Wed, 31 December 2014
Focus: What do you yearn to see before you die? What would make you say, “Now I can die happy”? The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would see God’s Messiah, Israel’s rescuer, before he died. For a people, and world, that had been waiting for hundreds of years, many generations without seeing the Messiah, hope could have been lost. Text: Luke 2:22-40 |
Wed, 24 December 2014
Focus: Our faith isn’t based on observational logic, and reproducible experiments. A virgin who is engaged, Angel messengers, the Holy Spirit, and the birth of the One who would be given David’s throne and reign forever, the God-man Jesus. In the midst of all of that, even Mary was confused as to how this could be since she was a virgin. May God work the response in our hearts as we know that He is coming back, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be [to me] according to your word.” Main Text: Luke 1:26-38 |
Thu, 18 December 2014
Focus: Can you hear the representatives of the Jewish leaders asking, “Who do you think you are?” What gave him the right to call people out to the wilderness to repent and be baptized? What gives followers of the revealed Son of God, Jesus, the right to claim what Jesus did, that He is the only way, and that repentance that God works is needed? Just who do you think you are? Main Text:John 1:6-8, 19-28 |
Tue, 9 December 2014
Focus: If people in Jesus’ day were looking for the prophet Elijah to return to announce the coming Messiah, would they recognize someone clearly dressed and acting like the prophet Elijah? If they were looking toward the call to make straight paths, would they recognize the call to repent and have their hearts made right? If preparing in John’s day meant repentance and being turned back to the Lord, what does it mean today? Main Text: Mark 1:1-8 |
Thu, 4 December 2014
Jesus is coming back. Just like with Jesus’ incarnation, the coming of the Messiah, no one knows the time, not even Jesus knew, but God does. So, if we have anything to look forward to, anything to be sure of, it is Jesus coming back to gather up all of His people. In fact, Jesus says that we can be more sure about the coming kingdom than we can about the ground our feet stand on and the air we breathe. There is nothing more certain. Christmas isn’t just about looking back, it’s about looking forward to the coming kingdom. Will you be ready, or will you be caught unprepared? Main Text: Mark 13:24-37 |
Tue, 25 November 2014
As we make our financial investment promise to each other and to the Lord, we do so recognizing what we have learned over these past few weeks. Lowest in the Kingdom Hierarchy is financial investment. In its proper perspective the gift of money can be a huge kingdom resource. How does your investment of financial capital reveal your understanding of its value position in Jesus’ Kingdom? Main Text: Genesis 26:12-31 |
Tue, 25 November 2014
Focus: Descending our Kingdom hierarchy, somewhere in the middle we consider today the time and energy we have to invest in people and projects. “It comprises the time we make available to as well as the capacity we have to use that time.” pg 48 “Oikonomics” We also consider the creative ideas and solutions we bring to the world. “Jesus was no slouch when it came to intelligence.” pg. 48 “Oikonomics” Nor are His followers. Let’s discover together how we can invest these gifts for the purposes of Jesus. Main Text: John 15:1-8; Mt. 22:23-33 |
Fri, 14 November 2014
Focus: Descending our Kingdom hierarchy, somewhere in the middle we consider today the time and energy we have to invest in people and projects. “It comprises the time we make available to as well as the capacity we have to use that time.” pg 48 “Oikonomics” We also consider the creative ideas and solutions we bring to the world. “Jesus was no slouch when it came to intelligence.” pg. 48 “Oikonomics” Nor are His followers. Let’s discover together how we can invest these gifts for the purposes of Jesus. Main Text: John 15:1-8; Mt. 22:23-33 |
Fri, 7 November 2014
Focus:"Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends." -Jesus Have you ever considered that Jesus had an investment strategy? What’s yours? How do you think your investment strategy compares to Jesus’? Text: Luke 16:1-13 |
Fri, 31 October 2014
Focus: Sacrifice? Really? “We often hear the call to discipleship only through the lens of sacrifice (looking at what we are losing). But Jesus rarely spoke this way! When He talked about discipleship, He always spoke through the lens of investment, looking at what we were gaining.” pg.11-12 “Oikonomics” Today we are graciously invited to apprentice with Jesus and learn what it really means to “have it all.” |
Thu, 23 October 2014
Focus: Over the past 7 weeks we have been learning the Periodic Table of Leadership in the Kingdom of God as Jesus lived it out. The basic elements of this table are in every Jesus-follower. Given to you at the moment of faith, He calls you, yes, invites YOU to live these out as you follow Jesus! Main Text: Acts 4:1-13 |
Fri, 17 October 2014
Focus: We underestimate the capacity to influence that God has given us in Jesus. Therefore, instead of focusing on one act of Jesus-centered love, we fixate on the expanse of the mission field in front of us. And it keeps us stuck; immobilized. WE can’t follow Jesus where He is moving if we don’t move. We can’t lead others to move where Jesus is moving if we don’t move. And, We won’t realize the catalytic movement Jesus empowers if we don’t move.
