Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
There are 6 things you need to know to get
started on the 21 Day Challenge.
1 No Script
The 21 Day Challenge puts a great deal of trust in you. It does this by intentionally not giving you
an abundance of words. Think of this like a hike through the mountains. There is a trail that you
follow, but the trail is intentionally not paved. You will be given guidance as you go, but this
guidance will not script your every move. There is a reason for this.
This 21 Day Challenge is intended to facilitate and foster a real and living connection between
you and God. Real relationships are dynamic and living. In order to truly experience them, you
can’t read from a script. If you read from a script, then you’re acting, and if you’re acting, this 21
Day Challenge will be for nothing.
2 The Seven “I am” Statements & the Gospel of John
The backbone of this experience are seven statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John.
Scripture has two major sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Gospel of
John is found in the New Testament. It is one of four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
that chronicle the life of Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven “I am” statements. These statement reveal the
character of God. When thoughtfully considered, they hold tremendous potential to profoundly
impact our lives. The seven statements will rotate through this 21 Day Challenge three times.
Conveniently, there are twenty-one chapters in the Gospel of John. You will be asked to read one
of these chapters each day of the challenge.
To make the most of the 21 Day Challenge you will want your own copy of the Bible. If you do
not yet own a copy, and you would like to start immediately, consider downloading the
YouVersion Bible app on your phone (it’s free).
3 AM & PM Spiritual Exercises
The 21 Day Challenge has an AM spiritual exercise and a PM spiritual exercise. You are
encouraged to schedule about 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening for
these exercises. These spiritual exercises are designed to facilitate and foster a conversation
between you and God. They are not something you just read, check the box, and move on. The
AM exercise will include reading one of Jesus’ “I am” statements aloud multiple times. Initially
this might feel odd, maybe even a little foolish. That’s ok. Do it anyway. During the PM spiritual
exercise you will read a chapter from the Gospel of John. In both the AM and the PM spiritual
exercises, you will be encouraged to write and then read aloud a brief prayer of your own to
God. Writing a prayer might be new to you, and may feel a little uncomfortable. Again, that’s ok.
Do it anyway.
4 Faith, Hope & love
The essence of living—according to Scripture—is boiled down to three things:
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
/ 1 Corinthians 13:13
We put our faith in something, we hope in something, and we love something. The 21 Day
Challenge is broken into three sections. Week One is about faith, Week Two is about hope, and
Week Three is about love. This means that as you reflect on each of the seven “I am”
statements, you will do so through the lenses of faith, hope, and love. The repetition is
intentional.
5 Today’s Challenge
Each AM Spiritual Exercise will include a section called “Today’s Challenge.” These challenges
will always include a prayer and some sort of perspective to carry throughout your day. In the
third week, the challenges intensify in the best of ways. Nothing strange or weird, just don’t miss
Week Three.
6 The Promise
The 21 Day Challenge is inspired by a promise.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. / Jeremiah 29:13
This promise is from God to you, and this 21 Day Challenge is intended to take God up on this
promise. If you authentically and wholeheartedly seek God, according to this promise you
should expect to encounter God through this experience. This is the essence of the 21 Day
Challenge. For 21 Days, you’re going to go for it. To be clear, this promise is not for those who
sort of seek him. God’s promise is for those who seek him with all their hearts. Toward that end,
you’re encouraged to use this challenge as a guide, but certainly don’t limit yourself to the
guidance offered here. God desires to build a living, breathing relationship with you. This 21 Day
Challenge can facilitate that, but it could never contain it.
Week 1
Faith
WEEK 1 / INTRO
So what does it mean to put our faith in something?
We put our faith in an airplane to carry us safely from one city to another. We put our faith in
our jobs to provide for ourselves. We put our faith in friends to help us in a time of need.
The word faith is often confused with the word belief.
Just because a person has a belief that an airplane will fly doesn’t mean they have put their
faith in it. They put their faith in that airplane when they step aboard and entrust their lives
to it. They might even do this despite doubts they have about the plane. They might have
legitimate questions about the safety of the plane or the qualifications of the pilot. But when
they step aboard that plane, they’ve put their faith in it nonetheless.
The same is true for faith in God.
