Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Grief|eBook

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718088170
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	06/16/2015
Series:	Jesus Calling®
Sold by:	HarperCollins Publishing
Format:	eBook
Pages:	20
Sales rank:	154,675
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Sarah Young, author of the bestselling 365-day devotionals Jesus Calling® and Jesus Listens, was a missionary alongside her husband, Stephen, for forty-five years. In her writing and in her mission work, Sarah was committed to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible. Her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens, Jesus Always, Jesus Today®, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and more, each encouraging readers in their journeys toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah believed praying for her readers was a privilege and God-given responsibility and did so daily even amidst her own health challenges.

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Read an Excerpt

Jesus Calling

52-Week Discussion Guide for Athletes

By Sarah Young

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2015 Thomas Nelson
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-8817-0

CHAPTER 1

The Jesus Calling® Discussion Guide for Athletes and Sports Groups

STRENGTH TEAMWORK INSPIRATION EXCELLENCE VIRTUE ENDURANCE

The following discussion guide questions are based on entries from the devotional Jesus Calling to inspire those who participate in sports as players, coaches, or advocates. These questions will help individuals and groups dig deeper into spiritual truths presented by Jesus Calling. 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 for group discussion or personal reflection any time of the year.

Discussion #1: Making the Goal

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

1. As an athlete, what goals do you make for yourself? Have you ever had a goal that seemed unreachable? How did you approach it?

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2. Today's reading reminds you that sometimes you see "huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights." Making goals for what you want to achieve is good, but you have to remember that your path "may take an abrupt turn," and if God does lead you through the cliffs, He "will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb." Think about the goals you weren't able to reach. Did God lead you in another direction that showed strength in other areas or disciplines?

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3. When you learn to trust God with your goals, you won't grow weary in your striving, and you can enjoy the journey. When you're walking by faith, and not by sight, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:7, you don't have to abandon your goals, but you can open yourself up to what God has for you. What are some actions you can take today that show you are trusting God to guide you to a good finish?

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Discussion #2: Going Mental

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

1. As any athlete knows, the "game" is equal parts mental and physical. Isaiah 30:15 says, "in quietness and trust is your strength." What helps you think more clearly and become more focused when you are pursuing your best game? What causes clutter in your mind and takes away that focus and vision toward succeeding?

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2. Today's reading asserts that when we spend quiet time with God, we are actually preparing ourselves for bigger battles ahead. When we take time to spend with God, He gives us the strength and fortitude we need to be at our mental best, which helps us with our physical pursuits. Where are some places or when are moments you can find quiet, peace, and time with God in order to mentally recharge?

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3. Have you ever been in a place because of injury, sickness, or being benched where you have been forced to be quiet and still? Were you able to find strength and recovery during this time?

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Discussion #3: The Comparison Game

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated February 28, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. Today's reading advises you to "stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people." Do you find yourself comparing yourself to other athletes? In what ways might this have a negative impact on you?

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2. Luke 6:37 tells us, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned." As we pursue our athletic goals, it's tough to take this statement to heart as we are often judged by our speed, prowess, and ability to win. However, God has designed a path for us that is uniquely our own and will shape who we are in both victory and defeat. In what ways and in what areas might you be unfairly judging yourself today?

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3. What talents and gifts has God given you? Take a moment to be receptive to God's affirmation in your life and to the ways He has shown you grace.

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Discussion #4: Pressure to Win

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

1. Describe the ways that competition is healthy in your life and the ways it can also be stressful.

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2. Today's reading reminds you that when you relax and are real with God, He is able to bring out the best in you. What are some ways you can relax when you are competing with yourself and with others? How might this bring out your best qualities as you compete?

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3. Revelation 17:14 reminds us that when war is waged against us "the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Knowing that being in God's presence will always net us victory in life, how will you approach competition differently?

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Discussion #5: The Power of Words

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

1. The reading for today reminds us: "words have such great power to bless or to wound." Coaches, team members, and competitors sometimes use words to encourage us or to cut us down. How have someone's words blessed you recently? Have other words wounded you?

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2. Proverbs 12:18 reiterates, "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." It can be easy to fly off the handle and to spew negative words toward ourselves or others if we have tripped up in our sport. There are three things today's reading advises us to do during these times: "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." How do you think these steps might help you to approach frustrations more positively?

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3. Think about the hundreds of words you speak during your participation or even viewing of sporting events. If you were to string your conversations and words into a book, would it be a book that would offer encouragement and inspiration or a book of negative commentary?

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Discussion #6: Power Through Christ

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated February 17, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. We might be at our physical peaks and not see any end to this in the near future. Our physical prowess and stamina can become idols in our lives, and we may derive a false security that we control our destinies through our pursuit of physical strength. Today's reading reminds you that God wants you to "embrace all that [He is] doing in your life," but He admonishes you that you must find your security in Him alone. Are you open to what God has for you, aside from what you might view as within your own control?

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2. The reading for today tells you that you shouldn't "fear change" because God is "making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon." As we chase physical pursuits over the course of our lives, our bodies become alternately stronger, but they may also suffer some breakdown, perhaps due to overexertion, injury, or age. How do you handle these hurdles when they occur in your life?

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3. Ephesians 3:20–21 states, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Knowing that God can do so much more in our lives than what we could ever imagine, how will you look at your daily routine and recognize some ways God might be prompting you to accept and enjoy what He has prepared for you?

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Discussion #7: Who's Number One?

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

1. The world of athletics is demanding. We expect the best from ourselves; our coaches, team leaders, and trainers are pushing us to that end as well. Today's reading tells us we cannot serve two masters. Has there ever been a time in your life when your athletic pursuits have crowded out every other aspect of your life? Time with family, friends, even God? What happened during this time?

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2. There is nothing wrong with pursuing excellence in our lives. But what do you believe is at the heart of pursuing/serving God? Why is it important that our first priority is to please Him, not ourselves or others?

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3. The Scripture passage from Matthew 24 reminds us: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." Have you let your athletic pursuits become your first priority? Ask God to help you re-prioritize and take time to make Him first in your life.

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Discussion #8: Combating Burnout

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

1. Have you ever been so depleted of energy and resources that you felt burned out? Describe what caused this and how it made you feel.

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2. Perhaps you give 120 percent every time you play or work out. Perhaps you even have other people relying on you to be at the top of your game every time. Today's reading mentions the notion of "drainout," saying, "You are among the weary ones, who are like wounded soldiers needing R & R." What are ways you can achieve restoration physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

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3. In Matthew 11:28, we are encouraged by the words, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Think of ways this week you can rest in Him and allow Him to replenish your resources.

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Discussion #9: Avoid the Pit

Please read the devotion (or listen if you have the Jesus Calling audiobook) and related Scripture passages from Jesus Calling dated February 23, and then answer/discuss these questions:

1. When we don't get what we want out of our physical endeavors, it can be easy to be sucked into a mire of self-pity. Think about the times you've been disappointed by your performance. How did you react? Did you get back up and try again, or did you allow defeat to seep in and keep you from moving forward?

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(Continues...)

Excerpted from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Copyright © 2015 Thomas Nelson. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Athletes

Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Athletes

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