What if you would learn to embrace the limitations and accept responsibility for your walkable community? Jesus humbled Himself, embracing the limitation of human flesh, and accepting responsibility for your sin--all in a well-defined place called Palestine in the first century. (John 1:14) This is how the Savior saves the world! Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS CATALYTIC! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be change-agents, impactful persons in our place, influencers, to the Glory of God. Main Text: Matthew 10:1-8 |
Thu, 9 October 2014
Focus: We make our plans. And, most of the time, we will fight and resist anything that comes up against those plans. We want what we want when we want it, in the way that we want it. And because of that, most days, we are not coachable. Therefore, we cannot react. We find it difficult to change course. Tightly gripping control, we are filled with tension and anxiety. Jesus never did anything on His own. He always took the situation to the One who was in control. He always looked to and trusted His Father. Jesus had an intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, Jesus was never out of step with His Father. Because He was so inseparably connected to His Father, we can be assured that whatever Jesus says and does is in harmony with God’s design and intention. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS RESPONSIVE! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be obedient, awake, aware, dependent, perceptive, reactive, sensitive. Main Text: John 15:4-5 |
Fri, 3 October 2014
Focus: We are swayed so easily by the opinions of men. And, because we are so easily influenced by others’ needs and desires, our dependability suffers. Jesus is a savior we can always count on. Because He devoted Himself to His Father’s will to redeem His people, Jesus was not merely interested in making sure our needs were met. He served His Father and not people. On account of this, He can always be trusted. He is not influenced by the fickle needs and desires of human beings. He can actually be trusted to have our best interests in mind. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS TRUSTWORTHY! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be faithful, dependable, steady, credible, honorable, mature. Main Text: John 10:11-15; Ezekiel 34:2-6 |
Wed, 24 September 2014
Focus: With so many needs, we can become compassion weary. The volume of sorrow can lead us to put a filter on our hearts. We feel bad, but do nothing. We sympathize, yet don’t bring true relief. Jesus is more than someone we can turn to for sympathy when we need someone to understand. He is aware of our deepest need before we can even name it. He cares by taking our suffering upon Himself. He actually joins us in our pain and shares the experience. Jesus goes beyond simply feeling bad for us. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS COMPASSIONATE! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be humane, kindhearted, forbearing, merciful, tenderhearted, moved to action. Main Text: Matthew 9:35-38 |
Tue, 16 September 2014
Focus: It is utterly impossible for us to do anything without some element of self-focus. We rarely do something without any thought of how it will affect us. As a result, we often resist the leadership of God. Jesus faithfully followed the will of His Father. He emptied Himself and became obedient-to death. He was devoted to others. And because of this God raised Him to the place of highest honor and glory. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS SELFLESS! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be other-centered, secure, humble, generous, consistent. Main Text: Matthew 20:25-28; John 12:24-25 |
Fri, 12 September 2014
Focus: So much of what we do or choose to not do revolves around our perception of how others will see us. As a result, we often put on masks. “The real me might get rejected,” we think. Jesus knew who He was. He understood the mission. He wasn’t concerned with how people would receive him. This freed Him to be the most genuine leader of all time. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS GENUINE! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be authentic, real, vulnerable, true, consistent. Main Text: Matthew 9:9-13 |
Fri, 5 September 2014
Focus: There are some moments in life when we’re detached. We’re physically present, but for one reason or another, we’re really somewhere else. Followers of Jesus have the distinct advantage of following a leader who is ALWAYS ENGAGED! As we follow Him we learn what it means to be fully present, in the moment, attentive, interested, devoted, focused.Main Text: Matthew 26:36-46
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Fri, 29 August 2014
Sometimes words lose their effectiveness because they get used so often. Sometimes words need to be redefined. “Leader” is one of those words. Today we recalibrate a familiar word so that it becomes a familiar designation for everyone. In the Kingdom of God, is leadership reserved for a select few who have proven themselves? Or, does every Jesus-follower bear the title and privilege of leadership? Main Text: Colossians 3:13-17 |
Fri, 22 August 2014
Focus: Praying…Caring…Sharing… The Lord is still seeking 1more Friend. Will you choose to be 1more Friend? Main Text: Matthew 28:18-20 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 30 |
Wed, 13 August 2014
Focus: True love will show itself in curiosity. One of the hallmarks of a Spirit-infused life is the presence of genuine interest in others. Will you be among those who invest in discovering the truth about your neighbors? If you do, you may understand the secret wisdom of God. Main Text: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 29 |
