Read - John 15:1-5, 7; Matthew 11:28–30

Examine - When you are training in anything athletic, there are things that have to be given up or minimized. Professional athletes often give up all desserts and other foods that they really want. They have to give up sleep and wake up early to work out, usually working out multiple times a day. There are so many things that they would probably like to have in their lives that they cannot because they want something greater in their lives. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that acts in much the same way. Fasting takes something away to add something greater. The regular practice of fasting might seem difficult, but it leads us to something so much better in the end.

Apply - Ask your family: “In this Abide season, what is something we can begin to fast from, and what is something greater we can replace it with?” As a family, think through one food aspect and one social aspect that you will fast from for 21 days.

Pray - Pray that God will allow your family to replace the things you are fasting from with more of Him. Ask Him to give your family focus on the right things this year so that greater things can be added.

Read - John 15:7; Colossians 3:15-17; 2 Timothy 3:12-17; John 1:1

Examine - Relationships take discipline. If you want to build a relationship, it takes consistently listening to the other person. Imagine saying you want to get closer to someone, and then ignoring everything that person says. Unfortunately, we often do this with God. We desire to grow in our relationship with Him, but we aren’t disciplined in listening to Him. Studying God’s Word is taking the time to understand the heart of the One who made your heart. In a world with many voices competing for our attention, we need to give it to the voice who spoke us into existence and declared His love, the greatest love, over us.

Apply - How can your family study the Bible together throughout the year? Is there a plan or devotional you can go through together once a day/week?

Pray - During your time with God, ask Him to understand His heart better. By remembering His heart for us, we can better understand what He might be wanting to do in the situations in our lives that we are struggling with.

Read - John 15:7; Philippians 4:4-7; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Luke 11:1-4

Examine - Honesty is not always our favorite thing. When you’re a teenager, being honest might require admitting to mistakes that will get you in trouble. As an adult, honesty might have us confront some things that we aren’t ready to deal with. However, if you ask any reputable relationship expert, they will tell you that open and honest communication is one of, if not the greatest aspects of a healthy relationship. It’s a discipline that has to be practiced. Prayer is being honest with a God that is always honest with you. To know that you can talk to your Creator and Savior builds trust that He cares and listens to your voice.

Apply - What part of prayer do you find most difficult? Share some of your prayers with your students and ask them about theirs.

Pray - Be honest with God about the things you truly desire, are frustrated with, and are struggling with. Submit those to God and trust Him to take care of the rest.

Read - John 15:1-11

Examine - There are lots of great things in this world. Your students know this well. They’ve got great food, video games, sports, and a host of other things in life that are designed to give them satisfaction. And yet, we have been invited to more. As great as some things are on this earth, God knows there is nothing as good as abiding in Him. Spiritual disciplines take us out of our norm and into better. Being connected to Him allows us to experience true joy and fulfillment..

Apply - What is a spiritual goal that you have for the rest of the year? Share that with your students and challenge them to have one as well!.

Pray - Ask God to help you set and pursue valuable spiritual disciplines in your family’s life, and to make it a regular rhythm that leads everyone to Him.