Just because a person has a belief in the existence of God doesn’t mean they have put their
faith in him. Putting one’s faith in God is to entrust oneself to him. This might even be done
by a person who has questions about God, just like a person has questions about an
airplane. At some point they resolve, though, “I’m going to trust him. I’m going to put my
faith in him. No longer will I yield to my reservations. I will do the courageous thing, and
entrust my life to God.”
You learn very little about the true essence of flying by studying it from a distance. It’s when
you board the plane and let it carry you up and over the clouds that you get it. As you enter
Week One of the 21 Day Challenge, entrust yourself to God. Don’t just think about God,
pray to God, or talk about God. Use the AM and PM Spiritual Exercises to set your
perspective, and then enter into your days and nights by entrusting your life into the hands
of your Creator.
WEEK 1 / INTRO
DAY 1 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry. / John 6:35
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
In many cultures—especially the culture into which Jesus was speaking—bread is the main
staple for sustaining life. We “put our faith” in bread so that we can live. Jesus’ claim to be
the bread of life is no small claim. He’s inviting us to trust him for our very livelihood.
What in your life currently concerns you? What worries you? What stresses you? List them
here.
DAY 1 / AM
DAY 1 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer entrusting your worries to God.
When done, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud.
As you move through your day, when worry or stress surfaces, reject it by entrusting your
concerns to God.
DAY 1 / CHALLENGE
DAY 1 / PM
READING
Read John 1.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 1 / PM
DAY 2 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life. / John 8:12
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
When a room is dark, we stumble our way through it. We may see the outline of a table or a
chair, but we’re not entirely sure what’s there. When the light comes on, we see clearly. Fear
and confusion evaporate as we discover what truly surrounds us.
Where do you need light in your life? Where do you need wisdom, guidance, or direction?
DAY 2 / AM
DAY 2 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer bringing your questions to God and asking him to guide
you into wisdom and insight.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud.
Today, live expectantly that your prayer has been spoken to a living God who has great
interest in you and your life. Be observant. Watch for answers to your prayer.
DAY 2 / CHALLENGE
DAY 2 / PM
READING
Read John 2.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 2 / PM
DAY 3 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and
find pasture. / John 10:9
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
In Jesus’ day, shepherds would build a fence around a pasture to provide a safe place for
their sheep to eat and sleep. The sheep entered the pasture through a gate. Psalm 23—one
of Scripture’s most well-known poems—is written on the following page. With Jesus’
statement about being the gate running through your mind, read and reflect on this Psalm.
Underline or circle words or thoughts that get your attention.
DAY 3 / AM
DAY 3 / AM (Cont’d)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (NKJV)
DAY 3 / AM (Cont’d)
DAY 3 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, ask God to shepherd you today. Write to him about areas of your life
where you especially need his shepherding.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud.
Today, live expectantly for God’s shepherding. Be observant. If at any point you feel like
the sheep that has strayed from the shepherd, take a moment to re-establish God as
your shepherd.
DAY 3 / CHALLENGE
DAY 3 / PM
READING
Read John 3.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 3 / PM
DAY 4 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
/ John 10:11
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
The shepherd watches over the sheep. When danger comes, the shepherd steps between
the sheep and that danger. This passage, in its full context, talks about the wolf that comes
to destroy the sheep. The good shepherd steps between the sheep and the wolf to protect
the sheep from death.
With this in mind, reflect on the following statement from Scripture:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. / Romans 5:8
What strikes you about this statement?
DAY 4 / AM
DAY 4 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
If Christ died for us “while we were still sinners” the implication is that we have sin to
confess. In the space below, you’re encouraged to do the courageous. Write a prayer of
confession to God. Bring any guilt or shame, and entrust it to him, the good shepherd who
chose to die rather than leave you to deal with the wolf alone.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith. Entrust God with your sin.
Today, when you are tempted do something harmful, hurtful, or offensive—to God or to
others—find a way to talk openly with God about this. Ask him for assistance and strength to
walk a better direction.
DAY 4 / CHALLENGE
DAY 4 / PM
READING
Read John 4.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 4 / PM
DAY 5 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
/ John 11:25
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, when we entrust ourselves to him, we no longer
have to limit our view of life to the time we have between birth and death. We call this living
with an eternal perspective. Living with an eternal perspective is both powerful and
liberating. When held appropriately, rather than making us detached from this world, an
eternal perspective empowers us to engage life’s greatest challenges. We aim to live boldly
and purposefully, because life matters, not just for the here and now, but forever.
