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COMPONENTS OF THIS JOURNAL

This Transformation Journal is arranged in weekly sections. Each week is designed to begin on Sunday and end on Saturday. They are not dated, however, so you can start at any time of the year. If you fall behind in your daily use of the TJ, just pick up with the next reading for that day of the week and resume your momentum.

Take a look at the first week and you'll see the following:

• A thought-provoking question that establishes the focus for each day;

• A "Focus Point" that follows up on the daily question, plus Scripture readings for each day;

• Journal/reflection questions to help you further unpack the meaning of the Scripture you've read and the implications for your faith;

• Space for personal study of each day's Scripture, allowing you to record your insights, thoughts, and prayers.

The best time to use this journal is when you are at your best! If you're a morning person, do your Bible reading and journaling/reflection time in the morning. If you're a night owl, do it at night. Invest time with God during the best part of your day, every day. The bottom line is that God deserves your best.

TIPS FOR USING YOUR TRANSFORMATION JOURNAL

1. Begin with prayer, asking God to open your heart and mind to new truths, to let you see today's Scripture through God's eyes, and to help you understand it with the heart and spirit of Jesus.

2. Carefully read the question, the Focus Point, and the Scriptures for the day.

3. Reread the Scripture passages, writing down any particular observations you make about what is happening, questions or ideas you have about what you are reading, and insights into what God might be doing or saying. Try to avoid isolating any single verse or using it as a "proof text" for something you believe. Instead observe God's bigger intentions of love and grace. What do you notice?

4. What did you learn from your observations that you can apply to how you live your life today? What bigger principles does God want you to understand? What spiritual truths from today's Scriptures challenge you to grow? What specific steps might God want you to take today in your attitude or your actions? Write them in your TJ.

5. Look at, ponder, and respond to the journal reflection questions that may take you even deeper into understanding the Scriptures you just read.

6. Close your time with God in prayer, asking God to show you how to apply what you've learned for life transformation. Write out your prayer in the TJ if you wish.

7. Meet with your cell group (small group) on a regular basis to discuss and interact together about the Scriptures you've read and what life applications you've made through the use of this Transformation Journal.

CELL GROUP GUIDE

Cell groups (small groups) are designed for investigating the Bible together as well as encouraging one another's spiritual growth, accountability, and relationship with Jesus. The following will help guide your cell group's meeting time as you use the Transformation Journal together.

Group Rules

1. A cell group practices confidentiality, which means what is shared in the group remains in the group.

2. A cell group is a safe place for people, where there is no judgment or ridicule for sharing thoughts, feelings, or past behaviors.

3. A cell group honors everyone's time by starting and ending the group on time.

Gather the People

Ask: "What was one God-moment you experienced this week?" and invite each person in the group to answer.

Bible Study

1. Choose and read as a group one or more of the primary Scriptures for the week.

2. Have each person share his or her response to one of this week's journal questions and the related Scripture passage.

3. Share personal stories about what God is currently transforming or changing in your life.

Caring Time

1. Ask each person to share prayer requests as well as blessings from the week.

2. Pray together as a group, acknowledging God's goodness and praying for the individual requests that were shared.

3. Pray that God brings others into your lives whom you may add to your cell group to increase your outreach.