discipline

SoulSearching Sunday~The Language of Heaven

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 23, 2018




Week Fifty-two...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

I personally want to thank you for your commitment to all the reading, studying, and journalling you have done this year! To God be the Glory!

Our reading this week was Revelation 1 - 22 (22 will be read on December 31)

1. Examine your heart today. How welcome is Christ in every part of your life? He wants to be central in your thoughts. He wants to be your closest friend. Are you letting Him? Today in worship, invite Him into the areas you have been guarding behind closed doors.

Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. (Revelation 3:20)

2. How can you develop the discipline of communing with the LORD moment by moment? Make it your practice to mix prayer with a life sacrificed to the glory of God.

Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. (Revelation 8:3-4)

3. What is your favorite hymn or praise song? What makes it so meaningful to you? Write a few lines of praise that you could sing to God.

This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. And no one could learn this song except those 144,000 who had bee redeemed from the earth. (Revelations 14:3)






believers

SoulSearching Sunday~Remember

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 23, 2018



Week Fifty-one...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 2 Peter 1 - Jude...

1. Using the theme of forgetting and remembering, write a poem about “applying the benefits of God’s promises” and living a life that demonstrates that God has “cleansed you from your old life of sin.” Praise Him for what He has done.

So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to you life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence…But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin. (2 Peter 1:5,9)

2. You have an enemy who wants to steal your affection from God by deceiving you. What areas of your spiritual life are vulnerable to His attack? Which of his deceptions do you most easily fall into? Ask God to keep you watchful and focused on the prize.

Watch out, so that you do not lose the prize for which we have been working so hard Be diligent so that you will receive your full reward. (2 John v. 8)

3. The Body of Christ - the Church - in a specific area includes all believers in that community, regardless of their church affiliations. Thank God for the blessing of fellow believers to encourage you as you follow Christ. What can you do to build His Body in your community?

Some of the brothers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living in the truth. (3 John v. 3)








character

SoulSearching Sunday~All Is Well

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 16, 2018



Week Fifty...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Hebrews 7 - 1 Peter 5...

1. When have you struggled with perfectionism? Allow the power of Christ’s perfect and sufficient sacrifice to release you from the tyranny of “perfection.” List up a praise of thanksgiving for His holiness.

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:14)

2. Besides Jesus, what biblical character do you must admire? What about that person’s faith walk encourages you? How can you use that person as a model for your own journey?

Do not throw away this confident trust in the LORD, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

3. How does you approach to life reflect the truth that Christ is with you, within you, behind you, before you, beside you, beneath you, and above you? Ask Him for courage and protection as you serve wherever He leads you.

And take courage, for the coming of the LORD is near. (James 5:8)







crown of righteousness

SoulSearching Sunday~The Joy of Waiting

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 9, 2018



Week Forty-nine...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Timothy 4 - Hebrews 6...

1. What do you imagine it will be like when the LORD returns for you? How will His face appear? What words will He speak to you as He places “the crown of righteousness” on your head? Contemplate His glorious return.

And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness that the LORD, the righteous Judge will give me on that great day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return. (2 Timothy 4:8)

2. Today, as an act of worship, pray specifically for someone in authority over you. In what practical ways can you live out your faith as you relate to those with whom you live or work?

Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. (Titus 3:1-2)

3. What do you anticipate will be the three most difficult problems and temptations you will face in the next few days? What parallel situations can you see in Jesus’ life on earth? Thank God that He has already been where you are going, and ask for His strength to endure.

Since He Himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)








earthly possessions

SoulSearching Sunday~Value

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 2, 2018




Week Forty-eight...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Philippians 3 - 1 Timothy 3...

1. Think back to the last bag of garbage you sent off to the dump. How does your description compare with the way you look at your earthly possessions and accomplishments? Worship Christ for His supreme worth, and ask Him to help you remember where your value really lies.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD. I have discarded everything else, counting it all garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him. (Philippians 3:8)

2. Finish this statement, “Because God is my friend, I have…” Rejoice in the gift of His friendship today. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Share with Him your gratitude for all He has done for you.

You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now He has brought you back as His friends. (Colossians 1:21-22)

3. What will it be like to worship Jesus in person? How can you use your worship time as a dress rehearsal for heaven?

And you will be among those praising Him on that day, for you believed what we testified about Him. (2 Thessalonians 1:10)





burden

SoulSearching Sunday~Adopted by God

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 25, 2018



Week Forty-seven...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Galatians 1 - Philippians 2...

1. Reflect on the following statement: Shared joy is doubled joy; shared sorrow is halved-sorrow. When have you found this to be true? Thank God for the strength He provides, and ask Him to show you where you can help carry someone’s burden today.

Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

2. Read Ephesians 1 - 2 again. List all the privileges you have as a child of God that you find in these two passages. How does that make you feel? Thank your Father for what He has given to you.

(no verses this time)

3. When do you usually pray? What would it mean to live your whole life as a prayer to God? Ask Him to teach you to be spiritually alert and awakened to His will at all times.

