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Pathways 2020 Participant Guide
Your Name Here: __________________
Growing in Christ is not an option. A survey of some key passages tells us this truth:Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, which means within the context of these verses, to teach people to “obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus then assures that He will be present in this undertaking. Jesus also said this in John 8:31-32“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Obedience isn’t a no-win proposition. It actually is a win-win. We get to obey Jesus and by obeying we are set free. At the same time, the cost of following Jesus is our whole life. Luke 9:23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” 95% obedience to Jesus is...5% short. So, we are called to make disciples and the question that comes with that is How? How do we make disciples?
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This Pathway series is an attempt to answer the “How?” question, by looking at how we learn as one of the keys to unlocking discipleship.
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Our Journey together in Pathways works like this:
STEP
1:
Go tothe
weekendservice
WEEKEND SERVICEThe weekend message is the foundation of teaching—an essential part of this journey that will help you understand and process
both your guide and group experience. Don’t skip it. This guide depends on the
weekend experience. Take notes and grow together!
STEP 2:
Go through
the devotions everyday
DEVOTIONSAfter Sunday we will have daily devotions following up on the message. On some days there will be a devotional thought based on the passage, on other days there will be a
short memory verse. Commit to 15 minutes a day and watch God work.
STEP 3:
Engage with
your smallgroup
SMALL GROUPSmall groups center our time together.
They give focus to the emphasis on community life. Make sure you’re in a group. We will also have special groups
starting up just for the series.
STEP 4:
Engage in the extras EXTRASThere are 2 extra touches:
1. Ash Wed Service on Feb 262. Worship experience on Mar 293. Mark the Moment on Mar 29
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At the weekend service we will initiate discussion in the following two things: 1. We will look at the Baselines of all discipleship. These Baselines are what all learning pathways have in common, and there are six we will talk about:
ScripturePrayer
FellowshipWorship
StewardshipRest
2. We will look at various Pathways to discipleship. People learn differently, there are four pathways we will talk about:
Relational PathwayService Pathway
Worldview PathwayMission Pathway.
These four represent the fact that there are many ways to grow.
Three Goals for Pathways
1. Understand baselines of growth2. Understand the pathway that helps you to grow.3. Make plans to grow in your pathway.
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February 23, 2020Pathways BaselinesThe foundations of each PathwayMessage Notes 1. There are many pathways to growth2. Locate and lean into your main pathway3. Every pathway has the same baselines, or foundations Memory scripture for the day: II Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Message Notes Week 1
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Monday, February 24, 2020 The Baseline of Scripture Read II Timothy 3:16-17 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Devotional thought: If you’ve ever worked on a house, in some degree or another, you know there are certain tools that you can’t do without. A screwdriver is one of those tools, and an electric screwdriver is an emphatic bonus. What would you think about somebody who left key tools out of their toolbox? And yet, we probably do that in our spiritual life without even realizing it. Paul wrote a letter to his co-worker Timothy, one who was younger in the faith. Paul encouraged him that a tool for ministry should be scripture, since within scripture he would gain all he needed. When we make a commitment to follow God one of the main tools we use, and a baseline for our spiritual growth, is scripture. Commit yourself this day to be a student of scripture. Pray: Lord, you reveal yourself in your word. Let me hear you speak through your word!
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Tuesday, February 25, 2020 The Baseline of Prayer Read I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually Devotional thought: Some versions of the Bible translate this phrase “pray constantly” or “pray without ceasing.” The idea is not of someone who does nothing else but pray (“without ceasing”), but someone who sees prayer as a foundation, a groundwork of everything else.This person realizes their need for God’s input and guidance in everything. The next phrase, “give thanks in all circumstances,” clarifies further. We come to God in all circumstances, prayerfully thanking God within those times, for his empowering presence. Today think of bringing every circumstance before God. As you go forth, ask God to give safety in travel. As you meet others, ask God to be present that you might be present to that person. As you work, ask God to help you to do all things for him. As you eat, thank Him for his provision. As you lay down to sleep, thank Him that He gives you rest. Without even realizing it, this may already be your way of life.God wants us to know that He accompanies us, hears us, is with us, all day, everyday. What a blessing! Pray: May I bring your constant presence into the center of my awareness.
