This Week's Focus: 

Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”

Psalm 30:11-12 NLT

As we shift into this week, we look to set a foundation that we have been redeemed by God. This includes all of who we are, not just who we are becoming.

David writes today's psalm and his history is one full of tragedy and trauma. Yet he rejoices knowing God turns his "mourning into dancing!" David does not always understand why he is experiencing what he is in the moment or even long after it has passed, but he knows that God redeems all things and makes them good in His time, to His plan and purposes.

David isn't the only one who offers this perspective. Even Joseph, who was persecuted by his own family, stated to the brothers who wronged him, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive…" (Genesis 50:20). God's redemptive power is consistently on display throughout scripture.

What is your tendency when you have been wronged? Maybe you lean towards offering empty apologies or holding grudges. Perhaps you cling to a past hurt because you wanted a better outcome, or you didn't like the people involved. Remember, Jesus calls us to repent of such behavior and adopt a heart and posture that extend true forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35. When we surrender those things to the Father, the door is open for His redemptive power to take the mourning in our hearts and relationships and turn it into dancing.  

"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:9 NLT

Lord, open my heart to your redeeming power, even the part that I hold back from you. Help me to show kindness to those in my life and forgive those who have wronged me. Thank you Jesus for all you have done for me! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore how bitterness and forgiveness can shape our hearts.

Focus of the Week:

Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.

As we set out this week, we will look at the major themes and process through reflection.

Notes on the practices:
Reflection helps to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. These questions are here to be a guide, not a task. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to whatever He may want to highlight for you specifically.

Getting Started: 
Our past is part of our story. It can be hard to let go of, it can hurt, but it can also be transformative. Christ takes who we are, saves us, and then works to change us to be more like Him.

There's no better case study for this than Paul. Philippians 3:5-10 depicts his story. Yet he did not let his past define him. He pressed forward knowing he was forgiven in Christ and called to extend the Gospel to those outside of the Jewish faith.

Paul could have dwelt on the people he chased down, likely tortured, and condemned to death. Yet, Jesus saved him, he was forgiven, and Christ continually worked to make Paul less like his past and more like Him.

Let this be the starting point:
Ask God to reveal one or two things you may be holding onto from your past that you have already been forgiven for and need to let go of this week.

"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:9 NLT

This week is about learning to trust God as Lord over all of our life, including our past.

Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, discovering how we can respond to God's redemptive power of our past.

This Week's Focus: 

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

"Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

Psalms 71:18 NLT

As we close out this week we have looked at the importance of remaining focused on Jesus while also being conscious of those around us.

This extends into today as we look at what it means for those younger than us. The Psalmist is telling us that we should always be proclaiming what God has done so that the next generation would know. This faith story can then compound generation to generation as God continues to engage with us.

Speaking of how God has blessed us is also a way to help guide the next generation from being distracted by what was or was not. Passing down the accumulated wisdom, tested faith and witnessed miracles are how we can help guard the younger ones against the discontentment found in the comparison game culture is begging to be played.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

Lord, thank you for all you have blessed me with. Help me to speak of your goodness often. I praise you for who you are and all you have done! Amen.

Join us Monday as we explore the inexplicable power our past can have on our present and future.

This Week's Focus: 

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 NLT

So far this week we have focused on ourselves individually. Remaining focused on Jesus so that we are not consumed with the comparison of me vs them.

Yet, as Christians, we are to care deeply for those around us. Not just those who are our friends and colleagues, but also those who are strange to us and far from God. This is where Paul's exhortation to the Romans comes in. Stay focused on Jesus that you may not lose sight of what is important, and be tenderhearted and show mercy.

By focusing on Jesus we remain protected from becoming distracted. As we grow closer to Him and become more like Him, we mature in our ability to have empathy for others without becoming absorbed in comparing what we have or do not have.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

Lord, help me to see everyone around me the way you see them. As I go about my day, remind me to be focused on you. I praise you for all you are doing in my life! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore the theme of leaving a legacy and mentoring.

This Week's Focus: 

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."

Hebrews 12:1-2

Throughout the week we have continued to see the importance of focusing on what God has called us to rather than what is happening around us. This idea is made even more plain in today's passage from Hebrews.

The metaphor Paul uses of athletes running is one we know well. When we run, or even are walking fast, and then become distracted the chances of tripping and falling increase. So when something grabs our attention, we slow down. What Paul is urging believers to do is to not become distracted. Don't slow down, don't trip, and don't fall. Keep your eyes up. By keeping our eyes on Christ we are protecting ourselves from slowing down or from being tripped up.