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Ephesians 6:18)






Endurance

SoulSearching Sunday~All You Need Is Love

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 18, 2018



Week Forty-six...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Corinthians 7 - 2 Corinthians 13...

1. Think carefully about your regular activities, your thoughts and dreams, your use of time and energy and money. What do these “bits of evidence” suggest about the prize you are seeking in life? Commit your best efforts toward pursuing Christ as your act of worship.

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

2. It’s an old exercise, but a good one. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and substitute your name every place you see the word “love.” Is this accurate? Where do you fall short? How can living like this be a lifestyle of worship?

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

3. What do you consider to be your “thorn in the flesh”? Thank God for His presence and power in your life regardless of whether He removes the thorn or provides you with the strength to endure.

I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the LORD to take it away. Each time He said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)


iWorship Bible

SoulSearching Sunday~Looking From The Outside In

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 11, 2018



Week Forty-five...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Romans 3:21 - 1 Corinthians 6...

1. In what significant ways has God changed your life? What specific sins have you conquered in the last year or two? Thank God for delivering you from your old way of life and clothing you in His righteousness. Ask Him to show you how you can change today.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our LORD. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (Romans 7:24-25)

2. Someone has wryly observed that the problem with living sacrifices is that we tend to keep crawling off the altar. Which areas of your life do you have the hardest time submitting to the LORD ship of Christ? Take each one openly and honestly to the LORD in prayer.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask? (Romans 12:1)

3. What does it mean to you that Christ was killed, sacrificed, in your place? How do you respond to such a profound truth?

Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7)





expectancy

SoulSearching Sunday~Audience Of One

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 4, 2018



Week Forty-four...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Acts 13 - Romans 3:20...

1. What kind of singing voice do you have? God loves hearing you praise Him regardless of how others would judge your vocal quality. Spend some time vocalizing your praise to God. You may want to write your own song!

Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. (Acts 16:25)

2. Write down your own personal testimony. In what significant ways have you seen God work in your life? Today look for opportunities to let others know who it is you worship, and why.

“Brothers and esteemed fathers, “ Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” (Acts 22:1)

3. We can react to an unexpected turn of events either with fear and anger or with trusting expectancy of what God has in store. What big plans do you have for next month, next year, or the next five years? Entrust these plans to God as an act of worship.

I asked you to come here today so…I could tell you that I am bound with this chain because I believe the the hope of Israel - the Messiah - has already come. (Acts 28:20)






calling

SoulSearching Sunday~God Of Second Chances

12:00 AM

Sunday, October 28, 2018



Week Forty-three...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was John 18 - Acts 12...

1. In what relationship would you love to have a second chance. Ask Jesus to provide that opportunity for you. Thank God for giving you many second chances.

Once more He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “LORD, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

2. How often do you pray? What kind of results do you expect? Consider the greatness and the power of God. Ask Him to move mightily on the earth and bring many to salvation, as He did in the days of the early church.

They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. (Acts 1:14)

3. When have you sensed God calling you to a specific ministry? How did you respond? What were the results? Where do you sense Him directing you today?


As for Philip, an angel of the LORD said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts 8:26)






Believe

SoulSearching Sunday~The Power Of A Changed Life

12:00 AM

Sunday, October 21, 2018



Week Forty-two...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was John 5 - 17...

1. What fears have you allowed to drown out God’s voice lately? We can face our fears with confidence, knowing that God is with us even in the storms. Take your fears to the One who alone can deal with and overcome them.

Soon a gale swept down upon them as they rowed, and the sea grew very rough. They were three or four miles out when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but He called out to them, “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” (John 6:18-20)

2. What in your life can only be explained in terms of the supernatural, that is to say, “God did it”? Make a list of the most significant changes God has made in you. Thank Him for what He has done for you; then look for an opportunity to tell those around you.

“Yes, LORD,” the man said, “I believe!” And he worshiped Jesus. (John 9:38)

3. Describe a time when you were shocked by someone’s act of humble service. What would you feel if Jesus, the LORD of the universe, were washing your feet? Today, how can you serve others with the caring and compassion of Christ? Thank Him for His example of humility and love.


And since I, the LORD and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (John 13:14-15)





great joy

SoulSearching Sunday~In Spirit And Truth

12:00 AM

Sunday, October 14, 2018



Week Forty-one...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Luke 20 - John 4...

1. Take a few quiet moments to remember the most painful event or circumstance of your life. Compare your suffering to the agony Christ experienced for you. Ask Him how He wants to bring healing and victory through a trial you are facing right now.

He prayed more fervently, and He was in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:44)

2. Although Jesus had just left the disciples, they were filled with “great joy” after they worshiped Him. What caused their joy? What in your worship experience brings you joy?

While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.  (Luke 24:51-52)

3. God wants you to worship Him in spirit and in truth - with all your heart, mind, emotions, body, and will. Evaluate your own personal worship, writing down each of these elements above. Next to each write on or two ways you can involve that aspect more in your worship.


But the time is coming and is already here when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship Him that way. For God is spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)





communion

SoulSearching Sunday~Only One Thing Needful

12:00 AM

Sunday, October 7, 2018




Week Forty...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Luke 8:40 - Luke 19...

