December

Conversation Starter:

Everyone loves gifts. If you're wanting to bless someone, bring them a small treat. The cost is insginificant. Bring them a pack of gum, a Sonic drink, or even a small piece of candy.

Small tokens like this show that you're thinking of someone and everyone feels lifted up knowing they matter and are seen. Use a small gift to improve someone's day and have a foot in the door to share the love of Jesus with them.

Prayer:

1 Corinthians 2:12 - "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

"Lord, help me to see clearly the good things you've given me today. Fill my heart with gratitude and thanks to the point I am ready to freely give to others in the same measure. Amen."

Challenge:

Generosity, at it's heart, is the natural overflow of being aware of God's blessings in your life. When you KNOW He's been generously abundant TO YOU, you'll automatic be generously abundant TO OTHERS.

Your challenge is to put together some resource now and look for the right person to bless with it. The resource might be $20 or a bag of groceries or a gift card or something else entirely. Get it together and ask the Lord to bring someone to mind to bless with it. Trust that your gift will find it's designated need. You'll have so much fun finding the person to bless and seeing the Lord use your gift to bless someone.

More Resources

When Jesus said there is more joy in giving than in receiving, he turned our vision of the good life on its head. Through the practice of generosity, we tap into God’s joy, find freedom from greed through contentment, and embody God’s concern for those in need.

This study explores the topic of generosity, a word that can at times be counter-cultural but has the power to be transformational in this world where ‘self’ reigns supreme and where God’s love is needed more than ever.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

November

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by asking, "How can I pray for you?"

Sometimes we talk about prayer like it's the least we can do for someone, but that's not the right way to think about it. Imagine you're best friends with the president of the United States. I don't just mean you know the president's phone number, but the two of you hang out every weekend for fun. Then one of your friends mentions they are struggling to get their citizenship paperwork sorted out and you ask your friend if they would like you to talk to the president for them.

Praying for someone is like that, except times infinity.

You can use "How can I pray for you" to start a conversation with a friend going through a hard season to get past the idle chatter, to bless a waitress as you are paying for the check to show they are more than just a server to you but also a person, to make a connection with a supervisor or direct report at work that is beyond the performance measures of a job and treats them as if they have a life outside of the business. This phrase can unlock many doors and start life-giving conversations with just about anyone.

...and don't forget to pray for them, too!

Prayer:

Ephesians 6:18 - "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"

Ask the Lord to put someone on your heart and commit to pray for them. Pray for their success, their needs to be met, to find blessings from the Lord, to be comforted, etc. It doesn't matter if it is your best friend or your enemy, praying for someone specifically will change your heart and bless them.

Challenge:

Pray WITH someone this week.

Most people agree to pray FOR someone, but the challenge here is to pray WITH someone. So many people we know feel God won't listen to them or that they don't know how to talk to God. When you pray WITH someone in the right hear right now, they hear your heart as you talk to the Father and they catch an example of how to pray themselves.

Remember, it's not about having the "right words" to say. It's not about you at all. The power isn't in what you pray but in the One you are praying to. Trust the Lord and try praying with someone the next chance you get.

More Resources

Do you run to prayer—or run away from it? In this two-session series, learn how to overcome your hesitations and insecurities about praying. Pastor J.D. Greear explores the way Jesus taught us to pray and how he approached prayer to his Father. See how Jesus encourages us to pray often, boldly, and with expectation.

In this five-day guide based on Hosanna Wong's book, How (Not) to Save the World, be equipped to fight for someone you love through the power of prayer, discover how to pray when you don't feel you have the right words, and overcome discouragement when you feel your prayers aren’t being answered. There is hope.

Philip Yancey probes the very heartbeat of our relationship with God: prayer. What is prayer? Does it change God's mind or ours or both? This book is an invitation to communicate with God the Father who invites us into an eternal partnership through prayer.

October

Conversation Starter:

"How can I help?" is one of the most powerful questions you can ask someone.

