Good Things

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Christmas is almost here! This means we are all probably making plans and waiting (impatiently) for Christmas morning! What’s going on your Christmas list? What gifts are we getting our loved ones? How many hundreds of Christmas cookies can you eat between now and New Year’s Day? You know what they say, “good things come to those who wait.” It’s true for us today, but it was also true on the very first Christmas — the day God’s plans were set in motion through the birth of Jesus. 

You see, for centuries, God had been telling the world through prophets that a Savior was on the way. And He was! So let this holiday season be a reminder to you (even when you’re waiting impatiently) that this is as true now as it was back then: God has a plan.

Is it ever difficult for you to believe God has a good plan for our lives? Why do you think that is?

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

How long does it take to cook a good Christmas dinner? Way longer than the three minutes it takes to microwave a ramen noodle cup, that’s for sure! Good things take time and involve a process. Just like God had a plan for humanity and sent Jesus to fulfill it, God also has a plan for you- and it is a good one.  And the best part? It won’t start once you’re cleaned up enough, or old enough, or cool enough. 

God’s plan for you is already in motion! God is already working in your life! What has God already done in your life? Our verse today says that if God started working, that means it will be finished. You can relax and know God is always on your side. God is working on your behalf. Think about all the good things God has done for you. 

Do you feel God’s plan for you is currently in motion, or do you feel you are at a standstill?

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Let’s be honest, unwrapping a Christmas gift can either be a hit or a miss, and many times, it depends on who it is from. You may open Grandma’s gift reluctantly, afraid to find some new pair of socks, but if your best friend gives you a gift, you open it with excitement because you know that friend knows you well. The uncertainty of what the future holds is a major trigger for anxiety. You may be anxious about what the future will look like. You may have a fear that everything in your life won’t unravel as greatly as you can imagine. 

Be encouraged by God’s promise: God knows the plans for you. It will not be a disappointment. This plan for you will be for your good.  No one knows you better or loves you more than God does because God created you. As your life unfolds and unravels, you can walk with peace because your future is full of hope! As you read this Bible passage, take time to pray, “God, I will no longer fear. I trust that the plans you have for me.” 

What brings up feelings of uncertainty for you? 

Scripture: Ephesians 1:9-10

The story of Christmas is beautiful and joyful, but it’s also a mystery story. It was impossible to know or explain how Jesus would become a man when he would arrive and what it all would look like. People had their own ideas but could never have imagined what God had planned. And then, on Christmas Day, Jesus arrived at just the right time, in the right place, in the right way, and the world changed! 

Finally, the mystery was solved! Prophecies from long ago were fulfilled in an unexpected way. Today’s verse tells us Jesus is the center of God’s plan; to heal everything in creation into a relationship with God. Look up at the nearest clock around you. See how the seconds are clicking on by? Some things probably don’t make sense in your life, but be confident that time is still moving. Maybe it’s not happening when you want, but God has the right time for everything. 

When you think about your relationship with God, what has felt like a mystery to you?

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

Are you a Type A or Type B person? Type A people are those who like to follow a plan and system for everything they do. Think . . . people who cannot start driving without the directions. Type B’s are more willing to go with the flow. Think . . . people who will start driving, strictly relying on muscle memory (even if they’ve never been to the current destination). Do you have a step-by-step plan to reach your goals? It’s definitely not a bad thing. It can be a mark of someone who is careful about the choices they make.

However, we should never get so caught up with our own steps that we forget to look around and acknowledge that God is the one who leads us. Think of what steps you’re currently taking or about to take that you can present to God in prayer. Spending time in prayer can bring awareness to situations we hadn’t previously considered. Pray sincerely and ask God to close doors that are not beneficial and open those that are. 

What do you have planned for yourself? Do you think God may have a different direction for you to take?

