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Jesus Calling

A 26-Week Discussion Guide for Families

Thomas Nelson

The Jesus Calling® Discussion Guide for Families

The following discussion guide questions are based on entries from the devotional Jesus Calling. Families and their children can follow along with their own versions of Jesus Calling for adults and kids. The selections are identified by date; however, the discussion sessions do not have to be done on a specific date — the references are simply used to help you locate the passages. Questions can be used by families for morning or bedtime reflections, dinnertime discussions, or for other family devotional times.

Discussion #1: Start the Adventure!

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 1, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. How do you react to trying new things? When you start a new class or join a new sports team, do you approach it cautiously, or do you fearlessly embrace the chance to be a part of something new? Do you have the courage to chase a dream that is outside your normal day-to-day activities?

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2. Because God knows us better than we know ourselves, His plan for us is more incredible than anything we can imagine for ourselves. When we spend time with Him, He may show us glimpses of the life He has for us, and we can respond faithfully. What is one step you can take today or this week to put some of those glimpses that God has shown you into motion?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: The scripture reference today in Jeremiah 29:11 says that God knows the plans He has for you, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Knowing that God has your future in His hands, will you be open to trying new things and pursuing your dreams? Ask God to help you take steps of faith toward His will for your life.

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Discussion #2: What Is Peace?

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 3, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. What do you like to do to feel happy, content, and comfortable? (Examples: You may enjoy diving into a pool on a hot summer's day, watching the rain fall, or reading a good book.)

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2. Your answers from question 1 are activities that give you a sense of peace, which is what God promises us when we have a close relationship with Him. Today's reading reminds us that not every day will have those peaceful moments, but we never have to face troubling times alone. Think of a time you called out to God when you were having a bad day. What happened?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's scripture found in John 16:33 reminds us, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world" (amp). Take a minute to talk to God about anything that might be bothering you today, and imagine the He is right beside you, keeping you from worry and harm and bringing you peace.

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Discussion #3: God's Timing

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated January 9, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Each day has new tasks that must be completed, such as cleaning our rooms, doing our home- work, or even brushing our teeth. But we also have other goals for our days, such as playing our best on our sports team, being a part of a school program, or even memorizing a song or scripture. What important goals are you working toward now?

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2. Think of a time you waited for something important or exciting to happen, and when it did, you were happy and at peace. This is an example of God's perfect timing. Today's reading reminds us that before we start accomplishing our tasks, we need to ask God to help us "moment by moment" and trust that His timing is best. How do you need God's help today? How can you trust in His perfect timing?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's scripture from Luke 1:37 tells us, "Nothing is impossible with God." Sometimes we are tempted to give up on something when it didn't come easy or in the time frame we expected. Ask God to give you strength to keep pursuing what He has called you to do. Ask Him to help you trust that He's working everything out at exactly the right time for you.

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Discussion #4: Rest for Your Best

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 6, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Describe a time when you have been really tired. What made you so worn out? Now describe the feeling of being able to rest after being exhausted. How did you feel when you woke up after get- ting some good rest?

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2. Not only do our physical bodies need to rest, but our minds and hearts do as well. Today's reading reminds us that "sometimes [we] just need a break." What can you do to rest your mind and focus your attention on God?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's verse in Matthew 11:28 tells us that when we come to God, He "will give [us] rest." As you go to God in prayer, first take three deep breaths. Close your eyes, and think about how good God has been to you. Thank Him for helping your mind rest so that you are better able to follow Him.

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Discussion #5: Jesus Is Our Friend

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated July 10, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Have you ever tried to befriend someone and hoped he or she would like you back? Did you ever try to change something about yourself in order to get this person to like you more?

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2. Today's reading reminds us that Jesus loves us just the way we are and that He wants to be our friend. He doesn't want us to pretend to be something we're not; He sees the best in us. What do you like about your best friends? How do you feel when you spend time with them? How do you feel when you spend time with Jesus?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: In John 15:15 Jesus said, "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." When you pray, thank God for being a friend who is closer than any other. Thank Him for creating you to be exactly who you were meant to be. Ask Him to teach you how to be a good friend, and thank Him for those good friends who love you just the way you are.

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Discussion #6: God Knows Us Better Than Anyone!

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated February 12, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Though it's impossible for us to know what others are thinking unless they tell us, it's not impossible for God. Even when you might not have good thoughts, God loves you and wants to know what you are thinking. Because He knows your every thought, you don't have to hide anything from Him. How does this make you feel?

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2. Think about what you wish for more than anything else in this life. Do you think this thing will make you completely happy? Today' reading reminds us that not everything we want will make us happy, but God is the source of true happiness. God knows our wishes, and He knows what will bring us true joy. Why do you think God does not always give us what we wish for?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's scripture from Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." When you pray today, thank God for knowing you better than anyone else does. Ask Him to show you that even though you might not get what you wish for, when you are drawing closer to Him, you will be learning what God has in store for you. This is better than anything we might ever wish for.

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Discussion #7: No Room for Worry

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated March 4, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. What do you worry about? Whom do you talk to about the things that worry you?

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2. Today's reading tells us that worry is like a worm: "It is constantly trying to wriggle its way back into your mind." Although there is always something we could worry about, we don't have to let worry take over our minds. What are some ways we can push worries out of our minds?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's scripture in Luke 12:25 reminds us that worry doesn't help a situation: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" When you pray today, instead of concentrating on what is worrying you, thank God for His love for you. Ask Him to show you how you can help others today. Thank Him for protecting you and for being greater than any of your worries.

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Discussion #8: Use Nice Words

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling for Kids dated August 3, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Have you ever heard this phrase: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? Though the old saying has some truth to it, sometimes the words people use can make us feel bad. Think of a time someone said something to you that hurt your feelings. Then think of a time you said something that hurt someone else's feelings. Why do words have the power to affect us?

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2. Think about the hundreds of words you speak daily. Being able to speak to each other is a gift from God. If you were to string your conversations and words into a book, what would people learn from reading your book? What kind of words are you using? Are you using kind words more often than hurtful words?

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3. SCRIPTURE VERSE AND PRAYER: Today's scripture from Ephesians 4:29 instructs that "when you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need — words that will help others become stronger" (ICB). As you pray today, ask God to help you think before you speak. Ask Him to help you use encouraging and uplifting words. Think of those who might have said something hurtful to you, and pray for the strength to love and forgive them.

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Excerpted from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Copyright © 2015 Sarah Young. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
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