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Wednesday, Febr 26, 2020 The Baseline of Worship Read Psalm 95:6-116 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.Today, if only you would hear his voice,8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did.10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”
Devotional thought: A Psalm can often be like a roller coaster ride. Up it goes to the highest heights, then down, then back up again. Psalm 95 goes up, up, up, and then down with a very definitive final note. The elevation is the call to worship, to sing, to bow, to shout, to extol, to see Him at work in nature and in God’s people. Then the Psalmist remembers a key moment in Israel’s history when they demanded that God perform for them and hardened their hearts, that is, became unresponsive to God. To respond to God with our whole hearts is to worship Him. But it’s equally true, that to be called out of unresponsiveness and then respond is an act of worship as well. Sometimes when you are singing a song in worship you find your mind wandering. Sometimes you find the words hard to sing, and you resist. Today, the Psalmist says, and through the Psalmist, God says to us, respond. May this be a day of worshipful response to God. Pray: God, I worship you today with songs and shouts of joy. God, help me to respond to your voice today!
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Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Family Activity
1. Go the Ash Wednesday service
2. Ask your family: What did you learn tonight at the service?
3. Write down here what you learned ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pray: Teach us who you are as we prepare for Easter
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Thursday, February 27, 2019 The Baseline of Fellowship Read Acts 2:42-4742 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Devotional thought: Bread is an awesome complement to any meal and fills so many functions. Bread is a delivery system for sliced ham, sliced turkey, bacon/lettuce/tomato, or peanut butter. It can be eaten just by itself or with butter. You can toast it and put all kinds of jams, jellies and honeys on it. Sometimes it comes in the form of a baguette and sometimes in the form of a crescent roll. There are many spiritual things that can happen in the course of a meal, though we also have to be intentional Notice in this passage how “fellowship” complements all the other disciplines: teaching, communion, sharing, meals, worship, and evangelism. Almost all that we are called to be is enhanced in the context of fellowship. Consider how you have grown in Christ when you have chosen to be devoted to being with others And note that in this passage that fellowship complements the eating of, literally, bread, which is an added bonus to fellowship. 😀 So when you are sharing a meal with others it often becomes easier to share other parts of your life, and to move deeper into fellowship. Pray: Lord, you guide us to live in a community of love. Guide me today to love and care for those you call me to.
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Friday, February 28, 2010 The Baseline of Stewardship Read Matthew 6:19-2119 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Devotional thought: When we are young we treasure things that reflect our age. At birthdays or Christmas time, we treasured toys, mainly. There once was an old bumper sticker that read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” This is false on two counts. First, the idea that there is something to win, based on the number of toys you have when you die, is biblically false. But the second, more insidious lie, is the return to childishness by treasuring toys. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus says, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What Jesus wants us to put our trust, our hearts, is in God Himself. The way we do this is by putting our treasure toward the work of God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says “You cannot serve God and Mammon,” often translated “You cannot serve God and money.” Mammon was commonly thought of as material wealth, or a demonic entity that promised wealth or prosperity. Instead of serving Mammon (money or wealth) we are to serve God, and to put our treasure, that is our wealth and money, not toward toys, but toward serving God. This moves us toward valuing the things of God. When we put our treasure there, via actions of generosity expressed in concrete practices such as tithing and offerings, our heart follows. Pray: Lord, I struggle with my heart commitment to you. Help me to serve you with all my heart, and to put my treasure there.