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-2

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little catastrophe, right? Gifts get lost in the mail. Someone breaks that weird (but very cute) Play-Doh ornament you made when you were six. There’s a big fight during Christmas dinner. Your family’s overly aggressive light display knocks out the power in your entire city. You know, the usual. Plans go badly, things get broken, and relationships get damaged. And I’m not just talking about the holidays anymore — I’m talking about the human condition. 

God’s original plan for us and the world was really good, but sin messed things up. Sin is the thing that damages our relationships with God and each other. But God has always had a plan, and that plan was always good. God’s plan rights our wrongs. It brings healing and hope to our catastrophes. It restores our relationship with God. It’s this plan that we celebrate every Christmas because, just like the perfect bow completes a Christmas gift, Jesus completes God’s plan. 

What does it mean to you to know Jesus completes God’s plan?

Scripture: Matthew 1:21-23

Christmas is the most profitable time for most retail stores. They bombard us with commercials, billboards, and mail, claiming their product is the best. There is so much build-up, so much anticipation to finally get what you really want. You may find very quickly that a lot of products over-promise and under-deliver. God is never that way. We don’t need to fear the promises that seem too good to be true. 

For centuries, the people of Israel had waited for the prophecy of the arrival of Jesus to come true, and we can imagine that some people gave up believing. Until it happened, just as it was told many years before. Jesus came to make way for us to know God. More than that, Jesus gave us a path to healing and wholeness. We can be assured Jesus is not like those who may have failed us before. Jesus’ name means Emmanuel, or God with us. 

Do you feel uneasy or unsure during this holiday season? Do you feel alone and need a companion and friend?

Scripture: John 3:16

Did you know today’s verse is the most quoted verse in the bible? And for a good reason. In one sentence, it summarizes God’s love for humanity. Not only that, but it also tells us God’s purpose. God so loved the world. Not just you, not just your city or country, but God’s love extends far, high, deep, and wide. We celebrate Christmas by giving gifts. Sure, it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of this holiday, but it’s also a great reminder of God’s love for us, as well as how we should love one another. 

We are never more like God than when we give. We can give of our time or maybe a gift we created ourselves. These are great examples of what God is like. Especially when you give with sacrifice, whether you’ve saved up for a long time and were patient for that money or gave away one of your most treasured possessions. God also gave the ultimate sacrifice and most prized possession, Jesus, all from a place of love. 

How can you be generous with your time and energy?

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Have you ever asked a toddler to help you with some sort of chore? They always seem to have a . . . “creative” way of doing the complete opposite! Suddenly, a simple task that would have taken you ten minutes has now taken up much of your afternoon. That’s what sin is like. Sin is doing the opposite of what God wants. And just like that chore that has to be done twice after you get a little one involved, sin comes with a cost.

Sin doesn’t only defy God; it also harms us.  Jesus came to live a life of honor, die for humanity as a sign of love, and forgive all the sins ever committed. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we receive healing, wholeness and restore our relationship with God. When we choose to live by God’s plan, we get to live life with Jesus now and forever in Heaven. Jesus’ life was the greatest gift God could have given. His life showed what it means to love God and love others. Jesus completes God’s plan.

Have you seen the direct consequence to sin in your life?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

You are an absolute masterpiece. Lots of time, planning, and vision were involved for you to exist and show up in the world as wonderfully as you do. But unlike a work of art, you’re not just created to be admired from afar. Art makes us think, feel, and wonder, but we cannot engage it completely. It is not a living thing. God created you to be. And out of your existence would later come good works. Good works are done with good intentions.

This world needs people willing to do good. Some people wonder why there’s no more good in the world. It is much easier to find and report bad news than to even find good news, much less report and share it. God wants to bring about that good through how we live, how we serve, and where we spend our time. We like to frame these as “good deeds.” Simply put, a little good deed here and there can really change the fabric of an entire community! Pray and ask God to show you what good deeds you can do today. 

What would you qualify as a good deed? 

