MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR LIFE
40 Days of PEACE - Part 1
September 26-30 2005

"Ordinary people emboldened by God making a difference together wherever they are"

God designed us to make a difference in the world and have a positive impact. The way to make an impact is not through status or salary but through service to others. However we often are reluctant to try to serve because we feel inadequate to the task or that the timing is wrong or we are held back by our fears. We think that extraordinary things can only be done by extraordinary people. God does extraordinary things through ordinary people. If He wants us to do something, He empowers us to do it. We've each been blessed with abilities and talents which we can use for God's purposes. The P.E.A.C.E. plan isn't about location, it's about dedication; it's not about crossing the sea, it's about seeing the cross. The Bible tells that our love must be shown in our actions. Biblical love is not a feeling; it is a choice which can cause feelings. The biggest barrier to serving others is our fears. Nothing great can be accomplished without moving against our fear. When we understand and accept God's sovereignty and that He is in control, our fears will fade. God can help us do what the world sees as impossible. God rewards us with many benefits and will bless us when we honor Him by serving others. To get those benefits, we have to step out in faith, overcome our fears and serve others, whether locally, nationally or globally. The P.E.A.C.E. plan is the opportunity to serve others and please God.

MONDAY

1. THE BASIS (REASONS).

[Your Objective: To discuss the foundations for a life of service and how to grow into a life of ministry.]

God commands it

In Galatians 6:2, how does a believer fulfill the law of Christ?

  • In what different ways can we accomplish this?

God wants us to become like Christ

What does Mark 10:45 say that Jesus, the Son of Man, came to do and not do?

  • Where should our focus be as we try to be like Him?

Whose example must we follow as stated in John 13:15 and what is that example?

  • What are some ways to actually follow Christ's example and where can we learn them?

It's how we grow in love

How does 1 John 3:18 teach us to show our love?

  • Why must action be a sure sign of love? What examples of that kind of love have you experienced?

According to Luke 6:36 how should we be compassionate?

  • For a Christian is being compassionate an option or a mandate? Why?

TUESDAY

Blessed to be a blessing

Who does Genesis 12:2 say we will be a blessing to?

  • If we are blessed so we can bless others, what would happen if we did not bless others?

Why is much required from those who have much, as indicated in Luke 12:48

  • How can we discharge the responsibility that we have because we have so much?

Ministry (Ministry) - We are commanded to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We then become more mature as we realize that love is not a feeling – it produces feelings. Love is a choice. As we read and meditate on God's word, we should be encouraged to reach out and love others by ministering to them. What specific ways can you think of to reach out to someone this week? Pray and take action. Share with your group the results as you follow Christ's example.

2. THE BARRIERS: FEAR.

[Your Objective: Understand how our fears keep us from experiencing the unlimited power of God and how trusting God can relieve those fears and allow ordinary people to do great things.]

I don't know what to do

According to James 1:25, who will be blessed?

  • Discuss why it is important for people to actually do what God's law says, not just study it or think about it?

I don't have the time

What should be a person's primary concern according to Matthew 6:33?

  • How does one seek the Kingdom of God and make it your primary concern?

What does Ephesians 5:16 say we are to do in evil times?

  • Describe what it would look like to use every opportunity for good.

I can't afford it

What does God promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8?

  • Discuss some ideas of how to serve others if all of your needs were met by God.

WEDNESDAY

I don't have the right abilities

According to 2 Corinthians 3:5 what is the Source of our sufficiency or competence?

  • Why is it important to focus on the size of our God and not our own abilities when setting the size of a goal?

My circumstances don't permit it

Read 2 Corinthians 8:11-12. What makes what a person does acceptable?

  • Why is it important to do what you are able now and not worry about what you can't do?

What will not get done according to Ecclesiastes 11:4?

  • Why will nothing get done if you wait for perfect conditions?

It's too big

What does Matthew 19:26 say is possible with God but not with people?

  • Why do people concentrate on what is impossible to do by their own power, but don't seek God's power to make it possible?

What type of people does God strengthen in 2 Chronicles 16:9?

  • How does understanding God's power and sovereignty relieve the fear of taking on a big project?

Discipleship (Maturity) - What are you not doing because of your fears? Make a list of what is keeping you from doing what you know you should do. Review the Bible verses above to relieve your fears for each one. Trust God's power acting through you to do one thing from your list this week.

THURSDAY

3. THE BENEFITS (REWARDS).

[Your Objective: Learn four benefits and rewards that come from God by using the rest of your life to help others.]

God will bless you

Read Deuteronomy 15:7-10. What does verse 15:10 say God will do for you?

  • What are some ways to help the poor and those in need?

God will help you

In Proverbs 11:25, what does it say you should do for others, then what will happen?

  • How can we be generous in helping others who need assistance?

It brings joy to God

According to Hebrews 13:16 what pleases God?

  • Why can it be challenging to help others through sacrifice and remember that our goal is to please God?

You'll experience life as God intended

Who does Mark 8:35 say will know what it means to really live?

  • What does it mean in practical terms to sacrifice our own life for Jesus Christ and the Good News?

Read Matthew 16:27. How does it say each person will be rewarded when Jesus returns?

  • What do we think God would say about our lives if He returned today? What can we do differently that might improve what He might say?

Evangelism (Mission) - God calls us to reach out in sacrifice to others to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are promised blessings on earth and rewards in Heaven for our faith. It's reassuring to see what happens when we devote our lives to Jesus. As we embark on this series over the next several weeks, open your heart and pray for guidance for God's direction in the future to bring glory to Him. What kind of things can you and your group do to help, to be generous and to share with those who need to witness your faith in Christ?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Identify and commit to taking a specific step to start the P.E.A.C.E. plan on a personal level.]

1st STEP: START SHOWING KINDNESS TO EACH OTHER

always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody

1 Thessalonians 5:15b

The first step on the P.E.A.C.E. plan is simply to show kindness to others. It's the easiest way to demonstrate love by action and is a step we can take in our homes, offices, neighborhoods, small groups and families. An act of kindness does not have to be a huge act to have a huge impact. Have each group member identify a specific person they can show kindness to in the coming week and how they can do so. Ask each group member to commit to doing the act of kindness and to report back about the results. Pray as a group for discernment to see opportunities to do acts of kindness in the coming week and for each member to be able to follow through on his or her commitment.