Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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.