Weekly Challenge

HOPE THROUGH RUTH

What a great night of study Saturday, a special thanks to all the ladies who read through the book of Ruth for us as well as who shared the wisdom they have gleaned from studying the book.

We saw in Ruth that even through all her dire circumstances God ALWAYS had a plan.  And although He eventually redeemed her God never fully revealed to her how He was using her life in such an amazing way.  Nevertheless, Ruth remained faithful through her loyalty, strength, work ethic, obedience, love, and the list goes on and on.

THE CHALLENGE - Over dinner with your family this week:
1) Share a time in your life that was particularly difficult and how God redeemed it.  Contemplate over and share how having that experience can give you hope the next time you face trials and hardships.
2) Share the character trait you admire most about Ruth and discuss how you can apply that trait to your life.
BONUS:
3) The Advent candle for the week is the candle of hope.  Add the story of Ruth into your Advent rituals this week.

In Him,
Aaron

Weekly Challenge -Rahab

Life Group Family & Friends:

 

We are in a 5 week study of Hope through the 5 women listed in the genealogy of Jesus.  This week was the Hope through Rahab.  But why would Matthew list a lying prostitute in the genealogy of God the Son?  There are several fascinating answers, but we focused in on Hope.  We have Hope that God can use us despite of our past or present sin.  We do not have to be held down by guilt and lies. As Henry Blackaby said in The Man God Uses, “God doesn’t take you just the way you are.  He takes you in spite of the way we are.”

 

The next time you feel like God can’t use You, consider this list that is accredited to John Thomas Oakes;

 

Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND Lazarus was dead!

My challenge to you this week is to meditate on this question:  What stands in the way of you letting God use you?  The quick and correct answer is ME.  But ask God the Spirit to reveal to you how.  Identify the lies that you need to quit believing.  Let go of the guilt you are holding on to.  Ask God for forgiveness of the sin you are trying to hide.

Be Intentional.

Travis

Advent Family Devotionals

Each Sunday you will light a new candle on your family Advent Wreath (three purple, one pink, and one large white candle in the center). Devotions that can be done during this time, explaining the symbolism of each candle, is outlined below for the four Sundays during Advent. There is also a resource link for doing devotionals through out each week with your family. Some require materials and preperation, so make sure you read ahead.

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent involves not only thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of time.

First Sunday of Advent (December 2, 2012)

I. Read Psalm 25:1-3.

II. Light the first purple candle of HOPE - The light of the prophets reminds us of the hope that God gives us. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Read Jeremiah 33:14-16. Our hope comes from God. “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:12-13)

III. Devotion: Today we light the first Advent candle. It is the candle of hope. It is a time to think about what it means to celebrate Jesus’ birth and to follow Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus is the light of the world. Read John 8:12. Jesus loves us and shows us the way out of the darkness. Jesus shows us the way to live. We have many lights around us at Christmas time to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Our hope is based on our trust that God’s gracious promise will be fulfilled. We light the candle in hope, looking forward to the time when all of God’s people will safely live in God’s city.

IV. Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth, just like the prophets said, and for your

promise to come again. Thank you, Jesus, for being our light so we know how to live. God help us to stop doing so many things so we can spend time with you. Help us to see your light that shines in us and help us to see your love for the world. Help us to love others the way you love them. Amen.

Each night this week light the candle of Hope at dinnertime. Use this link for daily devotions through out the week: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/fotf/tf_2012advent/#/0

Second Sunday of Advent (December 9, 2012)

I. The second candle is the Candle of Preparation. Preparation means to “get ready.” Read Isaiah 40:3-5 “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.”

II. Light the first candle of HOPE- Reminding that during Advent we wait in the hope that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Then light the second candle, The Candle of Preparation which represents LOVE.  God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem.  Read Micah 5:2-5 about the promised ruler from Bethlehem. During Advent we also wait, in love, knowing that the Good Shepherd loves his sheep and gave his life for them. Read John 10:11-15.

III. Devotion: Today on the second Sunday of Advent, we remember that Mary and Joseph were on the way to Bethlehem. Their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was over 70 miles. Read Luke 2:1-7. We are also on a journey. We are on our way to celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Sing or read: O Little Town of Bethlehem

IV. Prayer: Lord, thank you that you love us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, as a little baby. In love, O Lord, we wait for you to restore us. In love we wait to celebrate the coming of the Good Shepherd. Help us to be your sheep, depending upon you for food, assurance, and protection. Watch over us and keep us safe. May we live securely with you forever. Amen

Each night this week light the candle of Hope and Love. Continue using the 2012 Thriving Family Advent Devotional calendar through out the week.

Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2012)

I. Read Psalm 95:1-7.

II. Light the first candle of HOPE, we wait in the hope that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Light the second candle of LOVE, both for our love for God and God’s great love for us. Then light the third, pink candle, of JOY. The light of the Shepherds reminds us not to be afraid but to be joyful while we wait on the Lord. 

III. Devotion: Today is the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy! Mary was not afraid,

but joyful, because the Lord was with her. Read Luke 1:46-47. The angels comforted the frightened shepherds out on the dark hillside with the joy of the good news. Read Luke 2:8-11. Because of our relationship with Christ, our salvation, we can experience unconditional joy. God has given us the waters of salvation. Let us rejoice. Read Isaiah 12 “Songs of Praise.”  Sing “Joy to the World.”