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Sabbath Saturday, February 29, 2020 The Baseline of Rest How I will rest today
Read Psalm 127 1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.2 In vain you rise early and stay up late,toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Devotional thought: The biblical word rest is sometimes translated “Sabbath.” In this Psalm the rest that God gives is not translated as “sabbath,” but as “sleep.” Recent science has told us that sleep is of incredible importance to our life.[1] Many of us find sleep difficult and elusive. Those who sleep easily are envied by those who struggle. However, all of us need sleep, and sleep deprivation is a major problem in our life. Note the Psalmist says that sleep comes from God, who loves us. So being proud of being busy, and therefore struggling with time to sleep can be more a mark of our lack of priorities than a sign of our effective usefulness for the Kingdom of God.. That’s not always true, so don’t feel guilty you ER docs and nurses, EMTs, Police officers, and those clearing the roads for us at night. This Psalm isn’t meant to make us feel guilty if we work a night shift What it is trying to say is that God loves you so much that sleep is a gift and a reminder that we can sleep because God is always working on our behalf. Ultimately it is God who “builds the house.” Rest assured in this truth. Pray: Lord, I thank you that you love me enough to give me rest, the rest that I need.
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Week One Small Group QuestionsFor Small Groups during the Week of February 24-29, 2020 1. Take a moment to introduce yourselves if you don’t know each other well by answering completing these sentences:My name is Most of my days you will find me engaged with this activity: What I like best about that is 2. One more intro question: Each person describe something you do in your spare time that you really love to do, or something you have to do, that doesn’t float your boat (translation: you really don’t like doing it) 3. [Optional Question] Share what you learned from the message this past Sunday.
4. We talked about 6 Baseline disciplines on Sunday and during the devotions. These are ScripturePrayerFellowshipWorshipStewardshipRest Each person express what is easiest in this list for them, and what is hardest for them. If you’re up to it, tell us why something is easy or hard for you. 5. [Optional Question] Share what you learned from your devotions this week in Pathways 6. Go around the room and share 2 prayer requests: First, what is your prayer about how you will grow during the Pathway seriesSecond, share a prayer concern you have for yourself or someone you are concerned for.
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March 1, 2020The Relational Pathway Week 2Message Notes
Memory scripture for the day:
John 13:34 Love one another.
Message Notes Week 2
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Monday, March 2, 2020 The Relational Pathway
Read Psalm 133A song of ascents. Of David.1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Devotional thought: The Psalmist sees the world around him and draws the conclusion that people dwelling together in unity is a good and pleasant thing. He uses two images to convey this. The first image of the blessing of unity is the anointing use of oil. Oil was a an important resource in the dry environments of the Near East, and olive oil, mixed with aromatic spices was used for the care of the skin and hair. It was poured on the heads of guests as an act of hospitality. Oil poured on the head of Aaron, the high priest of ancient Israel, represents and celebrates the presence of God in the community of Israel. The second image given to convey the blessing of unity focuses on two mountains. Mt. Hermon was located 125 miles to the north of Jerusalem and was known for accumulating large amounts of dew. Without dew the land would be parched. Dew coming down on Mount Zion or Jerusalem, symbolizes, again, the refreshing presence of God. These two images evoke a sense of the refreshing and vitalizing nature of community. Without the people of God around us we live parched lives, but with them there is abundance, there is “blessing, even life forevermore”! Pray: Lord, lead me into deeper relationships of unity.
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Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Read Ephesians 4:32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Devotional thought: How often do we say of another person, “She was really kind”? Or how frequently do we praise the compassion of someone else? Probably not that often, but when we do, it’s memorable. Kindness and compassion go together. When someone is kind they usually are gentle in demeanor and sympathetic to your feelings. The statement “Be kind and compassionate” to one another is also modified by the call to forgive one another. Kind people, and compassionate people give others a second chance, and a third chance, and on and on. People who live in the Relational Pathway gravitate toward this way of being, but everyone is called to grow to be kind and compassionate. Does someone in your life come to mind that needs this type of love? Might God be bringing this person to your mind right now so that you can show kindness, compassion or forgiveness to them? Pray: Your lovingkindness is everlasting, God. Help me to reflect your kindness and compassion.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Read Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Devotional thought: The command of this verse, “bear one another’s burden,” is in reference to a person who is overtaken in their sins and needs others to help them. People on the Relational Pathway empathize with the struggles of others. They see themselves in the others’ shoes. They realize they may very well need the support of a fellow believer in coming days so they offer help first and trust the Lord to do the correcting. Eugene Peterson paraphrases this passage this way in The Message:
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
We’ve all been in need. Reach out and share the burdens of another. Pray: Lord, your perfect law calls me to love others. Help me to embrace the love you have extended to me and so reach out and help others.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Family Activity
Okay. So you’re probably wondering a couple of things. First, what is Lent? What does it mean to fast? And why would anyone want anything to do with either? Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter—the day we celebrate the sacrifice Jesus made by giving His life on the cross so that we could be in God’s family forever and His resurrection from the dead.
