Spring Cleaning - Discovering our Purpose

On Sunday we introduced a new series on Spring Cleaning. The whole purpose of spring cleaning is to clean out all the junk and clutter in our house that we stored up over winter and get it out of the house. It's a time to open up the window and let fresh air in and re-organize your house.

In the same way, we can do a Spring Cleaning in our personal lives as well. In order to do that, it is good to look at what God, our creator, had in mind when he created us.

Read Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:16, 1 Peter 4:10

1. What do these scriptures tell us about our purpose?
2. Does everyone have a gift? If so, how are we to use it?

Application:

It is clear that we were created as a masterpiece from God. He perfectly designed us for a purpose. Each person has a purpose and is gifted in some great way to serve others.

What is your purpose and your gift? I have no idea, but the Lord does and wants to reveal it to you.

This week, seek God to have him reveal your purpose and gifting. Spend time praying and listening to hear his truth about your life, direction and gifting. Then, use your gift to serve others and proclaim Christ.

Pray

Staying Connected to God's word

On Sunday we had Karly, Corie and Kim all share about how spending time with Christ has made a tremendous impact in their lives. As they emphasized, it's so important to stay close to Christ daily.

God also emphasizes this to Joshua.

Read Joshua 1:6-9

1. What does God command Joshua to do?
2. Why did he encourage him to be strong and courageous?
3. What is Joshua to do with the book of the law? How do you think this helps him?
4. What's the promise God makes Joshua if he knows the law and obeys it?
5. How does this apply to us?

Application:

When Joshua had this encounter with God, he was just taking over the leadership of the Israelites as they headed into the Promised Land. Moses had just died and now, after 40 years of wondering in the wilderness, Joshua was put into this leadership role as they moved into their new land. Of all the times Joshua needed guidance and direction, it was now.

So, you would probably imagine that Joshua needed to hear something great from God at this point. Of all the things God could have said to him, he challenged him to be strong and courageous and to meditate on His word day and night. It is only through this that Joshua would be prosperous and successful. That's it! Stay close to the Lord by knowing, meditating and understanding his word. When he would do that, he would be prosperous and successful.

In the same way, if we are spending time with Christ daily, meditating and applying it to our lives, we will be in a much better place than if we did not do this. We will be prosperous and successful in life - maybe not in the way the world judges success and prosperity, but you will be successful by walking the path God has set for you.

Are you turning to God and his word for guidance and direction in your life?

This week, take time daily to spend time with Christ and see how you benefit from doing that. Set aside time each day - be intentional about it - and make sure that you can get encouragement and support from our creator. Then, apply what you learn and see what God has in store for you!

Pray

Easter Characters - Jesus

On Sunday, we concluded our Easter series by looking at the reason for the Easter celebration - Jesus. We looked at His resurrection in Luke 24:1-12 and then his appearance to the disciples in John 20:24-29.

But the resurrection and the power of this great event didn't end on this great Sunday.

The power of the resurrection and the greatness of God continued to transform people and the world. Take a minute and read Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:1-18, Acts 6:1-10). After you read each section, answer these questions:

1. What happened in this story?
2. Who was the person God reached out to? What was their mission?
3. What did each event reveal about God's plan to reach others?
4. Do you think these events would have happened had Jesus not rise from the dead?

Application:

When Christ died, the followers of Christ were left wondering what to do next. They were afraid and scared of what was going to happen to them and what they were going to do from that time forward. BUT, when Christ rose from the dead on Sunday, they got a 2nd wind and a decided to do something great because of it. God continued to guide and direct them as they impacted the world for HIM.

What has the power of Christ's resurrection meant to you? How has it impacted you and your life?

Remember, if Christ can overcome death, is there anything he can't do? Of course not! In Philippians 4:13, Paul says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Through Christ and his power, you can do all things. This week, allow the power of Christ's resurrection to give you that 2nd wind and a fire to share about Him to those closest to you. When the disciples trusted God and relied on the power of the resurrection, they impacted the world!

Pray that God would put some people on your heart for you to share about Him to them this week.

Easter Characters - Peter

Our Sunday, we continued our series on some of the main Easter Characters by focusing on Peter. We focused on how Peter went from being a fighter for Christ (John 18:7-11) to be a denier of Christ (Luke 22:54-62). Thinking through your life, when is it easy for you to go from a fighter for to a denier of Christ?

It is definitely hard to fight for Christ always as FEAR can creep in and cause you to deny - maybe not so much an an blatant denial, but it could be like not speaking up when you could say something.

Unlike Judas, the great thing for Peter is that he was given an opportunity for reconciliation with Christ.

Read John 21:15-19

1. What did Jesus ask Peter? How many times did he ask him this?
2. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter this and that many times?
3. What were the 3 responses Christ said to Peter's responses? What do you think these mean?

Application:

Christ asked Peter 3 times if he loved him. Christ didn't just model forgiveness here, but he also issued a challenge to Peter. He gave Peter the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to himself (after denying him 3 times) and then told him to "feed my sheep". Peter went on to become one of the great evangelists ever as he was on the forefront of spreading the gospel, not just the the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well.

Christ gives us the opportunity to reconcile with him daily. But, just like with Peter, he calls us to go and "feed his sheep." We are to go and further his kingdom.

We can not let fear or anything else allow us to prevent us from furthering the kingdom. Considering that this week is Good Friday and Easter, it is the perfect opportunity for you to share the love of Christ to others. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for you to share about him to others. Then, when those opportunities open up, walk in boldness because you know that the Lord has given them to you.

Pray