger and most likely be killed. They knew they wouldn’t see each other again. We are allowed a peek into the mind of this great man of God who accomplished so much, but also had to endure so much.

Paul said that he did not count his life as valuable. He did not value his comfort, his success, popularity, or pleasure. He was willing to give these things up because he had discovered something of greater value—the race that Jesus had for him to run, which was to tell others the story of God’s grace to him. He knew that he had a holy calling from God.

Many times, the reason why people don’t experience and achieve great things from God is that the things of this world are more appealing. Have you come to that point where this world and this life have no value or importance to you apart from God? Have you realized yet thatinHimiseverythinggood?Davidputitthisway,“YouaremyLord;apartfromyouIhavenogoodthing.”

• Whatarethemostvaluablethingsinyourliferightnow?Whichthingsareimpossibleforyoutolivewithout?Whatdoyouspendmostofyourtime,money,energy,andthoughtson?Thoseareyourmostvaluablethings.

• HaveyoucometotheplacewhereJesusisthemostvaluablethingtoyou?HaveyouexperiencedGodandknownJesustothepointthatyoucansayHeisyourgreatesttreasure?

REFLECT

TRuE RiCHEs

Acts 20:16-25 • Philippians 1:19-26 • Matthew 16:24-27READDAY 34

31They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” 32Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 26:31,32

• Ask God to show you how Jesus is the most valuable treasure you can have. Pray and ask God to also show you how empty, bankrupt, and worthless the things of this world are apart from Him.

• Is there something that God has shown to you that you hold more valuable than Him? It might be time to take action on it already. If something needs to be given away, ended, or let go, this can be the way to discover that Jesus really is the most valuable.

REsPonD


The book of 2 Timothy is the closest thing we have to hearing the last words of Paul. It is a very personal and honest letter to Timothy, whom he views like a son. He has been imprisoned again for his faith. This time, however, he is in a much harder position. He has been labeled as an evil-doer and one by one he has been abandoned by his close friends. He knows that the time of his death is near. Paulfacesdeathwithseriousnessbutwithoutfear.EvenashewritestoTimothy,heisnotunforgiving to the people who abandoned him in his trial. His spirit is not broken. This man whocouldnotbeintimidatedbytheRomanEmpireinlife,isnotintimidatedbydeatheither.He knows the painful road ahead of him, but he also knows the greater glory that lies ahead. In the same way, we can live a fearless life knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Death, the final enemy, has been defeated when Jesus rose again. Yes, there will be hardship and difficulty in this life. Yes, everyone will die. But we will also rise again. When we believe this, we can have the fearlessness and dedication of Paul knowing that our Lord Jesus has conquered death.

• WhywasPaulsounafraidofthepressuresaroundhim?Howcanwebelikehim,trustingGodandbeingsounafraid?

• Doyoustillhaveafearofdeath?AreyousecurethatnothingcanseparateyoufromtheloveofGod?Whatwouldyoudodifferentlywithoutthatfear?

REFLECT

FEARLEss

2 Timothy 4:6-8 • Romans 8:18; 8:33-39 • 1 Corinthians 15:51-58READDAY 35

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

• Thank God for the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Ask Him for the grace to live without fear. Remember that nothing can separate you from His love.

• Live your life everyday knowing that you serve a holy God who has given you a holy life and a holy calling to make disciples.

REsPonD

Documents

Ignite 35 Days Devotional