Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This week's "I AM" statement comes from John 15:5.

Day 1: Read John 15:1. Jesus describes Himself as the True Vine. So, who is the false vine? Turns out, if you the read Old Testament, you discover that Israel is described as the wild vine. Instead of following the God who is great, who can make them productive and living in “the zone”, they pursue worthless gods, and life comes up empty and meaningless. Where do you find yourself tempted to follow a connection disconnected from God in your life? Why is that area so tempting? Take time to confess to Him and seek to reconnect with the True Vine!

Day 2: Read John 15:4. Jesus said, "Remain in me and I will remain in you." He is saying, "Include me in the details of your day, and I will fill your life with my presence." When we do that, we enter into "the zone" of Christian living. Look back at the last 24 hours. How have you lived aware of Jesus presence? How did His presence guide your life in those moments? How have you lived unaware of Jesus’ presence? How did your lack of awareness of Jesus’ presence guide your life in those moments? How can you live more aware of Jesus’ presence in the next 24 hours?

Day 3: Read John 15:2. What might Jesus be pruning away in your life? What time- wasters, destructive relationships, or sinful behavior is He pruning? Or needs to prune?

Day 4: Read Acts 2:37-39. “Cut to the heart” how’s that for a pruning phrase! Amid their pain, Peter reveals their ultimate power – repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t prune to bring pain--God prunes to bring growth! Looking back in the last year, where has Jesus been pruning that has led to greater growth?

Day 5: Read John 15:7. Centuries ago, Celtic Christians lived a life full of hard work and long hours, yet they still found time to come to God in prayer. For example, most people wash their face first thing in the morning, but the Celts made a religious ceremony of it. They would splash their face with water three times and pray...

• The palmful of the God of Life
• The palmful of the Christ of Love
• The palmful of the Spirit of Peace
• Trinity of grace.

As they clothed their children, the children prayed...

• Even as I clothe my body with wool
• Cover Thou my soul with the shadow of Thy wing.

Where might you find time and space to pray to God about the everyday matters of life like washing your face or putting on your clothes?

Day 6: Read John 15:8. When you stay connected to Jesus in prayer, He causes you to experience change from within. Your desires are completely overhauled, so that when you pray for material things, you pray out of need, not greed — and you can therefore pray with confidence. When you think of what God wants you to pray, what does that lead you to pray for? How will you pray for that today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book The Vine Speaks by Cindy Steinbeck.

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.

This week's "I AM" statement comes from John 14:6.

Day 1: Read John 14:1. What is the difference for you in focusing on trouble in this world versus focusing on trust in Jesus? How do the troubles of this would pull on your attention? What is the power you have experiences in trusting in Jesus? What troubles do you need to turn over to Jesus today? 

Day 2: Read John 14:2. When you think of your heavenly home what images come to mind? How has Jesus been preparing you for heaven lately? What are some areas of preparation for living in heaven He might still be working on in you this day? 

Day 3: Read John 11:35 and John 11:38. If Jesus has not called you home yet to heaven. He's still proving time for you to prepare and to prepare others, to learn about Him, and to share who He is.  How might God be using you to prepare others for heaven and life with God?

Day 4: Read John 14:4. When Jesus says something and you don't understand what He says what do you do?  Who can you ask? How can you let that question lead you to prayer, and to God's Word, and to the people God has placed in your life? What question do you want to ask Him today? 

Day 5: Read John 14:5. We usually call Thomas, "Doubting Thomas." In this verse, he is "Honest Thomas." He doesn't understand what Jesus is saying,  so he asks a question. Why is it important to be honest with where we are in our relationship with God? Where do you need to have an honest conversation with God?  What holds you back? What helps you to open up to Him? 

Day 6: Read Read John 14:6. Catch the vision and the blessing Jesus is describing for your life with God our Father in this verse:

• Jesus is the Way and takes believers to the Father's house.
• Jesus is the Truth and reveals the Father's heart.
• Jesus is the Life and brings the Father to us so we can have His help and discover the hope He brings.

What helps you to keep on keeping on with Jesus each day? Take time today to pray for Jesus' strength to keep on keeping on with Him! 

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Jesus In The Present Tense: The I Am Statements Of Jesus by Warren Wiersbe.

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.

This week's "I AM" statement comes from John 11:25-26.

