Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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Monday: Read Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee was probably a “good, upright, and moral person.” Unfortunately, he judged the whole world and justified himself. What does this parable teach you about the “moral self” and what repentance is all about?

Tuesday: Read 2 Chronicles 7:13-15. From this passage what are “steps” in repentance that God instructs his people to follow? Speaking of repentance, Martin Luther once wrote, “To do so no more is the truest repentance.” In other words, if we are gossiping, cheating, committing some sexual sin, being just plain selfish, the response to God is "I'm truly sorry" followed by "I won't do it again." What needs to change in your life

Wednesday: Read John 15:4-5. God loves to turn our lives around, restoring us to the life He always intended for us. A restored life bears fruit. In the analogy of our reading who is the vine and who are the branches? What is necessary for the branch to bear fruit? Why does the branch need the vine? Explain what “abiding” means to you.

Thursday: Read Jeremiah 17:5-8. In the space provided below, contrast the two types of men in the reading.

• The man who trusts in man
• The man who trusts in the Lord

Friday: Read Philippians 4:8, Colossians 4:6, and 1 Peter 2:12. As God turns us around and restores us, we grow in character. Today’s readings reveal several important areas of life in which character is revealed. What are they? What is the relationship between these three areas? Today, which of these areas do you want to lift up to God in prayer?

Saturday: Read James 3:13-18. As God restores our lives, He desires for us to grow in godly wisdom. In v. 13 how is Godly wisdom displayed? In vv. 15-17, contrast godly wisdom with ungodly wisdom? Pray for Godly wisdom.

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Tuesday: Read Malachi 3:1-2 and Luke 3:3-4. The goal of God is to make us ready to meet Him. How do the words of Malachi 3 connect with Luke’s words about John the Baptist? Where do you need to make a straight path? As you get ready for Christmas, what spiritual preparations are you making?

Wednesday: Read Malachi 3:1-2 and Philippians 1:6. The gift of God is His presence with us. In Jesus, God comes to the temple and comes to give His life. Where has God recently surprised you with a greater awareness of His presence? What good work would you like to see Him bring to completion?

Thursday: Read Malachi 3:1-2 and Psalm 66:1-4. The greatness of God is terrifying! When do you find yourself aware of the awesome power of God? In the psalm reading, the word SELAH is used. Though no one is sure what that Hebrew word means, some suggest SELAH means “pause and think about that”. Where do you need to pause and think about God today?

Friday: Read Malachi 3:1-2 and Luke 3:5-6. The grace of God is life transforming. As Luke continues his quotation of Isaiah to describe John the Baptist’s work, he describes every impediment, blockage or curve being removed that would slow our connection with God. Where do you need to fill in low spots or smooth out rough spots in your relationship with God? In your relationship with others?

Saturday: Read Malachi 3:1-2 and Philippians 1:9-11. After our look at Malachi 3:1-2 this week, what lessons will you remember and live out in the days ahead? As you pray today, personalize Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1 for yourself, for someone you know, and for our church.

You can Go Deeper this week by reading the following book -- Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler.

You can also listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message

You can also listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message