Community News 2/20/18

Day 2 of Wk 3: Stop The Drama-Excuses

Romans 8:1-2; Jonah 1:9-16; Philippians 3:12-13

Yesterday we read the first chapter of Jonah and we saw the beginning of the narrative play out. Jonah is called to preach to one of the toughest, most dangerous nations. It’s understandable that Jonah wouldn’t want to go to this city.

And the truth is, God is probably calling you to something that won’t be easy; worthwhile things rarely are. But just because the task is great doesn’t mean our God isn’t greater. Our fear doesn’t give us the right to flee.

So back to Jonah’s story – he’s admittedly ashamed of what he’s done, and the sailors ask what they can do to calm the storm that’s come. Jonah’s response is not to direct him back towards God’s Will; it’s to throw him overboard! His shame actually takes him even further from God’s Will.

Understand this – acting on shame will never right your wrongs. Contrary to your initial feelings, shame will never bring relief. Shame is a tool of the enemy to keep you stuck in the decisions you’ve made in the past. Jonah tries to take the easy way out by indulging in his shame. However, God doesn’t let him off so easily, and gives grace in the shape of a fish.

                                                                                                                                            Adapted From: I Would, But… - You Version

Community News 2/6/18

Day2 of Wk1 :  Stop The Drama

1 Corinthians 2:9, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:6

"Taking Your Cue From God"

Were you ever picked last for the team? As a kid, it may have been just the neighborhood kickball game or elementary school play. But as an adult, you may feel left behind watching friends get married, have kids, or move on to new jobs—the very things you may be praying for.

The comparison trap tricks us into thinking that God’s blessings are in limited supply, whispering the lie that when she wins, you lose. But in today’s verses we’re reminded that God has set a unique plan for your life. And he will abundantly prepare you for it. You can trust his provision. And this one’s harder: you can trust his timing.

If you’re busy glancing to the left and right, jealous of someone else’s plan, you may miss the perfect one he’s written just for you.

So when comparison makes you feel “less than”—like you’re the only one who hasn’t been picked yet—remember that God doesn’t ask you to take your cues from those around you. He asks you to take your cues from him, the one who already calls you his “masterpiece.”

TRY THIS: Spend some time memorizing today’s verse from Romans then use it as your in-the-moment prayer when jealousy strikes.

                                                                                                                                    Adapted From: Comparison Trap - You Version

Community Post 1/30/18

Day 2 of Week 2:    Right on the Money wk2

Proverbs 23:4

First, I want you to notice that this verse does not say don’t work. And it does not say don’t work hard. It says don’t overwork.

There are some people in God’s family who are not led, they are driven. They are so focused on reaching their goals and achieving whatever level of success they are going after, that they are making a lot of sacrifices along the way.

But they are making the wrong sacrifices. They are sacrificing their marriage and they are sacrificing their relationship with their kids. Why? Because they overwork. And, friend, that is not healthy.

In fact, I would say that overworking is as unhealthy as not working. You miss out on the grand things in life, the important things in life. With some people, even their relationship with God gets squeezed out because they overwork.

You need to be motivated; you need to work hard; but you don’t want to overdo it to the point that you don’t have time for your children. You don’t want to work so hard that you don’t have time for your spouse. And you don’t want to so overwork that you don’t have time for your God.

You are missing life if you are just after possessions, and you are sacrificing the more important things along the way.

How does your work life measure up today? Are you overworking at the expense of your marriage, your family, and your relationship with God? If so, determine today to get your life back in balance.

Overworking is overrated!

                                                                                                                Adapted From: God’s Perspective On Money - You Version