Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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Day 1: Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-24. For Martin Luther, those two words, “for you” were his favorite part of the words spoken in this meal. Luther realized the forgiveness promised for all in this meal was also specifically for him when he heard these words and received the body and blood of Christ by faith. What does it mean to you that when you receive the Lord’s Supper God’s forgiveness is for you? 

Day 2: Read Matthew 26:28. Every disciple at that first meal from Judas to Peter to Matthew, were all offered forgiveness. Every disciple that comes to this meal (including you and me) are all offered forgiveness. This meal reminds us the price Jesus paid with His body and blood given on the cross. What sins do you need to confess today to hear God’s Word of forgiveness for you?

Day 3: Read 1 Corinthians 11:25. In Holy Communion, we remember God unites us together and that Jesus is with us. Where do you tend to forget Jesus’ presence at work in your life? Where do you need to remember Him today?

Day 4: Read 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. The Greek word for participation, koinonia, also means fellowship. In Holy Communion we gather together as one. When Christians eat the body and drink the blood of Christ, we do more than remember. We are re-membered. We re-connect with Jesus and each other. How does celebrating communion help you to re-member being one with Jesus and with His followers?

Day 5: Read 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. “Do this” refers not only to what happens in this meal. Do this refers to how Jesus longs for us to live each day. We live with His grace. We live with His sacrificial love. We live to benefit others. We live empowered by Him, dependent by Him, loved by Him, and loving others. What do you sense Jesus calling you to do today?

Day 6: Read 1 Corinthians 11:26. Such a proclamation of who Jesus is, is not only for when we gather here around this table. Such a proclamation is meant to be shared throughout our lives.  Each day when you eat, take time to be eucharistic. Instead of a hurry up, let’s eat prayer. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving. Pray with a heart filled with love for others. Make time to pray with thanksgiving today!

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God" by Mark Batterson (Amazon Kindle)
• “The Peace Maker” by Ken Sande (Amazon Kindle)
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)

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

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Day 1: Read Psalm 118:8. It’s human nature – we put trust in people and things instead of God. Take time to confess to God about the idols you have erected in your life. Ask for the Spirit’s help in trusting God alone.

Day 2: Read James 4:11-12. Frequently we try and focus on someone else’s sins so that we don’t have to deal with what’s in our own heart. Take time to confess to God that you have often focused on other’s sins or misdeeds and haven’t focused on your own. Ask for the Spirit’s help in being aware of your own thoughts, words, and actions.

Day 3: Read Psalm 51. St. Augustine famously said, “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they find their rest in You.” What has your heart tried to rest in lately? Confess to God that your heart is stained with sin. Ask Christ to help you love what He loves.

Day 4: Read Psalm 32:1-2. Repeat to yourself the phrase “I am forgiven and loved.” Though we are all simultaneously saints and sinners, when the Father looks at us, He sees Jesus. Spend time in prayer thanking God for all He has done for you, and for the grace He bestows on you.

Day 5: Read Genesis 50:15-21. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph does the unthinkable: he forgives them! Think of the people who have wronged you in recent times. Spend time in prayer asking for God’s help in forgiving them. Think of what you have learned from their wrongdoing.

Day 6: Read Colossians 3:12-13. It’s easy to hold onto grudges – but remember – “Unforgiveness is a poison you drink hoping that someone else will die.” Commit to being a person who is quick to forgive, with the help of the Spirit.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• “The Peace Maker” by Ken Sande (Amazon Kindle)
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)

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

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Day 1: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "Amazing Grace" (YouTube).

Day 2: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "A Mighty Fortress Is Our Lord" (YouTube).

Day 3: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "Jesus Loves Me" (YouTube).

Day 4: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "My God Is So Great" (YouTube).

Day 5: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty" (YouTube).

Day 6: As you reflect on Psalm 95:1-7 listen to the song "10,000 Reasons" (YouTube).

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "This Changes Everything: Unleashing the Power of the Resurrection in Your Life" by Ray Johnston (Paperback from Amazon)
• "Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)

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

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Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (Mark 16:8)

Day 1: Read Mark 16:6. What do you fear? Where do you need to hear the angel’s words: “Don’t be alarmed”?

Day 2: Read Psalm 34:4. David teaches us to flip our fears into prayers. Take time like David to seek God in your prayers today.

Day 3: Read Mark 16:7. One great way to study the Bible is to personalize it. Replace “AND PETER” with your name in this verse. What does it mean for you to realize when Jesus rose for the dead, He rose for you to have a second chance?

Day 4: Read John 20:30-31. How has your faith in the Easter story of Jesus’ resurrection given your life meaning? Who can you share that story with this week?

Day 5: Read John 20:19. Easter turns graves into gardens. Where in your life today do you need to hear Jesus say: “Peace be with you!”?

