Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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Day 1: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “He makes me lie down”. When has the Lord brought you to your knees? When have you been made to pause? How did you feel and what did you learn?

Day 2: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “in green pastures”. Though there’s not a whole lot of “green” pastures in Southern California, you get the gist. Green pastures are a place where livestock can feed and be given nourishment. Where is a place that gives nourishment to your soul? Take 5 minutes of quiet time to go to that place in your mind.

Day 3: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “He leads me”. You’ve probably played the game “follow the leader” before. As you’ve aged or matured, you’ve probably found that following the leader can be difficult at times. Where do you struggle to follow God? Take time to pray that your heart would be changed so that you would adopt the ways of God and delight in following Him.

Day 4: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “beside quiet waters”. Again, in Southern California we are not familiar with quiet waters – we are more acquainted with the ocean! The quiet waters the Psalm refers to are waters that we can relax next to. Head to the beach today. Though there are no “quiet waters” there, take a moment to relax and remember that through all the waves of your life – God is there! 

Day 5: Read John 10:11-15. Rest, for the sheep, only comes when they feel safe with the Shepherd. The same is true for us as humans. Take time to confess to God where you are struggling to feel safe, and before you go to bed tonight, pray: “I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

Day 6: Read John 11:16-18. Jesus says here that there are other sheep who haven’t yet been “brought in” to the fold. Take time today to pray for all of those who have not yet found their home and safety in the fold of Christ’s Holy Church. 

Recent GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).
• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)
• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

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At the start of 2021, Christ Lutheran Church's weekly Messages will be around a new series called "Trusting God In Tough Times" using Psalm 23:1-6.

As you use this week’s Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide, the first five days invite you to focus on one word a day from “The LORD is my shepherd.” And then on day six to focus on the phrase, “I shall not be in want.”

Throughout the week memorize this verse Psalm 23:1 -- "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

Day 1: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “the.” What does it mean to you that your Shepherd is the LORD, not a god? What seeks to take His place in your life? Today take time to praise Him for His care for you.

Day 2: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “LORD.” LORD is God’s personal name in the Old Testament given in Exodus 3:15. God is worthy to be praised as our divine creator, and through Jesus our incredible Savior of all. What does it mean to you that God desires a personal relationship with you? That He cares about you? That He knows you better than you know yourself? Today praise God for His longing to have a personal relationship with you.

Day 3: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “is.” The Bible tells the great story of God, of how He has acted in history, how He will one day come back to take His followers to heaven. Today think about what it means that God is – God is with you, God is active, God is love. Psalm 23 reminds not just of what God has done or will do, but best of all that He is here now with you. Today thank God for His presence with you. Ask for what you need for the day ahead. Seek to live out this day aware of His presence each moment.

Day 4: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “my.” David could have said “our”, but instead he reminds himself of God’s one-on-one relationship with David (and with you). Today get personal with God. Share your heart, your life, you needs, your hopes, your dreams. While God is with everyone, praise God today for being with you!

Day 5: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “Shepherd.” God is your pastor, your perfect pastor! He wants to lead you along life’s best path for your life. Today ask for His guidance and direction for what you face. Thank Him for His perfect love and care for you. 

Day 6: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “I shall not be in want.” The LORD God is your pastor, protector, provider and a whole lot more. Today thank Him for all that He does for you. Ask Him for what you need. Trust Him to provide and to guide you in the day ahead!

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).

Recent GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)
• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

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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. Who are you praying for 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 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 that our everyday lives are made of, at our work God is seeking to guide us. In our homes, God is seeking to guide us. 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 we can trust 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?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)
• "Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons

This Christmas 2020 we will be giving our Christmas Eve offering away to four recipients outside our congregation:

• Amor Ministry (Building Houses in Mexico)
• Child Beyond International (Providing ovens for families in Guatemala)
• CityHope La Mesa (Helping victims of abuse find protection and hope)
• The Well (Providing workspace for women and inclusive childcare)

Download Advent Devotional (PDF)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)
• Read the book"Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons

This Christmas 2020 we will be giving our Christmas Eve offering away to four recipients outside our congregation:

• Amor Ministry (Building Houses in Mexico)
• Child Beyond International (Providing ovens for families in Guatemala)
• CityHope La Mesa (Helping victims of abuse find protection and hope)
• The Well (Providing workspace for women and inclusive childcare)

Download Advent Devotional (PDF)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)
• Read the book"Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons

The countdown to Christmas 2020 has started!  The theme will be "God With Us!"

Please participate this month with the daily Advent materials that you can download from: christlamesa.org/christmas.

Each day starting on November 29th through Christmas (December 25th) has a customized devotional (written by staff members), questions to consider, and then daily reflection prompts.

Download Advent Devotional (PDF)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)
• Read the book"Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash

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Day 1: Read Matthew 25:40. As you look at your life right now, do you feel a greater sense of compassion fatigue or compassionate faith? What’s your “least of these” story about how God sent someone to help you in a time of your need?