If you see someone that may need help, asking "How can I help" communicates that you see them, you're willing to help, but you don't assume they would even want your help. Many people are hesitant to ask for help or feel looked down on by others when they come in to help without asking for permission.

Another powerful use of "How can I help" is when you're talking with a friend or family member and they are coming to you for help but their conversation outlines a difficult problem. Asking "How can I help" acknowledges whey they are coming to you and sets a barrier between you and codependency. If you hear someone's problem and just begin working to solve it you may be beginning a toxic victim/rescue relationship. When you ask "How can I help" you hear from this person what they believe help looks like.

Prayer:

Pay attention to what breaks your heart. Pray for a person that has been in your mind over and over recently. Pray for them by name. If nobody comes to mind, pray that the Lord let you see another the way He sees them.

Ephesians 6:18

"praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"

Challenge:

The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 tells the story of a man that has fallen on hard times and is in desperate need of help. Almost nobody knows he is in need, but there were 3 travelers that became aware. The first traveler saw the need and ignored him - the man continued to suffer. The second traveler likewise became aware of this man's suffering, but did nothing to help. The third and final traveler saw this man's suffering and had compassion on him, then began the process of bringing this man to a place of healing.

What was the difference? They all shared the same perspective of the need and all presumably could do something to help. The actions of the third traveler were motivated by COMPASSION followed by action.

The challenge this week is to do 3 things:

1. Get perspective - do what you need to do to get eyes to see the people in your life that are suffering.

2. Have compassion - let your heart break for the things that break the Lord's heart. Sit in that feeling. Let it become fuel for prayer, reflection, perspective...and eventually action.

3. Take action - take a step towards a person that you are growing in compassion for. Enter into their suffering with whatever limited ability and supplies you have and let the Lord do the rest.

More Resources

Whether in the form of a man beaten bloody on the side of the road or a child begging for our attention, we often fail to see interruptions for what they are—divine opportunities. God allows them to derail our plans for the sake of realizing our blind spots and deepening our relationship with God.

Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our wounds and the wounds of others, but if we can learn to love others well, a rich and life-giving relationship will be our reward.

What if we stopped avoiding the difficult people in our lives and committed to simply loving everybody? What happens when we give away love like we're made of it? In Everybody, Always, Bob Goff's joyful New York Times bestselling, you'll discover the secret to living without fear, constraint, or worry.

September

Conversation Starter:

Start a conversation with someone nearby about what things were like when you were a kid.  For example, you're watching you kid play soccer and you notice other parents videoing the game with their phone. You might start a conversation with someone nearby about how your parents would probably have videoed your games if they could back in the day.

Prayer:

"Father, thank you that you have made me yours. Thank you that you adopted me into your family and that you choose to be a Father to me. Help me to live and to treat others as we are taught to do in THIS family."

Ephesians 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Challenge:

To be in the "Family of God" is to behave as those are in this family. Just like our parents would correct our behavior saying, "We don't talk like that in this family," so too are there behaviors that we do or don't do in THIS family - the grafted in, adopted in, family that the Lord has established.

The challenge this week is to make a list of things your birth family did and prayerfully consider if there is anything the Lord wants to address with you.

For example:

- How did your family of origin handle hard conversations?

- How did your family of origin treat guests?

- What qualities did your family celebrate or criticize in men? In women?

- According to your family, what responsibilities do you have to other members of the family?

More Resources

In this 7-part series, Dr. P. C. Mathew reveals five distinct characteristics of a missional family to help every Christian family discover God’s grander purpose for them.

In the Tapestry YouVersion plan, Jelly Valimont will equate your life story to creating an intricate tapestry woven by God in three fundamental steps: adoption, acceptance, and destiny.

As MacArthur takes a closer look at the lives of the twelve disciples, you'll learn that they are living proof that God's strength is made perfect in weakness and he is able to accomplish his purposes through us.

