Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Photo by Larm Rmah on Unsplash

Monday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. When you think of giving back to God, what thoughts come to mind? Is there guilt or grace or some combination of both in why you give? Take time in prayer today to thank God for all He has given and ask Him to give you a generous heart for the day ahead.

Tuesday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. In what ways are the Macedonians examples of how to best give one’s resources to serve God and others? Is there a specific way they demonstrate you would like to see growth in your own life of giving and generosity?

Wednesday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. How have you experienced such cheerful (literally, “hilarious”) giving in your life? What motivates you to be a cheerful giver?

Thursday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:5. On a scale of 1-10, evaluate your level of generosity. What has helped you become more generous? What still causes you to hold back?

Friday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. Look at the pathway to excel in giving. Where are you:How have you seen your giving and generosity grow? When did you discover that giving was more than money but all of life? When did you realize giving generously also included money?

Saturday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. Why is it important to God that we not only excel in the grace of giving but also in becoming a cheerful giver? Where do you need to pray for wisdom and courage to excel in the grace of giving? Where do you need to pray to be more cheerful in your giving?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading this book I LIKE GIVING by Brad Formsma, and The Generosity Ladder: Your Next Step Toward Financial Peace by Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Hanson.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Daniela Cuevas on Unsplash

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Day 1: Read Luke 10:38-42. Think of a time when you have been a Mary and think of a time when you have been a Martha. What was your frame of mind and where were you in the rest cycle?

Day 2: Read Psalm 23. What does God require from us in Psalm 23?  What does He offer in return?

Day 3: Read Luke 5:1-11. What lesson do the fishermen learn about work here?

Day 4: Read Genesis 2:2-3. Did God need to rest after the work of creation? Why do you think He rested?

Day 5: Read Mark 2:27. What exactly is the Sabbath as described here? How do we often get this backwards?

Day 6: Read Philippians 4:6-7. What kind of rest is described here? How do we get that kind of rest?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading this book Total Family Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Joshua Ness on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Matthew 15:1-20. Conversations require dialogue. Jesus disciplined his followers through constant dialogue. How did Jesus use questions with both the Pharisees and the disciples to teach them spiritual truth? What can you do to open  more dialogue with your child or the people you mentor?

Day 2: Read Luke 9:1-6. How are you giving your child/mentee opportunities to try things on his or her own?

Day 3: Read Matthew 18:1-5 and Luke 22:24-26. How did Jesus turn his disciples’ argument into a teachable moment?  What is one small change you can make to approach your child’s failures as opportunities?

Day 4: Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 and 2 Kings 2. What did you learn about mentoring from the relationship between Elijah and Elisha?

Day 5: Read Acts 16:1-5; 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 8-19; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; and 1 Timothy 4:12-16. As you look at Paul and Timothy’s interactions, what practical truth can you apply to pursue a Paul and train a Timothy?

Day 6: Brainstorm people that are in your sphere of influence. Who could you be mentoring? Take the next step to put your brainstorm into practice!

You can GO DEEPER this week by watching this 25 minute interview of Tony Dungy and by reading this book Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids: Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clark.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Day 1: Read John 13:1. Serving becomes easy when you serve someone you love. Whom do you find easy to serve? Who is a bit more challenging? Who has shown you such loving service in the past week? What do they do? Why would you consider it loving?

Day 2: Read John 13:2. It’s tough enough washing the feet of people you love. How about stretching one’s love capacity to wash the feet of the guy about to betray you that leads to your crucifixion? When do you find yourself called to serve someone you don’t love? How do you find a way still to serve? Whom do you love at that point? Why?

Day 3: Read John 13:3-5. Jesus knew the crucifixion was coming. He knew he would be dead in less than 24 hours, brutally crucified, betrayed by one disciple, denied three times by another, and ultimately abandoned by all. Yet he still makes time to wash feet. Why was this such a priority to Him? How did His stepping down to wash their feet, lift us up? Where is a place where you “step down” to serve? How does such service keep you humble and guard you from pride?

Day 4: Read Philippians 2:3. Why do you serve? What keeps you serving?

Day 5: Read John 13:12, 17. Jesus didn’t wash in silence. He took the opportunity to train his disciples to develop such a habit in their life. We see Him:

1. He asks a question -- “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
2. He issues a command -- “Do as I have done for you”
3. He gives the benefit that God will bless you for doing them.

Look at a recent act of serving. How can you use that time as an opportunity to teach someone else to serve? Who has been your serve role model? Why? To whom can you be a ‘serve’ role model? Where are/will you serve in the year ahead?