Thu, 7 August 2014
Focus: Every time we are interrupted, we are given a choice: Stick to our agenda, or turn our attention to the new opportunity in front of us. Main Text: Isaiah 6:8-9 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 28 |
Thu, 31 July 2014
Is there any benefit to knowing God? How have those benefits satisfied YOUR deepest longings? Don’t forget, the benefits of being connected to life in Jesus…they might just satisfy someone else! Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5 Resource:“Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 27 |
Thu, 24 July 2014
Focus: Undone; holes in our souls that we are powerless to fill. When we place all of our flaws out on the table and join them together with the flaws of our neighbors and friends we discover what we all hold in common. We are all the same. We all have the same basic need. Text: Romans 5:1-11 Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 26 |
Fri, 18 July 2014
The fact that God is attentive to prayers prayed in faith should build anticipation. How will God answer? How will God show up? How will He choose to use me? Text: 1 Peter 3:12a Resource: “Be Jesus In Your Neighborhood” Week 25 |
Thu, 10 July 2014
Focus: God knows everything about you, there are no secrets hidden from Him. The same holds true for your neighbor. He knows every detail of every life. God has zeroed in on us. We are in his plans, his dreams, and his desires. God wants the same personal intimate relationship with your neighbor that he has with you. Do you wake up every morning excited that you’re part of that big picture? Main Text: Psalm 139: 1-3 |
Thu, 3 July 2014
Focus: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” We hear it all the time. It may sound a bit different, yet the meaning is still the same as if spoken by Cain today. Jesus commanded his followers to love one another as He loved us. Jesus was a living example of God’s love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus love. You matter to God. Your neighbor matters to God. Does your neighbor matter to you? Main Text: Genesis 4:9-10 |
Tue, 24 June 2014
God placed your neighbor next to you for a reason. Is that a burden or a joy? Consider what God has done for you, how bright your future is. Now, consider that God desires the same future for your neighbor. “How is that possible?” we say. “You don’t know my neighbor.” Our God can do the impossible. What a joy it should be to be called to partner with Him. Text: Mark 10:24-27 |
Mon, 16 June 2014
Focus: We live in an excuse-filled ridden world: “I can’t do that because…, I’m not available because…, I’m not fully prepared, not ready yet.” Moses had plenty of excuses too, yet, God admonished him: “Now go; I will help you speak, and teach you what to say.” It’s the same instruction for us today, “Now go”, share Me with your neighbors. Text: Exodus 4:10-12 |
Mon, 9 June 2014
The idea of mission is great. The idea of praying for neighbors and friends, and even enemies is great. But, when the rubber meets the road, will you jump to action? Or, will you first weigh the time, energy, and financial cost? Do you see someone who needs help, or do you see your own inconvenience? Read Text: 1 John 3:16-18 |
Fri, 6 June 2014
This is God’s mission, His love, His work, and we are His instruments, His agents. Agent, are you ready for the next step+? Is your ear-piece in? Read Text: John 16:13-15 |
Tue, 27 May 2014
“What are you praying about?” is a great question to get at what is really important to someone. Prayer reflects the heart, it practices the heart, and often, from that the heart is moved to action. Are you ready to be part of God’s answer to your prayer? Read Text: John 11:38-44 |
Thu, 22 May 2014
How do your interactions with those you have difficulty with influence their interaction with you? How do you reflect Christ with those who make it difficult? Does your sense of justice fight against the unconditional love Christ shows you and gives you to share? What if you could let go of all the anger and frustration? Read Text: Matthew 5:43-48 |
Tue, 13 May 2014
Focus: Why do we struggle with asking for help? Asking for help doesn’t have to be an admission of weakness, it can be an expression of value, appreciation of another person. What happens when we change our focus from ourselves onto other people? Read Text: John 4:7-9 |
Fri, 9 May 2014
How is it possible to be countercultural (not different just to be different, or to make a statement, but to follow the Bible and Jesus in our post-modern, selfie world), and still attract others? What can we do? Read Text: Colossians 4:2-6 |
Wed, 30 April 2014
Focus: We’re certainly supposed to take care of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we’re also commanded to open our doors and extend invitations to people we don’t know as well, to help anyone in need. This is one of the ways Jesus challenges with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, as we see that “neighbor” isn’t defined by proximity, but describes one who acts to care for someone in need. Jesus transforms the question of “Who is my neighbor?” into “Who are you a neighbor to?” Read Text: Hebrews 13:1-3 |
Thu, 24 April 2014
He is Risen! He is risen indeed! |
Tue, 15 April 2014
A look at Palm Sunday with fresh eyes. |
Mon, 7 April 2014
