Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

The G.P.S. this week uses the movie "Green Book" to tell God's Epic Story In Movies.

Monday – Read Ephesians 2:14. Where in your life do you see divisions with other Christians? How can you focus on similarities, acknowledge differences, and be friends?

Tuesday – Read Genesis 1:27. God made people. Period. Everyone you see around you was knitted in his/her mother’s womb by God. How does that affect how you treat them?

Wednesday – Read 1 John 2:11. Whom do you hate? Scripture calls us to pray for our enemies. Think, pray, and ask God to change your heart. 

Thursday – Read 1 Samuel 16:17. God looks at hearts. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”. How can we teach the next generation to live out this truth of looking towards people’s hearts?

Friday – Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. How do you define love? Does your love towards others reflect 1 Corinthians 13:1-13? If yes, how? If no, how can that change by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Saturday (As you prepare for weekend worship) – Watch any of the “Mary Poppins” movies -- “Mary Poppins;” or “Mary Poppins Returns;” or “Saving Mr. Banks.”

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. Consider your life at this time – what gifts has God given you? How can you put those gifts to use to serve others? 

Day 2: Read 1 Corinthians 12:27. Playing off Paul’s image of you being part of the Body of Christ, what part of the Body do you see yourself being? What are some other gifts you see working in people you know? How have you seen the Body of Christ work well together? How can your part help us serve our community better?

Day 3: Read Acts 4:19-20. When have you faced a “we must obey God rather than men” moment? Where do you feel pressure to go against God’s will? What keeps you connected to Him?

Day 4: Read Luke 8:21. As part of Jesus’ family, you not only hear God’s Word, you put it into practice. How have you put God’s Word into practice the past week? Where do you find putting God’s Word into practice challenging?

Day 5: Read Colossians 3:20. How are you doing at “obey your parents in everything”, at this point in your life? What life lessons have your parents taught you? Which ones are you passing on to others?

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:21. How does your family encourage you? How do you encourage your family? What intentional act of encouragement can you do in the next 24 hours?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Today’s GPS is based on the movie (and book) I Can Only Imagine and Matthew 5:9.

Day 1: Read Matthew 5:3. Every day we must approach God with two things in mind: 1.) We must approach God fully aware that we have nothing to offer.  2.) We must approach God fully aware that He has everything that we need.   When we begin our day with these two truths, we place ourselves in a position for God to continue redeeming our lives. We no longer are trying to restore ourselves, but we relinquish control so that God can do what only He can do. Where do you need to relinquish control to God in your life today? Why do you keep holding on instead of letting go?

Day 2: Read Matthew 5:7. There is a distinction between mercy and grace. Mercy is not getting what we deserve, but grace is getting the generosity of God we do not deserve. In your relationship with God, do you tend to seek more His mercy or His grace? In your relationships with others, are you more likely to extend mercy or grace?

Day 3: Read Matthew 5:5. There may be someone you love in life, who you know is on a bad path. You may wonder what you can do. Where’s the line between helping them get up, and enabling them to stay in their problem? The one thing you can do from start to finish is to pray. Throughout the movie when Bart reaches out to Shannon with the ups and downs of his career and his relationship with his dad, he always reminds her and thanked her for her commitment to pray. You can pray for people in the best times of their lives, you can pray and be there for people in the difficult times of their lives. Who is God prompting you to pray for today?

Day 4: Read Matthew 5:4. Some people assume Jesus is simply speaking about mourning due to sad circumstances. However, He is speaking more about mourning sinfulness and brokenness, which result in sad circumstances. What sin in the world leads you to mourn the most – poverty, illnesses, abuse, etc.? What sin in you leads you to mourn the most?

Day 5: Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. What does Christ’s love compel you to do? What impact did you see His love have in your life in the past week? As you look at the week ahead?

Day 6: Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. What does it look like for you to embrace your calling as a minister of reconciliation (an ambassador of forgiveness) to the world? What people or relationships come to mind?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard and Robert Noland.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Monday – Read Jonah 4:1-10. God has shown grace and mercy to Jonah several times up to this point. He has also shown Jonah that He is the Creator. Why do you think Jonah is still so focused on getting his own way?

Tuesday – Read Psalm 22. Psalm 22 was referenced by Jesus on the cross. Many people feel as though they could have written the same words David did in the Psalms. How does this Psalm speak to your life and faith right now?

Wednesday – Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. What are some circumstances sin your life that you struggle “giving thanks” for? How can that change as you realize that God has you in the palm of His hand, and is going to be there no matter what?

Thursday – Read Luke 9:23. Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905-1987) said “Faith is a movement of the entire person away from himself, through the gift of grace.” Where do you need to move away from your own desires and cling to Jesus?

Friday – Read Proverbs 3:5-6. When we lean on our own understanding, we are left with more questions than answers. When we lean on Christ, we may not have all the answers, but we know that we are leaning on the one who knows how eternity is going to pan out. How is that comforting to you?

