“Most people want to hear or tell a good story. But they don’t realize they can and should be the good story. That requires intentional living. It is the bridge that crosses the gap to a life that matters.” – John Maxwell.

God is intentional, and He has called us to be the same. Being intentional is the key to accomplishing the right goals and living out our purpose. Living intentionally means doing things on purpose. For a Christian, living intentionally means becoming more like Jesus, which is not an easy task.

So why do we sometimes struggle to live intentionally? One reason is we don’t know who we are in Christ. Yes, that sounds a little philosophical, but think about it briefly. Identity is who you are. It is what you tell people you are. It is what you believe in your heart about yourself and have accepted about yourself. Striving to live for Him, glorifying His name, and walking out His purposes means your identity is rooted in who He says you are. If you want to live intentionally, we need to know God and let Him teach you who you are through His word.

You can’t live out God’s purpose for your life if you are running from Him or keeping Him at arm’s distance. Perhaps you know Him, but you choose to ignore His voice. You cannot live intentionally this way.  You can’t live intentionally listening to popular culture. In simple terms, culture is how a Christian relates to and interacts with society. Evidences of culture are all around us. The clothes we wear, what we watch and listen to, what we eat, how we think, what we read, and who we admire are just a few of the manifestations of culture. The implication for Christians is clear and challenging. Christians cannot simply uncritically absorb the culture in an attempt to be seen as relevant and calm because that could mean forsaking their responsibility to be “the salt of the earth.” Jesus’ call for us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world means that we can’t simply condemn culture and withdraw from it. We must live in a culture and under God. The goal is to learn to distinguish our cultural tendencies from biblical truths.

If you want to live intentionally, pursue God every day. Psalm 16:8 says, “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (NIV). Keep your eyes on God and look to Him for direction. Stay in His word. He will show you the way. Be purposeful and deliberate in your pursuit of God.

Life is filled with ups and downs, and our hearts must be constantly renewed and transformed to be like Christ’s. However, if we welcome God to transform us even when it’s hard, we will be on the right path to living an intentional life.

Discussion Questions:

1. Being intentional means knowing who you are, whose you are, why you’re here, where you’re going, and how to get there. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
2. What would it look like to practically pursue God’s purpose for your life daily?

“Spiritual formation is for everyone. Just as there is an ‘outer you’ that is being formed and shaped all the time, like it or not, by accident or on purpose, so there is an ‘inner you.’ You have a spirit. And it’s constantly being shaped and tugged at: by what you hear and watch and say and read and think and experience.” – John Ortberg.

The moment of saying yes to Jesus is powerful.  You feel euphoria or total peace as you deeply experience God’s love. It’s a special moment. But after that moment, God invites us to work with Him, to co-operate with Him, and to enter into a life of practice and spiritual training to become like Christ. We do not automatically become like Jesus. It takes time, it takes practice, it takes suffering, it takes failure, it takes a life of trust, and it takes intentionality.

“Spiritual formation” is the process of sanctification in which God uses every circumstance in believers’ lives to become more like Jesus. So spiritual formation asks the question: who are we becoming?  If we are to become apprentices of Jesus, we have to intentionally model our lives, habits, and practices on Jesus. We can be transformed into who Jesus calls us, but this will require change or spiritual formation.  John Mark Comer says that Christian spiritual formation is “the process of being formed into a person of self-giving love through deepening surrender to and union with the Trinity.”

The Bible uses the metaphor of the potter and the clay. We, as believers, are the clay, and God is the potter forming us into a specific shape. We are formed by our circumstances, our family, our gifts, the choices we make, that habits we have, our relationships, the job we work at, in fact just about everything is forming us and shaping us into a certain shape. The same applies to our spiritual formation. Our lives, our habits, our choices, our environment, and our spiritual practices all give a kind of shape to our lives and the condition of our hearts.

Spiritual formation can be unintentional or intentional. As the name implies, unintentional spiritual development is shaped by life experiences, habits, relationships, and environment without conscious intention. But spiritual growth and becoming more mature in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ is intentional. Someone who is growing spiritually will become more and more like Christ.