August

Conversation Starter:

Ask a friend a real question about the meaning of life. You can word it anyway you want, but the goal is to get to a real place with someone else. Some example questions:



• Why do you think the world is the way it is?
• What is something that is missing in our community?
• What do you think the next generation has going well?
  

Prayer:

"Lord, give me the eyes to see people - other people and myself - the way you do. Let me see others with your eyes."

Romans 12:9-11

"9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

Challenge:

Show another person honor by listening to their story, asking questions, and being lovingly curious about who they are. Seek to understand why they believe what they believe. See if you can repeat their beliefs back to them in a way they agree with you. In fact, if you can restate it better than them, they'll feel heard and seen. What does the Gospel of Jesus teach about that thing? Can you work it into a conversation?

For example: if they believe the world is too hard, what does Jesus say about rest and laying down burdens? If they are overwhelmed with stress and worry, what instructions does Jesus give about worry and prayer?

More Resources

So, what does a successful life look like in the kingdom of God? In this eight-session series, pastor Rich Villodas describes how opening ourselves up in genuine relationships with others invites the power of Jesus to shine through our weaknesses.

If you envision yourself at age 70, 80, or 100, what kind of person do you see on the horizon? Does the projection in your mind fill you with hope? Or dread? In this devotional, John Mark Comer shows us how we can be spiritually formed to become more like Jesus day by day.

Sharing our faith is not about winning arguments; it’s about winning hearts. In this compelling and gripping book, Preston tells the story of how God chased him and taught him not only the importance of the truth but how to share it in a way that speaks to someone’s heart.

July

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by pointing at something with beauty and make note of it. It might be a sunset, how your kids are behaving, a painting on the wall, or a coincidence that really worked out perfectly. Start the conversation by acknowledging the beauty in the simple or in the complex.

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to see the beauty and the true in the world around me. Protect me from cynicism and bitterness. Help me to see the good of what you're doing even in the ugliest times of life."

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Challenge:

Count your blessings... literally. The challenge is to make a list of the truly beautiful and blessed things you see in a day. Put it on a piece of paper or the notes app on your phone. Complete the challenge by discussing your list with one other person.

More Resources

From the backdrop of life in Uganda, Kelly Miller describes how following Jesus with the right perspectives takes us on a journey of supernatural love and extraordinary joy.

Can beauty really come from the ashes in our life? This plan will challenge us to look beyond our struggles, move forward in faith and equip us to speak hope over one another.

What if Christians were the most unoffendable people on the planet? It turns out giving up your "right" to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy and encouraging things you can do.

June

How To Share Your Testimony In 3 Steps

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by starting a conversation about something similar. This might be talking to another parent about kids playing together at the park, a coworker that bought the same vehicle you have, or noticing someone's shirt is the same as yours. The goal seems small, but it's not insignificant. When we see something in common with someone else and make mention of it they move in our mind from a "them" to an "us". Try it a couple times this week.

Prayer:

"Father, help me always remember both who I was and who You've created me to be. Keep me humble in my need for Your forgiveness and aware of the identity that You give me."

Ephesians 2:1-5

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

Challenge:

Share your story with one other person. If this is your first time sharing your testimony, maybe share it with another Christian friend and ask them if it made sense. If you're ready, find someone that needs to hear the hope you found in Jesus and let them know how you found it.

EXTRA CREDIT CHALLENGE: Record a 2 minute video of your sharing your testimony and share it with or post on social media for your friends and family.

More Resources

Discover how YOUR story can change THEIR story…forever! God wants to use your influence in the lives of lost people around you – to help them be in heaven with you someday.

Your testimony is not only a direct attack against the devil, but also an encouragement to others who are fighting battles of their own.

Carpenter's Way Book. It is free.

May

There is Peace

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by having that conversation with a friend or loved one you've been putting off. A helpful tip for having conversations that you've putting off is to begin with something like: "Hey friend. I've been wanting to talk to you about something but I've been really nervous about how it might turn out. But I really feel like this conversation will help both of us.  I might get tongue tied in it, but I really value our friendship. Would you be patient with you while I try to explain why this is important to me?