IV. Prayer: Lord, today we rejoice. We rejoice because our Lord and Savior, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Fill our hearts and our days with joy while we wait on the coming of your Son.  And fill us with joy as we serve a world that needs the joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. We rejoice that you are with us always. AMEN

Each night this week light the candle of Hope, Love, and Joy. Continue using the 2012 Thriving Family Advent Devotional calendar through out the week.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 23, 2012)

I. Read Isaiah 9:6-7.

II. Light the first candle of HOPE, we wait in the hope that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Light the second candle of LOVE, both for our love for God and God’s great love for us. Light the third pink candle of JOY, reminding us not to be afraid, but joyful, while we wait on the Lord.  Then light the final purple candle of PEACE. The light of the Angels reminds us of the peace that God gives us in Jesus Christ. A peaceful life is not just a life without stress or conflict, but one in which our trust in God does not allow fear to rule our lives. The way was prepared, God has come and redeemed His people, and we can be at peace. Read John 14:27.

III. Devotion: Read Luke 2:15-20. Mary and Joseph are with the baby Jesus in the stable. The angels told the shepherds where to look for the Christ child. The Shepherds know that God gave them the good news and sent them to see the new born King. While we have been preparing our hearts for Christmas, God has been leading and guiding us to the true meaning of Christmas. God has come into the world to be with us, so that we will experience God’s grace and love. Sing: Hark! The herald angels sing!

IV. Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving us hope, love and joy even when life is difficult some times. Thank you for the peace we have been given through our salvation. Help us to share the true meaning of Christmas and tell others of the greatest gift of all, Jesus.  AMEN

 

Each night this week light the candle of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Continue using the 2012 Thriving Family Advent Devotional calendar through out the week.

 

CHRISTMAS DAY - CHRIST IS BORN

Today is Christmas. The day we have waited for and prepared for is finally here! Emmanuel: God is with us!

I. Read Isaiah 7:14.

II. Light the first candle of HOPE, we wait in the hope that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Light the second candle of LOVE, both for our love for God and God’s great love for us. Light the third pink candle of JOY, be joyful while we wait on the Lord.  Light the final purple candle of PEACE, God gives us peace through Jesus Christ. Finally light the Christ Candle. We light the Christ candle honoring the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the One True Light, who has come to bring light to our hearts and to our homes. The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death; his death was for our birth! “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

III. Eat together as a family. Afterward read Luke 2:11.

IV. Prayer: Loving God, we rejoice that today in the city of David a Savior is born. We rejoice that our hope is fulfilled, and God’s peace has come to earth. We rejoice that we can fully know God’s love in Jesus Christ. Help us to celebrate today and always that a Savior has been born to us. Amen.

V. Gather around a birthday cake for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday.” Enjoy the cake as a family and have each person share something about Jesus that makes Him the greatest gift of all.

 

Enjoy being intentional in celebrating the true gift of Christmas, Jesus!

Crystal (:

 

Weekly Challenge

Life Group Family & Friends:

Judah and Tamar gave us a great Jerry Springer show in Genesis 38.  Topics included:

·         Marrying people from different cultural/racial background disasters
·         I slept with my brother’s wife
·         Men who solicit prostitutes
·         I had my father-in-laws baby
 

But praise God that He is in control.  We have hope that our failed or feeble attempts cannot stop God’s plan.  In this passage we saw how God used Judah and Tamar in the lineage leading to King David and on to Jesus.  That gives me hope!

My challenge to you this week is to write out your family tree.  Which members of your family are not followers of God the Son?  Which members will you be able to reach during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays?  How can you be Christ to your family?  Then add in names from people in your community or at work that you can have an eternal affect on during this time of year. 

Be intentional.

Travis

Weekly Challenge -Bridgette

Thank you for allowing me to teach. It’s such a blessing to share with you what God has taught me. I hope you were able to take something to heart about seeing how God's protection through our life is nothing short of His grace, power and love for us.  

Psalm 138. Like David, Our whole heart needs to be thankful and through our gratitude towards HIM we can't help being a child of God's that is joyful, peaceful and radiant. 

A few things to think through this week:

- What do you think it means to praise the Lord with all your heart?  When was the last time you did that?  Is praising with all your heart something that you do and then don’t think about it again for days, weeks or months? Do you only praise Him when things go your way or do you praise Him even when things went "wrong" in your eyes?

- Is God fulfilling His purpose in you?  What evidence do you see for this?  What is God’s purpose for you?

Bridgette

Life Group Weekly Challenge

Life Group Family & Friends:

While studying Psalm 131, we read some very interesting surveys.  We learned that 70% of the US population surveyed believes that American values have declined significantly in the last 40 years.  But the funny, yet eye-opening, stat is that we all think the problem is not us.  We tend to inflate our positive qualities and abilities, especially in comparison to other people.  Out of 1 Million people surveyed, no one rated themselves below average.  Over half of those people thought they were in the top 10%. 

Pride, arrogance, entitlement, and a sense of self sufficiency is not new.  Our churches are full of Christians trying to do things on their own, but so was King David.  We learned that God hates pride (Proverbs 6:16-17), Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and God saves the humble but brings down the haughty (Psalm 18:27).

 

So how can our community of unity put away worldly practices and grow in our spiritual journey?  My challenge to you this week is to answer these questions on your own and then discuss with your spouse.

Have I asked God to show me where my pride/self sufficiency is keeping me from giving all to God?

How can I still and quiet my soul as described by King David?

What worldly practices do I need to prune from my life to free me for spiritual growth?

 

On a side note, if we tend to inflate our own value, what do we do with our children?  Are we harder on them? Or do we think they are in the top 10% compared to other people?  How does that affect our parenting and teaching them about reliance on their creator?

 

Be intentional this week.

Travis

November Family Devotional

Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances. Direct your family toward gratitude this month by focusing on thanks-giving  by choosing to do any, or all, of the following activities:

• Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During your meals together, have a family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.

• Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. Any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the month, donate the money to a ministry of your choice. (Philippians 2:14-16)

• Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.

• Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise song or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.

Crystal (: