Weekly Challenge

We had yet another night of great discussion as a class.  We wrapped up our series on spiritual formation by discussing what it looks like to follow the 2 greatest commandments.  It starts with surrender to God and then becomes a moment by moment journey, where we learn together how to better love God with our complete self (heart, mind, soul, strength) and love our neighbor as ourselves.  Then it is our responsibility to teach, not just what we know, but what we do to our children.  Let us continue to spur each other on to good works and utilize our spiritual gifts to build each other up as we continue on this journey.

The Challenge:
We begin a new series on the book of Exodus this week; we will spend the next 4 months making our way through this wonderful part of Israel's history and seeing how it applies to us in the 21st century.  Let's come to class prepared to discuss the introduction to our series.

Challenge 1:  Read and reflect on Exodus 5:1-5, Exodus 6:6-8, Exodus 7:5, Exodus 15:14-15, Exodus 18:11, and Exodus 33:17.
Challenge 2:  Read the entire book of Exodus

In Him,
Aaron

"Spiritual Discipline" Family Devotionals

The beginning of school is just around the corner and I know our schedules are about to kick in to overdrive. This past weekend in class we talked about the importance of slowing down to make sure God is first, so that He can work in and through us. Listed below are some of the spiritual disciplines we use as followers of Christ to continue our growth. I want to encourage you over the next four weeks to choose a discipline devotional for your family to do together at the beginning of the week. Then put it in to practice through out that week in a way that fits your family best. This is a great opportunity to teach and be an example for your children, as well as, be intentional in spending time with God during this hectic time of year.  

The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Family/Faith/2011/family-devotionals/spiritual-discipline-of-fasting.aspx

The Spiritual Discipline of Meditation
http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Family/Faith/2011/family-devotionals/spiritual-discipline-of-meditation.aspx

The Spiritual Discipline of Scripture Study http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Family/Faith/2011/family-devotionals/spiritual-discipline-of-scripture-study.aspx

The Spiritual Discipline of Worship
http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Family/Faith/2011/family-devotionals/spiritual-discipline-of-worship.aspx

Weekly Challenge

What unbelievable conversation we had in class last night.  Much gratitude to everyone involved.  I hope everyone understands that there is no better way for us to spend our class time than to engage in that type of discussion.  None of us has everything figured out and we must rely on each other to humbly teach, exhort, challenge, encourage, etc.  Great stuff, let's keep it going!

We discussed that according to 2 Peter 1:5-10, while it is the work of the Holy Spirit to cause spiritual growth, we do have the responsibility to put ourselves in a position for God to work in us.  One of the ways we can do that is through spiritual disciplines i.e. fasting, meditation, prayer, service (and there are many more).  But in order to do those things we must slow down, stop and make time to be still before the Lord.

The Challenge:
On Wednesday, August 7th we will have a class fast.  There are many things one can choose to fast from be it food, technology, TV, Candy Crush, etc.  Whatever you choose to fast from, replace that time in meditation and prayer over the class' upcoming service project with the North Texas Food Bank and Isaiah 58:4-11.  You might even consider involving your kids in the fast.  Come to class next week ready to share your experience.

In Him,
Aaron