Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Monday – Read Luke 1:34-37. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son, even though she was a virgin. Her response? “HOW CAN THIS BE?!” Gabriel responds, “nothing is impossible with God.” How have you seen impossibility overcome in your life?

Tuesday – Read Luke 1:39-45. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, is carrying a child as well: John the Baptist. When Mary tells Elizabeth the news, the pre-born John leaps in the womb. How does this impact your view of life and how precious children, even the unborn, are?

Wednesday – Read Luke 1:46-47. Mary sings a song about the news she has received. How does your soul magnify God? How do you rejoice in the Savior?

Thursday – Read Luke 1:54. Mary says in her song that the Lord has “remembered Israel in His mercy.” When God remembers, He acts. Is it hard for you to remember mercy (and act in mercy) in your everyday life? Where do you want to work on this?

Friday – Read Luke 2:14. The heavenly host sing with joy as the shepherds hear about the Christ-child. How can this song be sung in your words and actions at work? At home? At school? 

Saturday – Read Luke 2:19. As Mary sat with her newborn child, she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” How can pondering the greatness of God influence the way you live day by day?

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 October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Monday – Read Genesis 1:2. Do you ever feel as though your life is formless and void? How does the confessing the Creed change that perspective?

Tuesday – Read Genesis 1:11-13. Have you ever taken time to go look at plants and vegetation? God made some pretty intricate and unique things. Take some time to go admire this part of creation and write down what you noticed. 

Wednesday – Read Genesis 1:14-19. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Take some time in both the morning and evening to pray and thank God for the hours ahead and the hours past. Reflect on what aspects of the morning and evening you appreciate.

Thursday – Read Genesis 1:20-25. Every animal on this planet was spoken into creation. That means that every squirrel, bunny rabbit, and domesticated pet is something that testifies to God’s creation. Reflect on this aspect of creation.

Friday – Read Genesis 1:26-28. God said: “Let us make man in our image after our likeness.” We see the Trinity in Genesis 1. It’s also important to note that God hinted in this phrase to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit THREE times. Notice that God makes man differently. He spoke everything else into creation, but man was formed out of the ground. What does that say about man’s uniqueness?  What does it mean to you that you were made in the image of God? 

Saturday – Read Genesis 1:31. God looked at His creation and said: “It was very good.” Sometimes we don’t take time to appreciate all that God has created. Throughout the day, write down the aspects of creation that you find most meaningful.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis by Michael Denton.

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 October 2019). For safety and efficiency of our construction crews. For those who have given generously for these improvements.

Day 1: Read Mark 5:27-28. The Apostles’ Creed connects us to the eternal God. Where do you need to believe and receive Jesus’ healing touch in your life?

Day 2: Read Mark 5:33-34. Where have you received Jesus’ peace in your life, and whom can you share that peace with this week?

Day 3: Read Hebrews 10:24-25. At Christ Lutheran Church we create for community to build places where people grow in their love for God and each other. Whether single or married, with kids or without kids, young or old, member or non-member, join us to build community in your home and at work. God created you to build for community. Where is God providing such community for you? Where is God calling you to create for community for others?

Day 4: Read Romans 10:13-14. The Apostles’ Creed connects us to our ancient faith and calls us to share that faith with others. Where in the world are you praying for God to lead people to Jesus? Where in your world is God calling you to share your story of faith with someone else?

Day 5: Read Genesis 12:1. The Apostles’ Creed reminds us God knows where we are and where He is calling us to go. Where is God calling you to go, to step out in faith? What do you find exciting and challenging about His call to go?

Day 6: Read Genesis 12:4. When is it easy for you to believe in God? When do you find it challenging to believe in God? Where do you need to hold tightly in faith to God today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Affirming the Apostles’ Creed by J. I. Packer.

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 Bill Oxford on Unsplash

Day 1: Read Romans 12:1-2. How do you conform to the pattern of the world? How do you not conform? What would you like to change?

Day 2: Read Romans 12:3-8.  How does your attitude about yourself compare with Paul’s instructions on how we should think of yourself? What are some good and bad examples of following and not following this instruction?

Day 3: Read Matthew 28:16-20 – The Great Commission. What is your idea of making disciples? Of teaching? Of Obeying? Of Baptizing? Think of ways our church carries out the Great Commission and how you are involved, or could be involved more.

Day 4: Read Ephesians 4:11-13.  Paul describes what are commonly known as spiritual gifts. What are your spiritual gifts? Are any of these among them? How are you using your spiritual gifts in service in your church, your family, your community or your workplace?

Day 5: Read Matthew 20:1-16 – The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. What would be a common worldly way to interpret this parable? What is the heavenly way? How can we use this parable to inform our attitudes about our work on earth and the kingdom of heaven?

Day 6: Read Philippians 4:13. This is one of the most misused verses in the Bible. How have you seen it misused? Read what Paul says before and after and come to a proper use of this verse.

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.

The G.P.S. this week uses the "Mary Poppins" movies to tell God's Epic Story In Movies.

Day 1: Read Ephesians 6:4. When do we exasperate others? How can words hinder or help in dealing with such exasperation in ourselves or others?

Day 2: Read Proverbs 16:21. Whom do you know who is a master of pleasant words? What words of theirs do you remember? When has God used you to speak pleasant words in a challenging situation?

Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes 3:4-5. When have you faced an adverse situation that turned out to be a great adventure? What lessons did you learn about God as you moved from adversity to adventure? What adversities do you need to turn over to Him?

Day 4: Read Matthew 5:16. In Mary Poppins Returns, Jack sings “Trip a Little Light Fantastic”, one of the lines in the song is: “When problems seem incessant then be a little incandescent.” What are some incessant problems that need God to shine His light through you? Whom is God using to shine His light on you amid the problems and challenges of your life this past week?

Day 5: Read Colossians 2:13. In Saving Mr. Banks, Walt Disney tells P. L. Travers, “A lifetime is a harsh sentence to lay down for one’s self.” Where have you felt yourself carrying a harsh sentence from your sins? How do Paul’s words remind you of the forgiveness Jesus offers you and offers through you to others?

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:13. It might take a spoonful of sugar to get that medicine to go down, but even more, it takes faith in Jesus who died and rose again to receive and to share that forgiveness with others. Where do you find yourself challenged to forgive? Why? How has Jesus forgiving you empowered you to forgive others? Whom do you need to share that forgiveness with today?

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.

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.