How sincere is your trust in Christ for an eternal perspective? Is it wishful thinking, or is
it a reality you stand upon that affects your life and perspective today? What would it
take for you to more fully trust Christ and more fully live with an eternal perspective?
DAY 5 / AM
DAY 5 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer addressing your trust in Christ for a full and eternal life.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, pause at least one time in the midst of whatever it is that you’re doing, and ask this
question: How does an eternal perspective impact this moment?
DAY 5 / CHALLENGE
DAY 5 / PM
READING
Read John 5.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 5 / PM
DAY 6 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
/ John 14:6
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
We often value people who introduce us to others. The salesperson values the person who
introduces them to a new and prospective client. The single person values the friend who
introduces them to a prospective date. Jesus tells us he is the way to the Father. He opens
the door and makes the introductions. On the following page is an especially important
passage of Scripture. It gives a powerful description of how Christ introduces us to the
Father.
As you read it, underline any thoughts or words that especially get your attention. If
helpful, go over it two or three times.
DAY 6 / AM
DAY 6 / AM (Cont’d)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live
when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,
the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among
them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and
thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his
great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we
were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us
up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order
that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,
expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by
works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:1-10
DAY 6 / AM (Cont’d)
DAY 6 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer addressing your trust in Christ to bring you to the Father.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, pause at least one time to privately acknowledge God’s presence in your life.
DAY 6 / CHALLENGE
DAY 6 / PM
READING
Read John 6.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 6 / PM
DAY 7 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.
/ John 15:5
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
The fruit is dependent upon the vine for its source of strength and vitality to make it through
the day, especially a sun-scorched day. Jesus invites us to let him be our vine, the source of
our power and strength.
How are you currently looking to Christ to be the source of your strength toward a fruitful
life? How could you do so increasingly?
DAY 7 / AM
DAY 7 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer asking Christ to be your source of strength for your current
day and for your life in general.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, when you experience a moment of weakness or insecurity, find a way to talk openly
with God about this. Ask him to strengthen and embolden you.
DAY 7 / CHALLENGE
DAY 7 / PM
READING
Read John 7.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 7 / PM
Week 2
HOPE
WEEK 2 / INTRO
What does it mean to put our hope in something?
Consider hunger. The hungry person longs for a meal. They look toward something or
someone to get that meal. That meal is the object of their hope. That food that will satisfy
their desires.
Our hearts are hungry. We can direct our hearts to many things in hopes of satisfaction. To
hope in God is to believe that God is the ultimate satisfaction for our hungry hearts. We can
attempt to satisfy our hearts with many pleasures and accomplishments in this world. And to
be sure, these pleasures and accomplishments will deliver degrees of satisfaction. But if our
hearts were made to be satisfied in an eternal God, then they will never be fully satisfied with
the temporary solutions this world has to offer.
In the coming week, you will be asked to consider the seven “I am” statements of Jesus
through the lens of hope and desire. Just like a relationship with a friend brings about
degrees of satisfaction, so can our relationship with God. As you consider God’s relationship
with you, consider if it feels like a relationship you were made to be in. If Scripture is true,
you were not made to live life alone; you were made to live in relationship with God.
WEEK 2 / INTRO
DAY 8 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry. / John 6:35
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
When a person is hungry—truly hungry—they hope for the most basic sustenance, like
bread, to satisfy that hunger. Humanity was created with a hungry heart. Our hearts hunger
with desire. We attempt to satisfy these hungers in many ways. But all too often, our efforts
fail to satisfy the hunger. Reflect on your own heart and ways you have attempted to satisfy it.
How might your heart grow in satisfaction as you increasingly look to God as your “bread
of life?”
DAY 8 / AM
DAY 8 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write a prayer asking for greater satisfaction for your heart hunger. Ask
God to show you how you can be increasingly satisfied in him.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, pay attention to your heart. What do you desire? As you increase awareness of your
heart, take note of what you are doing to satisfy your heart’s desires.
DAY 8 / CHALLENGE
DAY 8 / PM
READING
Read John 8.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 8 / PM
DAY 9 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life. / John 8:12
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Darkness brings despair. But light brings hope. When it is dark, we do not know which way
to turn. When the light comes on, we gain our footing and move forward with confidence
and hope.
