Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Join Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa, CA for Easter Services this year (pdf).

Monday: Read John 12:12-13. When are you tempted to tell God what to do? What helps you to keep God in the chair to call the shots in your life?

Tuesday: Read Revelation 7:9-10. How does this glimpse of heaven inspire you for your future life in heaven? How does this glimpse of heaven inspire you for your life here on earth?

Wednesday: Read Psalm 118:25. Hosanna means us “save us now” and “grant us success”. Where are you praying for God to save in your life today?

Thursday: Read Luke 19:41. Why does Jesus weep over Jerusalem? What leads you to weep for our world today? Why? How can you turn those tears into prayers?

Friday: Read John 12:14-15. What message does Jesus send to the crowds with his entrance? How does He fulfill their desires and their needs? How does He fulfill your desires and needs today?

Saturday: Read Philippians 2:6-8. Why was Jesus willing to be thoroughly humiliated? Why did Jesus have to die? In what specific ways is this a gift to receive? An example you can apply? A life changing story you celebrate and share with others?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the book Jesus: A Theography by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola.
• Consider the 365-day devotional book Through a Season of Grief: Devotions for Your Journey From Mourning to Joy
• Check out organizations we will be giving our Easter offering to:
  • Lutheran Young Adults Corps
  • Su Refugio: Pack A Meal
  • Generate Hope: Empowering and Restoring Lives

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

Monday: Read Psalm 130:1. God is big enough to handle our emotions. When have you cried out to God from the depths? What did God do? Where might you need to cry out of the depths to God in prayer today?

Tuesday: Read John 11:21-22. In verse 21, Martha seems to blame Jesus – “if you had been here”, then in the next verse she holds on to hope with “even now” faith. What leads you to question God’s presence in your life? Where do you need an “even now” faith in God in your life today?

Wednesday: Read John 11:35. Jesus has told Martha that Lazarus will rise from the dead. He has already made his “I am the resurrection and the life” declaration, yet when he gets to the tomb, He weeps. Why? How does Jesus’ grief help you deal with your own grief?

Thursday: Read John 11:25-27. The power of the resurrection is not an event, but a person – Jesus. It’s not just what Jesus does. It’s who He is. What does it mean for your life today that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life? What does it mean for your life eternally that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life? Is there a difference in your answers to both questions? Why or why not?

Friday: Read Psalm 130:7-8. When you think of God’s hand toward you – is it more of an iron fist or an open hand? As you walk through the process of grief, where is your fist closed (hurting yourself and others) and where is your fist open (healing yourself and others)?

Saturday: Read Romans 8:11. When and how do you see the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead living in you? When and how do others see the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead living in you?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• If you are dealing with grief, then check out: GriefShare.org
• Consider the 365-day devotional book Through a Season of Grief: Devotions for Your Journey From Mourning to Joy
• Read the book The Grave Robber by Mark Batterson

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

Monday: 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?

Tuesday: Read John 9:3-4. Jesus comes up with a third option for the blind man's condition - glorify God. Even more amazingly, He invites us to join him in the work. Notice the use of the word "we" in verse 4.  How have you been the recipient of blessings when you have suffered? When are you moved to bless when suffering comes? What lessons do you learn in comparing your answers on Monday with your answers today?

Wednesday: Read Psalm 142:1-2. A maskil is an obscure Hebrew word which some see as a piece of wisdom. What wisdom does David demonstrate as he begins this psalm?  Why is David's prayer motivated more by character building than comfort finding? What keeps you from being honest with God in your prayers? What keeps you honest with God in your prayers?

Thursday: Read Psalm 142:3 and Psalm 142:7. When suffering is overwhelming, you pray it through, write it down, walk it out.  How do you see David moving through his suffering in this psalm? Why is it key to build your life with the understanding of God David has, when he says in verse 3, "it is you who know my way." Where do you need to remind yourself that God knows the way in your suffering?

Friday: Read John 9:14-16. When are you more of a "seeing-is-believing" person? When are you more of a "believing-is-seeing" person? What helps you stay in the "believing-is-seeing" mode?

Saturday: Read John 9:35-39. Some Pharisees see Jesus as a Sabbath lawbreaker. The blind man who can see - sees Jesus as a Savior. As you look at suffering in your life, how can you embrace life from God's point of view? Ho can you help others to do so, as well?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the book "The Grave Robber" by Mark Batterson
• If you have a story to share about Christ Lutheran Church email: "[email protected]".
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

Monday: Read Ephesians 1:22-23. How do we make sure that Christ is the head of our church? How do some churches push Christ away from His place as head of the church? Thank God for the human leadership He has provided through our pastors and staff.

Tuesday: Read 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. What is the best context for us to share in each other's joys and sorrows at Christ Lutheran Church? (HINT: Can you spell LIFE GROUP?)