What would this look like? It could be that distraction of busyness comes and so the regular rhythms of spending time with Jesus are not part of your day. It could be running after the wrong things so there is an emptiness or discontentedness when achievement comes. In keeping our eyes on Christ, He protects us and we experience the joy and contentment that comes in experiencing Him.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

Lord, thank you for saving me. Help me to focus on running after you without being distracted by the things of this world. I praise you for all you have done, are doing and will do! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we dive into how to be with others without falling into the comparison trap.

This Week's Focus: 

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Matthew 25:21 NLT

Digging a little deeper into the countercultural idea of focusing on Jesus rather than on others' paths, Christ's teaching in Matthew takes it a bit further than the parable of the three servants. The takeaway from this story is that faithfulness is far more important than the measure of success. When Jesus tells this parable, He does not offer more praise to the first servant than to the second, even though the first had more resources; He values them both equally because, regardless of outcomes, they were faithful in their respective stewardship.

Comparison inevitably leads us to distort what actually matters most in life. That can lead us to chase the new, the expensive, or whatever the next "in" thing is, perpetuating discontentment and emptiness. Jesus is teaching in a different way, replacing comparison with obedience.

Being faithfully obedient to what God has called you to means that the result will be in God's hands and not yours. In doing so, we learn to trust Him to provide and bless us as the good Father that He is.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

Lord, help me to be faithful with what you have given me. Guide me in letting go of my need to control the results. I love you Lord, and I praise you for all you have done! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore what it means to keep our eyes on Jesus.

This Week's Focus: 

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

"Jesus replied, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

John 21:22 NLT

As we set out this week, we begin with a short but impactful conversation between Jesus and Peter. Peter asks Jesus who will betray him, and he replies, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me."

In short, what Jesus is saying to Peter is this: "Do not worry about what I am doing in the circumstances of someone else's life. Just focus on me." This interaction recalls a previous encounter in which Peter, eyes fixed on Christ, stepped out onto stormy waters. He walked on the water, but the moment he took his gaze off Jesus, he immediately began to sink. How often do we experience the same thing when we get sidetracked, derailed, or lose sight of what is actually important?

The steadfastness of our spiritual walk with the Lord depends on where we choose to fix our gaze. Just like Jesus called Peter to change his perspective, he calls us back to a pursuit of personal obedience rather than comparison; joy instead of distraction. When we start looking at others and playing the comparison game, the result is a state full of pride, fear, conceit, jealousy, and discontent.

Today, let us choose to refocus on Jesus, and the result will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

Lord, help me to focus on you. While the many distractions plead for my attention, hold me close to you. Guide me along the path you have for me. Thank you for all you are doing in my life! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we lean into what "faithfulness is greater than being successful."  

Focus of the Week:

As followers of Christ, we are to look to Him instead of to other people. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to enjoy Him more now and forever.

As we set out this week, we will look at the major themes and process through reflection.

Notes on the practices:

Reflection helps to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. These questions are here to be a guide, not a task. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to whatever He may want to highlight for you specifically.

Getting Started: 

In a world that flaunts comparison and dozens of phrases like "keeping up with the Jones'." Christians are taught to focus more on what Jesus is teaching them, not what is happening in someone else's life.

With social media, the ever growing need to have "latest and greatest," and status symbols promoted anywhere from stadiums to shirt pockets; there's the cultural understanding that screams, "if I don't have ___ then I'm not worth anything."

Yet, Jesus said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"
Matthew 16:26a

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus that we may enjoy Him more now and forever!

Let this be the starting point:

Ask God to reveal how you might be comparing your life with someone else's. Seek to focus on Jesus more this week.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Galatians 6:4 NLT

This week is about learning to turn our focus to Jesus rather than compare ourselves to others.

Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, discovering Jesus' words to Peter to focus on him. 

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.

Psalms 96 NLT

As we bring a close to this week and this series, we look to praise our Lord who is worthy of all glory and honor. "Each day proclaim the good news that he saves," even in praising Him we still look to share who He is and what He does.

We have looked at all God has gifted us with and how He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit to share who He is and what He has done with everyone. This Psalm shows this action does not stop with speaking and evangelistic actions, but also with praising God. Through our praise, others will come to know Him.