But Lent isn’t just about taking something away. It’s about adding, too. You add extra focus on your relationship with God by praying, reading the Bible, or serving others— anything that grows your faith. And this helps you to grow in your Pathways baselines.
Whether you celebrate Lent or not, the days leading up to Easter is the perfect time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us
Family ActivitySit down together as a family and consider doing without something like a food item or technology time. Talk about it now as a family and decide if you’d like to replace this with the daily activities below.
Pray: Help us to give something up for you as we prepare for Easter
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Thursday, March 5, 2020 Read Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Devotional thought: “Encourage” includes the word “courage” and it has that enabling idea of giving courage to another. In the The Dawn Treader, book three of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, the crew of the boat the Dawn Treader are trying to escape a place of darkness, a place where their nightmares come to pass. As they are trying to escape they all begin to panic. Suddenly, an albatross flies in front of them to guide them, circles Lucy, one of the heroes, and says into her ear, “Courage, dear heart.” This is what we are called to be to others who need encouraging, that sign or symbol for them that helps them, often by the speaking of a simple word of encouragement. Who will you encourage today? Pray: Lord, make me an instrument of encouragement today.
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Friday, March 6, 2020 Read Hebrews 10:24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Devotional thought: “Way to go!” How many of us have heard these words? Being on the receiving end of this can spur us on. Marathons are often lined with spectators who spur the runners on, “Keep going!” “You’re doing great!” “Just one more hill!” “One more mile to go!” You can do it!” Would that our lives were lined with people who spur us on “toward love and good deeds,” because the truth is that we can grow weary of anything, even in doing well. The Lord is our great exhorter, but those on the Relational Pathway bless and spur others on. Be strengthened in your walk today. God is for you! Who will you be for today? Pray: Lord, I need you to spur me on. Help me to spur others on!
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Sabbath Saturday, March 7, 2020 How I will rest today
Read 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Devotional thought: Mashed potatoes and gravy. Turkey with all the dressings. A warm house. Laughter. Games and gifts. Maybe you think this describes Thanksgiving or Christmas, and indeed it does. However, it also describes hospitality, which is the literal opening of our doors, inviting others in to share not just the fixing of a dinner, but our very lives. What an honor it is to be the recipient of hospitality when our hearts are filled with joy. We are designed to share our lives with others. Who will you share with today? Pray: Lord, help me not only to open the doors of my house, but the doors of my heart.
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Week Two Small Group QuestionsFor Small Groups during the Week of March 2-7, 2020
1. Divide into pairs. Ask each other this question: What was the highlight of your week?
2. Turn back to the group and each person report the other person’s highlight. “Jim said his highlight was....” 3. Below is a list of positive “one another”verses . As we’ve been looking at the Relational Pathway, we’ve focused on these statements. Each person circle your favorite “one another,” and explain why that’s your favorite.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another... Colossians 3:16 teach and admonish one another...Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily...Hebrews 10:24 spur one another on ...1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another ... 4. As many as possible in the group tell a story of someone who has had a powerful influence on your life by their “one anothering” you. 5. Take time to pray for one another.