Day 6: Read John 13:34-35. Such a life of love is not to earn your way to heaven, but to embrace the heavenly life Jesus gives to all who believe in Him. How does Jesus define love in this verse? When have you experienced such a serving kind of love? Where can you share such love that sacrifices?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution through Serving by Dino Rizzo.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Luke 11:2-4. How does this prayer teach you to pray? Here’s one hint: this prayer is not merely words to say, but each petition is designed to be a launching pad to come to God in prayer. Go through the prayer, pausing to pray at each comma and period. The best way to learn to pray is to pray!

Day 2: Read Luke 11:11-13. One of Jesus’ great principles is the ‘how much more’ principle. He compares something earthly that works (like a father caring for a child), and ‘how much more’ God demonstrates such a quality among us. How does ‘how much more’ influence your prayer life? If God loves you much more than anyone else you know, what do you want to pray for today?

Day 3: Read 2 Kings 19:15-19. The key words in Hezekiah’s prayer are “so that”. He seeks God’s purpose to be accomplished in the prayer request he makes. Think of some of your prayer requests to God. How might praying for God to be glorified, people to come to know Him, His kingdom to advance add some “so that” focus to prayers for healing, finances, relationships, and everyday life?

Day 4: Read Ephesians 3:16-19. What sticks out to you about what Paul prays for the Ephesians? Pick a person for whom to pray this prayer from Ephesians today. Pray that God gives deep roots and a strong faith foundation, and for them to become like Christ.

Day 5: Read Luke 11:9-11. When Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, He not only gives the words to model their prayers, but also the attitude to bring to prayer. Where do you need to pray with persistent faith? What petition has dropped off your prayer time that perhaps God is nudging you to pray some more?

Day 6: Read Ephesians 3:20-21. These verses lead me to pray – “God, stretch my imagination!” Our God can do immeasurably more! Where do you need God to stretch your imagination? What lessons have you learned praying this week that you hope to continue to use in the weeks ahead?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book - A Praying Life: Connecting to God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Bethany Laird on Unsplash

Day 1: Read 2 Timothy 3:16. God’s Word draws out the truth of who God is and what He has done to save us in Jesus, and what it means to live as a child of God. In God’s Word, the path to heaven is revealed, but so is the way to build a life that matters with God and with one another. How has God’s Word inspired you this past week in worshiping Him and following His ways?

Day 2: Read Matthew 7:24. Why did God include this in the Bible? What Biblical principle is found here? How does this fit in with the whole story of the Bible? What application does this truth have for my life?

Day 3: Read 2 Timothy 3:14-15. The Bible is an unfolding story of who God is and what it means to know Him. The story of God’s great love is that He created the world, died for our sins, rose again, and longs to be in a living and loving relationship with us. If someone asked you to give the 30 second summary of the Bible’s story, what would you say? Why?

Day 4: Read Psalm 78:4-6. Who introduced you to the Bible? Take time to give God thanks (and if still alive to give that person a word of thanks!). Who are you introducing to read, learn, and live God’s Word? Who might you begin to introduce to God’s amazing story of His Word?

Day 5: Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  Typically, when people focus on these verses and the Bible, they quote verse 16, but not 17. How has God thoroughly equipped you through His Word in this new year? Where would you like to see God equip you, shape you for His purpose for your life through His Word?

Day 6: Read James 1:22-25. Turns out in everyday life, you only believe the part of the Bible you actually do. What parts of God’s Word do you find challenging to do? Why? How have you discovered His way is the best way to live in the past week?The

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the Story: The Bible As One Continuing Story Of God And His People.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Matthew 2:1-2. The story of the wise men teaches us that God will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks Him. For whom are you praying this year to seek and find God? What might be a star that is beginning to shine in their life to guide them to Jesus?

Day 2: Read Jeremiah 29:13. Where do you find yourself seeking God’s direction today? What blocks your heart from being all in for seeking God?

Day 3: Read Matthew 2:12. God speaks to these wise men in the language of their work life – stars and dreams. Such speaking lines up with the message of His Word. How do you sense God speaking into your life today? What message from His Word is He seeking to connect to your heart and life?

Day 4: Read Psalm 119:105. Where do you need the light of God’s Word to shine on your path today?