Wednesday: Read Romans 12:4-5. Have you consider what your function in the body of Christ is? Even if it is obvious to you, take a moment to consider how you function at Christ Lutheran Church and how are connected to other parts of the body here?

Thursday: Read Hebrews 10:24-25. On Sunday, you were encourage to encourage someone who is serving our church in a role or position. Pray for that person you have encouraged today.

Friday: Read Matthew 28:19-20. Take a moment to recall all the mission opportunities that you have seen here at Christ Lutheran Church over the years.  Recall your participation - as sender or as sent.  Thank God for the richness of our missions.

Saturday: Read Malachi 3:10. Pray that every member of our church would learn to see giving as a spiritual act of worship.  Consider how our Create for Community plan could be an opportunity for us to take God up on His offer to test Him in His faithfulness.

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• If you have a story to share about Christ Lutheran Church email: "[email protected]".
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

Monday: Read John 3:16. Faith isn't a prize we earn, but a gift to be received. Why is it important to see faith as a gift given rather than a wage earned? When are you tempted to see faith as a result of something you earn? How does John 3:16 help you keep faith as a gift?

Tuesday: Read John 3:17. Why is this verse so important to connect with John 3:16? If God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, why are Christians often seen by non-Christians as so condemning?   How can you be a better witness of the gift Jesus brings to the people in your world this week?

Wednesday: Read Genesis 12:1. Where has God called you to step out in faith, "to go?" How did you respond? Where is God calling you now to step out in faith, "to go?" How will you respond?

Thursday: Read Genesis 12:2-4. Notice how often variations of the word "bless" is used in these verses. What is God seeking to communicate to Abram? To you?

Friday: Read Romans 4:16. Trusting God realizes that God has not only promised to forgive sin, but to forgive my sin, to forgive me. Where do you  need to come clean with God today about your sin? What leads you to trust His forgiveness? What might be a barrier holding back your trust in His great gift of forgiveness?

Saturday: Read Romans 4:17. We were made to play a part in His story. Abram was chosen by God - not because he was qualified, but because Abram had faith. Where is God calling you to step out in faith, to be part of God's story? Take time today to pray for a faith that follows through with God's call of your life.

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the following book: Abraham by Chuck Swindoll.
• If you have a story to share about Christ Lutheran Church email: "[email protected]".
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

Monday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:16. If it all belongs to God, why does He want us to give? What is the value of everybody giving and sacrificing together on a Journey of Generosity?

Tuesday: Read Romans 5:15. If we are saved by grace, why do people think we are saved by what we do? As you think of God's grace guiding our life, where has God been speaking into your life? How have you sensed His guidance this year?

Wednesday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:17. Where is God calling you to follow boldly? When do you find it easy to follow God's will? What makes the journey more challenging to follow Him? How can others help you in this journey?

Thursday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:18-19. Soren Kierkegaard observed, "Life can only be understood backward, but must be lived forward." Being faithful isn't a call to being perfect, to having it all together. Being faithful means that despite our disorienting circumstances, we keep moving forward in faith and in trust. What keeps you focused on God when life becomes disorienting? Who prays for you to obey completely?

Friday: Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting God is completely is like jumping in a pool. Once you jump, you are fully committed. Where is God calling you to jump? What is holding you back? What's holding you back? What's pulling you eagerly forward?

Saturday: Read Mark 9:22-24. I love the man's prayer, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Where do you need to pray Lord, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief"?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the following book: "The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey
• If you have a story to share about Christ Lutheran Church email: "[email protected]".
• Check out the Journey of Generosity website.
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

This week’s message focused on these three perspectives:

1. All we give (and all we keep) comes from God.
2. As you give, follow through with God’s plan.
3. Listen to Jesus on every step of your Journey of Generosity.

Monday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:12. What is your idea of generosity? What has surprised you the last five weeks on our journey of generosity?

Tuesday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:14. Why is God concerned with what we give? With what we keep?

Wednesday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:8. God gives to us, so that we can give to others. Teachers teach, so students can learn. Chefs cook so hungry people can be fed and nourished. Health care providers help those who are sick to be well again. How might the talents, abilities, work you do, finances you receive, be used to meet the needs of others?

Thursday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:11. Notice Paul’s order – God makes us rich so we can be generous – that will lead people to thank God. What have others done or given you that led you to thank and praise God? What might God be calling you to give or do so that others will thank and praise God?

Friday: Read Matthew 17:4. A great temptation in life is when you have a holy moment, an incredible moment where you experienced God at work in your life, you build a monument and stay there like Peter, instead of recognizing the holy moment as part of God’s movement in your life’s journey. What are some great moments in your life where you have experienced God’s grace? How have you been tempted to build a monument and stay there? How has the Holy Spirit led you to leverage that moment to follow the movement of God at work in your life?

