Day 4: Changed Lives Part 3

As I (Pastor Justin) mentioned earlier in the week, years ago my lovely wife and I were able to participate in an 8-week mission trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa. Between our flights, lodging, and food, we needed about $6,000 to make this trip a reality. Dozens of people offered us donations of $50, $100, or more in order for us to go. 

While we didn’t know it at the time, God used that experience to begin preparing us for new ministry opportunities. Later in life we were clearly able to see that the finances others provided us didn’t just provide us with flights, lodging, and food. Instead, they provided us with an experience that forever changed our lives. And that experience drew us closer to God, and ultimately prepared us for future ministry. 

In the same way that these finances prepared us for future ministry, the tithes and offerings SRC receives prepare our church for future ministry. SRC is moving forward with our vision to provide people the opportunity to experience Real Life, Real Relationships, and Real Purpose through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We’re excited about what’s to come, and we’re excited to have you with us. As you read today, consider this: What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of SRC?

READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future ministry of SRC? 

Is there somebody you can share that excitement with?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Nehemiah 3 & 4

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I confess that there are times when I’m not necessarily excited for future ministry, or at the very least, there are times when I don’t actually pause to consider what it is I’m excited about. But when it comes to the future ministry of SRC, I want you to know that I really am excited about ____________. I’m excited to think about SRC’s vision to provide people with the opportunity to experience Real Life, Real Relationships, and Real Purpose through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and I’m excited about my part in that. I thank You for this, and much, much more. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 3: Changed Lives Part 2

How often do you pause to think about the life change that is happening in others around you? For example, what are some of the positives you see in your spouse, your children, your roommates, or others in your Community Group, etc.? Why is it we sometimes shy away from thinking about the life change that is happening in others, or sharing with others the life change that is happening within us? 

Within the holistic ministry of SRC, there are lives being changed each and every day. There are some who have just recently professed faith in Jesus. There are others who have decided to express this decision in being baptized. There are still others who are reconciling with their spouse when it seemed that reconciliation was impossible. Changed lives are all around us. And changed lives are all around you. 

Here’s a challenge for you. Today, take the opportunity to get in touch with three people you know pretty well (family, friends, colleagues, Community Group members, etc.) and ask them how God has been growing them and having an impact in their life. Similarly, consider sharing with them about the life change God has done (and is doing) in and through you. 

READING: PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11

What three people did you talk with today? How has God been growing them and having an impact in their life? 

Did you find this hard to do? If so, why do you think it’s hard to ask others to share about what God is doing in and through them?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Nehemiah 1 & 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I want to confess that there are times when I recognize the negative behaviors or what I believe are unwise decisions others make, as opposed to the positive life change that is evident within their lives. I recognize that if I am to be somebody who regularly encourages others, it’s important for me to see the many aspects of positive life change happening within them. So today I celebrate how others are growing in Christ, and I continue to pray for opportunities to share with others the many ways in which You have impacted me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 2: Changed Lives Part 1

Years ago, my lovely wife and I (Pastor Justin) participated in a short-term mission trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa. While we have many memories from this experience, one that has stuck with me is a time we attended a local church service. During the service, when there was an announcement for the tithes and offerings, those in attendance jumped out of their seats, began to play instruments, and sang praises to God at the top of their lungs. They then started dancing down the aisle as they placed their tithes and offerings in a small bucket in the front of the room. It was quite an experience. The people were truly excited to give some of their finances to the church. And from our experience, it was apparent that the majority of them had very little to give. But what they had, they gave with a joyful heart. 

What was their motivation for giving in such a way? Jesus. The people knew that, as the hymn says, “Jesus Paid it All.” God had transformed each and every one of their lives, and because of that, they were excited to invest in future ministry. They were excited to think about how their small church could be used by God to create life change in others. As you read today, consider this: How excited are you about the life change God has done (and is doing) in and through you? How is God inviting you to respond to Him? 

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-24

How excited are you about the life change God has done (and is doing) in and through you?

Think about a time in your life when you gave a gift cheerfully? What was the gift? Why were you so excited to give it?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Esther 8, 9, & 10

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, when I think about my life five, ten, even twenty years ago, it’s amazing to think about just how much I’ve changed and grown through the years. While some of the life lessons have been very challenging, I recognize that through these challenges, You were preparing me for future ministry.

Today, I simply want to be intentional in taking opportunities to thank You for the many ways in which You’ve impacted my life. Additionally, I pray for opportunities to share these things with others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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