This psalm is a reminder to praise the Lord for he has equipped us, gifted us, and then commanded us to be His light into this world.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, I praise you for all you have given me. Help me to see those around me the way you see them. Open my eyes to see each opportunity to share your Gospel. Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do! Amen.

Join us Monday as we jump into a new series and explore the seeing Jesus in today's media.

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 NLT

As we have seen this week, we have been given the Spirit. Through the Spirit we each have specific gifts which have been given to edify the Church and to make Christ known to those who do not know him.

Today, we return to an idea from the beginning of the series: where do we share the Gospel? First, start where we are. We encourage our brothers and sisters with our gifts, and reach the lost who we interact with each day. Then we are to make sure our extended family, friends of friends, those we see occasionally have every opportunity to see and hear the Gospel. Lastly, go to the ends of the earth so that everyone would have this opportunity.

As we look to do this we can be encouraged we are not attempting to do this on the strategic power of man. Nor are we held to the limitations of doing this alone. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to push forward with this command.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, give me eyes to see others the way you see them. Help me to live and speak courageously for the sake of your Gospel. Thank you for all you have blessed me with! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we turn our attention to praise!

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8 NLT

As we hit the midweek point, we again see one of the Apostle's urging us to use the tools God has given us to make much of Him. It should be our aim to use our gifts well so that those around us may notice a difference between us and the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

But to use those talents with distinction, we must first properly adjust our own assessment of them. Paul cautions us in this passage to be wary of ego or false self-assessment, and to exercise sound judgment and trust in faith. To do that, we have to be willing to develop our gifts and consider our motivations honestly (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Perhaps you have preconceived expectations about what engaging your gift looks like. God may be leading you to use your gift of teaching in a way that is not teaching in a class setting. Or perhaps it's leadership that is leading a small group rather than a large team. Whatever that challenge is, acknowledge it and be willing to take a step of faith.

In whatever your gifting might be, take Paul's urging here to use the gift well, showing kindness to others so that Jesus may be made known. This displays who our God is in His goodness as well as in His generous creativity with giving each of us all that we need to share who He is.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to use all you have given to show who you are to those around me. I love you Lord, and praise you for who you are! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we look to where Jesus wants us to share the Gospel.  

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Today, we wrestle with the responsibility we have regarding our God-given gift. Peter, one of Jesus' closest, then exhorts us to do everything we can to use our unique capacities to glorify God. What better way to bring glory to God than by sharing His Gospel and bringing more people to know him?

Peter addresses two of the gifts specifically in this passage: speaking and helping. But what if we extend this line of thinking to other gifts? Perhaps you are gifted with hospitality, then be hospitable to all that you may have the opportunity to share the Gospel with those who are far from God. Maybe you are skilled with administration; seize the opportunity to conduct and organize in such a way that magnifies the God who brought order into chaos, which will bring attention to who He is by what you do.

Regardless of what your specific gift may be, you have a responsibility to steward that talent in such a way that it reflects the glory of God and the light of the Gospel in a dark world.

We all have these gifts of the Spirit, and while these are just a few examples, we can all use our gifts to share the light of the Gospel and who God is with those around us. He is due all the honor for the outcomes of life-change and transformation (1 Corinthians 3:5–9). May His Gospel be made known through us using the gifts and tools He has given us.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, thank you for blessing me with all that I have and am capable of doing. All I am and all I have is because you loved me. Help me to return all glory and honor to you. Give me eyes to see each opportunity to share who you are with those around me, even if it is just with my actions and not with words. I praise you Lord for all you have done, are doing and will do! Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we dive into using our gifts well.

This Week's Focus: 
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT

As we begin this week, consider the following question: "How is it possible that God made us so similar, and yet so different?" When we take a step back and consider all of mankind, with all its variety, and realize how similar we are, we witness the awe-inspiring nature of God.

That same creative God saw fit to impart His image upon each one of us. Even further, when we accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, we receive the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. This creative undertone and gifting of the Spirit provide us with unique tools to uplift the Church and extend God's Kingdom.

Each of these gifts from God can be used in two ways: to uplift the Church and to extend the Kingdom of God. Sharing the Gospel is not limited to those who are especially gifted with teaching and proclaiming. But also those with gifts of encouragement, hospitality, and administration.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, give me the courage to use the gifts you have blessed me with to their fullest. Help me see opportunities to share your Good News. Thank you for everything you have done and will do! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore the idea gifts are from God and also for God.

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

As we dive into this week, do you know your spiritual gifting?

