February | 2026 | The Phone Tree Bible Study Group

Challenge:

First, look at the spaces you occupy, being mindful of both your internal and external state of mind.

Second, look at all that is going on around you from a micro to a macro level.

Third, ask yourself these three questions, concerning the situation you find yourself in, the situation you silently tolerate, and/or the situation you willingly accept or allow, as it relates to self.

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Question 1:

What would Jesus do?

(Translation: How would Jesus react or respond to what is going on? What did He, in fact, do when dealing with a situation like yours? What did He teach His disciples to do, based on the Word of GOD?)

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Question 2:

What would Jesus say?

(Translation: What would Jesus have to say about the circumstance you find yourself in? Do you really think He would be speaking in the manner in which you are? Would He be just as silent as you are? Would He speak up? Would He tolerate or accept the words that you are allowing to be spoken around you?)

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3) Would you willingly choose to do what you are currently doing with Jesus standing right there beside you?

(Translation: Would you be just as laid back and comfortable engaging in the habits and behaviors that you are doing, if the LORD was in your immediate vicinity? Would you remain indifferent, choosing to hide your light when faced with those things that exist in the darkness, if He stood beside you? Would you be more or less compassionate, more or less loving, more or less… (fill in the fruit of the Spirit here), if He occupied the space next to you? How willing would you be to turn toward the LORD and invite Him to take part in what you were doing, if He was right there? Would you want what you are choosing to do to be done to Jesus?)

Examine your heart. Examine your mind. Examine your life. Examine your spirit. Examine your words. Examine your environment. Examine the people you lead or follow.

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Scripture Reflection, Meditation, & Memorization:

2 Corinthians 13:5

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Sometimes, nothing more needs to be said.

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WORDS (Scripture Reflection & Meditation):

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

THOUGHTS (Viewpoints & Considerations):

Living and doing life in the day-to-day can cause a lot of wear and tear on a person. The weight of responsibilities, the heaviness of carrying relationships or of learning how to exist beyond or in spite of dysfunctional relationships, the burden of proving self over and over again in the spaces that are occupied, and the pressure of figuring out identity and purpose all while the world steadily tries to shape you according to its will – these things have a way of shaking the foundation of one’s state of mind and state of being. For the individual who does not know the LORD, however, it can especially be an avoirdupois weight. It – the totality of the load – can be wearisome and worrisome, bringing about a dilapidation in spirit.

A dilapidation in spirit, much like an old, worn out, used up, tired, on-its-last-leg clunker that has born miles and miles of usage, tells of a life that has been exposed to decay and overuse. It tells of a life that has exhausted itself by replacing parts over and over again until no proper replacements can be found. It tells of a life that is, perhaps, out of alignment and therefore cannot function or run optimally. It tells of a life that may have structural integrity issues, thereby making it fall into a state of disrepair sooner than is wanted, needed, or expected. It tells of a life, a vessel, a vehicle (for all intents) that is not performing at its best. This is what a life without Christ is akin to.

BUT…what if an opportunity presented itself where the ideal trade-in could occur? What would happen if the person who has yet to know Christ as LORD and Savior (or even the person who knows of Christ but has lost his or her direction where He and His way are concerned) decides to take the used up, dilapidated parts of self to the Master [Mechanic]? Dare I say that the [holy] upgrade is worth eternal salvation? The LORD’s new creation model with its new life interior and transformed vessel exterior can become the purposed vehicle it was always meant to be. It can run more smoothly, without limitations, fully and optimally, with a guaranteed life warranty.

DEEDS (Actions & Intentions):

Trade in your fear, and replace it with faith.

Trade in your sorrow, and replace it with joy.

Trade in your bondage, and replace it with freedom.

Trade in your unrest, and replace it with peace.

Trade in your weakness, and replace it with strength.

Trade in your negativity, and replace it with praise.

Trade in your bitterness, and replace it with sweetness.

Trade in your brokenness, and replace it with wholeness.

Trade in your life of old, and replace it with a new life in Christ.

THE TAKEAWAY & ENCOURAGEMENT: Exchange all that is [old self, old life] with all that could be [new self, new life] by subscribing to Jesus’ restoration model. His contract is sure. Transfer the ownership title of your life into His hands. You will not regret it.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: Matthew 11:28-29

GOING FURTHER: Complete a comparative analysis of 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Matthew 11:28-29.

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