Each month, we're excited to introduce a special challenge crafted to foster spiritual development through personal devotion. This isn't intended to substitute your worship service, small group discipleship, or Bible studies, but rather aims to provide a fresh and enriching challenge during your time with God. Dive into activities like delving into different books of the Bible, prayer, worship, and more, as we lead you on a journey toward spiritual growth.
What is Challenge 2024?
Check back each month for a new challenge.
December
Goal: Reflect on this year’s 11 challenges and design a personal goal for December.
Overview: As we close out the year, take time to reflect on the journey so far:
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What challenge grew you the most?
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What stretched you or pushed you out of your comfort zone?
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Why was it so hard, and what did you learn?
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Using your reflections, create a goal for December that builds on what God has already started in your life this year. Make it something meaningful, achievable, and uniquely tailored to your own growth.
Examples of Personal Goals:
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Commit to praying daily for someone in your life.
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Dedicate time each week to serve your community or someone in need.
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Focus on deepening your understanding of a specific Scripture passage or theme.
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Revisit a past challenge and try it again with renewed energy.
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Write your goal down and pray over it. Consider sharing it with a friend or family member who can encourage and support you as you finish the year strong, keeping your eyes on Jesus.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14
NOVEMBER
Goal: To pray for our missionaries.
Overview: For the month of November, let's come together as a church family to dedicate daily prayer to our missionaries! This challenge invites each of us to intentionally pray for our missionaries, covering their needs and their ministries.
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Each day, focus on praying for one or more of our missionaries. You can find a list with their names, locations, and ministries [HERE]
Prayer Focus:​
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Location: Pray for the unique needs and challenges of the country or region they are serving in.
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Family: Lift up the personal and family needs of each missionary, that they may find strength, support, and peace in their calling.
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Mission Focus: Pray for the impact of their ministry, asking for God’s guidance and blessings on their work to spread His love.
As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"​
Romans 10:15
OCTOBER
Goal: Read the book of Proverbs. Track your favorites.
Overview: Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom, but it can also feel like a slow read at times, as consecutive verses often touch on unrelated topics. As you read, take time to reflect on each piece of wisdom. Find a journal or a place where you can write down your favorite verses and what they mean to you in that moment. Remember, you might revisit the same verse later and find a new insight. Your reflections will capture what resonated with you before and help you see how God’s wisdom speaks to you in different seasons.
Daily Reflection Questions:​​
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What does this verse mean to me right now?
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How can I apply this wisdom today?
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Has this verse changed in meaning since the last time I read it?
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.​
Proverbs 4:7
SEPTEMBER
Challenge: 31 Day Devotional
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Goal: This month, we invite you to embark on a 31-day devotional challenge using our new guide, "But I Say: 31 Days with Jesus in Deuteronomy," authored by our Director of Outreach, Daniel Maasen.
Overview: We often find the Old Testament, especially the Torah, challenging to apply in our daily lives. We wonder how to discern which parts of the Law still speak to us today. Our hope is that through this devotional, you will begin to develop the "spiritual muscles" needed to navigate and apply these ancient texts with confidence.
Details:​​
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Prepare Your Heart: Before you begin Day 1, take some time to read Romans 7. This chapter will provide you with valuable insight into how the Old Testament Law interacts with the New Covenant.
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Engage Daily: Dedicate time each day to walk through one of the devotionals in "But I Say." As you read, consider how Jesus is revealed in the book of Deuteronomy and how these teachings apply to your life today.
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Reflect and Apply: Each day, reflect on what you've read and seek to apply the insights to your daily life. How can the truths of Deuteronomy shape your thoughts, actions, and faith?
Get Your Copy of But I Say:
"Printed copies are no longer available.
We apologize for any inconvenience." ​
That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.​
2 Timothy 3:17
August
Challenge: Practice confession and repentance
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Goal: Confession of sin is often easy to ignore, yet it is a vital aspect of our spiritual growth and relationship with God. This month, we challenge you to practice the confession of your sins and embrace true repentance.
Details:​
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Confession:
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With God: Set aside dedicated time daily to come before God in prayer, confessing your sins. Speak them out loud, acknowledging each sin specifically, and ask for His forgiveness.
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With an Accountability Partner: Find a trusted friend or mentor within the church community to whom you can confess your struggles. Having someone to confide in can provide support and encouragement.
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Repentance:
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Turn Away from Sin: Confession is the first step, but true repentance involves turning away from sin. Reflect on each sin you confess and think of practical steps to avoid repeating it.
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Mental Sins: Acknowledge that some sins are not physical but mental. Plan and prepare strategies to combat these mental battles. This might include scripture meditation, prayer, or seeking advice from a spiritual mentor.
