Program update, week in review:
Effort this week has been to find ways to apply the material learned. Read, retain & apply is the “secret” to making life changes. Our desire is to be effective sons of God. Our question to each other is whether I/we have been the best possible child of Christ today and this week. Seek conviction to answer this question daily in the affirmative so as to demonstrate the knowledge has fruit.
We are updating our curriculum and focus on a day to day effort of application. The process to move head knowledge to heart action is to find ways to apply (and make a difference in God’s kingdom). We have been trying on a character of the Bible and asking God to place people in our lives with whom we can make a difference - someone to whom we can be reflective of Jesus.
Earlier this week, we went to the Courthouse to create a life-like “fishing” opportunity for each participant here - to reach out to people in the hallway of the courthouse.
Praises:
T’s surgery went well!
We got natural gas heat installed in our church building!
Praise God’s effort through Hardin Set Free!
The opportunity to come together in the name of the Lord!
Praise the Lord for provision of resources!
Praise the Lord for Cole K. and his efforts in support of Set Free! He is coming up & working with the guys. He is consistently lifting up Set Free in the community, referring people to the program and his church is supporting Set Free efforts monetarily each month.
Prayer Requests:
S’s dad’s Health
C’s Dad & Grandpa
R’s dad’s Health
the Ministry
Leadership of Set Free
That the Spirit’s leading continues to move us
Message: Matthew 14 - Jesus Walks on the Sea
The men performed a skit of the Disciples in a boat in the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus comes to them.
Skit: The point of this effort was to get in character, to study the Word, to further Jesus’ kingdom, to work together. When we take our eyes off of Jesus, we start to sink - just like Peter. We each have experienced this in our own lives.
Witness from the Men:
1: Many times I have drowned. God lifts me up and brings me back here, and I am home. Praise the Lord.
2. I had two Lords: alcohol and the Lord. I think many times that I can handle it. I do bible study, and then find reasons not to go. I worry about a job and other things and forget about the Lord. I slip into drinking and fail to work with my brothers. This skit makes me look back on this. I need to keep my eyes focused and keep in fellowship with my brothers.
3. I didn’t have faith until I got here. I hung around a group of non-believers, questioning if there was a God. I would pray when I went to jail, but didn’t pursue when I got out. I have been totally convicted. Just like the wind, I can’t see it, but I know it is there. I know Jesus is real.
4. I’ve prayed; I know that I didn’t always give up myself for the Lord. I have been to prison, trying to do my own thing. I see the disciples gave up because of the storm. I need more faith, just as they did. I need to give up on self and trust Jesus. Look to Him, rather than myself. He is my leader, my light. It's all about Jesus. My brothers have been a great blessing to me. The program gives me encouragement.
Message:
The message from Jesus in this story is we need to keep our eyes looking to Jesus. Peter had to have a lot of faith to get out of the boat and walk on the water. His story tells us that getting out of our comfort zone isn’t enough. We need to keep working towards Jesus. He cried out to Jesus; he exercised his faith. We’re going to take our eyes off Christ. Know that having enough faith to believe is important, but that when the time comes that we start sinking, don’t despair. Cry out to Jesus. Pursue Him and Jesus will be faithful. We know that addictions and problems will be tempting to use as a reason to give up, but when those come, cry out to Jesus!!
We will get busy and slip. Anticipate that our individual answer needs to be reaching out to Jesus at such times.
Peter just witnessed Jesus feed the 5000, and had been walking with Jesus daily. What could be better preparation? Yet, he slipped. But he shows us what we need to do - cry out to Jesus. We need to keep working our faith, applying our faith, building strength. When problems arise, be ready to reach out to Jesus.
Pray, think, and study. Where can we find ways to study and apply? Make time for Him. Put the phones, tv, and computer down and find ways to apply daily. Treat it as homework. Find the ways, and then share them...
Jesus has brought us through much. He deserves our trust and effort.
TO DO This Week:
1. Get in His Word every day!!
2. Pray and meditate on His Word…build your relationship with the Savior!!
3. Pray for opportunities to share and/or serve Him
4. Act on the opportunities He provides
5. Grow through ACTION
6. SHARE this weeks Action next Week
