James Week 2

Wow! What a crazy week! It was the first morning the new 6th graders joined the JHIGH, and it was a blast! I am definitely impressed with this new group of students and I am confident God is going to use them to do some great things in the JHM over the next few years.

As far as the message from this last weekend is concerned, we looked at James 1:5. We asked ourselves, how can we make wise choices in the everyday decisions we face. We looked at the connection between our character and our choices. More specifically, how our character determines our choices, and our choices reveal our character. We left the kids with three things they can do to help them make wise choices:

1. Seek wise counsel: Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance"

2. Check your choices with the bible: 2 Tim 3:14-17 "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

3. Pray about it! Listen to God! John 10:27 "27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

As a parent ask your kids these questions:

1. What do you think are the most important choices you will make while your in junior high?
2. Who do you go for wise counsel?
3. How can we listen to God?

Excited to hang with you guys this coming Sunday!

-Jay

"The Book Of James" -- All summer long!

On Sunday, we started our summer series on the book of James. Each week we will be posting a recap of the message, and some discussion questions here on the blog. We hope that these can create an opportunity for fruitful discussion between you and your junior higher.

Last Sunday, Doug taught on James 1:1-3, and spoke on trials. He taught about how trials and the testing of our faith are guaranteed in our walk with God, and how He uses them to build our character. He stressed the importance of how our character and who we are becoming is more important than our comfort. While it may not always be fun to grow up and go through difficult times, it is necessary because God is growing us through them and leading us towards perseverance.

Discuss these questions as a family:

1. What does the word character mean to you? Why is it important?

2. Parents discuss a time that you went through a difficult trial growing up. How did it you’re your character?

3. What are some ways that we can prepare for the trials in our lives? (Reading God’s word, prayer, accountability etc...)

4. Read James 1:12. What does that verse mean to you?