Notes on the practices:

Journaling and reflection both help to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. Both are similar practices and please feel free to journal reflection questions or reflect on journalling questions. These are here to be a guide, not a rule. So if you feel led to reflect on a different point, or journal in a different direction, please do so.

Spiritual Gifts and Evangelism?

God gifts each individual in unique ways. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that every person is different, bringing singular perspectives and ideas that support the whole.

So while someone may be particularly gifted in Gospel conversations or in teaching from the Word, all who follow Christ have been individually equipped by God to reach people with His Good News.

Let this be the starting point:

Ask God for guidance on how to use your particular gifting to bring others to know Jesus.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change

James 1:17 ESV

This week is about learning to share your story and how God has impacted you.
Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, discovering the gifts from the Spirit and the responsibility of the Church.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16 NLT

We've seen many ways to let your story reach those far from God. Today, it gets even simpler. What you do can reach those far from God.

We've all probably seen the commercials depicting kindness. Of people holding doors open, running after someone with an item they dropped, or warm invitations into their home. While these are often then twisted for an advertisement, the idea starts out right. The good deeds reflect what is within. We all bear the image of God, and so there is some of Him in everyone. But if He is Lord of our life how much more should our actions represent who He is?

What Jesus has said in Matthew 5 is let your actions align with what you believe. What they see will be a reflection of God's glory shining from within you.

The hard part? Doing it. It is easy to say something but difficult to do it. Jesus also taught this lesson in Matthew 23:1-4. Jesus is speaking about the religious leaders and what they teach while not actually doing the very thing they are teaching.

So it is with us. If we proclaim the Gospel with our mouths, let us also proclaim it with our actions.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, remind me it is not just in the words I say but in the things I do that people are drawn to you. Help me to act more and more as you would have me to. I praise you for who you are and how you have saved me! Amen. 

Join us Monday as we dive into what it means to share faith with others.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christian's story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

Psalms 71: 15-16 NLT

We have learned that our story is a great way of sharing the Gospel of Christ with people. An important piece to this is focusing on what God has done more than what we have or have not.

The words of the Psalmist articulate this truth powerfully. The writer is sharing not from a place of obligation or self-promotion. Instead, they are compelled to speak in response to the incredible, abundant work God has done. Motivation makes all the difference, as tangible transformation and faithfulness leads to lasting dedication.

For you, the inspiration should be the same - proclaiming God's goodness, his saving power, his miraculous actions that have happened in your life. Yet it is what God has done, not something we have earned in any way. Romans 3:23-26. It is by His mercy and grace which we are saved and so He should be the person receiving all of the honor, glory, and praise for what he has done.

Our praise can be a powerful catalyst as we seek to lead others to the Lord. This testimony to who He is throughout all of our lives is a wondrous way to proclaim Jesus.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, I praise you for all you have done in my life. I ask that you will use my life to bring more people to know you. Help me to remember all the things you have done in my life, that I may share them with those around me for your name to be known. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we look to be a light to the world around us.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

As we hit the midpoint of the week, we have seen the idea of using our own story and how God has saved us as a great way to share the Gospel with those around us.

Today, we see that Peter exhorts us to always be ready to share the reasons for our faith. His point is that we should live in a way that people around us notice something different in our lives and become curious. It's less about having carefully crafted statements or structured arguments and more about the preparedness of our character. It's walking in wisdom as we honor Christ with our actions (Colossians 4:5-6).

So, live in a state of readiness to have that answer for those you encounter.

As you are going about your day, are you saying and doing things that draw attention to Jesus? Or are you going with the flow of culture and those around you?

Paul in Romans 12:2 directly contends against this, "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Our actions should prompt those around us to ask "why?" And then we get to tell of the greatest story ever and how it plays out in our lives.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, help me to consistently be transformed in Christ. Give me eyes to see each conversation as an opportunity to share who you are and what you have done. Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we dive into praising God for all He has done.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26: 28-29 NLT

What we dive into today is the end of Paul's court hearing where he has proclaimed the events of his life before the Jewish King Herod Agrippa II.

Paul knew of Jesus' ministry and was likely familiar with the command He gave the healed possessed man to go and tell all he knew about what had happened. So, Paul is also using that very strategy to make known Jesus to those who hold him in prison. He's sharing in his immediate context, he's intentional about the moment God has given him to speak, and he's focused on others coming to know Jesus.

Whether our story is short or long, our goal should be the same as Paul's. That "everyone in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

Our focus in telling our story should be to make much of Christ. To point all who hear to Him who saves, not to anything we did or did not do. As Paul writes to the Romans, it is a free gift of salvation for eternal life. This gift is given by God through Jesus.

