The Pastor’s Blog
Recently I had a small tech device that I needed to destroy so I grabbed my small sledge hammer and started hitting it. The first couple of times that I hit it I couldn’t believe that the device wasn’t destroyed, but instead the hammer just bounced off without causing any real damage. I thought to myself, that is one tough device. After several more hits I finally realized that I had grabbed my rubber mallet instead of my small sledge hammer, they have the same size handle and hammer head, but deliver a vastly different wallop. Recognizing my mistake I changed hammers and quickly completed my task.
That experience got me to wondering how many times I’ve grabbed the wrong tool to do the work of God’s kingdom, like:
Grabbing action without thought instead of waiting and seeking God’s will in prayer.
Grabbing worry or fear instead of faith.
Grabbing frustration and irritation instead of love and grace.
Grabbing the first words that come to mind rather than considering the impact of what I say.
Grabbing words that hurt rather words that build up.
Grabbing presumption rather than knowledge.
Grabbing impatience rather than patience.
Grabbing anger instead of joy.
Grabbing conflict and strife instead of peace.
When it comes to the work of God’s kingdom grabbing the right tool the first time really does make a difference, which is why this Sunday, October 5, we’ll begin a series in worship on the Fruit of the Spirit.
I hope you will make it a priority to join us and to allow God to continue developing His character in you so you have all of the right tools to do His work.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Home Study for September 29 through October 4, 2014
Monday – Read Psalm 25:4-7
What words are used to describe God’s love in this passage?
Is this the same love that He has for you?
What does that mean to you?
How will you respond to God’s love?
Tuesday – Read Psalm 31:16, 36:7-9 and 63:3
What words are used to describe God’s love in these verses?
Is this the same love that He has for you?
What does that mean to you?
How will you respond to God’s love?
Wednesday – Read Jeremiah 31:3 and 33:11
How is God’s love described in these verses?
Is this the same love He has for you?
What does that mean to you?
How will you respond to God’s love?
Thursday – Read Romans 5:1-8
What is the greatest evidence of His love that has God given us?
How does it make you feel to know that God loves you that much?
How can such a love help you to overcome anything you may face?
How will you respond to God’s love?
Friday – Read I John 3:1 and 4:18
What does it mean that God “has lavished” His love on us?
How does it make you feel to know that God loves you that much?
Who can love with “perfect love?”
Why does receiving that love drive out fear?
What fear do you need God to drive out of your life in these days?
Invite Him to work in you.
Saturday – Read Galatians 5:22-23
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Home Study for September 22 through 27, 2014
Monday – Read Psalm 42:1-2 and 11-12
Can you think of a time when you thirsted for God like this?
What did you do? What did God do? What happened?
Ask God to meet the thirst in your soul and take time to listen and experience His response.
Tuesday – Read Psalm 44:1-3
What value is there in recounting what God has done in the lives of other people? In your life?
List five unexpected ways God has worked in your life.
According to verse 3, what gave victory to God’s people?
What gives us victory in our lives?
Wednesday – Read Hebrews 4:14-16
Why can we trust Jesus in our time of need?
What confidence does this give us when we need His help?
What do you need Jesus to do in your life today?
Ask Him to work and wait and listen for His answer.
Thursday – Read Isaiah 40:28-31
What should we do when we feel weak or need God’s direction?
What should we do as we wait?
What does God promise to do?
Take time to wait upon the Lord and be open to His leading.
Friday – Read Isaiah 50:4-5
What keys to Isaiah’s relationship with God do you see here?
Why was Isaiah able to hear from God?
Ask God to open your ears so you may hear His voice and word.
What is God saying to you today? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Ephesians 5:1-2
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Home Study for September 15 through 20, 2014
Monday – Read II Chronicles 32:1-8 and 16-23
How great was the threat against the people of Judah?
In what did Hezekiah put his hope? Why?
How did God respond?
In what are you putting your hope? Why?
What might you need to do?
Tuesday – Read John 15:1-8
Where does our life and power for living come from?
What does it mean to remain or abide in Jesus?
How many times are we called to do that in these verses?
How might you abide more fully in Jesus in these days?
Wednesday – Read II Timothy 2:1-7
To what does Paul compare our life with Jesus in verses 3, 5, & 6?
What do these comparisons reveal about our relationship with Him?
To which comparison do you relate the most? The least?
Which is Jesus calling you to grow in in these days?
Thursday – Read Philippians 4:4-9
What should we do instead of worrying?
What will God give us if we do?
When we are in a difficulty or battle, where should we keep our focus?
What do you need to take to Jesus in prayer today?
Friday – Read John 14:15-17 and Romans 8:26-27
What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be our counselor and the Spirit of truth?
When we don’t know how to pray who helps us?
What confidence does this give you?
How important is it for us to wait and listen for God’s answer when we pray?
Saturday – Read Acts 10:1-48
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