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, I want my world to look like your Kingdom. Please help me make more peace with the people around me. Give me courage to speak up when it's time and to always see in front of me a person you love and Jesus to save instead of just seeind a problem or a hurt feeling."

Matthew 5:5-9

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Challenge:

Choose to make peace by staying present in the moment, addressing an area that is lacking peace, and by trusting the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions.

Invite a couple friends, a small group leader, or a mature Christian in your life to be praying with you about your hope to grow as a peacemaker in your world. Invite them to push you forward and be honest with them about what is making you nervous.

‭‭Hebrews 12:12-15 ESV‬

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;"

More Resources

The BEATITUDES - Matt Chandler

Through Jesus’s teaching, learn what the blessed life really looks like.

Blessed are they - YouVersion

A six day devotional, looking at the beatitudes and the marvelous design God has upon our lives.

Good Boundaries and Goodbyes

New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst helps us to love others without  losing the best of who we are.

April

An Honest and Hopeful Look at Suffering

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by sending a note or text, checking in on someone that recently experienced loss or suffering, or inviting someone into your story of a hard season you've experienced.

Prayer:

"Lord, I know you are God whether I am in the valley or on the mountain top.  Help me to worship you in honesty and in hope whether I am in the highest or lowest of places."

Philippians 4:12-13

"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Challenge:

In whatever season you are in right now, find someone in the opposite season and spend some time with them.  If you are going through some darkness, maybe get coffee with a friend this week that is a pillar of strength and hope that you can share your story with.  If you are experiencing a season of joy and blessing, take a moment to find someone near you that could use some of that joy right about now.

More Resources

The life Jesus invites us into when we follow him is one of sacrifice.

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known psalms.

The story chronicles the epic adventure of a man named Christian who leaves his home in the City of Destruction and begins a life-long quest to the Celestial City.

Conversation Starter:

Bring someone closer by asking about their childhood hometown and listen for what made it good or bad.  People love nostalgia and it gives you a glimpse at what helped form this person you're speaking to.

Prayer:

"Father, help me be the kind of person that builds bridges for those that need to see You."

"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Challenge:

Send someone a gift.  It can be your spouse, your child, a teacher at school, the bank teller, your favorite Sonic carhop, or really anyone.  Give them a small gift with a note letting them know that you prayed for them.  Everyone can use a little prayer, everyone likes little gifts, and everyone can use a little practice in gifting someone for no reason.  Take a mental note of how it feels and how God gives you blessings out of His grace.

More Resources

Five Transformative Values that Root Us in the Way of Jesus

We’re going to take a closer look at Romans chapter 8 and discover how God’s love sets us free

Author and pastor J.D. Greear has thought a lot about his salvation.

Ask a friend or new acquaintance "What is something truly good in your life this week?"

Prayer:

"Lord, help me keep your truths on the front of my mind and ready to speak."

Psalm 63:2-24

  2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

  3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

  4 So I will bless you as long as I live;

    in your name I will lift up my hands.



Tell a friend or stranger something you are thankful to God for, three times this week.  It can be something about your family, your drive into work, a news article you read, or something you heard from church.  It doesn't matter what it is, but practice bragging about what the Lord is doing.

More Resources

Evangelism is a thrilling journey God calls Jesus-followers to life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sharing your faith with others isn’t often easy. This reading plan offers three steps to help you get started.

Start conversations while exploring how five key gospel truths intricately weave into the fabric of everyday life.

Bring someone Closer by asking, “What has faith been like for you?” and just listen to their story.

Prayer:

“Father, please help me listen to friends, family, and strangers today and hear their hope or hopelessness through your ears.”

Send a text or note to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.

More Resources

Evangelism is a thrilling journey God calls Jesus-followers to life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sharing your faith with others isn’t often easy. This reading plan offers three steps to help you get started.

Start conversations while exploring how five key gospel truths intricately weave into the fabric of everyday life.