For without Christ, we would be different. As depicted in Romans 8: 7, life apart from Christ is hostile toward God.

Our story would have a different ending. But God loved us first so that we may love him and others in return.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, thank you for rescuing me. My life would be so different without you that I can't imagine it. Help me be bold in sharing my story. Give me the opportunity to give you glory and honor for all you have done in my life. Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we explore what it means to be prepared for questions.

This Week's Focus: 
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

“No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:39 NLT

As we set out this week, we begin with an encounter that ends with a direct request from Jesus to "go and tell all God has done for you."

A man has just encountered Jesus in a wonderful way. He's been healed of possession, and he wants to respond by following him. Instead, Jesus tells him to go back home and share his experience with others. This seems at odds with earlier instances in which Christ encouraged people to remain silent after a miraculous healing (Luke 5:14). Why was this moment different?

The difference was that Jesus knew the influence of this man's story. If we look a little further back in the passage, we see that after Jesus healed him, the community was frightened. So great was their fear that they actually asked him to leave. Jesus knew that the man's report of what had happened would change their hearts and lead them from rejection to faith.

Our stories are just as impactful. The details may be different, but we still have an encounter with Jesus who saves us. Our lives are altered. We live differently now because of what happened. Retelling this story is a simple way to share the Gospel with those you know.

The beauty of it being your story, is that it is your story. You already know it. If a question is asked, you know the answer because it happened to you.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66: 16 NLT

Lord, thank you for all you have done in my life. I praise you for your blessings and goodness in every season. Help me to have the courage to tell others of who you are through my story. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore Paul's persuasive example of his story. 

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

As we begin this week, we look to understand the importance of recounting what has happened to us personally.

Notes on the practices: 

Journaling and reflection both help to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. Both are similar practices and please feel free to journal reflection questions or reflect on journalling questions. These are here to be a guide, not a rule. So if you feel led to reflect on a different point, or journal in a different direction, please do so.

Story arcs:

While each story is unique and has its own impact, the arc of the story which points to Jesus remains.

Life before Christ. How you came to know Jesus. Then, how life is different now.

This arc, as simple as it is, paints the picture of how Jesus engages each person's story and how their life is different afterwards.

Throughout this week we will look at various accounts in scripture where these testimonies are used to engage those who are far from God. To bring them close to Him and begin or renew the relationship.

Let this be the starting point:

Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance on who to share your story with this week.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

This week is about learning to share your story and how God has impacted you.

Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, learning from Jesus' command of a man to share what had happened to him.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Luke 15: 30-32 NLT

Each day this past week, we've unpacked different facets of engaging the lost and celebrating their turn to Christ. Today, we wrestle with the realization that God's grace is not limited to those who have never heard but extends to those who have heard and walked away.

Jesus' story of the two brothers in Luke 15 helps us see this clearly. One who has always known the father and remained by his side, and the other who knows the father's goodness yet leaves to pursue his desires. When he realizes this path has left him empty and broken, the departing brother returns home, confesses his sin, and resigns himself to working as one of his father's servants. Yet the father chooses to show this wayward son love, grace, and mercy, which he does not deserve.

The brother who remained responds with anger and jealousy at the grace shown to his rebellious sibling and refuses to celebrate his return. The father reminds him that he has full inheritance, that the brother returning has taken nothing from him, and to celebrate for his brother, who was lost, presumed dead, but is alive!

There are many perspectives we can align with in this story. Perhaps you find yourself the brother who has been shown grace from the Father after living a life of disobedience. Or maybe you align more closely to the brother who is embittered by the grace shown to someone else returning to God.

Regardless of where you find yourself, the father's exhortation remains the same: celebrate and be glad! Rejoice in knowing there is repentance and faith in Christ. How great a God we serve that His love precedes our acknowledgment,"for while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, thank you for your grace. Help me to see others how you see them and not through my flawed perspectives. Teach me to rejoice with those who turn back to you with my whole heart. Amen.

Join us Monday as we dive into personal stories and how they impact the kingdom of God.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?

Luke 15:8 NLT

As we have seen earlier this week, there is excitement and joy when the lost are found. But today, we take a step back into the parables of Jesus and look at the intentionality behind searching for the lost.

