70 second video including cows!
Challenge 1: Memorize and send video of you reciting to your triplet. Psalm 34:4-5. "I sought the LORD and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Challenge 2: SAME CHALLENGE AS LAST WEEK: Send video about your experience. Schedule 10-15 minutes of silent sitting before the Lord once or twice this week. Figure out a place and time that will be distraction free. a) Take only a pen and blank paper. No Bible, phone, sandwich, kids, etc. b) Sit before the Lord without an agenda. (I guide my mind by praying something like, "Lord, I'm just here to be with You. Lead into prayer or praise as You desire.") c) Allow your inner thoughts and feelings to slow down. Relax and lead the Holy Spirit minister to you. Your video should be sent any time before your group's scheduled phone call/meeting each week. You may utilize a single video to report on both challenges each week. Phone call discussion: a) This week's verses testify that seeking the LORD delivers us from fears. What are your current fears, worries, anxieties? b) What would it look like for you to be spiritually "radiant" due to a diligent prayer life? (This isn't an evangelism-type radiance. It's a growing confidence in the Lord that radiates outwardly.) c) Where did you read in God's Word this week, and how did it bless or mess with you? d) Pray for one another. 68 second video with my awkward flannel-over-purple-t-shirt wardrobe selection.
Challenge 1: Memorize and send video of you reciting to your triplet. Jeremiah 29:12-13. "Call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart." Challenge 2: 10 minutes of silence and send video about your experience. Schedule 10-15 minutes of silent sitting before the Lord once or twice this week. Figure out a place and time that will be distraction free. a) Take only a pen and blank paper. No Bible, phone, sandwich, kids, etc. b) Sit before the Lord without an agenda. (I guide my mind by praying something like, "Lord, I'm just here to be with You. Lead into prayer or praise as You desire.") c) If desired, use your paper to write a free-flowing prayer or to write down thoughts that bubble up as you sit, pray, and listen. d) Allow your inner thoughts and feelings to slow down. Relax and lead the Holy Spirit minister to you. Your video should be sent any time before your group's scheduled phone call/meeting each week. You may utilize a single video to report on both challenges each week. Phone call discussion: a) How did your Bible reading bless or challenge you this week? b) This week's memory verse links praying with seeking God with our whole heart. How would you compare your prayer life over the last month with its description in the verses? What one step do you think would help you improve your prayer efforts? c) Pray for one another. 53 second video to spur you on!
Challenge 1: Memorize and send video of you reciting to your triplet. Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God proves true, He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." Challenge 2: Pray over a family member (or other person close to you) by: a) asking for their prayer requests; b) laying your hand on them physically (head, shoulder, or back); c) praying for them. Send video of your experience to your triplet. Your video should be sent any time before your group's scheduled phone call/meeting each week. You may utilize a single video to report on both challenges each week. Phone call discussion: a) Last week you shared one or two areas to "be watchful" about. How did you win and/or lose in those areas this week? b) Last week you talked about some Bible reading goals. How did your reading bless or challenge you? Any tweaks to your goals for this coming week? c) In light of this week's memory verse, which portions/promises of the Bible do you struggle to believe as true? d) Pray for one another. Challenge 1: Memorize and send video of you reciting to your triplet.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Challenge 2: Text or email two people you know and ask, "How can I pray for you this week?" When they respond, write/type a prayer to the Lord on their behalf and send it back to them. Ask as many people as necessary until two respond. Send video of your experience to your triplet. Your video should be sent any time before your group's scheduled phone call/meeting each week. You may utilize single video to report on both challenges each week. Phone call discussion: a) Based on this week's verse: in what one or two areas of your life do you most deliberately need to "be watchful"? That is, what's been tripping you up or tempting you or needing better attention recently? What would it look like to "stand firm in the faith" in those areas? b) Share briefly about your Bible reading habits over the last month. What goals would you like to set for Bible reading in the upcoming week? c) Pray for one another. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)
Scripture tells us that it is God's will for us to give thanks in all circumstances.
At first glance, this seems impossible; especially when we find ourselves neck deep in circumstances that are difficult, disappointing and downright desperate. However, the secret to unlocking our ability to honor Jesus, in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, is actually found within the same passage of scripture where we are commanded to do it. How quickly we settle for immediate and inferior pleasures at the expense of the ultimate everlasting joy we have been created for. Yes, God in his infinite grace, will often times grant to us things like happiness in relationships, prosperity in our efforts, or security with our health...but these things were never intended to complete our joy. Do they offer offer semblances of peace and happiness? Of course they do, but they are inadequate replacements for the everlasting joy we have been promised in the presence of our Savior and when they are taken from us, they tend to bring us into deep states of displeasure or despair. So, how then can we give thanks in the dreadful circumstances we often find ourselves in? By focusing our gaze on the truest and most precious treasure in the universe. REJOICE ALWAYS One of the quickest ways to kill thoughts of ingratitude and doubt, is worship. When we choose to worship God (in biblical ways), our thoughts and affections begin to shift from ourselves onto the Author and Perfecter of our faith. As we sing, meditate on God's promises, and preach the Gospel to ourselves...we rejoice in the reality of our Good, Good Father. It is here that we're reminded that God is good, God is near, and God loves us. Why does scripture tell us to worship always? Because our hearts are fickle. When we allow seeds of ingratitude and doubt to take root in our minds and hearts, we are pulled away from the source of gratitude and faith. Therefore, it is crucial that we build intentional habits of worship, in the moments where things are as they ought to be, so that when sorrows like sea billows roll, we know exactly where to take our soul. Into the presence of the LORD, with our gaze focused firmly on the realities of our Good, Good, Father. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING Wow, as if "giving thanks in all circumstances" wasn't difficult enough, now we're being commanded to prayer without ceasing? Yet another impossible task, right? Except, no...it really isn't. Do you know that you're already having a continuous conversation all day long? It's true. Though the words may never leave your mouth...they're in your head and they're rolling at an average pace of about 4,000 words per minute. This is incredible. Now, think back to the last time you found yourself in a difficult circumstance. Maybe it was today or maybe it was last week, but if we're being honest with ourselves...none of us have to go back very far. What was the substance of the running conversation in your head? Where did your thoughts take you? If you were mad at someone, how fruitful were the thoughts? Here's our gauge for answering that question: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. | Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Again, if we're honest with ourselves, most of us rarely pass the test. If we're not careful, our feelings have a tendency to turn us into false teachers and negativity-promoters so quickly. This is why it's so important that we build the habit of "praying without ceasing". As we have these conversations with ourselves throughout the day, why not invite the Holy Spirit to be a part of it as well? When we begin to build this habit, we are reminding ourselves of two things:
Scripture tells us that we must take every thought captive. Prayer is one of the most effective and efficient ways of taking our thoughts captive. Prayer (i.e. a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God) has a way of reminding us of these truths: 1) we need help, 2) we have a helper, 3) we have so much to be thankful for. When we remember these truths, God's grace fills our hearts and elevates our thoughts above ourselves and our circumstances. We're reminded that even though we are where we are...God promises to use all things for our good and his glory. And he also promises us that HE IS WITH US and HE WILL HELP US! What sweet and motivating truths these are. So the next time you find yourself in the midst of a trying set of circumstances, remember that as you strive to walk in obedience by "giving thanks in all circumstances", God's Word gives you the keys to how you can accomplish this. Worship and Prayer! // dustin kensrue - rejoice // All our sickness, all our sorrows Jesus carried up the hill He has walked this path before us He is walking with us still Turning tragedy to triumph Turning agony to praise There is blessing in the battle So take heart and stand amazed
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