Day 5: Read Matthew 2:9-10. You might say, “Well, Pastor, I haven't seen too many bright stars pointing the way in my life.” Yet, think about it. What these wise men did for a living was basically two-fold: interpret the stars and interpret dreams. In other words, God used the circumstances of their everyday job and life to guide them to His Son. He does the same today; maybe not with stars and dreams, but with the stuff of which our everyday lives are made. God is seeking to guide us at our work and in our homes. How have you sensed His guidance for your life’s path this week? Where are you seeking His guidance in the day ahead?

Day 6: Read John 14:6. There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in situations which offer no clear-cut answers. It is at these times when we can entrust ourselves completely to God, knowing that he will lead us each step of the way. Where is Jesus calling you to step out in faith in the year ahead?

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Edgar on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Psalm 90:1-6. What perspective does Moses take of time in this passage? How does this perspective inform your understanding of time compared to God's time?

Day 2: Read Colossians 3:1-4. Where should our attention be focused? What are some ways that we can attain that focus?

Day 3: Read Luke 2:22-40. How would you describe the actions and attitude of the family? From where does this attitude come from?

Day 4: Read Colossians 3:18-22. What kind of attitude is expected of us as believers? How is this different from a worldly attitude? How is it the same?

Day 5: Read Colossians 3:5-11. List those things that are to be "put to death." What does "put to death" mean to you?

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:12-17. What character traits are listed here? Which of these are a regular part of your walk with Jesus? With which ones do you struggle?

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read Luke 2:11. What do you hope to remember from this Christmas to put in practice until next Christmas?

Day 2: Read Luke 2:17-19. The word “pondered” means to put in context, to connect. Such connection is the work of the mind and Spirit. Mary begins to connect the dots – angels didn’t come to the priests to announce the good news but to common shepherds working the night shift. As you look at the past week, month, year, where can you see God “connecting the dots” in your life?

Day 3: Read Luke 2:6-7. The story of Christmas is not about us trying to stumble our way into finding God. It's about God coming to be with us, being present in our lives, taking our steps with us, day-in and day-out.  Where do you need to remind yourself of God’s presence in your life for the day ahead? How have you sensed His presence with you this Christmas season?

Day 4: Read Matthew 1:21-23. God with us. He is with us in the midst of the mess. And even after He comes, dies, rises again, and ascends to heaven, He is still with us. What mess do you need to turn over to Jesus and become aware of His presence to transform your life and others?

Day 5: Read Luke 2:10. God wants to rewrite your story from the mess of this world and of sin, to the masterpiece of His grace and our Savior Jesus. Where have you seen God guiding you to a new beginning, a new start, a rewrite of the story of your life in the past year?

Day 6: Read Ephesians 2:8-10. By grace…through faith…for works. No situation is beyond God's redemption. No soul is beyond salvation. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that you might be forgiven, and He rose from the dead so that you, too, can experience His resurrection power. Take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus in the past year and for the year ahead.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the following book - Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ by Tim Keller.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Please join us for Christmas Services!

Day 1: Read Micah 5:4. One of the great gifts, Jesus our Christmas Savior gives is that you don't have to live life in your own strength. You don't have to handle it on your own. You have help. You can turn to God for strength, and He will give it to you. Where do you need to turn to God’s strength today? What’s holding you back? Why?

Day 2: Read Philippians 4:13.  Where have you sensed Jesus’ strength at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Where have you seen that strength at work in someone else’s life in the last week?

Day 3: Read Micah 5:4. Through Micah, God invites us to know Jesus and the security He brings. Jesus offers the security of knowing that he is in control, and he has the power and ability to take care of us. That's what a shepherd does, and that is what he wants to do for you. Take time to turn over all that robs you of peace and security over to Jesus in prayer.

Day 4: Read John 10:27-28. Jesus offers the kind of security the world cannot — security based not on things and circumstances, but on his never-ending love for you. And His greatness, Micah says, reaches to the ends of the earth. There is no place you can go, or nothing that can happen, that extends beyond the power of God to take care of you. How secure is your relationship with God? What makes you certain you are secure in Jesus’ care?

Day 5: Read Micah 5:5. Jesus came to bring peace to all who follow him. How can you share that peace Jesus brings with others? Where do you need to experience His peace in your life today?

Day 6: Read John 14:27. Jesus came to give us peace. Even when we can't experience peace in the world around us, we can experience his peace in our inner world. Jesus came to take away all the things that destroy our peace. He wants to carry your burdens; he wants to lift your anxieties, he wants to take away your sins. Take time in prayer to turn all that robs your peace over to Him.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the following book - Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ by Tim Keller.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.

 AS PRAY THIS WEEK FOR CREATE FOR COMMUNITY: For patience with parking challenges during construction. For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.