February 6-12, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 9): Guidance
PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.
STUDY
Read Genesis 11:10 - 25:4 (lthe life of Abram/Abraham) and Hebrews 11 (New Testament reflection of Abraham). When reading pay special attention to the moments when God appeared and/or spoke to Abraham and observe Abraham’s response.
DISCUSS
How does one hear God? At what points in your life have you received guidance from God? Are there times in your life where you wish you had sought God’s guidance or sought it and then chose to go another way? What role should the body of Christ (the Church) play in receiving guidance from God? How often do you seek God’s guidance in your life?
LIVE
Take time to enter the presence of God... confess and repent of your sins and worship Him, then be silent and allow Him to speak to you. When God speaks to you, step out in faith and obey. Now matter how small or how large His call to you is, step out and follow Him. His next step will open the door to many more steps on a path that leads to righteousness, holliness, delight, satisfaction, joy, and the life you were created to live.
Showing posts with label spiritual disciplines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual disciplines. Show all posts
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Spiritual Discipline of Worship
January 30 - February 5, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 8): Worship
KNOW | Study
Read 1 Chronicles 16. Take time to read these portions of Scripture. Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.
GROW | Discussion Option #1
What is worship? If you were an dictionary editor, how would you define worship (in a Christian context)? What role does the place of worship have in the life of a Christian? What role does it play in your life?
GROW | Discussion Option #2
Is it possible for worship to be an idol? What is idolatry? Much of the Church appears to flock to hear certain Christian worship leaders... is this idolatry (does the music or leader become the focus) or is okay?
SOW | Application
Take a chunk of time this week to get alone and sing songs of praise to God. You can use recorded songs or make up new ones. Try reading a portion of Scripture (sections of the Psalms are a good place to start) and turning them into songs of praise. Ask God to gift you with tongues and begin to praise Him in a Heavenly language!
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 8): Worship
KNOW | Study
Read 1 Chronicles 16. Take time to read these portions of Scripture. Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.
GROW | Discussion Option #1
What is worship? If you were an dictionary editor, how would you define worship (in a Christian context)? What role does the place of worship have in the life of a Christian? What role does it play in your life?
GROW | Discussion Option #2
Is it possible for worship to be an idol? What is idolatry? Much of the Church appears to flock to hear certain Christian worship leaders... is this idolatry (does the music or leader become the focus) or is okay?
SOW | Application
Take a chunk of time this week to get alone and sing songs of praise to God. You can use recorded songs or make up new ones. Try reading a portion of Scripture (sections of the Psalms are a good place to start) and turning them into songs of praise. Ask God to gift you with tongues and begin to praise Him in a Heavenly language!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Confessing Our Sins
Explore More | January 23-29, 2011
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 7): Confession (Part 2)
KNOW | Study
Read James 5:16; John 20:21-23; Proverbs 28:13; and Acts 19:23-41. Take time to read these portions of Scripture. Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.
GROW | Discussion Option #1
Why is confession, especially to another person, so difficult? In your experience what has kept you from confessing either your public (direct offense/hurt towards someone) or private (unwitnessed/internal) sins to another person? What kind of a person should you confess your private sins to?
GROW | Discussion Option #2
What benefits are there in confessing our private sins to one another? What about confession to one is good for you? What about confession is good for the other person? What about confession is good for those in your life?
SOW | Application
Develop a deep relationship with someone. If you don't have a mature friend in Christ, make steps to develop that relationship. It's okay for that relationship to take time... be purposeful, but don't push people! If you have something immediately to confess you can connect with an Elder or Pastor of the same gender as yourself.
Spiritual Disciplines (Week 7): Confession (Part 2)
KNOW | Study
Read James 5:16; John 20:21-23; Proverbs 28:13; and Acts 19:23-41. Take time to read these portions of Scripture. Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.
GROW | Discussion Option #1
Why is confession, especially to another person, so difficult? In your experience what has kept you from confessing either your public (direct offense/hurt towards someone) or private (unwitnessed/internal) sins to another person? What kind of a person should you confess your private sins to?
GROW | Discussion Option #2
What benefits are there in confessing our private sins to one another? What about confession to one is good for you? What about confession is good for the other person? What about confession is good for those in your life?
SOW | Application
Develop a deep relationship with someone. If you don't have a mature friend in Christ, make steps to develop that relationship. It's okay for that relationship to take time... be purposeful, but don't push people! If you have something immediately to confess you can connect with an Elder or Pastor of the same gender as yourself.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Study
Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
November 14-20, 2010; Week 5
KNOW | Personal Study
2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:3-5; Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9-11; Ephesians 3:10-11. Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these words of inspiration and instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
If your neighbour asked, "why do you read the Bible?", what would you say? Would your answer line up with the way that you live your life and would your neighbour agree?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
What excuses have you made when it comes to studying God's Word? It's important to be honest with yourself, but not beat yourself up over past failures. Get back on the horse and try again, and again, and again! Also, be purposeful in combating your excuses.
SOW | Application
Start a devotional plan (or continue with your current one) and set aside a good chunk of time (i.e. 45-60 minutes) to not just read a passage, but to study it. Pick out key words and phrases and ask yourself, why did he say this or why did he choose that specific word? Use resources like concordance, lexicons, dictionaries, etc. to help. If you don't have printed versions of these, go to www.biblestudytools.com. You can also ask others questions about it. Finally, don't forget to interpret the application and then obey it!