Day 6: Read Philippians 4:5-7. Like David, Paul learns to flip fears (or in Paul’s case anxiety) into prayer. Give your worry to God in prayer today. Start first by giving Him thanks. Then ask for His peace amid whatever problem you face.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "This Changes Everything: Unleashing the Power of the Resurrection in Your Life" by Ray Johnston (Paperback from Amazon)
• "Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)

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

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | FAQ | Spiritual Practices

In place of our usual 6-day Grow, Pray, Study (G.P.S.) Guide, we encourage you to use the Lent 2021 Devotional Journal, which is available in hard copy at the back of the Square and
online at christlamesa.org/lent.

Based on the review of our recent surveys here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Amazon Kindle)
• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)
• "Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand" by Anne Graham Lotz (Amazon Kindle)

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

Photo by Liz Martin on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | FAQ | Spiritual Practices

In place of our usual 6-day Grow, Pray, Study (G.P.S.) Guide, we encourage you to use the Lent 2021 Devotional Journal, which is available in hard copy at the back of the Square and
online at christlamesa.org/lent.

Based on the review of our recent surveys here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)
• "Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand" by Anne Graham Lotz (Amazon Kindle)
• "Travelling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle)

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

Photo by Erika Löwe on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

In place of our usual 6-day Grow, Pray, Study (G.P.S.) Guide, we encourage you to use the Lent 2021 Devotional Journal, which is available in hard copy at the back of the Square and
online at christlamesa.org/lent.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation" by Ruth Haley Barton (Paperback from Amazon)
• "Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand" by Anne Graham Lotz (Amazon Kindle)
• "Travelling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle)

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

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

In place of our usual 6-day Grow, Pray, Study (G.P.S.) Guide, we encourage you to use the Lent 2021 Devotional Journal, which is available in hard copy at the back of the Square and
online at christlamesa.org/lent.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand" by Anne Graham Lotz (Amazon Kindle)
• "Travelling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle).
• "God is More than Enough" by Tony Evans (Amazon Kindle).

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

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

In place of our usual 6-day Grow, Pray, Study (G.P.S.) Guide, we encourage you to use the
Lent 2021 Devotional Journal, which is available in hard copy at the back of the Square and
online at christlamesa.org/lent.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Travelling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle).
• "God is More than Enough" by Tony Evans (Amazon Kindle).
• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).

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

Photo by Gabby Orcutt on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

This week’s GPS features Psalm 23:6 and excerpts from Mark’s account of Jesus transfiguration. Both remind us of “God always being with me!’’

As a reminder of God’s goodness and love being with you, I encourage you to write the word FOREVER on a 3x5 card and tape it to your bathroom mirror and put another one on the visor of your car. Each time you see it, remind yourself: I will live in God’s goodness and love forever. That’s not just a future promise. That’s a present reality, a life changing, life giving attitude that finds confidence and certainty in the assurance of God’s presence and peace at work.

Day 1: Read Psalm 23:6. David starts off with the word, “Surely.” Notice David doesn’t start off with, maybe. He doesn’t start off with, perhaps. He doesn’t start off with, possibly. He doesn’t even start off with, hopefully. David comes to verse 6, and there is no guesswork, there is a guarantee Why is David so certain about the presence of God’s goodness and love in his life? Why (or why not) are you?

Day 2: Read Mark 9:2. Transfigured. That is Jesus revealed His divine glory. It’s always been there right before them, but they’ve missed it. He’s right here before us, but too often we miss Him. What causes you to miss Jesus' presence in your life? What helps you to see Jesus is with you right now? Where do you need to be reminded Jesus is here in your life with goodness and love guaranteed?

Day 3: Read Psalm 23:6. One thing I learned about Psalm 23, is that the word follow has the idea of relentlessly pursuing until He catches you. It’s one thing to have God’s goodness and love just tag along and follow, it’s another to have His goodness and love relentlessly pursue you. Look over your life from the start of 2021, where have you seen God’s goodness and love relentlessly pursues you?

Day 4: Read Mark 9:7. Listen to His goodness and love. Listen to His story. Live out His message. His goodness and love is not just for Valentine’s Day, or Good Friday, or Easter. His goodness and love are at work in your life every day and in every situation. Where are you praying to be aware of God’s goodness and love at work in your life? 

Day 5: Read Psalm 23:6. David uses the word house, but I get the idea he really means home. To me a house is a place where someone lives, but a home is the place where you want to live. Where do you find it easy to invite God to be part of your life? Where is it challenging to invite God to be part of your life? 

Day 6: Read Mark 9:8. Jesus is the key to dwelling in God’s house, God’s home, forever. That happens not just when you die and go to heaven. That happens when you come to faith in Jesus as your Savior. God takes up residence in your heart. He dwells with you. He moves in to fill your life with His goodness and love and so much more. He doesn’t just do that for a day, or for a moment. He does that forever. How has a FOREVER focus on God’s presence always being with you helped you navigate life this week?

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Travelling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear" by Max Lucado (Amazon Kindle).
• "God is More than Enough" by Tony Evans (Amazon Kindle).
• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).

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