Where is there darkness in your life? How could you direct your hope to God for his light
to shine in the midst of that darkness?
DAY 9 / AM
DAY 9 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, ask God for hope. Ask him to bring light where there is darkness and
clarity where there is confusion.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, pay attention to your heart. Believe that your prayer was received by a living God who
is deeply interested in you. Live expectantly for God to answer your prayer.
DAY 9 / CHALLENGE
DAY 9 / PM
READING
Read John 9.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 9 / PM
DAY 10 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and
find pasture. / John 10:9
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
An open gate inspires hope. It is an open door to whatever is behind the gate. A closed gate
brings despair. There’s no access to whatever is behind the gate. If our hearts hunger for
God, there would be no greater despair than to have the gate closed to his access. But if our
hearts hunger for God, and the gate is open, then we have hope that our hearts can be fully
satisfied in him.
On the page that follows is a profound Psalm that expresses hope in God. As you read it,
underline or circle anything that gets your attention. If helpful, read it two or three times.
DAY 10 / AM
DAY 10 / AM (Cont’d)
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
Psalm 146:3-9 (NLT)
DAY 10 / AM (Cont’d)
DAY 10 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
On the page that follows, write a prayer to God confessing ways you have hoped in things
other than God in a way only God should be hoped in.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, as you walk through your day, pause at least one time and thank God for walking
with you.
DAY 10 / CHALLENGE
DAY 10 / PM
READING
Read John 10.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 10 / PM
DAY 11 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
/ John 10:1
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
The shepherd guides the sheep to water, pasture, and rest. He protects the sheep, putting
his life on the line for them. When they lack these things, they put their hope in the
shepherd to lead them.
Where in your life do you need God’s shepherding? Where do you need him to lead you to
pasture or rest? Where do you need his protection?
DAY 11 / AM
DAY 11 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write out how you are hoping in God to be your shepherd. If you are
experiencing his shepherding, express gratitude. If God seems distant, be honest and open
with your concerns.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, pay attention to your heart. Do you have increased peace or joy? If not, what is getting
you down? Whether yes or no, talk with God about this.
DAY 11 / CHALLENGE
DAY 11 / PM
READING
Read John 11.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here, and to close out
your day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 11 / PM
DAY 12 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
/ John 11:25
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Ultimate death is both final and without hope. Jesus speaks into this despair, though, with
tremendous hope. He is the opposite of death. He is the “resurrection and life.” Reflect on
the genuine hope this inspires.
How is your today impacted by the hope of resurrection and life in Christ?
DAY 12 / AM
DAY 12 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
On the page that follows, write to God about the big picture of life and eternity.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably aloud. Let this be an act
of faith.
Today, find at least one moment in the midst of whatever realities you are facing to pause
and reflect on the hope of God’s eternal view of life.
DAY 12 / CHALLENGE
DAY 12 / PM
READING
Read John 12.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here, and to close out
your day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 12 / PM
DAY 13 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
/ John 14:6
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Reflect on what it feels like to be fully accepted by another person, someone who welcomes
you with open arms. Consider then what it would be like to be fully and wholly accepted by
God. There could be no greater acceptance. God, the ultimate authority and ultimate power,
fully and wholly accepting you. According to Scripture, this is the hope we have in Christ. He
is the way to the Father, not our own efforts to impress God. Reflect on this hope in Christ.
How does this reality effect your view of today?
DAY 13 / AM
DAY 13 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, write to God about your hope of his presence in your daily life.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably out loud. Let this be an
act of faith.
Today, find at least one moment where you pause to acknowledge and enjoy God’s presence
with you. Then work to bring this awareness into whatever it is you are doing.
DAY 13 / CHALLENGE
DAY 13 / PM
READING
Read John 13.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here, and to close out
your day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 13 / PM
DAY 14 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.
/ John 15:5
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Farmers plant vineyards in hopes of an abundant harvest. A weak harvest means a great
deal of work and effort with very little to show for it. We hope for fruit-filled lives. We want the
result of our lives to be an abundance of harvest. Jesus gives us hope in the midst of a life
that could make us wonder if anything is going to come from it. He is the vine. If he is the
vine, as we lean into him, our lives will be fruitful. Reflect on this vision for your life.