The most practical and powerful way to move towards Christ-like maturity is to establish habits that promote spiritual growth. Most often, we call these habits “spiritual disciplines.” It is the consistent, faithful, and intentional pursuit of Christ that develops our character and makes us like Jesus. We must pay close attention to our spiritual lives because no one accidentally grows spiritually; it takes intentionality. Remember Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

Rather than passively let outside influences shape us, we are called, as apprentices of Jesus, to be intentional with our beliefs, habits, relationships, and experiences as we seek to curate our lives to grow in our love for Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. We can’t change our lives until we change what we do every day. Agree or disagree and why?
2. What beneficial habits are you developing in your life? Determine to do them daily.

Summary: Let’s face it,  life can be hard. Relationships provide meaning and reflection; they help us organize who we are and what we do in this world. However, relationships can be complex. Relationships take work. It is easy to forget how much work as relationships change, evolve and transform over time. And that includes our relationship with God.

The butterfly is considered a wonder of nature. It symbolizes personal transformation, changes, and rebirth. The metamorphosis of a caterpillar is amazing. It disappears into a chrysalis created from its own body, and before long, a delicate and graceful winged butterfly emerges. The butterfly is often used as a metaphor for the different stages we go through to become who we are meant to be.

As Christians, we believe we are constantly being transformed into Christ’s likeness through a lifelong process. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” We also believe that transformation should be faster than the time-lapse video speed we are experiencing.

The good news is that transformation is not about speed but about becoming like Jesus. The Bible tells us about a notorious sinner transformed by the Lord. His name was Zacchaeus.  The story of Zacchaeus’s transformation is told in the Bible in Luke 19:1-10. The story describes how a wealthy tax collector was transformed into a follower of Jesus.

The love of Jesus transformed Zacchaeus’ life. There is no more powerful force than that of love. Love holds the power to transform everything it touches. The transforming power of love heals the deepest wounds and softens the harshest scars. Love alters outcomes and changes lives. The transforming love of Jesus is the idea that God’s love through Jesus can change people’s lives and make them more like Christ. The transformation prompted Zacchaeus to give away half his earthly goods and restore what he had defrauded fourfold. Where many people may change their ways in the future, Zacchaeus took full responsibility for what he had done in the past and was ready to make it right. Transformation requires sacrifice. Jesus has been changing people for thousands of years. Not superficial change but molding them into His likeness.

As we conform to the image of Christ, we show God’s love to those around us. Godly, transforming love is expressed to others in how we live, not what we say. The love of God is the fuel that transforms us into people who routinely and quickly become more like Jesus than mere conformity.

Discussion Questions:

1. God loves you too much to stay the same: agree or disagree and why?
2. What areas of your life need to change or be transformed? 

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:8-11.

In a world filled with constant demands and distractions, the call to simplify our lives is a spiritual practice that involves prioritizing what matters: our connection with God.  Talking about simplifying our lives and doing it is to separate things. The need to balance work, family, and other commitments can be overwhelming, leaving people who want to be more like Jesus exhausted and drained.

To tackle this issue, we have to prioritize our spiritual life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” As we make our spiritual life a priority, we ensure that time is set aside for prayer, Bible study, and seeking God’s presence. Everything else may still be important but is secondary to our relationship with God.

Psalm 16:8 states, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord.” That statement seems obvious. Maintaining a constant focus on Jesus Christ is essential because it helps you stay grounded in faith, find strength through difficult times, and avoid distractions from worldly concerns by centering your attention on His guidance and example. Hebrews 12:2 says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith….”Before you can simplify your life, take a moment to be still before God: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world” (Psalm 46:10).

We need to love more intentionally if we are going to simplify our lives and focus on what matters most. Although this is difficult to master, the more you practice living for what you value, the easier it becomes. Try carving out a day a week when you intentionally take time to focus on what matters and let everything else fall to the wayside.

When we make abiding in Jesus our number one priority, we see our other responsibilities in light of that. As we go about our day, He’ll show us what to do and what to let go of. The Holy Spirit will lead us. When obeying in Jesus becomes our first concern, we can handle challenges more gracefully. Jesus renews our peace, gives us wisdom for our next right thing, and enables us to navigate our priorities step by step.