Saturday (As you prepare for weekend worship) – Watch “I Can Only Imagine”. We are starting our new series “God’s Epic Story in Movies.” Take Saturday to watch the first movie “I Can Only Imagine,” and jot down some points of interest as you watch. 

On August 1st (Thursday Night Commons) we’ll begin our series “God’s Epic Story in Movies.” We’ll be looking at:

• I Can Only Imagine
• The Incredibles 2
• The Green Book
• Mary Poppins Returns

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Werner Sevenster on Unsplash

Monday – Read Jonah 3:1-10. God gave Jonah a message of judgment intended to save a great city. God has given you the message of Jesus Christ intended to save the world. How does the story of Jonah embolden your evangelism? Take time to write down the names of those people in your life who don’t know that salvation of Jesus Christ. Pray for them, and pray for yourself as you bring His love to them, knowing that God hears you.

Tuesday – Read 1 Peter 1:3. God has given each person a new birth through the waters of Holy Baptism. How does remembering that Baptism change the way you live daily?

Wednesday – Read Ephesians 4:22-24. Though Baptism gives us a new birth, we still struggle with the things of our past. We exist as a paradox: saint and sinner. What are the things of your old self that need to be put away?

Thursday – Read Psalm 121:1-2. It’s easy to think that life transformation is something we have to do on our own. This is why self-help books fly off the shelves. But as Christians, we know our help comes from the Lord! What is it from your old-life that you want to ask the Holy Spirit to help you put away and be done with?

Friday – Read Mark 16:15. Christ wants us to join Him on His mission of reaching the nations. What are some unique talents or skills that you have that can help in proclaiming the Gospel?

Saturday (As you prepare for weekend worship) – Read Jonah 4. Is there any area of your life where you have been disappointed with God? Have you ever been upset that God is gracious with EVERYONE (including people you really don’t like)? Explore those feelings as you prepare your heart for worship.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Marian May on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Jonah 1:17-2:3. Why do you think we sometimes have to sink so low before we remember God?

Day 2: Read Jonah 2:4-7. When have you felt like you were in a deep, dark pit, either physically, emotionally or spiritually? What did you do? What did God do? How does that still influence your life today?

Day 3: Read Jonah 2:8. Why do you think Jonah does not confess his sin, but the sins of others? When are you tempted to be more focused on others’ sins and not your own?

Day 4: Read 1 John 1:8-9. God is faithful and just. Take time to come clean with your sin before Him, and ask forgiveness.

Day 5: Read Jonah 2:9. Where is God moving you to give thanks today? 

Day 6: Read Jonah 2:10. Jonah doesn’t know when living in the belly of a great fish is going to end, yet He trusts in God to act in God’s time. Where do you need to trust God today to act in His time in your life? Like Jonah, take time in prayer to lay out your heart to God in prayer.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book The Prodigal Prophet: The Mystery of Jonah and God’s Mercy by Tim Keller.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Matt Hardy on Unsplash

One great take-a-ways from this week's message on Jonah 1:1-17 is:

"In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we as Christians have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds." - Father Henri Nouwen (1932-1996).

Monday - Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. How does the Word of God confront your "God-amnesia"?  What are the areas of your life that need to be conformed to God's will instead of your will?

Tuesday - Read Psalm 51:10. It is clear that Jonah is guilty of many sins (i.e. running from God, disobeying God, living to self, etc.). Sin is a heart problem. David prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." Ask yourself: what is your heart pursing right now? Pray for forgiveness, and relish in God's grace.

Wednesday - Read Psalm 107:23-32. It says in Jonah that sailors "cried out, each to their own god." As Christians, we believe in one true God, who listens to our prayers, who hears our cries for mercy.  Take today and write down your prayer requests. Reflect on them throughout the rest of the week."

Thursday - Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4. In the passage you just read, we hear about what God's will is.  How can we join Jesus on His mission of salvation of all people in your everyday life?

Friday - Read Luke 9:23. "Taking up your cross" and following Jesus is a daily activity. Where are you struggling to take up your cross and deny yourself? Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Saturday (As you prepare for weekend worship) - Read Jonah 2. Jonah hits rock bottom and cries out to God. When have you felt as though you're at rock bottom? How has God helped you through that time?

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash

The theme "Family On Mission" will be guiding our next year at Christ Lutheran Church.  How is your life going to be different in one year?

Day 1: Read John 20:21. When you think of “Family on Mission” what comes to mind?

Day 2: Read John 20:19-20. If you were to pick a word to describe your life in the past 12 months, what word would you choose? Why? How do you see the peace of Jesus working in your life? Is there absence of conflict? Is everything working together? How have you seen Jesus bringing His peace into your life this past year?

