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.
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
​
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.
​
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.
​
​
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.
​
3. Communicate With The Ones You Pray For:
​
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:
​
"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.