Page 153 - First Steps 2023

Memorize the following verses together.

Heart and Mind
Here are a short stack of passages
that will help you remember where to
turn when life feels less than joyful.
Consider memorizing them; they’ll come in helpful the next time dis-
appointments come calling.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when
we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that
spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which
you have already heard in the true message of the gospel”
(Colossians 1:3-5).

“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given
to us” (Romans 5:5, NASB).

Stretch A Week (or Two) of Gratitude
Activity
One Focusing on the blessings you’ve received is a great
idea that almost no one actually does.
Except for you—and your discipler!
A notepad, a journal, the back of stray envelopes pulled out of the
trash—wherever you’d like, every day jot down your response to this ques-

tion: Where are you blessing me today, Jesus?
Big stuff, small stuff, stuff that lifts your spirits and stuff that causes
you to sigh—it’s all stuff that God may be bringing into your life so he can
shape you and use you in new ways.
Hang onto your notes—you’ll be sharing them with your discipler.

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