Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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.

Photo by Yolanda Sun on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

Day 1: Read Psalm 23:5. Jesus has the best strategy for dealing with enemies. You turn them into a friend. You rebuild a relationship with the table of forgiveness. You feast on His love as we all gather around His cross. Who do you need to forgive today?

Day 2: Read Mark 6:34. Jesus our Good Shepherd prepares a table before us. We call it the Lord’s Supper, and in this meal He’s not only the host, it’s His body and blood that brings forgiveness. Such forgiveness is to restore our relationship with God. Such forgiveness is to rebuild our relationship with each other. Where do you need to ask God and others to forgive you? 

Day 3: Read Psalm 23:5. A shepherd uses oil to protect from irritations (bugs) and to comfort (heal wounds). What irritations in your life do you need God’s protection? What wounds (physical, social, emotional, spiritual) do you need God’s healing touch?

Day 4: Read Psalm 147:3. When relationships fall apart it hurts! It hurts a lot! Jesus meets us in our pain and brings forgiveness. He works in restoration. What relationship do you need to pray for Jesus' healing and restoration? 

Day 5: Read Psalm 23:5. When God says, "I'm going to fill your cup to overflowing" it means you matter to God and you're special to Him. God wants you with Him always. Take some time to thank God for specific blessings in your life that you recognize as His overflowing love at work?

Day 6: Read Mark 6:41-43. Jesus wants you with Him always. Jesus wants your enemies with Him always. The only path for all of us is not the miracle we can do, but the miracle He did to feed the whole world by giving Himself on the cross for our sins. Pray for relationships to be restored in your life. Pray for division in our county to be healed. Ask God what He wants you to do to connect with others?

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 Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

Day 1: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “Even though I walk through the valley”. Life has a lot of peaks and valleys (ups and downs). Are you in a valley right now? How are you walking through it? How do you wish you could be navigating it differently? Pray for strength.

Day 2: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “valley of the shadow of death”. What age were you when you first understood death and that everyone would eventually meet that end? Does death scare you? Why or why not? Pray to God that you would have hope in resurrection to the new heavens and new earth.

Day 3: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “I will fear no evil”. Jesus said in John 16:33 “In this world you will have troubles, but take heart: I have overcome the world.” What evils are you facing right now? Where do you need God to step in? Pray for guidance, and for an end to evil.

Day 4: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “You are”. At times it seems like God has “left the building.” We pray – no answer. We weep – no comfort. Has God abandoned us? No! God is present. Take time to repent of the times where you doubt that God is near. 

Day 5: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “with me”. St. Paul said in Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God is with you every step of the way. Pray for help in recognizing His presence. 

Day 6: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-4. Today focus on the phrase “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”. The power of God should lead us to comfort, not fear. Because of Jesus, God looks at you with love and reconciliation. Take time to think about the times where God’s power has led to your comfort.

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "God is More than Enough" by Tony Evans (Amazon Kindle).
• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).
• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)

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

Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

Each day this week I encourage you to pray two prayers:

1. “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.”
2. “God, show me the good things you want me to do today. Lead me in the path of righteousness." 

Day 1: Read Psalm 23:3. Where does your life feel like it’s turned upside-down? Why? How will you know God has turned it right-side up?

Day 2: Read Matthew 18:12. When you think of those you know and love who do not know Jesus, who are the lost sheep you can pray for today? 

Day 3: Read Psalm 23:3. What pulls you off the path of following Jesus? What sin do you need to confess? Where do you need to get back on track in walking with Him?

Day 4: Read Matthew 18:13. How does Jesus guide you during your day? Where could you use some guidance for the best next step you need to take? 

Day 5: Read Psalm 23:3. Jesus' name means “He saves!” If you feel guilty about a sin you've already confessed to God, that guilt is not from God, it's from the devil. Where do you need to remind yourself that Jesus has forgiven your sins and taken away your guilt?

Day 6: Read Matthew 18:14. Children in Jesus day didn’t have much value. They do in our day. It’s one difference Jesus brought to our world. What child, grandchild, niece, nephew, student, friend’s kids can you pray for to know Jesus today?

