Page 144 - First Steps 2023

Session 9:
Living Joyfully as

a Jesus-Follower

The discipler begins the session.

If following Jesus is such a life-giving, soul-saving ad-
venture, if friendship with God brings rest, restoration,
and renewal, why are so many believers so...grumpy?
Why doesn’t knowing Jesus change everything? Isn’t experiencing a

joyful life part of the deal?
And if that’s not what you’re experiencing, 24/7/365, are you maybe
getting this whole follow-Jesus-as-a-disciple thing wrong somehow?
Both of you will discuss joyful living today. Expect to come away with
a new definition of “joyful,” and a new way of looking at any troubles that
come stampeding at you this week.

The discipler asks the following.

A Brief Pause

As you head into today’s session, there may be some-
thing distracting you. A challenge you’re facing. An
ache or pain that’s tugging at your attention. Something that’s between
you and being fully present for what’s about to happen in the next hour.
Let’s talk about it so the two of us can pray about what’s troubling
you, and you can set it aside for now. It’ll be there when you’re finished

with this session—and you’ll be better prepared to shoulder the weight
once again.
The disciple takes the lead.

Devotion Check In
Share with your discipler the thought or question you
focused on most.

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