Psalm 18:1-3
I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies.
Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
or the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What is God calling you to do within your chosen profession? If not working, where is God leading you or calling you to go?
What is holding you back from following the plan or the path God has chosen for you?
Do you have a trusted friend/mentor who you can talk with and who can pray for you?
First Responders - Part 4
October 5, 2022 • Hebrews 12:1–2, Psalm 18:1–3, Psalm 23:1–4, Proverbs 31:8–9
First Responders - Part 12
November 30, 2022 • Justin Nichols • John 13:34–35, 1 John 3:18–24, 1 John 4:7–19, Colossians 3:12–14, Ephesians 4:1–3
Called to love people well, particularly in their difficult moments or seasons. From the grand gestures to granular moments redeemed new creations in Christ, we GET to respond and love well by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives. John 13:34-35 1 John 3:18-24 1 John 4:7-19 Love through presence the day-to-day, face-to-face relationships, and interactions we have with others Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:1-3 Ephesians 5:1-2 What does it look like to walk in love? -Saving a life -Letting someone stay at your house -Defending someone who's getting picked on/slandered -Giving someone a generous gift (monetary or otherwise) -Asking for forgiveness for something you did or said -Extending forgiveness for something someone else did or said against you -Praying for someone who's going through something -Asking about someone's day or week (and listening to the response) -Being slow to speak and quick to listen to your spouse/s.o./kids/co-workers -Asking God to give you perspective about and patience for someone who's difficult -…and thousands more... We need to be assertive in looking outward-- SEEING people for real-- and extending the compassion and kindness of Jesus to them. We can do this because we've been adopted into the family of our Almighty God, who now indwells us and empowers us with His grace! ...Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27b) Discussion questions: 1) What does loving people well mean to you? 2) What does responding and loving well look like (from the grand to the granular) practically in your life? List things you think of. 3) As responders of love, to whom in your life do you think you could extend more compassion and kindness? 4) Is there anyone you need to forgive?
First Responder - Part 11
November 23, 2022 • Proverbs 31:8–9, 1 Timothy 2:1–4, 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
What does God desire for all men? “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV) Do you judge the marginalized or lesser among us? Or do you defend the rights of the poor and needy? “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) Do everything in love “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 (NIV) Things to ponder? Do I pass judgment on the homeless? Drug addicted? Mentally ill? If so, why? How can I serve the less fortunate in this current season? What would it look like to be courageous and do everything in love?
First Responders - Part 10
November 16, 2022 • Andy Coulombe • Matthew 13:31–32
“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” - Mother Teresa “Success” through the teachings of Jesus looks like this: We must simply respond to the movement of GodWe must then continue to listen for the Spirit of GodOur motivation must come from a love for God (and therefore others)It must be directed toward the advancement of the Kingdom of God We are all first responders. Anchor Verse: “Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) Questions What does “success” look like in the Kingdom of God? Does having this adjusted outlook of success discourage or encourage you to respond?Where have you seen God moving in simple, yet powerful ways?What simple act of love [for God and others] could you do this month? this week? or even today?