“If you want your life to have impact, focus it! Stop dabbling. Stop trying to do it all. Do less. Prune away even good activities and do only that which matters most. Never confuse activity with productivity. You can be busy without a purpose, but what’s the point?” – Rick Warren.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which areas of your life could benefit most from simplification?
2. How can focusing on your relationship with God help simplify other aspects of your life? 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.” – Acts 1:8-9.

Acts 1: 8-9 describes the momentous event when Jesus ascends to His Father. Jesus had prepared them that this day was coming. In fact, He said it was good.  In John 16:7, back at the Last Supper, He said, “I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” 

Imagine you are a disciple, and you are trying to wrap your head around the idea that it is good that Jesus goes away. I’m sure if we were in their shoes, we would struggle with any scenario of  Jesus not being there. Who could blame us? Jesus is eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, and unchangeable. He is equal with God the Father. He demonstrates compassion in every interaction, advocates for a world where love and forgiveness prevail, and exemplifies humility in every aspect of His life. Who wouldn’t want more time with Him?

Jesus told the disciples He would leave beforehand to prepare them emotionally and mentally. But Jesus also had a way to prepare them spiritually. He left friends, family members, and loved ones. But He didn’t leave them or us orphaned. He gave them and gave us the Holy Spirit.

We need the Holy Spirit to understand and live out God’s will. He guides us in our daily lives, reveals truths about God, convicts us of sin, empowers us to live righteously, and provides the strength to resist temptation. He essentially acts as a constant presence of God within us to live a life dedicated to Him; without the Holy Spirit, we wouldn’t have the ability to truly comprehend God’s plan or live a life aligned with His teachings.

The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of everything Jesus said. As we read God’s Word, we can trust the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we read. We can also expect the Holy Spirit to bring to our remembrance the truth about who God is, who we are, what God promises, what God has done, and what God will do. The Holy Spirit renews us. This renewing work begins the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, but it also continues each day as we respond to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

God did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves. He provided an amazing Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit who will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves—if we let Him.   

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe a time when you became aware of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.

“Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny.” – C. S. Lewis

The word “journey” is a helpful metaphor when considering Christianity. Christianity is a journey, not an event; it is the process of growing closer to God over time. The journey of faith is a lifelong adventure that includes learning, growth, and transformation. It has highs and lows. You will go through valleys and mountaintops. You will learn things in the valleys you will never learn on the mountaintops, and vice versa.

But like any journey, we need to focus on the process of getting there as well as the arrival. A journey implies changes, transitions, challenges, and adventures. Like any journey, we want to know the route and expect smooth travel without drama or anxiety. But the Christian life may be anything but smooth and we should be open to meeting God in the unexpected. When we look at our Christian walk as a journey, and as we learn to trust our navigator, we are less likely to resist change and challenge.

There are people who enjoy an adventure on their own, but most people like travel companions on their journey. Maybe they are flying with us to Los Angeles where they get off the plane as we continue on to Hawaii. They were a big help as you juggled all your luggage through the airport and helped pass the time on the flight to California. But they won’t be there to talk on the flight to Hawaii or help with the luggage when your plane lands. Regardless of where you are in life’s journey, God is always present in your life, including the good and challenging times, and by your side, supporting you throughout your entire path; signifying His constant presence and unwavering support in every situation.  “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Sometimes, when we travel, just like physical luggage, our emotional burdens can weigh us down, hindering our journey in life. However, through faith in God, we can release these burdens and find rest in Him. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” an invitation to surrender them to God for healing and release.

The biggest and most significant journey story in the Bible is Jesus leaving heaven and coming to earth for our sake, to live and die and be raised again so that we can live in Him. Jesus asks us to journey with Him. The Holy Spirit works in us so we can grow into Jesus’ image on the journey and so we can reach the journey’s end.

Turning to God is a journey and lifestyle, not an event. Being moldable, changeable, and influenceable each day helps us stay close to God along that journey.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered on your spiritual path?
2. How does your faith guide your daily decisions and actions?