Day 1: Read John 11:21 and John 11:32. Mary and Martha say the same things. That's a little passive aggressive, isn't it? They are aren't really blaming Jesus, but they are. Aren't we all a little passive aggressive with God? The aren't really blaming Jesus, but they are.  Aren't we all a little passive aggressive with God?  We know God could keep things like this from happening and sometimes we don't understand why God does not. What's your "Lord, if you had been here" moment when you thought God would act, but He didn't? What have you learned in this time of waiting? Where have you sensed His presence even when He didn't act the way you hoped He would?

Day 2: Read John 11:21-22. Where do you, like Martha, need 'even now' faith? What do you need to bring before Him in prayer and embrace His presence today?

Day 3: Read John 11:35 and John 11:38. Why does Jesus weep when He's about to raise Lazarus from the dead? The Bible doesn't tell us for sure.  Some think He's so moved by the passing of Lazarus, He weeps. The used for wept is not one for simply tearing up, but the idea of deep guttural weeping to the core of His being. I think Jesus is so moved by the pain death brings, and the grief He sees present, He's moved to grief over what death has done to God's original plan.  The Bible doesn't invite us to deny our grief or our emotions, but to be honest with them in all days of our life.  Where do you need to be honest with God about your emotions today?

Day 4: Read Isaiah 25:9. In what area of your life do you need to reaffirm your trust in Jesus' care? Why? What is a story from your past when you trusted God and He acted on your behalf? Take time today to rejoice in what God has done in your life and what you can trust He will do.

Day 5: Read John 11:24. Martha affirms what Jesus can do in the past and in the future, but misses His power in the present moment. As you look at your life right now, where do you need to pray for Jesus's power to be at work? Why? Take some time to thank Him for His presence and care, and by faith ask for His power to work in the situation and circumstances you face today.

Day 6: Read Read John 11:25-26. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." It's not just what He does; it's who He is. The resurrection is not an event. It is a Person, Jesus Christ didn't just die on a cross to make bad people good. On Easter, He walked out of the tomb to bring dead people to life! Where do you need Jesus' resurrection power at work in your life? What feels dead, that He can bring back to life?"

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book The Grave Robber - How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible by Mark Batterson.

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 estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read John 10:11-13. How have you sensed Jesus’ presence with you in the past day? Where do you need to remind yourself of His presence in the day ahead? Pray to live this day, aware of Jesus’ presence.

Day 2: Read Psalm 23:4. In the past, where have you experienced God’s comfort in times of trouble? What “trouble” do you need to stop running from and turn over to God?

Day 3: Read John 10:14. Here’s the beauty of a relationship with Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is your closest friend, not a distant deity. How do you think Jesus knows you? In what ways do you know Jesus as your Good Shepherd? Where have you recently seen His hand of care at work in your life?

Day 4: Read Psalm 23:1. Read and personalize this verse replacing the word “my” with the possessive form of your name (Example: My = Lillian’s). How does that feel to personalize this verse (and this Psalm) as being in your name? What does it mean to you that the Lord is your shepherd?

Day 5: Read John 10:18. Jesus guards your life by giving His own. What comes to your mind and heart, when you think of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for you?

Day 6: Read 1 Peter 2:24-25. What is Peter’s before and after story here about the difference Jesus has made in their lives? How has Jesus been working in your life this week as your Good Shepherd? As you look back over the past seven days, what is your before and after story of God at work in you and through you?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip 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 estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Monday – Read John 10:3. Jesus says that the sheep can hear His voice. In our life, we are surrounded by different voices. Whose voice are you listening to right now? President Trump? Hillary Clinton? Bernie Sanders? Fox News? Rush Limbaugh? Oprah Winfrey? Whose voice do you need to tune out to hear the Voice that matters?

Tuesday – Read Psalm 145:18. The Psalm says that the Lord is always near. We are the ones who run away. In what areas of your life have you chosen distance over closeness with God?

Wednesday – Read Matthew 28:19. Obviously, we should be going forth into our communities and throughout the world baptizing, but we forget the “making disciples” part. Where do you need to be “discipled” (that is, where do you need help in following Jesus)? In what areas can you assist others in being discipled?

Thursday – Read Matthew 25:35-36. Jesus calls us to love “the least of these”. How can the “least of these” be welcomed by you and made to feel as though they belong?

Friday – Read Hebrews 13:1-2. The author of Hebrews says: “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers.” How can you treat others as though they were angels—or even Jesus?

Saturday – Read Romans 15:7. Do you have any ideas of how Christ Lutheran Church can be more welcoming? Think about it, and feel free to reach out to us with any ideas you might have!

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 estimated as 30% done). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.