Day 3: Read Romans 8:15. Imagine someone you know and care about asking you this question: “What is so good about Jesus that you think I should get to know Him and trust Him with my life?” How would you answer your friend? Whom will you share such good news with? When?

Day 4: Read John 20:30-31. What words of Jesus are most dear to you? Why? 

Day 5: Read John 20:21. When Jesus shows up to disbelieving and doubting disciples, He doesn’t say sit still. He says, “…as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As Jesus was sent, so are we to bring peace to an unpeaceful world. He doesn’t send us out alone. He goes with us into the place we already are – family, home, work, school, the places and people of our everyday lives. Where have you seen Jesus on a mission around you in the past month? Where can you join Him?

Day 6: Read John 20:21. Twelve months from now, imagine living a more peaceful life -- not a less-busy life with fewer problems and obstacles, but a life that is more centered in the peace of Christ. You can be there. Imagine, that in 12 months,  your faith is more solid than it has ever been, that you understand the foundations of what we believe in is greater. Imagine the feeling of walking more closely with Jesus, because your Christian walk involves more than just Sundays, and you're putting into the practice the things He taught us to do. Imagine, 12 months from now, that you're involved in mission. Where would you like to grow in your faith in Jesus in the next 12 months?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Family on Mission by Mike and Sally Breen.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

This week's GPS is based on 1 Kings 19:5 with the goal of helping us all:

1. Rest our body
2. Rest our mind
3. Rest our soul

Day 1: Read 1 Kings 19:1-4. When do you know you’ve had enough? When your body is running on empty, what do you do that helps you fuel up again?

Day 2: Read 1 Kings 19:7-9a. The angel’s advice to Elijah is to eat, sleep, repeat. How are you doing in caring for the body, mind, and soul God has given you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being on empty, 10 being fully provided.

Day 3: Read 1 Kings 19:9b-10. If God were to ask you today, “What are you doing here?” What’s your response? What might He be saying to you because of your response?

Day 4: Read Psalm 46:10. When do you unplug and spend time with God? When is your time of stillness and silence – phone off, Bible open, ready to speak to God, and hear Him speak into your life? 

Day 5: Read 1 Kings 19:11-14. After a dramatic series of events, God reveals Himself to Elijah in an undramatic way. Why would God choose to dwell in the whisper? When have you experienced God’s whisper in your life? When do you take time to unplug from the world and give God your undivided attention?

Day 6: Read 1 Kings 19:15-18. God is saying to Elijah and to you and me in our lives and even in our exhaustion, “Your life Is not over. I’m still in control. I still have a great purpose and plan for your life.” As you reflect on the gifts God has given you, His love to empower you, and the strength of His presence to strengthen you, where is God’s plan for your life leading you these days?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Photo by Crissy Jarvis on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Ephesians 5:15. Consider a decision you’ve made in the last week and one that you are facing in the week ahead. What is the wise thing to do ... (per Andy Stanley)  ...

• In light of my past experiences?
• In light of my present circumstances?
• In light of my future hopes and dreams? 

Day 2: Read Ephesians 5:17. As you seek to understand God’s will, think back over some of the significant events in your life and run them through these questions -- What is God teaching you in your ... 

• Spiritual Experiences: What have been the meaningful or decisive times with God in your life?
• Educational Experiences: What were your favorite subjects in school? What areas of life do you like to study?
• Painful Experiences: What lessons have you learned from the problems, hurts, and trials of life?
• Ministry Experiences: How have you served God in the past? 
• Work Experiences: What jobs have you enjoyed and achieved results doing? 

Put them all together. What wisdom is God teaching you? 

Day 3: Read Ephesians 5:16. Think over the past 86,400 seconds of your life (that’s 1 day – 24 hours). How have you made each second count? How did God guide you? Where did you forget He was present? What adjustments will you make for your next 86,400 seconds? 

Day 4: Read Ephesians 5:18. The Greeks (the language in which the New Testament is written) had 2 words for time – Chronos and Kairos. Paul uses Kairos in Ephesians 5. With Chronos time think “calendar”. Kairos time think “compass”. A clock counts each hour, a compass sets course and direction. As you consider what drives your life (Paul gives 2 options in verse 18), what makes your moments matter each day? 

Day 5: Read Ephesians 5:19. With whom do you share “God talk” as Paul describes it in this verse? When? Where? Why those people and those places and not others? How might the places, and people you tell, sing and share about God, expand in the week ahead? 

Day 6: Read Ephesians 5:20. Every time you say 'thank you' -- that's making your marble count. Look back over the past 24 hours, what are some obvious “Thank Yous” you can extend to God?  What are some unexpected ways, that you, at first, felt like asking God what He was doing, and now you are moved to give thanks? 

1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Ask It: The Question That Will Revolutionize How You Make Decisions by Andy Stanley.

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

CREATE FOR COMMUNITY PRAYER REQUESTS: For patience with parking challenges during construction (currently estimating completion by the end of August 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.