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-17

If all you knew about Christmas were the ads you saw around Christmas time, you’d think Christmas was a season of perfect joy, festivities, and fond family memories. But let’s be real. Christmas can also mean plenty of stress, a bunch of family drama, and maybe even some grief. Maybe you lost a loved one this year, or you’re exhausted splitting time between divorced parents, or you don’t have the means to exchange the kinds of gifts you want to exchange, or you’re having to spend more time with family members who frustrate or have hurt you. 

At Christmastime, you may not always feel like singing “Joy to the World,” but here’s the thing I’ve discovered. With Jesus, joy is always possible (even when happiness isn’t) because joy runs deeper than our circumstances. This Christmas, God has already offered you this gift. Because with the gift of Jesus we’re also given this truth: Jesus brings joy.

When you hear people celebrating the joy Jesus brings, what feelings come up for you?

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Has anyone ever told you, “Don’t worry. Just be happy,” when you were upset? When you hear that, it probably makes you wish it was as easy as flipping an ON and OFF switch. Obviously, that is not the case. Sometimes worry creeps into your mind, and the weight of it slows you down.  In today’s verse, we read the words, “Rejoice” or “be joyful,” but they’re followed up by pointing us to the source of joy . . . “in the Lord.” 

Maybe worry, and anxiety get in the way when you try to talk to God, but today, we can imagine God saying, “I want you to bring those worries to me, and I’ll carry the weight. I will give you the joy that you long for.” That is the secret to true joy. See, sometimes we look for joy and contentment in so many different places, but it’s only after we talk to God we can be filled with peace and joy. So we list our needs and thank God in advance for what we believe will happen.

Will you come to God in that kind of prayer today? 

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-9

What happens when you don’t “see” God working? Do you get angry? Do you feel sad? Do you give up easily? Do you run away into other comforts and pleasures? These past weeks, we have been learning about God’s plans. Yes, it’s hard to see exactly how God’s working things out, but today’s verse affirms this truth: You don’t need to see it before choosing to believe it.  

Trusting God brings joy, a joy that doesn’t come from wishful thinking but from the love for God. This kind of trust isn’t wandering aimlessly but comes from a specific place. When you choose to love God above all else, trust comes naturally.  We love because God first loved us, and that love conquers out all fear. You may not see the results you expected, nor have all the answers, but you have something even better—God’s love. 

Of all of the ways Jesus gives us hope, which of them brings a smile to you today? 

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

When you focus on a seed that’s planted, you notice its growth. It can feel remarkable to see the first sprout. This time of year, we see plenty of mighty Christmas trees. Maybe you live someplace that has an actual tree farm. Can you imagine those giant trees were once seedlings? Sprouts? What are your eyes focused on? Can you notice the little marks of growth if you are distracted or discouraged by how long the process is taking?

Jesus died on a cross because he knew there was joy when he rose from the dead. He knew we would get to be with him! No matter how painful his death was, he loved us so much that it was worth it. It was a long journey, and it took everything out of him, yet we know there was a light at the end of that tunnel. You can follow his example and understand that nothing this life brings will ever take away the fact that Jesus loves you. So, as you read this verse, no matter what you face in life, believe that it will all be worth it in the end. 

What are you currently growing through?

Scripture: John 15:11

Do you know what the difference between joy and happiness is? Happiness is an emotion based on outward experiences, while joy is inward contentment that lasts. There’s nothing wrong with wanting happiness; we need it to enjoy life. But what’s special is, God offers us more. The joy that Jesus gives is a complete joy. It’s not once-in-a-while, when-everything-is-going-great kind of joy, but one that flows from the inside out. It’s also not a little bit of joy, but it’s a joy that radiates through you and unto others! 

God loves you so much, and because of this, nothing can take away your confidence and inner peace that comes from God’s love. It’s trusting Jesus that helps us to see all God is doing in our lives. When the angels announced “Joy to the world!” they included you, too. Joy to the world now and forever because they knew Jesus had come at last. The joy Jesus brought lasted throughout generations and will continue to bring joy in our darkest moments.

Would you ask Jesus to fill you with his complete joy today? 