1. Which of life’s details tend to distract you from God? What could happen if you let them go to spend time with Jesus? What blessings might you receive from Him in exchange? How can you arrange your schedule to set aside time each day for uninterrupted communion with the LORD?

But the LORD said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-and I won’t take it away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

2. Think of several images of protection (for example, a parent holding the hand of a child; a friend assisting an elderly person; or a  mother bird feeding her young), and describe one in detail. Let these images cause you to remember how Jesus longs to gather and protect you.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. (Luke 13:34)

3. What kinds of doubts and trials threaten to erode your faith? When have you felt spiritually weak? Ask God to point you to His promises and to strengthen your faith.


One day the apostles said to the LORD, “We need more faith; tell us how to get it.” (Luke 17:5)



compassion

SoulSearching Sunday~All Creatures Here Below

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 30, 2018



Week Thirty-nine

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Mark 15 - Luke 8:39...

1. Jesus humbled Himself to become a man. When are you tempted toward pride and self-sufficiency? Ask God to help you humbly focus on Jesus rather then yourself today.

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus Himself was baptized. As He was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. (Luke 3:21-22)

2. When have you witnessed or experienced a display of great compassion? Seek God for direction on how you can show compassion to someone today. Ask Him to help you see people as He does, looking past the ugly crookedness of their natures to see their needs.

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:36)

3. This woman anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Think of all the reasons you have to love Jesus. Send your prayer of gratitude heavenward as a sweet-smelling sacrifice of praise.


I tell you, her sins - and they are many - have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. (Luke 7:47)



Giving

SoulSearching Sunday~Who Is He Really?

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 23, 2018



Week Thirty-eight

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Mark 4 - 14...

1. What does your life say to the world about who Jesus is? How is the “glorious, inexpressible joy” of know Jesus evident in what you do and say throughout the day?

Then Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29)

2. What three actions could you start doing and what three actions should you stop doing to better reflect your love for God? What will it mean for you to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength?

And I know it is important to love Him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. (Mark 12:33)

3.As you look at your checkbook register, what do your spending habits say about you? About the worthiness of God and His work? What can you do today to worship God with your wealth?


He called His disciples to Him and said, “I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Mark 12:43-44)




Cost

SoulSearching Sunday~But With God…

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 16, 2018




Week Thirty-seven

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Matthew 19 - Mark 3...

1. Write a prayer to God, confessing what seems overwhelming and impossible to you. End your prayer with the words, “But with God everything is possible.” Rejoice that all is possible with God. Drink in the hope that is poured into those words.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible. (Matthew 19:26)

2. Who do you have the most difficulty wanting to help? How can you serve God Himself by helping “the least of these”? Ask Him to show you how to love and serve His people all around you.

And He will answer, “I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” (Matthew 25:45)

3. Find in Scripture the stories of three biblical saints whose lives were turned upside down when God called them. Whole-life worship means following God anywhere, whatever the cost. How would you react if God called you to abandon everything that you now hold dear?


Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Mark 1:17)



blessings

SoulSearching Sunday~It’s A Beautiful Life

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 9, 2018




Week Thirty-six

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Matthew 6 - 18...

1. How do you think Jesus would evaluate your prayers? Because of life’s fast pace, we can easily fall into the habit of praying by rote or formula. Today, refresh your prayer life by talking to God as though He were sitting beside you. You may want to write Him a letter, pouring out everything that is on your heart.

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again. (Matthew 6:7)

2. List the most meaningful good gifts that God has given to you. Read aloud the list to the LORD, and thank Him. Like Katherine Bates, who penned “American the Beautiful” atop Pikes Peak as she contemplated the beauty of Creation, perhaps you will feel inspired to write a poem about the beauty of God’s blessings to you.

If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. (Matthew 7:11)

3. What kinds of tyranny can dominate your life? Guilt? Anxiety? Busyness? Give to Jesus whatever burdens you are bearing today. Find rest and freedom in Him.


Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light. (Mathew 11:28-30)




arrogance

SoulSearching Sunday~This Little Light of Yours

12:00 AM

Sunday, September 2, 2018



Week Thirty-five

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Zechariah 5 - Matthew 5...

1. What hardships do you currently face? How does thinking of them as part of God’s purifying work in your life affect your attitude? Thank God today for His refining process in you. 

I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, “These are my people,” and they will say, “The LORD is our God.” (Zechariah 13:9)

2. Inventory your latest accomplishments and achievements. Of which are you most proud? Turn your thoughts to the One who enabled you to accomplish what you do. Humbly worship Him, and ask Him to keep you from arrogance. 

The LORD Almighty says, “The day of judgement is coming, tuning like a furnace. The arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw on that day. They will be consumed like a tree-roots and all.” (Malachi 4:1)

3. What examples can you recall of times when you either performed or witnessed a deed that made people want to praise God? Why do you think this action drew attention to the LORD rather than the person who did it? What can you do today to shine your light and bring God glory?


In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16)