Are you looking to Jesus to be your source for an abundant harvest?
DAY 14 / AM
DAY 14 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
In the space below, talk with God about the fruit of your life. If your life is accomplishing
what you hoped it would, give thanks to him. If it isn’t, then be open and honest with him
about this.
After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God, preferably out loud. Let this be an
act of faith.
Today, pay attention to what you are doing, your activities. As you do, privately ask God to
bear lasting fruit through whatever it is you are doing.
DAY 14 / CHALLENGE
DAY 14 / PM
READING
Read John 14.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here, and to close out
your day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 14 / PM
Week 3
LOVE
WEEK 3 / INTRO
Read back through our foundational passage:
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
/ 1 Corinthians 13:13
The essence of living boils down to three things, but one of them outpaces the others: love.
Or put another way, if our faith and hope don’t translate into love, what’s the point?
This final week of the 21 Day Challenge takes things to a new but essential level. Your faith,
hope, and love will be called into action. In each of the “Today’s Challenge” sections, you will
be asked to put your love into action by actively looking for ways to love those around you.
Yes, this might stretch you at times, but don’t back down. By mobilizing your faith, hope,
and love, you will increasingly taste the life intended by your creator.
WEEK 3 / INTRO
DAY 15 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry. / John 6:35
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
What happens when you feast on a fantastic meal? You love it! You love the food! You love
the restaurant! You love the person who prepared it!
Reflect on your love for God. How have you experienced God in a way that might inspire
love for him?
DAY 15 / AM
DAY 15 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love for God – In the space below, write to God about the current state of your love for him.
If your love is strong, celebrate this. If your love is weak, be honest and open about why this
might be. After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God—preferably aloud.
Love for People – Of all the people on the planet, who are you most called to love in this
season of your life? Today, do two things: 1) Pray for that person. Not a rote prayer, but a
genuine prayer where you truly go before God on behalf of this person. 2) Go out of your way
to do something kind for that person, even if it’s small.
DAY 15 / CHALLENGE
DAY 15 / PM
READING
Read John 15.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 15 / PM
DAY 16 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the light of the world. he who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life. / John 8:12
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
When we’re stuck in the dark, we lead a frustrated existence. When the light comes on,
we’re excited by what we see, and we pour out gratitude—and love—to the person who
brings the light.
Reflect on how Jesus has brought light into your life and how this light has inspired love
for him and for God.
DAY 16 / AM
DAY 16 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love for God – In the space below, express gratitude for light or clarity God has brought into
your life. If you have trouble identifying this, then speak openly with God about it. After you
write this prayer, read your prayer back to God—preferably aloud.
Love for People – Ask God for an opportunity to encourage somebody today (an affirming
word, an act of service, a note of gratitude, etc.). As you walk through your day, look for this
opportunity and take it.
DAY 16 / CHALLENGE
DAY 16 / PM
READING
Read John 16.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 16 / PM
DAY 17 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and
find pasture. / John 10:9
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
When sheep find pasture, they don’t have to be consumed by their hunger or searching any
longer.
Reflect on the potential for generous and more purposeful living as you consider how
Jesus being the gate to God has increasingly satisfied you.
DAY 17 / AM
DAY 17 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love for God – In the space below, write to God about your love for others. If your love for
others is strong, then thank God for this. If you struggle with loving others, then talk openly
with God about this. After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God—preferably
aloud.
Love for People – Ask God for an opportunity to be generous with somebody today. You
could be generous with time, money, encouragement, or any other form. When the
opportunity arises, exercise the courage to do it.
DAY 17 / CHALLENGE
DAY 17 / PM
READING
Read John 17.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 17 / PM
DAY 18 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
/ John 10:11
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
Consider the gratitude and love a sheep would have for a good and thoughtful shepherd if
they could truly understand what a shepherd had done for them. We don’t fully know all God
has done for us, but we do know some of it.
What are you most grateful for as you have experienced the shepherding of God?
DAY 18 / AM
DAY 18 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love for God – In the space below, write to God about his shepherding in your life. If you are
increasingly experiencing his shepherding, talk with him about where you see this, and
express gratitude. If you’re uncertain, be open with God about this. After you write this
prayer, read your prayer back to God—preferably aloud.
