More Beautiful You Lessons 9-12

Alright tonight is the final post on More Beautiful You. I have a couple more posts planned for the future! I look forward to sharing with you all the things that I am learning! Lesson 9: Accepting God's Love Lesson 10: The Beauty of Redemption Lesson 11: The Beauty of Restoration Lesson 12: Becoming A Model Lesson 9: What is love? Love is one of God's defining characteristics. "Everything God says and everything He does is an expression of love." Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 List all the facets of true love that are described in these verses. Beside each one write a choice that must be made in order for this facet of love to shine. How is true love different from the type of love most teenagers experience or expect? true love puts the needs of another person above it's own desires. It seeks the best for the regardless of the difficulty or inconvenience that might result. "We must never mistake lust for love. It will only rob us of God's best for our lives." Think about true love and list 10 character qualities that you desire for the man you will someday marry, things that you wont settle for lest about. memorize Ephesians 3:17-19 In your own words, what was Paul praying for the people who lived in Ephesus? List the key words that stand out to you in this prayer. what is important about each of these words? What does Paul mean when he says Christ's love "surpasses knowledge"? Ask God to help you begin to discover how big His loev is for you. Ask Him to help you seek only the 1st Corinthians love. Lesson 10: "As long as we strive to achieve external standards of beauty, we will remain frustrated and disappointed." scripture passages for this lesson: John 3:16, Matthew 5:48, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16 (again), Romans 8:38-39 "True beauty can only come from a relationship with God." What things are you using to try to fill the hole in your heart right now? How are most of your friends trying to fill the holes in their lives? Memorize John 15;13 what are three things this verse tells you about Jesus' lvoe for you? Have you ever made the decision to accept Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? if not talk to God about it and if you have thank God for everything Ask Him to let others see that beauty shining through your life. Lesson 11: "The Bible is filled with examples of God rescuing people and giving them fresh starts." Psalm 51 According to the introduction written prior to verse 1 Who wrote this psalm? When did he write it? What does David admit to God What does David ask God to do? Based on this Psalm, what are some things we should do when we know there is sin in our lives? Read Psalm 103:1-5 and list six benefits that accompany God's forgiveness. Are there things in your life that are keeping you from enjoying a relationship with God? If so, list them (very privately if you want to). Share them with God, and ask Him to forgive you, cleanse you, and help you live an uncluttered, care free life. Tell god about any unmet desires you have and ask Him to satisfy those desires with "good" things. (Psalm 103:5) What is one way you wish you could see life through the eyes of a little girl again? Memorize Isaiah 43:18-19 Talk to God: Ask Him to clean the dirty things and fix the broken things from your past. Ask Him to help you forget the hurtful things and allow Him to do amazing new things in and through you. Ask Him to help you live life with the carefree joy of a little girl. Lesson 12: "Crowns of love and compassion set us apart and make us beautiful." Read Matthew 5:14-16 What metaphor does Jesus use to explain the type of models we are supposed to be? List at least four distinguishing facts about light that are evident from these verses. According to verse 16: What should people see when they look at us? (Describe some of the good deeds that should make us stand out.) What should people do when they see us? Evaluate your image: There is a Zulu tribe in South Africa where the members greet each other with a phrase that means, "I see you." Isn't that great? Do you really "see" the other people your life comes in contact with? or are you too busy wondering how they see you? What have you done recently to provide light in a dark place? God has given us crowns of love and compassion. Are you wearing yours? If not, what kinds of crowns distinguish your life? Memorize 1 John 4:11 How does this verse impact your life? Talk to God: Ask Him to help you focus on others and their needs more than you focus on yourself and your needs. Ask Him to show you someone specific He wants you to share His love with this week and how He would like you to do it. Ask Him to help you become one of His next top models of true beauty. Wow I enjoyed diving into this study and hope you enjoyed it as well! I look forward to the next few posts! Thanks so much Coming up: A post about some of my most recent "Natural Beauty discoveries." Also a "Beautiful the Way You Are Challenge" That I hope you will join me in! Until next time!