McDonalds figured out long ago that the smell of their french fries would draw their potential customers in, and could even produce feelings of hunger in people who otherwise had no intention to eat. The aroma of Christ is polarizing, drawing in the hungry, but reminding others of death. Christ’s fragrance is a life of sacrifice, a fragrance we bear as His people, by His sacrifice. And it’s a fragrance perceived by others through His love lived out in our lives and shared with others. What do you smell like? Read Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 |
Tue, 1 April 2014
Focus: There are many kinds of love in this world, but each and every one will let you down eventually. That is, until you know God’s love. The same is true for your neighbors. Once you know God’s love, though, you can share His perfect love with them. His love never fails, never stops seeking all people, and never gives up. Read Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 |
Tue, 25 March 2014
Focus: The sum of all of the Law and Prophets (the Hebrew Scriptures) can be boiled down to just two things: 1) Love God above all. 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. You could even try to combine them into one command to love God so much that you also love what He loves. We’ve spent 10 weeks exploring Prayer, and now we begin to see how drawing close to God’s heart can affect what we love (Care). Read Text: Matthew 22:34-40 |
Tue, 18 March 2014
Focus: Jesus prayed so that Peter’s faith would not fail. Peter’s faith did not fail. Who among your circle of influence is being tested by Satan and needs victory in Jesus? What would it look like for you to pray for them? Text: Luke 22:31-38, 1 Peter 5:8 & 2 Peter 1:3 |
Thu, 13 March 2014
There is so much standing against us, so many forces that war against God, and His intentions for us. We need support from each other in order the STAND. Strength is built in community. Strength is built through the prayers of the Saints. Strength is built as followers of Jesus pray “all kinds” of prayers, “on all occasions”, “always”, and for “all the saints.” What would that kind of prayer support look like for you? …for your friends, family and neighbors? Text: Ephesians 6: 10-18 |
Wed, 5 March 2014
Access to Almighty God. An open invitation to come, to ask, to plead, for ourselves, and for those around us. Do we really believe that this is really real? “Where do you think God would like some of His power directed through your prayers today?” pg. 20 ,Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood Text: James 5:16-18 |
Wed, 26 February 2014
Question #1: ”Who among those who will believe in Jesus are you praying for?” Question #2: “Do I care enough about the unsaved to pray earnestly for their salvation?” pg. 18, Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood Question #3: What am I willing to do in response to this? Text: 2 Peter 3:9; John 17:20; Romans 10:1-17 |
Wed, 19 February 2014
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 Can you imagine the people you pray for coming to know the truth about themselves and the truth about God as a result of your prayers? What do you see? Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 |
Thu, 13 February 2014
To intercede, to plead, advocate, intermediate, intervene, to speak on behalf of… Who in your life today needs your active and persistent intercession? How would the story of your neighborhood, your friends, be impacted by your active intercession? Text: Ezekiel 22:23-31; Hebrews 7:15-28 |
Tue, 4 February 2014
It’s great to have friends in “high places.” Certain relational connections can gain us access to places we would not otherwise be able to access. “Knowing someone” has gotten me into sporting events, concerts, in the presence of the President of the United States. Jesus has given us permission to use His name to gain a hearing with the Lord of Heaven and earth. What would it look like for you today to really know God’s will and ask what Jesus would ask? Text: John 16:16-24 |
Tue, 28 January 2014
Focus: God already owns everything we have. There is nothing we can give God, that He hasn’t already given. Except…our praise. Acknowledging and celebrating worth is part of our culture. Yet, with God, we spend very little time celebrating Him. Why is that? What would it look like for you today to celebrate God’s worth? Text: Psalm 34:1-3 |
Mon, 20 January 2014
“Lord, (YOU) teach us to pray.” There are just some things that don’t belong to us. Prayer does not start with us. The requests, thoughts, cries don’t emanate from our minds or hearts. They begin with God. They flow from His mind and heart. What would it look like for you today to allow God to shape or determine the content of your prayers? |
Fri, 17 January 2014
Focus: Can you imagine having a friendship with someone and never being with them? Friends stay in touch. Friends talk and listen. Friends keep company. Friends don’t have to discipline themselves to share life. There’s a natural desire and inclination to keep company with our friends. What would it look like for you today to approach your relationship with God the way you do with your friend? Text: Psalm 16:11; Exodus 33:8-11a & 12-23; John 15:1-17 |
Tue, 7 January 2014
The Kingdom of God advances 1 person at a time. 2014 will be a trajectory-changing year for us at the Church. Every single personal decision to own our mission will be celebrated. Every single person will be resourced to “connect people to life in Jesus.” This will be a highly practical season for us. Text: John 3:1-18 |
Fri, 3 January 2014
Jesus was born of flesh and blood because His friends (those who He is called to redeem) were born of flesh and blood. There could be no other way. Jesus had to be fully human in order to die and break the curse of sin. The end of the Law’s brutal justice that demands “an eye for an eye” began in a manger in Bethlehem. |