Saturday: Read Matthew 17:5. In the midst of Peter’s monument building plan, God the Father speaks telling Peter, and us, to listen to Jesus. What has Jesus been saying to you recently in your prayer time, Bible reading time, and amid the holy moments of your life?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the following book: "Love Does" by Bob Goff
• Reflect on our Journey of Generosity over the last five weeks:
  
  • Start with the heart – give and live with gratitude.
  • Sacrifice – I give up something I love for something I love even more.
  • Live by faith – Jesus teaches me where my treasure is, my heart will be also.
  • Live to bless others – Plant seeds of generosity and watch the harvest God gives.
  • Give – Commit to give.
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

Monday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:9. At Christ Lutheran Church Ministries, we want people to know that God is abundantly generous and wants to equip each of us to a lifestyle of generosity. As you think about your own life of generosity and passing that on to bless others you influence, what do you want for the people you model generosity?

Tuesday: Read 1 Chronicles 29:5. Next weekend is our commitment weekend for our journey of generosity called, “Create for Community”. The end of today’s verse provides a great question, “Who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD?” As you prayerfully consider your sacrificial gift, what has God been saying about how He wants you to respond? What will you do?

Wednesday: Read Matthew 5:3. The first beatitude speaks of our need to be aware of our sin and repent. One definition of repentance is, “God wants you to fall on your knees and take your future back while you still have the chance.” Where do you need to come to God in repentance? Where do you need to come home to God?

Thursday: Read Numbers 6:22-27. Dallas Willard defined blessing as “the projection of good into the life of another.” As you pray through these verses, pray specifically for God to send His good and protection to that person, for God’s radiant love to flow through their life, and for them to sense God’s presence and “shalom” peace that brings wholeness, meaning, and purpose to their lives.

Friday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-2. When do you find yourself eager to be generous? Why is it difficult to be generous? Why the difference between eager and difficult in generosity?

Saturday: Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. As you prayerfully consider your sacrificial gift to Create for Community, how has God led you to plan your response? Are you ready to give your sacrificial gift with great joy?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the following book: "I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life" by Brad Forsma
• Check out the Create for Community Informational Website.
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

This week we examine F.A.I.T.H. (Forward Action Inspired Through Him) with:

• Attitude before action
• Believing before seeing
• Seeking God before God’s reward

As we continue to pray and discuss Create for Community you can deep-dive each day of the week with the following devotions.

Monday: Read 1 Chronicles 28:20. If faith is Forward Action Inspired Through Him (FAITH), then where is God leading you forward? Where is God calling you to be strong and courageous?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 11:1-2. Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. It is so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” As you think about your faith, how does your faith influence your attitudes and actions as you live each day?

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 11:4. How does your faith influence how you give and live each day? Is your giving and living based on reason or revelation?

Thursday: Read Hebrews 11:3. The eyes of faith are like seeing how the pieces of life’s puzzle fit together. As you look at your life today, what do you see? Where is God calling you to believe so that you can see more clearly?

Friday: Read Hebrews 11:6. What you are seeking, what you are looking at, determines where you will go and what you will do. How can you keep your eyes on God? What pulls you away from seeking God?

Saturday: Read Luke 12:34. I like the paraphrase that says, “Where your treasure goes, your heart flows.” What keeps your treasure flow headed towards God? What can keep your treasure flow away from God?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the following book: "Plastic Donuts: Giving that Delights the Heart of the Father" by Jeff Anderson.
• Check out the Create for Community Informational Website.
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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

To make the swap you need to:

• Trade my plans for God’s ultimate purpose.
• Trade my stuff to serve others.
• Trade my worry for a daily life of worship (worth-ship) of God.

Monday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. Sacrifice can be defined as: I give up something I love for something I love even more. What examples of sacrifice have you seen in your life? When have you made such sacrifices? Where might God be calling you to make a sacrifice?

Tuesday: Read 1 Chronicles 28:2 and 28:11-12. Solomon is known as the great builder of the temple. David trades his heart and his plans so that Solomon can build the temple. When have you had your heart set on a plan and God showed up with a much bigger sense of purpose for your life?

Wednesday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:12. When does your stuff get in the way of serving others with generosity?

Thursday: Read 2 Corinthians 8:13. What prevents people from giving a fair portion of their money to the Lord for His work? How crucial do you think it is for Christians to give their money to the church?

Friday: Read Luke 12:22-23. What leads you to worry these days? How can you flip that worry into a prayer that worships God?

Saturday: Read Luke 12:31. How do you know you are seeking God’s kingdom first? What leads you to move God’s kingdom from first place in your life? Where do you most need to seek God’s kingdom first today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by:

• Read the book: The Genius of Generosity: Lessons from a Secret Pact between Two Friends by Chip Ingram.
• Check out the Create for Community Informational Website
• Download the YouVersion Bible Application on your smartphone or tablet.

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