Scripture: Romans 12:1

You know that phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season?” It’s everywhere at this time of year. You see it on coffee mugs, Christmas cards, holiday signs, and Christmas playlists. And do you know why this phrase is everywhere? Because we need the reminder! Without it, it’s easy for Christmas to become all about us. Our wants. Our gifts. Our wish lists. It’s pretty strange, isn’t it, that we can be so selfish on a holiday that’s all about selflessness? 

Think about it — the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born, was all about sacrifice. First there was Mary, Jesus’ mother, who gave up her own plans in order to say yes to God’s plan. And Jesus, God Himself, came to earth as a sacrifice too. He gave up everything, eventually even His life, for you and me. God’s plans are always good, but God’s plans require sacrifice. 

Is there anything you might need to give up in order to be part of God’s plans?

Scripture: Hebrews 13:16

Sharing is caring! How many of us absolutely hated being told this as a kid? No, I do not want to share right now. We struggle to share with those around us even today because we forget it is a caring act. Three things may stop you from sharing with others. 1. You think you deserve it more than them, 2. You believe having all of it for yourself will make you happier, or 3. You are unmotivated to bother going up to them and offering. 

It may be a harsh reality, but none of those reasons are good. So what’s stopping you from sharing? Today’s verse says God is pleased when we sacrifice some of our belongings, time, and attention for the good of others. We usually think sharing something tangible will make more of a difference than something you can’t hold in your hands. But each act of selflessness is worth it. So think of something you can share this week to spread the spirit of Christmas. 

What usually brings up feelings of hesitation when it comes to sharing? 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

This Christmas vacation, you have an opportunity to rest and think about your life. You may be starting to feel the urge to pursue God’s plan for your life and begin serving others. But you may realize that some things have to change. To step into the new, you have to let go of the old. If someone gives you a new sweater you’ve been eyeing, are you going to hold on to your old sweater that is barely hanging on by a literal thread? 

Some sacrifices are going to go against your nature. For example, maybe you will have to wake up earlier to spend time in prayer or gain the courage to have a difficult conversation with a family member, so your relationship with them improves. You may have to resist temptations and certain bad habits while you’re home during winter break. But know this: the sacrifice is worth it. This verse challenges us to honor God even with our physical selves. God is there to guide you, help you, and strengthen you. 

What are some sacrifices you have to make to honor God?

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26

Have you ever had something you loved but clearly needed to give up because it just didn’t fit anymore? The truth is, God’s love is a gift given freely to us, but following Jesus is hard. Yes, we can come to God just as we are, but we are constantly growing as we engage in a healing journey with God. What are some things you know you are “growing out of”? In a lot of ways, their roots go so deep, they have become part of you. 

God restores and transforms humanity through love. God’s plan for you has always been good. After studying the Bible this month, we hope that you may continue to gain a desire to follow Jesus and his plan for your life.  Would you trust that this plan is better than yours? Sometimes, it is hard to trust God in this way. Maybe because others have let you down or, unfortunately, taken advantage of your trust. But time and time again, God proves to be always there for you.

What’s your greatest desire? What do you seek? And how does it align with God’s desire for you and humanity? 

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Do you know the famous tagline, “What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)?” How would your life look if you asked that question before every decision you made? Imagine asking yourself this for literally everything from cereal choices to which college to attend. Of course, we don’t have to follow this literally, but we can remember it is a great way to remind ourselves to live like Jesus. It means being selfless, the way Jesus was on the cross. Crucifixion was a terrifying form of torture in the first century. It had a 0% chance of survival rate. 

The words Paul wrote to churches were not just hype. He actually did go to prison, was spat on, beaten, and ultimately killed for preaching about Jesus. Like Paul, the life we live should be grounded in how Jesus lived. How do we live like Jesus? Where would Jesus wants us to go? How would Jesus wants us to give to others? Jesus loves us and lived a generous life for us. May we do the same in this holiday season.

What actions will show you’ve chosen to live for him today?