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Encouragement:​​
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Each step you take towards confession and repentance draws you closer to God and strengthens your spiritual walk. Embrace the challenge with a heart open to transformation and renewal.
Let’s support one another as a church family, lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement as we strive to live lives of genuine repentance.
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.​
Acts 3:19
July
Challenge: Read Psalm 119 as many times as you can
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Goal:
Psalm 119 is rich with wisdom and guidance. It’s divided into 22 sections, each with 8 verses. Throughout July, let's explore it together. You can approach it in a way that best fits your spiritual journey:
Approach:​
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Complete the entire Psalm in one sitting - for a comprehensive understanding.
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Read an 8-verse section each day - to absorb and reflect on its teachings.
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.​ Psalm 119:1
June
Challenge: Embracing Stillness and Silence
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Goal:
To cultivate moments of stillness and silence to connect with God in a deeper way. In the busyness of life, it's easy to drown out the voice of God. Let's intentionally create space for quietude, allowing room for divine inspiration and reflection.
Example:
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Set aside 20-30 minutes. You can do this daily, but try to aim for at least four times this month.
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Find a comfortable and peaceful space where you won't be disturbed. Finding a quiet place in nature is highly recommended, though it could be around your house.
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Let go of any agendas or distractions. Simply be present in the moment. No grocery list, chore chart or sorting of work.
- Be open to the presence of God. Allow yourself to listen attentively to his voice and be receptive to any guidance or insights that may be offered.
- Practice any of your prayer habits, whether praying through Scripture, prayer journaling, praying through the prayer chain, etc.
Enjoy time with God, your Creator, and His great creation!
Feel free to customize the example to better fit you!
May
Challenge: Worship as a family
Join us for the Family Worship Challenge, an opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey as a family beyond Sunday services! Throughout this month, we invite each family to engage in their own worship sessions at least four times.
Worship is more than a weekly event; it's a daily rhythm that nourishes our souls. Here's a suggested example to inspire your family worship sessions:
Here's what you do...
1. Start with Music:
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Gather around and sing a song together, or listen to a praise song from YouTube.
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2. Scripture Reflection:
Read a passage from the Bible or a devotional book. Take turns sharing insights and reflections.
3. Share God's Work:
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Discuss how you've each seen God at work in your lives recently. Celebrate His presence and blessings.
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4. Prayer and Support:
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Share any concerns or prayer requests as a family. Lift each other up in prayer, offering support and encouragement.
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5. Closing:
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Conclude your family worship time by either singing another song together, or listening to another praise song, and consider one of two options:
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Option 1: Choose another uplifting song to sing or listen to.
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Option 2: Select a verse from Scripture to memorize together. Write this verse in a common area for the family to see over the next week, allowing it to guide and inspire your daily lives.
Feel free to adjust the example to better fit your family's preferences and dynamics!
Resources tailored to support families like yours!
Weekly Parent Connect Newsletter:
Every week, we send out our Parent Connect Newsletter directly to your inbox, packed with valuable resources to enhance your family worship experience.
Gospel Project @Home Content:
Access exclusive content from the Gospel Project @Home series, designed to bring the Bible to life in engaging and meaningful ways for families. This resource is included in the weekly Parent Connect Newsletter.
May Gospel Project @Home Content
Beginning: Family Worship in Genesis:
Teaching our children the Scriptures in a compelling, relevant, and holistic manner during daily family worship is one of the chief means we can achieve this. If you need help to do that – this is the series for you! It’s a comprehensive guide for the entire family and particularly children between the ages of 5–12.
Let's make worship a vibrant part of our family life, nurturing our spiritual growth and strengthening our bonds with each other and with God.
April
Challenge:
Read the book of James as many times as possible this month. The book of James is known for its practical guidance on living a life of faith and good works, emphasizing the importance of acting upon one's beliefs. Reading it multiple times can indeed help deepen your understanding and retention of its teachings.
Strategies
Here are a few strategies you might consider to achieve your goal:
1. Daily Reading of the Entire Book
Plan: Dedicate a specific time each day to read it through. Early morning or before bedtime can be good choices, helping you start or end your day with reflection
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Duration: James is relatively short and can be read in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your reading speed.
2. Study with Commentary or Study Guide
Plan: As you read, incorporate a reputable commentary or a study guide. Allocate more time for each reading session to include study notes or commentary insights. This will enrich your understanding.
Duration: This could mean setting aside 30 minutes to an hour each day.
