Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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.

Day 1: Read John 9:1-2. The disciples see this man as a theological case study. What leads them to their two options they present to Jesus? How have you been the recipient of blame when you have suffered? When are you tempted to blame when suffering comes?

Day 2: Read John 9:3. Jesus comes up with a third option for the blind man’s condition – glorify God. How have you been the recipient of blessing when you have suffered? What lessons do you learn in comparing your answers on Monday with your answers today?

Day 3: Read John 9:4-5. Jesus invites us to join Him in the work. Notice the use of the word “we” in verse 4. When are you moved to bless when suffering comes? When difficult times of darkness come, how do you keep your eyes focused on Jesus and His work in you and through you? What “work” has He been doing in your life in the last week?

Day 4: Read Ephesians 5:8-10. Where do you need to “look for the gift”? As you look back over the past 24 hours, what gifts has God graciously provided?

Day 5: Read John 9:6-7. Jesus tells the man to go wash. I don’t think He would have to tell me! Where is Jesus calling you to step out in obedience to learn to follow Him?

Day 6: Read Isaiah 42:16. How are you experiencing the things God promises to do in this verse? Where is He guiding you? Turning darkness into light? Making rough places smooth? Not forsaking you?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story by Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada.

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.

THE EXAMEN PRAYER

1. Look back over today. For what do you want to thank God? What gifts have you received?
2. Jesus said, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything.” Ask God’s Spirit to guide your memory as you look back over today.
3. Look back peacefully over today and see what comes to mind. What is God trying to show you?
1. Look at places you’ve been, things you’ve done, and people you’ve been with.
2. Look for those moments where you’ve experienced light and life, where you’ve experienced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trust, gentleness, self-control…
4. God is always present in our lives to bring about the greatest good and the good of others. Ask yourself, “When did you most fully connect with God? Where did I feel most alive?”
5. Become aware of the times where you felt out of tune with God. Ask yourself, “Where did you feel least alive?” Try not to be judgmental… but simply notice.
6. For what do you want to ask forgiveness? Where have you chosen distance over closeness with God?
1. Receive God’s forgiveness with confidence…
7. For what do you want to ask God? Where do you need to be strengthened in order to follow the way the Spirit is leading you? Ask God for whatever you need. Ask God to open your heart to whatever surprises may come. Ask God to open your eyes to notice Him in unexpected places, to open your ears to tune into His Almighty voice.

JOURNAL THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

Monday: ______________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday: ______________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday: ___________________________________________________________________________

Thursday: _____________________________________________________________________________

Friday: _______________________________________________________________________________

Saturday: _____________________________________________________________________________

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 Luke 24:6. G.K. Chesterton observed, "Jesus' resurrection is the ground and basis for all true love, hope, and joy; for if Jesus is still in the grave than all of humanity will remain in the grave too. But he is not in the grave, then this makes all the difference." What difference have you seen the resurrection of Jesus make in someone's life? Your own life?

Tuesday: Read Luke 24:7. At least three times Jesus had told His disciples what Luke records here in verse seven.  Why is it significant that Jesus knew what was coming, told His disciples, and then that is what happened?

Wednesday: Read Luke 24:8. What are some significant experiences in your life that you return to in memory and share about with others? Why have these experiences impacted you so?

Thursday: Read Luke 24:44-47. What circumstances helped you to come and see the empty tomb of Jesus with eyes of faith, or what is holding you back from knowing Jesus?

Friday: Read Luke 24:11-12. What one truth in these resurrection appearances stands out as personally significant to you? How have you seen this truth affecting your life already? How would you like it to affect what you do and think more than it does now?

Saturday: Read Luke 24:48. What are the easiest things in life for you to get excited about and want to share with others? What are some of the hardest? Why do think we so instinctively desire to share our experiences with others? Whom can you share the story of Easter with this week?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book "Jesus: The Greatest Life Of All" by Chuck Swindoll.

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 Zechariah 9:9. Why is it important that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecy? What does riding in on a donkey signify about Jesus’ leadership?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 13:7. Who have been the great leaders in your life? What principles from their leadership can you use in your own life?

Wednesday: Read James 4:10. Humility is something we should all be praying for. The donkey is naturally a humble animal. The donkey knows his place in the world, and is content with being a donkey. Where do you need to pray for humility and contentment in your own life?

Thursday: Read John 3:30. John the Baptist famously proclaimed “He must increase and I must decrease.” How does a humble spirit point to Christ?

Friday: Read John 13:13-17. Jesus led with a servant-like leadership that we don’t often see today. He came to serve, not to be served. In the leadership roles in your life, how can you be a servant leader?

Saturday: Read Luke 19:28-34. What do you need to be “untied” from? Consider fasting from these things in your life that tie you down. Ask God’s Spirit to help you.

You can GO DEEPER this week by listening to “Make Me A Servant (You Tube)."  Be sure to put in your calendar our upcoming worship opportunities:

• Maundy Thursday (April 18th): 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
• Good Friday Tres Ores (April 19th): 11:30-3 p.m. in the Sanctuary
• Good Friday Tenebrae (April 19th): 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary
• Easter (April 21st): 7 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11 a.m.

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.

Join us during Lent for food, fellowship, and video series study!

Day 1: Read Luke 23:34. When Jesus speaks His first word, the good news is He is not only speaking to the crowd gathered in His day, He’s speaking to us today. Jesus is not merely pointing out sin, He is praying for God’s mercy for those who sin. Turns out, when Christianity speaks of sin, the aim is not to make us feel guilty, but to help us discover the grace and healing mercy of God that we so desperately need. Where do you need, today, to experience God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness?

Day 2: Read Matthew 18:21-22. Forgiving someone three times was the typical rabbi answer to how often do you need to forgive someone. Peter feels generous with seven times, until Jesus says 77 times or as some translations put it, 70x7 times. On the cross, Jesus’ first words demonstrate God’s willingness to forgive our sins, and they call us to become people who follow in His path – people who can pray, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” To whom do you need to extend God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness today?

Day 3: Read Luke 23:42-43. In the Bible, “remember” is a loaded word. In the Old Testament, when God remembers individuals, He delivers them. God remembers Noah and delivers him from the flood. God remembers Abraham and saves Abraham’s nephew, Lot. God remembers Rachel, Jacob’s wife, and she has a son. God remembers His covenant with Abraham and saves and delivers the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. And so, this convicted criminal, experiences amazing grace –Jesus will remember, and this criminal will get paradise. Where do you need to remember God’s amazing grace in your life today?

Day 4: Read Luke 19:10. In Luke’s Gospel account, this verse provides the theme for all that Luke writes: for Jesus’ mission to this tax collector, to the criminal on the cross, to each person then and now, Luke reminds us that He comes and dies for all people. His mission is to seek and to save those who are lost, to bring us to be with Him in Paradise. Who is someone God wants to seek and save, that you know? Pray, not only for that person to come to Jesus as their Lord and Savior; pray also God uses you as part of His rescue mission to seek and to save!

Day 5: Read Luke 23:46. Make Jesus’ prayer, your prayer today: Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.

Day 6: Read Psalm 31:1-5. How does this Psalm help you understand and pray again today: Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book No Wonder They Call Him Savior: Experience the Truth of the Cross by Max Lucado.

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.