November 14-20, 2010; Week 5
KNOW | Personal Study
2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:3-5; Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9-11; Ephesians 3:10-11. Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these words of inspiration and instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
If your neighbour asked, "why do you read the Bible?", what would you say? Would your answer line up with the way that you live your life and would your neighbour agree?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
What excuses have you made when it comes to studying God's Word? It's important to be honest with yourself, but not beat yourself up over past failures. Get back on the horse and try again, and again, and again! Also, be purposeful in combating your excuses.
SOW | Application
Start a devotional plan (or continue with your current one) and set aside a good chunk of time (i.e. 45-60 minutes) to not just read a passage, but to study it. Pick out key words and phrases and ask yourself, why did he say this or why did he choose that specific word? Use resources like concordance, lexicons, dictionaries, etc. to help. If you don't have printed versions of these, go to www.biblestudytools.com. You can also ask others questions about it. Finally, don't forget to interpret the application and then obey it!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Submission
Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
November 7-13, 2010; Week 4
KNOW | Personal Study
Mark 8:34-36; Eph 5:21-6:9; & 1 Peter 2:13-14, 21–23 . Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
In what areas of your life do you feel you need to control? Where do you get annoyed, frustrated, bitter, impatient, or angry? What is it about that situation that causes you to experience those feelings? How does submitting to God in that area change your perspective?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
Is there a situation in your life where you wonder if God requires you submit because doing so goes against God's word and seems destructive? Take time to talk to God and with others in your life that have walked for a long time with Jesus. God will guide and direct your steps.
SOW | Application
Take a relationship or situation that you are currently involved in where you know God is calling you to submit (trust Him). Prayer for the person/people involved, ask God to give you guidance and strength. Allow the love of Christ as demonstrated in His submission towards you to provide you with an example and the inspiration to follow Him into your world.
November 7-13, 2010; Week 4
KNOW | Personal Study
Mark 8:34-36; Eph 5:21-6:9; & 1 Peter 2:13-14, 21–23 . Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
In what areas of your life do you feel you need to control? Where do you get annoyed, frustrated, bitter, impatient, or angry? What is it about that situation that causes you to experience those feelings? How does submitting to God in that area change your perspective?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
Is there a situation in your life where you wonder if God requires you submit because doing so goes against God's word and seems destructive? Take time to talk to God and with others in your life that have walked for a long time with Jesus. God will guide and direct your steps.
SOW | Application
Take a relationship or situation that you are currently involved in where you know God is calling you to submit (trust Him). Prayer for the person/people involved, ask God to give you guidance and strength. Allow the love of Christ as demonstrated in His submission towards you to provide you with an example and the inspiration to follow Him into your world.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Clear & Present Danger
Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
October 24-30, 2010; Week 2
KNOW | Study
Read 2 Peter 1:5-8; Isaiah 6:1-8; and Luke 10:38-42. Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Who do you tend to be like, Martha or Mary? What distracts you in life from spending time with Jesus? Why do they distract you (what lies are you buying into)? What about Monk's or Nun's? Do they have the right balance?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
When Scripture reveals that God is now dwelling within those who are born again, how does that make you feel after reading a passage like Isaiah 6? How does your response to the presence of God compare to seraphs or Isaiah?
SOW | Apply
Take time to meditate. Create within your schedule (ideally on a daily basis) a time and a place that will allow for you to spend time with God. Take time to not just study God's Word and talk to Him, but to be still and open to His presence. Create a longer period of time than you normally would in a typical week/day and just be present with Him.
October 24-30, 2010; Week 2
KNOW | Study
Read 2 Peter 1:5-8; Isaiah 6:1-8; and Luke 10:38-42. Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about these experiences and words of instruction. Meditate on these words (focus, repeat, ponder, reflect, and apply).
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Who do you tend to be like, Martha or Mary? What distracts you in life from spending time with Jesus? Why do they distract you (what lies are you buying into)? What about Monk's or Nun's? Do they have the right balance?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
When Scripture reveals that God is now dwelling within those who are born again, how does that make you feel after reading a passage like Isaiah 6? How does your response to the presence of God compare to seraphs or Isaiah?
SOW | Apply
Take time to meditate. Create within your schedule (ideally on a daily basis) a time and a place that will allow for you to spend time with God. Take time to not just study God's Word and talk to Him, but to be still and open to His presence. Create a longer period of time than you normally would in a typical week/day and just be present with Him.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Birth of a Legend
Explore More: Spiritual Disciplines
October 17-23, 2010; Week 1
KNOW | Personal Study
Read Acts 2:41-3:10 & Hebrews 11. Take time to read and reflect on these passages. Make observations about their daily life, character, and ultimately what they were known for. Take time and allow God's Spirit to speak to you through these passages and give you direction.
GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Who is/are your hero(es)? Take time to think through your life and list who have been/are your heroes. Next, ask yourself why they were/are your heroes? What was it about their life or a decision they made that separated themselves from others? Why did you want to become like them?
GROW | Discussion - Option #2
What do you want to be known for? If you want your life to have an impact past your physical death, what kind of an impact do you want to have? How will that impact come about?
SOW | Application
Prioritize your life. If you live your life with the "end' in perspective it will calibrate your priorities. The next step is to then act on those priorities and structure your life, finances, relationships, and time around those priorities. In this process it is important not to measure yourself against other people, but to simply follow Jesus in the calling He has given you.
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