In the story Jesus tells, of a woman who has lost a coin, one of ten. In the search for this single coin, she takes great pains to light up her home, clean every space, and not give up until it is found. The attitude here is not one of ambivalence that says, "Oh well, it'll turn up eventually." Rather, the response to what has been misplaced is deep concern, which motivates intentional actions that guide the woman to the end result.

This paints a picture for followers of Christ. First, we must begin to recognize the value of those who do not yet know Jesus. Every person is of inestimable worth and therefore worthy of our effort (1 Corinthians 7:23). We are also not to sit idly by or to simply wait until the opportunity to share the Gospel lands in our lap. Rather, we should look for and persist in the opportunity to share Christ, his sacrifice, and what he has done in our lives that has made such a difference.

Light the lamp, sweep your surroundings, and search carefully for those who are precious to God.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, help me to see everyone around me the way you see them. As I go about my day, show me those you would have me engage with your Gospel. Remind me to celebrate fully as it is done in heaven when anyone turns to you. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore God's grace for a returned brother.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."

John 10:16 NLT

At this point in the week, we have seen God's heart for the lost, how we, as the Church, play a unique part in seeking them out to share the Gospel, and the joyous celebration that occurs in heaven and on earth when one repents and turns to Christ.

Today, we dig deep into the reality that Jesus is for all people. Not just the ones we like, are from a particular socio-economic class, or a particular part of the world. The truth of the Gospel is for each and every person He has created.

The inclusive redemptive work of Jesus wasn't an afterthought, either; it was intentional. We can look to the Old Testament and to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, which specifically promises that "all people would be blessed through him." This laid the foundation of what was to come, a blessing that would extend beyond the nation of Israel. Jesus' ministry also pushed the boundaries of the culture as he cared for those who were on the societal fringes - Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors.

If you have a hard time conceptualizing this, don't feel alone. Jesus' friends and those who heard this message firsthand had difficulty understanding it, too. But it's important to understand we all need the Good Shepherd, and He truly is the Good Shepherd for all.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, thank you for your sacrifice that I would have life in you. As my good shepherd, lead me and care for me in the way you would have me go. Reveal to me those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we explore the intentional care for the lost. 

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"

Luke 15: 7 NLT

Continuing our journey of understanding the importance of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, we come to this teaching of celebration. Jesus' words come from the full passage, Luke 15:1-7 NLT but ultimately hinge on the final part of this verse. The joy and honor that is lifted up over just one who has repented and turned to God is truly great and worthy of celebration.  
The response and acknowledgment depicted here is not a polite golf clap or a briefly uttered, "Well done." It is meant to be understood as a rapturous celebration. In fact, some may say it would be best understood as a raucous or rowdy crowd. Jesus wants to convey that this is the kind of reaction we should have when someone makes this decision.

Sometimes we can adopt a stoic, emotionless posture because we fear looking foolish. This is especially true when it comes to celebrating before God. In 2 Samuel 6, we read about how God chose David as King over Israel, and David responds by dancing and celebrating before the Lord. When he is chastised for his reaction, David responds that he is willing to be even more foolish-looking and be humiliated in the eyes of man if it means God is honored and celebrated.

So friends, ask yourself, are you willing to be "foolish in the eyes of man" for the sake of what matters most to the heart of God?

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, open my heart to those far from you. Help me to be unafraid to dance, sing, and rejoice over those who turn to you. Guide me to those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we lean into what Jesus meant by having 'other sheep' but all 'one flock'.

This Week's Focus: 
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

As we dive into this week, we first lean into the Great Commission Jesus gave the Disciples. We often hear, in these two verses, an exhortation to go into the mission field or to join teams to help. But today, let's pause, sit with this a moment, and consider what it means for you and me.

All of us are called to make disciples. Some believers engage the mission field, but not all Christians are designed by God to go. Some are meant to stay and make an impact right where they are as teachers, doctors, engineers, and scientists.

Regardless of our vocation, God intends for us to share His Gospel everywhere. For gospel means "good news!" and what better news could possibly be shared than the saving work of Christ?

God's love for each and every one of us is absolutely unfathomable. It's not limited to the people who look like us, sound like us, or even just the people we like. It is for everyone. Even those who do not know him yet, he may be urging you to bring that one person you know to Him. That they may experience his love, mercy, grace, and kindness.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, open my eyes to see those around me as you see them. Help me to love them as you love them, that they may see you through me. Help me to have the courage to speak boldly of your saving grace in every opportunity. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore how precious repentance can be as we are told of the celebration that takes place when just one sinner turns to Christ.