3. Journaling Your Insights and Applications
Plan: Consider keeping a journal to record your prayers and any insights or reflections that arise during this time. It can be a powerful way to track your journey and witness the impact of prayer in your life and the lives of those you're praying for.
4. Discuss Your Readings
Plan: Weekly discussions can provide new insights and keep you motivated. Sharing what you’ve learned or struggled with can be incredibly enriching.
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5. Memorization
Plan: Select key verses to memorize. This practice can deeply embed the teachings in your heart and mind.
Application and Reflection:
Application: After each reading, ask yourself how you can apply James's teachings to your daily life. Identify specific actions or changes you can make.
Reflection: At the end of the month, reflect on how this practice has impacted your spiritual life and everyday actions.
March
Challenge:
This month, we encourage you to set aside time to pray for others. While you may feel you've engaged in this practice before or currently do so, we urge you to delve deeper.
It's not just about praying for someone; it's about letting them know
you've prayed for them.
Here's what you do...
1. Commit to Prayer:
Set aside time each day to pray for specific individuals in your personal circles. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a colleague, or someone you've recently encountered, your prayers can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
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2. Pray with Purpose:
As you pray, focus on the needs, joys, and challenges of those you're lifting up. Ask for God's guidance, comfort, healing, and blessings to be upon them. If you're not sure how to pray for someone, take the time to ask them. This can provide you with specific intentions for your prayers and show them that you truly care. Let your heart be open to the prompting of the Spirit as you intercede on behalf of others.
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3. Communicate With The Ones You Pray For:
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After you've prayed for someone, take the extra step to communicate with them directly. Let them know that you've prayed for them and that they are on your heart. Consider sending a simple text message, a handwritten card, or even reaching out in person. If you feel comfortable, you can even share a portion of the prayer you said for them. Your gesture of kindness and connection can have a profound impact, reminding others that they are loved and supported.
Example Text Message to John Doe:
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"Dear John, I've been praying for you, asking the Lord to provide you with strength as you navigate the decisions regarding your parents' care. I also pray that your job proceeds without any hurdles and that you're presented with opportunities to share your faith at work. Your dedication and love for your family are truly admirable, and I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly. Amen."
February
Challenge:
Choose a portion of Scripture that challenges you, and over the course of the month, attempt to memorize that section of scripture. Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds. Ensure that it is sizable enough to remain a meaningful exercise throughout the month. If you find yourself mastering it too quickly, select a larger chunk to enhance the challenge.
Examples: Psalm 23; James 1; John 3:16-21; Philippians 2:1-18
Memorization Technique:
1. Read Aloud:
Begin by reading your section of scriptures in its context, carefully and slowly. Repeat this process seven times, each time emphasizing different words.
2. Write and Recall:
Write out the section of scriptures, creating a new line for each phrase. Then, erase one line at a time and challenge yourself to fill in the blanks from memory.
3. Recite from Memory:
As you begin to memorize the sections recite them seven times from memory.
4. Daily Review:
Establish a routine of daily review, prioritizing the revisiting of old verses before introducing new ones.
5. Share with Others:
Recite your memorized verses to someone else at a scheduled time each week.
source: scripturememory.com
Additional Techniques:
1. Musical Recall:
Set your verses to a familiar tune and incorporate singing them into your daily routine. Explore Scripture song CD's for additional support.
2. Visualize It:
Close your eyes and vividly picture the unfolding scenes to enhance your connection with the story. Create a visual aid by sketching an image related to the verse.
3. Physical Engagement:
Act out the verse using hand motions and gestures, which can be particularly effective with children. Some adults find it beneficial to memorize while engaging in physical activity or exercise.
source: scripturememory.com
Additional Resources
The Bible Memory App - a complete Bible memory system that makes it easy for you to Memorize, Organize, and Review verses. Click Here for more information.
Objective:
Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds.
January:
Challenge:
Explore the Gospel of John.
Date:
January 1
January 2
January 3
January 4
January 5
January 6
January 7
January 8
January 9
January 10
January 11
January 12
January 13
Chapter/Verse
John 1
John 2
John 3
John 4
John 5
Catch-up
John 6
John 7
John 8
John 9
John 10
John 11
John 12
Date:
January 14
January 15
January 16
January 17
January 18
January 19
January 20
January 21
January 22
January 23
January 24
January 25
January 26-31
Chapter/Verse
Catch-up
John 13
John 14
John 15
John 16
John 17
John 18
Catch-up
John 19
John 20
John 21
Catch-up
Reread sections or catch up
Objective:
Immerse yourself in the entirety of John's Gospel to grasp the flow of John's teachings and gain insight into our ongoing sermon series.