Day 2: Read Matthew 25:34-36. How can you define “your job” by the good you do? How is God using you to meet the needs of others?

Day 3: Read Matthew 10:42. Boy Scouts teach more than doing a good deed every day, but doing a good turn at every opportunity. What opportunities did you catch to either do or receive good yesterday? What opportunities did you miss? Why?

Day 4: Read Matthew 25:44-45. Jesus in this story in Matthew 25 not only shows the road of compassionate faith, He also speaks of the indicators of compassion fatigue. Which ones does He identify in these verses? What are the signs of compassion fatigue you see as warning lights in your life? Why is it so important we deal with compassion fatigue and learn to start caring again?

Day 5: Read Matthew 25:37-40. When I think of these words form Matthew 25, I think of the life of Mother Teresa in reaching out to the poor and dying in Calcutta, India who observed, “When I look at the face of a needy person, I see Jesus.” Where have you seen the face of Jesus in the life of another? When have others seen the face of Jesus in you?

Day 6: Read Matthew 25:40. If you're battling compassion fatigue, then I challenge you to give this a try. When you first wake up, instead of thinking about all the trials and tribulations you must endure, ask this instead, "Lord, who can I bless today?"

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading:

• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• Read the book"Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)
• Read the book “Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)
• Read the book "October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World" by Martin Marty (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Audible)

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

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This week Pastor Travis invites us to use “Lectio Divina” (Spiritual Reading) to help develop gratitude & contentment.

Paul expresses gratitude to the church in Philippi for their provision, and that leads him to teach about contentment. When Christians trust in God to provide for all their needs, that trust leads to contentment, even in times of need. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Here are the guidelines that they use:

• Read/Lectio
• Reflect/Meditatio
• Respond/Oratio
• Rest/Contemplatio
• Resolve/Incarnatio

Below is the list of the next six days of passages for this week:

Day 1: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:10; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 2: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:11; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 3: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:12-13; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 4: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:14; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 5: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:16-20; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 6: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:21-23; Phrase: _________________________________________

You can also listen to this guided audio example:

• Lectio Divina from 2013 (MP3).

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• Read the book"Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)
• Read the book “Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)
• Read the book "October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World" by Martin Marty (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Audible)
• Read the book* Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture by Larry Osborne.
• Read the book* Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby and Claude V. King.

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

*Kindle book links are provided by Amazon Associate Links.

Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

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This week Pastor Burkey invites us to use “Lectio Divina” (Spiritual Reading) to help develop positive attitudes and actions as Paul describes in Philippians 4:8-9. 

Here are the guidelines that they use:

• Read/Lectio
• Reflect/Meditatio
• Respond/Oratio
• Rest/Contemplatio
• Resolve/Incarnatio

Below is the list of the next six days of passages for this week:

Day 1: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:1-3; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 2: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:4-5; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 3: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:6; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 4: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:7; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 5: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:8; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 6: Read/Lectio: Philippians 4:9; Phrase: _________________________________________

You can also listen to this guided audio example:

• Lectio Divina from 2013 (MP3).

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading "Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

Recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• Read the book “Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)
• Read the book "October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World" by Martin Marty (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Audible)
• Read the book* Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture by Larry Osborne.
• Read the book* Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby and Claude V. King.
• Read the book* Laugh Again: Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles Swindoll.

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

*Kindle book links are provided by Amazon Associate Links.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

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This week Pastor Travis invites us to use “Lectio Divina” (Spiritual Reading) in reading the verses from Philippians 3:12-21 to let the Holy Spirit use God’s Word to give us real confidence in living life this week and in the days ahead.

An African Proverbs says "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Here are the guidelines that they use:

• Read/Lectio
• Reflect/Meditatio
• Respond/Oratio
• Rest/Contemplatio
• Resolve/Incarnatio

Below is the list of the next six days of passages for this week:

Day 1: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:12; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 2: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:13; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 3: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:14; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 4: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:17; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 5: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:18-19; Phrase: ________________________________________

Day 6: Read/Lectio: Philippians 3:19-21; Phrase: _________________________________________

You can also listen to this guided audio example:

• Lectio Divina from 2013 (MP3).

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading “Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Hard-copy)

Previous recent GO DEEPER opportunities:

• Read the book October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World by Martin Marty (Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Audible)
• Read the book* Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture by Larry Osborne.
• Read the book* Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby and Claude V. King.
• Read the book* Laugh Again: Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles Swindoll.
• Read the book* Philippians: The Eight Places Joy Is Won or Lost by Tom Holladay.
• Read the book* The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller
• Read the book* The Deeper Journey: The Spirituality of Discovering Your True Self by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
• Read the book* Restoring Civility: Lessons from the Master – Your Path to Rediscover Respect by Kent R. Hunter with Tracee J. Swank
• Read the book* Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are by Craig Groeschel
• Reading Martin Luther's Lectures on Romans.
• Read the book* The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

You can also watch this week's sermon or read the full message & GPS here.

*Kindle book links are provided by Amazon Associate Links.