 Summary: Any retelling of the life of Jesus Christ will fall far short of doing it justice. Learning the facts of Jesus’ life and ministry will whet your appetite to learn more. Understanding Christ is the foundation for understanding true Christianity, which is believing and living by Christ’s teachings and striving to imitate His perfect life.

As Christians, we are called to imitate Jesus in all aspects of our life. It has spurred an often-asked question of “What would Jesus do?” in any given situation. While being completely like Jesus is way above our pay grade, some specific traits of Jesus can help us imitate Him in our own lives. It is no different than learning the core competencies of our profession.  If you are a firefighter, you must learn how to fight fires. Accountants must master the bookkeeping skills involved with accounting, and teachers must master the skills to enable children to learn.

 When Jesus called His twelve disciples and began to train them to make more disciples, He trained them in specific areas, like a master training a group of apprentices, so they could carry on the work that He started. Then, as now, a disciple must develop the competencies of Jesus by becoming like Him on the outside. He knew he couldn’t teach them everything, so He focused on some key competencies that still apply to us today.

Jesus’ time with His disciples and on earth was short. He knew that He must invest His time wisely. He knew he must prepare His key followers for what lay ahead. He must reproduce His influence, teaching, and ministry. So He withdrew from the crowds to personally teach His closest and key followers. Jesus taught us to invest in others, who in turn would invest in others, who in turn… invested in us

From the beginning, Jesus told the disciples that He would make them into something different: “Come, follow me,…and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Their occupation of catching fish changed into a mission of fishing for people. At each step along the way, Jesus taught them to share with others, connect people to God, and minister to those in need. Those competencies include a deep personal relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, actively sharing the Gospel with others, demonstrating love and compassion, living a life aligned with God’s teachings, serving others, and actively seeking to grow in their faith, essentially, embodying the character of Christ through daily actions and decisions.

It is not easy to model our lives after Jesus, but we can learn to make disciples as Jesus made. After all, if we obey everything Jesus commanded, we, too, will learn to replicate the process by which we became His disciples.  It is a natural process: we follow Jesus, Jesus changes us, and—as we follow the one who spent His time making disciples—we, too, commit to make disciples as He did. Loving people as Jesus loved people through service means that we want to see people come to faith in Jesus and live as He did.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the most practical way of adopting Jesus’s lifestyle this week?
2. If we want more of God’s peace, we need to adopt Jesus’s lifestyle. Agree or disagree, and why?

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”  – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

The idiom “seeing is believing” has been passed down from generation to generation. It is used in conversation when people are more likely to accept something as true if they can see it with their own eyes, essentially implying that visual evidence is necessary for belief. It makes sense because our society is based on proof, evidence, and verifiable research.

It can be hard for us to believe something we have not seen, felt, or witnessed for ourselves, especially when it seems unbelievable. Thomas is a good example. In John 20, Jesus appears to His disciples, except for Thomas, after His crucifixion and resurrection. When the disciples tell Thomas what they have seen, he does not believe them.  So the other disciples tell him, “…We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” (John 20:25).  Thomas had a self-imposed criterion for believing in Jesus’ resurrection of not only seeing but also touching. In other words, Thomas needed that visual, tangible, observable physical proof.

Hebrews 11 1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1). By definition, faith is not talking about, thinking about, or even celebrating God’s truth. It is the process of adapting your behavior, your decisions and ultimately, your whole lifestyle to align with what God has asked you to do — without needing to see the evidence it will all work out.

Faith in things that cannot be seen is the belief that something is true even though the physical senses cannot perceive it. It is the conviction that what is hoped for is real, even if it is not visible.  After showing His wounds and scars to Thomas so that he would believe, Jesus stressed the importance of having faith. Jesus said to him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29). This belief in things “not seen” is easier said than done, especially when it comes to the great unseen of God and His promises.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Faith increases through a genuine relationship with God.  Study what the Bible reveals about faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. Faith is the hope of things unseen. What are those unseen things and how does faith impact them?
2. Does God still reveal His will in specific ways or is He content to leave a lot of our choices up to us?