Love for People – Reflect for a moment on people who do things for you that you have likely
never met. Examples could be the postman, the garbage collector, the PE teacher at your
kids’ school, or any number of people. Ask God for an idea of something kind you could do
for one of them. Today, go out of your way to do your best idea. If it takes an extra day or so
to get it done, that’s okay, but do get it done.
DAY 18 / CHALLENGE
DAY 18 / PM
READING
Read John 18.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here., To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 18 / PM
DAY 19 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
/ John 11:25
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
The greatest problem we face is the problem of death. Jesus claims to have solved this
problem. He is the resurrection and the life.
Reflect on how his solving this problem for you could inspire greater amounts of love toward
him. If you question his ability to truly be your “resurrection and life,” why is that? What gets
in the way of you fully embracing this?
DAY 19 / AM
DAY 19 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love for God – In the space below, write to God about your gratitude for giving you life. After
you write this prayer, read your prayer back to God—preferably aloud.
Love for People – Consider people in your life who you know are going through a difficult
time due to some form of hardship (sickness, relational challenges, job challenges, etc.).
Take three minutes and genuinely pray for them. At the end of your prayer, ask God if there
is anything you could do for them. If you come into a good idea, exercise the courage and do
it.
DAY 19 / CHALLENGE
DAY 19 / PM
READING
Read John 19.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 19 / PM
DAY 20 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
/ John 14:6
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
A great deal of energy is spent by humanity searching for something. We don’t always know
what that something is, but we’re searching and striving for more.
Reflect on how you can live your life today if you are increasingly experiencing what
Jesus called “the way, the truth, and the life.” What are you searching or striving for? Can
you rest from your striving? How could you generously and authentically love others, if
you no longer needed to search and strive for more?
How does this reality effect your view of today?
DAY 20 / AM
DAY 20 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love God – In the space below, write to God about how you are currently living your life.
Where are you striving? Where you could rest? After you write this prayer, read your prayer
back to God—preferably aloud.
Love People – Who is a good friend you haven’t talked to in recent days, months, or even
years? Contact that person today—by any method except text—and check in on them.
DAY 20 / CHALLENGE
DAY 20 / PM
READING
Read John 20.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here. To close out your
day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 20 / PM
DAY 21 / AM
OPENING PRAYER
Take a few minutes to quiet yourself. Ask God to guide this time.
“I AM” Statement
Jesus made the following statement. Read it quietly, but aloud, five to ten times.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.
/ John 15:5
Reflect on Jesus’ statement. What thoughts come to mind as you do?
God wants you to have a fruitful life. He loves you and wants your life to abound with grapes
on the vine.
Do you sense this from God? Do you believe he is fully for you? If you sense he is in any
way against you, why is that?
DAY 21 / AM
DAY 21 / CHALLENGE
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Love God – In the space below, express gratitude to God for any “fruit” you see in your life,
good things that are lasting. After you write this prayer, read your prayer back to
God—preferably aloud.
Love People – Today, tell somebody about the 21 Day Challenge and your experience with it.
If needed, let them know that part of the challenge is to tell somebody about it. If this
stretches you, ask God for the strength and courage to do it. Exercise faith in order to live out
love.
DAY 21 / CHALLENGE
DAY 21 / PM
READING
Read John 21.
CLOSING PRAYER
Take a moment to talk with God. What are you grateful for from your day? What concerns
you from your day? Write a brief prayer to God in the space provided here, and to close out
your day, read the prayer aloud to God.
DAY 21 / PM
DEBRIEF
Scripture encourages us with this…
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
/ Psalm 34:8
This 21 Day challenge was intended to do exactly that: give you a taste of God. A taste,
though, is just the beginning. To finish well you must do at least two things.
First, briefly read through your notes from these pages. Summarize thoughts that stand out
or experiences you want to carry with you from this 21 Days, and record them on the
following "Summary Thoughts" page.
Second, create your own plan for what you would like to do for the next 21 days. You’re
encouraged to talk with God about this. Ask God, “What would be my best next step?” And
then listen, write down your best ideas on the following "Next Steps" page, and decide what
you will do next.
DEBRIEF
SUMMARY THOUGHTS
Summary ThoughTS
SUMMARY THOUGHTS
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS