Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 NLT

As we have seen this week, we have been given the Spirit. Through the Spirit we each have specific gifts which have been given to edify the Church and to make Christ known to those who do not know him.

Today, we return to an idea from the beginning of the series: where do we share the Gospel? First, start where we are. We encourage our brothers and sisters with our gifts, and reach the lost who we interact with each day. Then we are to make sure our extended family, friends of friends, those we see occasionally have every opportunity to see and hear the Gospel. Lastly, go to the ends of the earth so that everyone would have this opportunity.

As we look to do this we can be encouraged we are not attempting to do this on the strategic power of man. Nor are we held to the limitations of doing this alone. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to push forward with this command.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, give me eyes to see others the way you see them. Help me to live and speak courageously for the sake of your Gospel. Thank you for all you have blessed me with! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we turn our attention to praise!

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8 NLT

As we hit the midweek point, we again see one of the Apostle's urging us to use the tools God has given us to make much of Him. It should be our aim to use our gifts well so that those around us may notice a difference between us and the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

But to use those talents with distinction, we must first properly adjust our own assessment of them. Paul cautions us in this passage to be wary of ego or false self-assessment, and to exercise sound judgment and trust in faith. To do that, we have to be willing to develop our gifts and consider our motivations honestly (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Perhaps you have preconceived expectations about what engaging your gift looks like. God may be leading you to use your gift of teaching in a way that is not teaching in a class setting. Or perhaps it's leadership that is leading a small group rather than a large team. Whatever that challenge is, acknowledge it and be willing to take a step of faith.

In whatever your gifting might be, take Paul's urging here to use the gift well, showing kindness to others so that Jesus may be made known. This displays who our God is in His goodness as well as in His generous creativity with giving each of us all that we need to share who He is.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to use all you have given to show who you are to those around me. I love you Lord, and praise you for who you are! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we look to where Jesus wants us to share the Gospel.  

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Today, we wrestle with the responsibility we have regarding our God-given gift. Peter, one of Jesus' closest, then exhorts us to do everything we can to use our unique capacities to glorify God. What better way to bring glory to God than by sharing His Gospel and bringing more people to know him?

Peter addresses two of the gifts specifically in this passage: speaking and helping. But what if we extend this line of thinking to other gifts? Perhaps you are gifted with hospitality, then be hospitable to all that you may have the opportunity to share the Gospel with those who are far from God. Maybe you are skilled with administration; seize the opportunity to conduct and organize in such a way that magnifies the God who brought order into chaos, which will bring attention to who He is by what you do.

Regardless of what your specific gift may be, you have a responsibility to steward that talent in such a way that it reflects the glory of God and the light of the Gospel in a dark world.

We all have these gifts of the Spirit, and while these are just a few examples, we can all use our gifts to share the light of the Gospel and who God is with those around us. He is due all the honor for the outcomes of life-change and transformation (1 Corinthians 3:5–9). May His Gospel be made known through us using the gifts and tools He has given us.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, thank you for blessing me with all that I have and am capable of doing. All I am and all I have is because you loved me. Help me to return all glory and honor to you. Give me eyes to see each opportunity to share who you are with those around me, even if it is just with my actions and not with words. I praise you Lord for all you have done, are doing and will do! Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we dive into using our gifts well.

This Week's Focus: 
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT

As we begin this week, consider the following question: "How is it possible that God made us so similar, and yet so different?" When we take a step back and consider all of mankind, with all its variety, and realize how similar we are, we witness the awe-inspiring nature of God.

That same creative God saw fit to impart His image upon each one of us. Even further, when we accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, we receive the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. This creative undertone and gifting of the Spirit provide us with unique tools to uplift the Church and extend God's Kingdom.

Each of these gifts from God can be used in two ways: to uplift the Church and to extend the Kingdom of God. Sharing the Gospel is not limited to those who are especially gifted with teaching and proclaiming. But also those with gifts of encouragement, hospitality, and administration.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17 ESV

Lord, give me the courage to use the gifts you have blessed me with to their fullest. Help me see opportunities to share your Good News. Thank you for everything you have done and will do! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore the idea gifts are from God and also for God.

Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.

As we dive into this week, do you know your spiritual gifting?

Notes on the practices:

Journaling and reflection both help to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. Both are similar practices and please feel free to journal reflection questions or reflect on journalling questions. These are here to be a guide, not a rule. So if you feel led to reflect on a different point, or journal in a different direction, please do so.

Spiritual Gifts and Evangelism?

God gifts each individual in unique ways. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that every person is different, bringing singular perspectives and ideas that support the whole.

So while someone may be particularly gifted in Gospel conversations or in teaching from the Word, all who follow Christ have been individually equipped by God to reach people with His Good News.

Let this be the starting point:

Ask God for guidance on how to use your particular gifting to bring others to know Jesus.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change

James 1:17 ESV

This week is about learning to share your story and how God has impacted you.
Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, discovering the gifts from the Spirit and the responsibility of the Church.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

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 NLT

We've seen many ways to let your story reach those far from God. Today, it gets even simpler. What you do can reach those far from God.

We've all probably seen the commercials depicting kindness. Of people holding doors open, running after someone with an item they dropped, or warm invitations into their home. While these are often then twisted for an advertisement, the idea starts out right. The good deeds reflect what is within. We all bear the image of God, and so there is some of Him in everyone. But if He is Lord of our life how much more should our actions represent who He is?

What Jesus has said in Matthew 5 is let your actions align with what you believe. What they see will be a reflection of God's glory shining from within you.

The hard part? Doing it. It is easy to say something but difficult to do it. Jesus also taught this lesson in Matthew 23:1-4. Jesus is speaking about the religious leaders and what they teach while not actually doing the very thing they are teaching.

So it is with us. If we proclaim the Gospel with our mouths, let us also proclaim it with our actions.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, remind me it is not just in the words I say but in the things I do that people are drawn to you. Help me to act more and more as you would have me to. I praise you for who you are and how you have saved me! Amen. 

Join us Monday as we dive into what it means to share faith with others.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christian's story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

Psalms 71: 15-16 NLT

We have learned that our story is a great way of sharing the Gospel of Christ with people. An important piece to this is focusing on what God has done more than what we have or have not.

The words of the Psalmist articulate this truth powerfully. The writer is sharing not from a place of obligation or self-promotion. Instead, they are compelled to speak in response to the incredible, abundant work God has done. Motivation makes all the difference, as tangible transformation and faithfulness leads to lasting dedication.

For you, the inspiration should be the same - proclaiming God's goodness, his saving power, his miraculous actions that have happened in your life. Yet it is what God has done, not something we have earned in any way. Romans 3:23-26. It is by His mercy and grace which we are saved and so He should be the person receiving all of the honor, glory, and praise for what he has done.

Our praise can be a powerful catalyst as we seek to lead others to the Lord. This testimony to who He is throughout all of our lives is a wondrous way to proclaim Jesus.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, I praise you for all you have done in my life. I ask that you will use my life to bring more people to know you. Help me to remember all the things you have done in my life, that I may share them with those around me for your name to be known. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we look to be a light to the world around us.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

As we hit the midpoint of the week, we have seen the idea of using our own story and how God has saved us as a great way to share the Gospel with those around us.

Today, we see that Peter exhorts us to always be ready to share the reasons for our faith. His point is that we should live in a way that people around us notice something different in our lives and become curious. It's less about having carefully crafted statements or structured arguments and more about the preparedness of our character. It's walking in wisdom as we honor Christ with our actions (Colossians 4:5-6).

So, live in a state of readiness to have that answer for those you encounter.

As you are going about your day, are you saying and doing things that draw attention to Jesus? Or are you going with the flow of culture and those around you?

Paul in Romans 12:2 directly contends against this, "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Our actions should prompt those around us to ask "why?" And then we get to tell of the greatest story ever and how it plays out in our lives.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, help me to consistently be transformed in Christ. Give me eyes to see each conversation as an opportunity to share who you are and what you have done. Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do! Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we dive into praising God for all He has done.

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26: 28-29 NLT

What we dive into today is the end of Paul's court hearing where he has proclaimed the events of his life before the Jewish King Herod Agrippa II.

Paul knew of Jesus' ministry and was likely familiar with the command He gave the healed possessed man to go and tell all he knew about what had happened. So, Paul is also using that very strategy to make known Jesus to those who hold him in prison. He's sharing in his immediate context, he's intentional about the moment God has given him to speak, and he's focused on others coming to know Jesus.

Whether our story is short or long, our goal should be the same as Paul's. That "everyone in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

Our focus in telling our story should be to make much of Christ. To point all who hear to Him who saves, not to anything we did or did not do. As Paul writes to the Romans, it is a free gift of salvation for eternal life. This gift is given by God through Jesus.

For without Christ, we would be different. As depicted in Romans 8: 7, life apart from Christ is hostile toward God.

Our story would have a different ending. But God loved us first so that we may love him and others in return.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

Lord, thank you for rescuing me. My life would be so different without you that I can't imagine it. Help me be bold in sharing my story. Give me the opportunity to give you glory and honor for all you have done in my life. Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we explore what it means to be prepared for questions.

This Week's Focus: 
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

“No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:39 NLT

As we set out this week, we begin with an encounter that ends with a direct request from Jesus to "go and tell all God has done for you."

A man has just encountered Jesus in a wonderful way. He's been healed of possession, and he wants to respond by following him. Instead, Jesus tells him to go back home and share his experience with others. This seems at odds with earlier instances in which Christ encouraged people to remain silent after a miraculous healing (Luke 5:14). Why was this moment different?

The difference was that Jesus knew the influence of this man's story. If we look a little further back in the passage, we see that after Jesus healed him, the community was frightened. So great was their fear that they actually asked him to leave. Jesus knew that the man's report of what had happened would change their hearts and lead them from rejection to faith.

Our stories are just as impactful. The details may be different, but we still have an encounter with Jesus who saves us. Our lives are altered. We live differently now because of what happened. Retelling this story is a simple way to share the Gospel with those you know.

The beauty of it being your story, is that it is your story. You already know it. If a question is asked, you know the answer because it happened to you.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66: 16 NLT

Lord, thank you for all you have done in my life. I praise you for your blessings and goodness in every season. Help me to have the courage to tell others of who you are through my story. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore Paul's persuasive example of his story. 

Focus of the Week:
Every Christians story points to a larger story. It points to The Story. It is the simplest way to engage those around you with the story of Christ. Pointing out how God interacted with you, saved you from your sin, extends grace and forgiveness daily as He works to make you more like him, and blesses you along the way.

As we begin this week, we look to understand the importance of recounting what has happened to us personally.

Notes on the practices: 

Journaling and reflection both help to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. Both are similar practices and please feel free to journal reflection questions or reflect on journalling questions. These are here to be a guide, not a rule. So if you feel led to reflect on a different point, or journal in a different direction, please do so.

Story arcs:

While each story is unique and has its own impact, the arc of the story which points to Jesus remains.

Life before Christ. How you came to know Jesus. Then, how life is different now.

This arc, as simple as it is, paints the picture of how Jesus engages each person's story and how their life is different afterwards.

Throughout this week we will look at various accounts in scripture where these testimonies are used to engage those who are far from God. To bring them close to Him and begin or renew the relationship.

Let this be the starting point:

Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance on who to share your story with this week.

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.

Psalms 66:16 NLT

This week is about learning to share your story and how God has impacted you.

Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, learning from Jesus' command of a man to share what had happened to him.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Luke 15: 30-32 NLT

Each day this past week, we've unpacked different facets of engaging the lost and celebrating their turn to Christ. Today, we wrestle with the realization that God's grace is not limited to those who have never heard but extends to those who have heard and walked away.

Jesus' story of the two brothers in Luke 15 helps us see this clearly. One who has always known the father and remained by his side, and the other who knows the father's goodness yet leaves to pursue his desires. When he realizes this path has left him empty and broken, the departing brother returns home, confesses his sin, and resigns himself to working as one of his father's servants. Yet the father chooses to show this wayward son love, grace, and mercy, which he does not deserve.

The brother who remained responds with anger and jealousy at the grace shown to his rebellious sibling and refuses to celebrate his return. The father reminds him that he has full inheritance, that the brother returning has taken nothing from him, and to celebrate for his brother, who was lost, presumed dead, but is alive!

There are many perspectives we can align with in this story. Perhaps you find yourself the brother who has been shown grace from the Father after living a life of disobedience. Or maybe you align more closely to the brother who is embittered by the grace shown to someone else returning to God.

Regardless of where you find yourself, the father's exhortation remains the same: celebrate and be glad! Rejoice in knowing there is repentance and faith in Christ. How great a God we serve that His love precedes our acknowledgment,"for while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, thank you for your grace. Help me to see others how you see them and not through my flawed perspectives. Teach me to rejoice with those who turn back to you with my whole heart. Amen.

Join us Monday as we dive into personal stories and how they impact the kingdom of God.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?

Luke 15:8 NLT

As we have seen earlier this week, there is excitement and joy when the lost are found. But today, we take a step back into the parables of Jesus and look at the intentionality behind searching for the lost.

In the story Jesus tells, of a woman who has lost a coin, one of ten. In the search for this single coin, she takes great pains to light up her home, clean every space, and not give up until it is found. The attitude here is not one of ambivalence that says, "Oh well, it'll turn up eventually." Rather, the response to what has been misplaced is deep concern, which motivates intentional actions that guide the woman to the end result.

This paints a picture for followers of Christ. First, we must begin to recognize the value of those who do not yet know Jesus. Every person is of inestimable worth and therefore worthy of our effort (1 Corinthians 7:23). We are also not to sit idly by or to simply wait until the opportunity to share the Gospel lands in our lap. Rather, we should look for and persist in the opportunity to share Christ, his sacrifice, and what he has done in our lives that has made such a difference.

Light the lamp, sweep your surroundings, and search carefully for those who are precious to God.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, help me to see everyone around me the way you see them. As I go about my day, show me those you would have me engage with your Gospel. Remind me to celebrate fully as it is done in heaven when anyone turns to you. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore God's grace for a returned brother.

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."

John 10:16 NLT

At this point in the week, we have seen God's heart for the lost, how we, as the Church, play a unique part in seeking them out to share the Gospel, and the joyous celebration that occurs in heaven and on earth when one repents and turns to Christ.

Today, we dig deep into the reality that Jesus is for all people. Not just the ones we like, are from a particular socio-economic class, or a particular part of the world. The truth of the Gospel is for each and every person He has created.

The inclusive redemptive work of Jesus wasn't an afterthought, either; it was intentional. We can look to the Old Testament and to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, which specifically promises that "all people would be blessed through him." This laid the foundation of what was to come, a blessing that would extend beyond the nation of Israel. Jesus' ministry also pushed the boundaries of the culture as he cared for those who were on the societal fringes - Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors.

If you have a hard time conceptualizing this, don't feel alone. Jesus' friends and those who heard this message firsthand had difficulty understanding it, too. But it's important to understand we all need the Good Shepherd, and He truly is the Good Shepherd for all.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, thank you for your sacrifice that I would have life in you. As my good shepherd, lead me and care for me in the way you would have me go. Reveal to me those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen. 

Join us tomorrow as we explore the intentional care for the lost. 

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"

Luke 15: 7 NLT

Continuing our journey of understanding the importance of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, we come to this teaching of celebration. Jesus' words come from the full passage, Luke 15:1-7 NLT but ultimately hinge on the final part of this verse. The joy and honor that is lifted up over just one who has repented and turned to God is truly great and worthy of celebration.  
The response and acknowledgment depicted here is not a polite golf clap or a briefly uttered, "Well done." It is meant to be understood as a rapturous celebration. In fact, some may say it would be best understood as a raucous or rowdy crowd. Jesus wants to convey that this is the kind of reaction we should have when someone makes this decision.

Sometimes we can adopt a stoic, emotionless posture because we fear looking foolish. This is especially true when it comes to celebrating before God. In 2 Samuel 6, we read about how God chose David as King over Israel, and David responds by dancing and celebrating before the Lord. When he is chastised for his reaction, David responds that he is willing to be even more foolish-looking and be humiliated in the eyes of man if it means God is honored and celebrated.

So friends, ask yourself, are you willing to be "foolish in the eyes of man" for the sake of what matters most to the heart of God?

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, open my heart to those far from you. Help me to be unafraid to dance, sing, and rejoice over those who turn to you. Guide me to those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we lean into what Jesus meant by having 'other sheep' but all 'one flock'.

This Week's Focus: 
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

As we dive into this week, we first lean into the Great Commission Jesus gave the Disciples. We often hear, in these two verses, an exhortation to go into the mission field or to join teams to help. But today, let's pause, sit with this a moment, and consider what it means for you and me.

All of us are called to make disciples. Some believers engage the mission field, but not all Christians are designed by God to go. Some are meant to stay and make an impact right where they are as teachers, doctors, engineers, and scientists.

Regardless of our vocation, God intends for us to share His Gospel everywhere. For gospel means "good news!" and what better news could possibly be shared than the saving work of Christ?

God's love for each and every one of us is absolutely unfathomable. It's not limited to the people who look like us, sound like us, or even just the people we like. It is for everyone. Even those who do not know him yet, he may be urging you to bring that one person you know to Him. That they may experience his love, mercy, grace, and kindness.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4: 5 NLT

Lord, open my eyes to see those around me as you see them. Help me to love them as you love them, that they may see you through me. Help me to have the courage to speak boldly of your saving grace in every opportunity. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore how precious repentance can be as we are told of the celebration that takes place when just one sinner turns to Christ. 

Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.

As we set out this week, we begin by looking inward through journaling and reflection.

Notes On These Practices:

Journaling and reflection both help to slow down and be mindful of what is being read. Both are similar practices; feel free to journal reflection questions or reflect on journalling questions. These are here to be a guide, not a task. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to whatever He may want to highlight for you specifically.

Diving In:

In a world that promotes self-importance, Christians are called to focus on others. Not just in caring for them in physical ways, but also to care for their eternal spiritual souls. This can seem like a complicated and daunting task, yet we are reminded when Jesus sent out his disciples continue his mission, his parting words were, "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

Seeking and saving the spiritually lost is Jesus' mission. It continues today through you.

But you're not in this alone.

Not only do you have the entire global Church with you, but you also have the Holy Spirit with you.

Let This Be The Starting Point:

Ask God to reveal One person in your life who does not know Him and whom you could partner with the Holy Spirit to demonstrate the love of Jesus toward this week.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4: 5 NLT

This Week Is About Learning To Trust God In Directing And Leading Everyday Moments.

Come back tomorrow as we take the next step together, discovering how we can respond to Jesus' command to go and make disciples in everyday life.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

²⁴Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
²⁵The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT)

Generosity was never meant to be occasional. It was meant to be a way of life.

As we’ve walked through this week, something has been building:
Guarding the heart
Learning contentment
Trusting God as our source
Releasing what we’ve been given
Discovering the joy of giving

And now we see the result:
A life that overflows.

Not because we have unlimited resources, but because we trust an unlimited God.
When we live generously, we don’t run dry.
God continues to refresh us.
He continues to provide.
He continues to work through us.

A generous life is a full life.
A purposeful life.
A life that reflects the heart of God.
And it starts with small, intentional steps.

This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
Let your journal become a conversation with Him. Write what you sense, what you hope for, what scares you, and what excites you. God meets you in the honesty.

• “Here Again”- Elevation Worship

Reminds you that God’s presence is what truly fills and refreshes you as you pour out into others.

• “Overflow”- Transformation Worship

Captures the heart of living generously—what God pours into you is meant to overflow into the lives of others.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

God, thank You for all You’ve taught me this week. Help me to live a life that reflects Your generosity. Continue to grow my trust in You and lead me to live open-handed every day. Amen.

Take time to reflect on everything God has done this week and how you can continue walking in trust, contentment, and generosity.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

³⁸Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Luke 6:38 NLT

Luke 6:38 reminds us that generosity is about more than just giving, it’s about transformation. Tithing may be an act of discipline, but true generosity flows from a mindset shift.

When we move from seeing life through a mindset of scarcity, where we believe there’s never enough, to an abundance mindset, where we trust that God is overflowing with provision, our hearts begin to change.

We start to give not out of obligation, but out of joy, knowing that God’s blessings are poured back into our lives, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

It’s about trusting that God is not only enough, He’s more than enough.

Take a moment and ask yourself: Where am I holding back? How can I shift from fear to trust, and let generosity flow naturally?

• “Available” – Elevation Worship

A posture of open hands begins with availability—this song helps surrender control and say yes to whatever God asks you to release.

• “Nothing Else” – Cody Carnes

Refocuses your heart on God as your greatest treasure, loosening the grip on everything else.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

God, help me to trust You more each day. Open my heart to the abundance of Your blessings, and teach me to give joyfully, knowing that You always provide. Amen

Join us tomorrow as we explore how Generosity leads to a full and meaningful life.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

³⁵And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35 (NLT)

This goes against everything the world teaches.

The world says:
Get more.
Keep more.
Protect what’s yours.

But Jesus says something completely different:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Not equally blessed.
Not slightly better.
More blessed.

Why?

Because giving aligns us with the heart of God.
God is a giver.
He gives life.
He gives grace.
He gives freely and generously.

And when we give, we step into that same rhythm.
Receiving meets needs.
But giving creates purpose.
Receiving brings relief.
But giving brings fulfillment.

There is a kind of joy you will never experience by holding on.
It only comes when you release.

And this doesn’t just apply to money.
It’s your time.
Your encouragement.
Your attention.
Your compassion.

Generosity is a lifestyle.

So today, shift your focus.
Instead of asking, “What can I get?”
Ask, “Who can I bless?”

Because the blessing you’re looking for might be waiting on the other side of your willingness to give.

• “Build My Life” - Housefires

Centers your life around God’s love, which naturally overflows into generosity toward others.

• “Goodness of God” - Rhett Walker, Essential Worship

Reflecting on God’s goodness fuels a desire to extend that same generosity and kindness to those around you.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

God, help me to see giving as a blessing, not a burden. Open my eyes to opportunities to bless others and reflect Your heart. Amen

Join us tomorrow as we learn what it looks like to live open-handed and trust God with what we release.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

¹⁰For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. ¹¹Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

2 Corinthians 9:10–11 (NLT)

Everything you have started with God.

He is the provider of the seed.
He is the source of the supply.
He is the one who sustains it all.

And Paul reminds us of something powerful:
God doesn’t just give to meet your needs.
He gives so that generosity can flow through your life.

“He will provide and increase your resources… and produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”

Notice the order.

• God provides.
• We release.
• God multiplies.

But if we hold tightly to what He’s given, we interrupt that flow.

Because what we cling to stays limited.
But what we release becomes multiplied.

This is where trust becomes real.

It’s easy to say God is our provider.
It’s harder to live like it when we’re asked to let go of something.

But generosity is the evidence of trust.
It says:
God, I believe You are my source.
God, I trust You to provide again.
God, I know this isn’t all there is.

And the result?

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.”

Not just financially.
Spiritually.
Emotionally.
Relationally.

A generous life is a full life.

So today, don’t just ask, “What do I have?”
Ask, “What has God given me to release?”

Because what you release in faith, God can multiply with purpose.

• “Do It Again” – Elevation Worship

A reminder that the same God who has provided before will do it again, strengthening your faith to release what you’re holding.

• “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” – Cody Carnes

Encourages confidence in God as your source, not your resources, grounding your trust in His consistency.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

God, remind me that everything I have comes from You. Teach me to release what You’ve given and trust You to multiply it for Your purposes. Amen

Join us tomorrow as we discover why Jesus says it is more blessed to give than to receive.

This Week's Focus: 
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

⁷You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:7–8 (NLT)

Generosity doesn’t start with your wallet. It starts with your heart.

Paul makes it clear: “You must each decide in your heart.”
That means generosity is personal.
It’s not about comparison.
It’s not about pressure.
It’s not about meeting someone else’s expectations.
It’s about a willing, surrendered heart before God.

Because you can give and still not be generous.
You can give out of guilt.
You can give to look good.
You can give because you feel like you have to.

But that’s not the kind of giving God is after.
He’s after something deeper: a cheerful heart

A heart that trusts Him enough to release what it has.
A heart that believes He will provide again.
A heart that finds joy not in holding on, but in letting go.

And here’s the promise attached to that kind of heart:
God will generously provide all you need.

Not always all you want.
Not always in the way you expect.
But always enough.

When we shift from reluctant giving to cheerful giving, something changes.

We stop seeing generosity as loss, and we start seeing it as participation in what God is doing.

We begin to trust that what leaves our hands never leaves God’s control.

So today, don’t just think about what you give.
Pay attention to how you give.
Because the posture of your heart matters more than the size of your gift.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
God, shape my heart to reflect Yours. Help me to give with joy, not pressure, and to trust that You will always provide what I need. Amen

Join us tomorrow as we explore how God multiplies what we release and what it looks like to truly trust Him as our source.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is a discipline, but generosity is a mindset. God isn’t just teaching us how to give, He’s transforming how we think. As we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, we begin to trust that God is not only enough, but more than enough. This is where generosity becomes a natural overflow, not an obligation.

This week, we take the next step again.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been reshaping how we see money, learning that true freedom isn’t found in having more, but in trusting God, choosing contentment, and putting Him first.

But now, we move even deeper.

Because this isn’t just about what we do anymore. It’s about how we think.

You can practice tithing and still struggle with fear. You can give consistently and still feel like there’s not enough. Why?
Because generosity isn’t just a behavior. It’s a mindset.

And many of us, without realizing it, live with a scarcity mindset:
“There’s not enough.”
“I need to hold onto what I have.”
“If I give, I might not have what I need later.”

This way of thinking creates tension. It keeps our hands closed and our hearts guarded. It makes giving feel risky instead of freeing. But Scripture introduces a completely different perspective. An abundance mindset.

Not because we suddenly have unlimited resources, but because we trust a limitless God.
God doesn’t ask us to give out of pressure. He invites us to give from trust.

He is the one who provides the seed.
He is the one who meets our needs.
He is the one who allows us to be a blessing to others.

Which means generosity isn’t about losing something. It’s about participating in what God is already doing.

This is the shift:
scarcity → abundance
fear → trust
closed hands → open hands

And as that shift begins to take place, something changes:
We stop asking, “Do I have enough?”
And we start asking, “How can I be a blessing?”
We stop seeing giving as subtraction,
and start seeing it as multiplication.

Because in God’s Kingdom, generosity doesn’t decrease what we have, it multiplies what God can do through us.

This doesn’t mean we ignore wisdom or real financial responsibility. It means we no longer let fear lead.

Instead, we begin to trust that:
God is our source
What we have is enough for today
There will always be more when God is involved

This is where generosity becomes more than a moment.
It becomes a way of life.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

Abundance & Scarcity | BibleProject

This resource helps zoom out and see how generosity is woven throughout Scripture. It reinforces that God is the ultimate provider and invites us to live open-handed, trusting Him as our source.

It supports this week’s focus:

• Shifting from scarcity to abundance
• Trusting God as provider
• Living a life of generosity

Read | Choose 1–2 Of These Each Day To Sit With, Reflect On, And Even Pray Through
If you want to spend more time in Scripture this week, here are additional passages to support this theme of generosity, trust, and abundance:

Abundance & Provision
2 Corinthians 9:7–11 | God provides and multiplies
Luke 6:38 | Give and it will be given to you
Philippians 4:19 | God supplies every need

Generosity & Blessing
Acts 20:35 | More blessed to give than receive
Proverbs 11:24–25 | The generous will prosper
Deuteronomy 15:10 | Give generously without hesitation

Trust Over Fear
Matthew 6:25–33 | Do not worry, God provides
Hebrews 13:5 | Be content, God is with you

This week is about more than giving, it’s about becoming.

Becoming someone who trusts deeply.
Becoming someone who lives open-handed.
Becoming someone who reflects the heart of God.

Come back tomorrow as we begin with the foundation of generosity, discovering how it starts in the heart and grows into a life of abundance.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is not about God getting something from us, but God doing something in us. As we learn to honor God first with what we’ve been given, we begin to grow in trust, loosen our grip on fear, and experience the freedom that comes from living open-handed.

⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Tithing is the starting point, not the finish line.

As trust grows, generosity begins to flow naturally. It shifts from something we feel obligated to do into something we desire to do.

Because generosity isn’t about pressure. It’s about transformation.

When we truly believe God is our provider, we stop holding everything so tightly. We begin to live open-handed, willing to give, willing to bless, willing to trust that there is always more where that came from.

A generous life isn’t built on having extra. It’s built on trusting God fully.

And the more we trust Him, the more joy we find in giving.

This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
Let your journal become a conversation with Him. Write what you sense, what you hope for, what scares you, and what excites you. God meets you in the honesty.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.

Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)

God, thank You for everything You’ve given me. Grow a generous heart in me. Help me to live open-handed and trust You fully. Amen.

Take time to reflect on what God has shown you this week and how you can continue walking in trust, contentment, and generosity.

Focus of the Week:
Tithing is not about God getting something from us, but God doing something in us. As we learn to honor God first with what we’ve been given, we begin to grow in trust, loosen our grip on fear, and experience the freedom that comes from living open-handed.

²¹Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:21 (NLT)

Letting go of control is often the hardest part.

We like to feel secure. We like to know we have enough. And money can easily become the thing we rely on for that sense of stability.

But Jesus gently exposes something deeper.

What we hold onto most tightly often reveals where our trust really is.
If our security is in what we have, we will constantly feel the need to protect it. But if our trust is in God, we can begin to loosen our grip.

Surrender isn’t about losing something. It’s about gaining trust. It’s choosing to believe that God is a better provider than we could ever be for ourselves.

And when we begin to release control, even in small ways, we make room for peace to grow.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.

Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)

God, I release my need to control everything. Help me trust You more than I trust myself. Teach me to rest in Your provision. Amen.

Join us tomorrow as we explore A Life of Generosity and how trust in God overflows into how we give.