 | If your middle schoolers are like most people their age, they’re probably not thinking very far into the future. Because of the way their brains are changing right now, middle schoolers can hardly imagine what their lives will look like tomorrow, let alone next year. That’s why today’s conversation should hopefully give your few some hope. Because here’s the thing: When you follow Jesus, you don’t always need to know what the future holds. Sometimes, focusing on following Jesus right now is enough. |
 | Share a high and a low from the week. Have you ever gotten really lost? What happened? What’s one reason someone might feel lost—not literally, but in life? When you feel lost or confused in your life, where do you turn for help? |
 | Acts 16:6-10 (NIV) 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! |
 | Do you believe God cares about what your future looks like? If God cares about your future, how should it affect what you do today? Is there one “fruit of the Spirit” you think you’re pretty good at displaying? (Here they are, in case you need a reminder: love, joyfulness, peacemaking, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.) What’s one “fruit of the Spirit” that you need to work on? As you follow Jesus this week, what do you think your “next right thing” might be? |
 | Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN |
 | Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words... "(Name) you are a beloved Child of God." |
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