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book "God is More than Enough" by Tony Evans (Amazon Kindle).

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).
• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)
• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)

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

Photo by Cristian Newman on Unsplash

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

Day 1: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “He makes me lie down”. When has the Lord brought you to your knees? When have you been made to pause? How did you feel and what did you learn?

Day 2: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “in green pastures”. Though there’s not a whole lot of “green” pastures in Southern California, you get the gist. Green pastures are a place where livestock can feed and be given nourishment. Where is a place that gives nourishment to your soul? Take 5 minutes of quiet time to go to that place in your mind.

Day 3: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “He leads me”. You’ve probably played the game “follow the leader” before. As you’ve aged or matured, you’ve probably found that following the leader can be difficult at times. Where do you struggle to follow God? Take time to pray that your heart would be changed so that you would adopt the ways of God and delight in following Him.

Day 4: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1-2. Today focus on the phrase “beside quiet waters”. Again, in Southern California we are not familiar with quiet waters – we are more acquainted with the ocean! The quiet waters the Psalm refers to are waters that we can relax next to. Head to the beach today. Though there are no “quiet waters” there, take a moment to relax and remember that through all the waves of your life – God is there! 

Day 5: Read John 10:11-15. Rest, for the sheep, only comes when they feel safe with the Shepherd. The same is true for us as humans. Take time to confess to God where you are struggling to feel safe, and before you go to bed tonight, pray: “I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

Day 6: Read John 11:16-18. Jesus says here that there are other sheep who haven’t yet been “brought in” to the fold. Take time today to pray for all of those who have not yet found their home and safety in the fold of Christ’s Holy Church. 

Recent GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).
• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)
• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)

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

Reservations | LiveStream | Give | Sermons | Spiritual Practices

At the start of 2021, Christ Lutheran Church's weekly Messages will be around a new series called "Trusting God In Tough Times" using Psalm 23:1-6.

As you use this week’s Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide, the first five days invite you to focus on one word a day from “The LORD is my shepherd.” And then on day six to focus on the phrase, “I shall not be in want.”

Throughout the week memorize this verse Psalm 23:1 -- "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

Day 1: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “the.” What does it mean to you that your Shepherd is the LORD, not a god? What seeks to take His place in your life? Today take time to praise Him for His care for you.

Day 2: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “LORD.” LORD is God’s personal name in the Old Testament given in Exodus 3:15. God is worthy to be praised as our divine creator, and through Jesus our incredible Savior of all. What does it mean to you that God desires a personal relationship with you? That He cares about you? That He knows you better than you know yourself? Today praise God for His longing to have a personal relationship with you.

Day 3: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “is.” The Bible tells the great story of God, of how He has acted in history, how He will one day come back to take His followers to heaven. Today think about what it means that God is – God is with you, God is active, God is love. Psalm 23 reminds not just of what God has done or will do, but best of all that He is here now with you. Today thank God for His presence with you. Ask for what you need for the day ahead. Seek to live out this day aware of His presence each moment.

Day 4: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “my.” David could have said “our”, but instead he reminds himself of God’s one-on-one relationship with David (and with you). Today get personal with God. Share your heart, your life, you needs, your hopes, your dreams. While God is with everyone, praise God today for being with you!

Day 5: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “Shepherd.” God is your pastor, your perfect pastor! He wants to lead you along life’s best path for your life. Today ask for His guidance and direction for what you face. Thank Him for His perfect love and care for you. 

Day 6: Read/memorize Psalm 23:1. Today focus on the word “I shall not be in want.” The LORD God is your pastor, protector, provider and a whole lot more. Today thank Him for all that He does for you. Ask Him for what you need. Trust Him to provide and to guide you in the day ahead!

You can GO DEEPER this week by reading the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller (Amazon Kindle).

Recent GO DEEPER reading opportunities:

• "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ" by Tim Keller (Amazon Kindle)
• "The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Our World" by Richard Stearns (Amazon Kindle)
• "Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It" by Robert D. Lupton (Amazon Kindle)

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