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March 8, 2020The Service Pathway Week 3Message Notes Memory scripture for the day: Philippians 2:3-4 In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Message Notes Week 3
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Monday, March 9, 2020 Read Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Devotional thought: To become a servant, we have to get straight in our thinking that we are first of all serving the Lord, the one who bought us at great price. In order to have zeal, or extreme energy for the task, we have to focus on the love the Father has for us, that was demonstrated by sending His son into the world . Pray: Help me along the Service Pathway to serve you first, Lord.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2020 Read Mark 9:35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Devotional thought: At first glance this verse may seem to be suggesting that serving others is the way to the top! However this is not the intent here. Service is not a way of getting ahead in the world and in fact ‘getting ahead’ is not a priority in God’s value system. Service is an act of humility that understands what is important to God. Namely, loving and helping others. Pray: Lord, the first will be last. Give me 20-20 servant vision to see this.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Read Mark 10:45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Devotional thought: Jesus, Son of God, the God of glory, did not come to this world to dominate, but to serve. When this text says he gave himself as a “ransom for many,” it means he gave up his life as a sacrifice on our behalf. To give up one’s rights and privileges and life is the definition of service. Service is, after all, sacrifice. Pray: To serve others is to give up my privilege. Help me to give up my privilege as I seek to serve others.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Family Activity
The word sacrifice means to give up something we want for the sake of something or someone else. It doesn’t sound really fun, does it? But sacrifice is important. God wants us to be people who love others more than we love ourselves. And one way we do that is through sacrifice—through putting other people’s needs before our own needs.
Did you know that sacrificing can actually feel good? That’s because God created us to be people who serve and give. And when we do that, when we sacrifice, it makes us happier, more satisfied people.
It’s easy to only concentrate on ourselves—on what we think we need or what we want. But this week, make an effort to think about others, first.
Family Activity possibilities: Fill a bag with things to donate to a charity or second-
hand store. Buy someone’s meal or share a snack with a friend. Declare today “No Complaining Day.” Decide what
each of you has to do each time you complain. (For example: 10 jumping jacks, pay $1.00 to the family vacation fund, or adding a chore to their to-do list.)
Draw a picture or write an encouraging note and leave it in a public place for someone to find.
Help one of your parents or siblings with their chores.
Pray: Help me to sacrifice for someone else this week
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Thursday, March 12, 2020 Read Matthew 25:21His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Devotional thought: Who doesn’t like receiving the approval of another? The parable quoted here from Matthew 25 illustrates what a believer might expect to hear from God after a life of service. The master in this parable has taken the time to commend his servant for a job well done. Note the commendation to the servant is for his faithfulness to the task, not for accomplishing something that has benefited the servant. Service is the gateway to commendation. Pray: Lord, I deeply desire to be commended by you. Remind me today, that the pathway to this is through service.
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Friday, March 13, 2020 Read John 13:14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
Devotional thought: What a shock it was for the disciples to realize that their Lord and Master, Jesus the Christ, would humble himself to perform the duties of a slave! We don’t wash each others feet in our modern society, so you would have to use your imagination to understand the impact of this. What is the most humble, even most humiliating, thing we would do in our day and age? God calls us to do what no one else would do for others as a matter of course. Pray: Lord, I seek to follow in your pathway of service. Let me serve others, washing their feet, just like you would.
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Sabbath Saturday, March 14, 2020 How I will rest today
Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Devotional thought: Service is a whole-hearted act. “Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Note that Jesus says the greatest commandment is to Love God and love others (see Mark 12), and this passage is a close relation to that one. We are to live in service to God, with everything we have within us. May this day be a day of service to God. Pray: My heart and soul belongs in service to you, God, my Savior.
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Week Three Small Group QuestionsFor Small Groups during the Week of March 9-14, 2020
1. Take a moment and share something that struck you this past week as we have been going through Pathways, from the service or your devotions, or something else. 2. Share about one person in your life who served you. 3. Read Mark 10:35-4535 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”39 “We can,” they answered.Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 4. What are James and John concerned about? 5. Describe Jesus’ responses to James and Johnverses 38-40verses 41-45 6. How are we called to serve in our church and community? What are some service needs you see right now? How can you meet those needs? 7. Pray for each other. 33
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March 15, 2020The Worldview Pathway Week 4Message Notes Memory scripture for the day: Philippians 2:5 Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus Message Notes Week 4
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Monday, March 16, 2020
Read Philippians 2:1-8Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Devotional thought: The Worldview Pathway requires a realignment of not only the way you think but also the way you act. The primary model for this is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. because here in Philippians 2 the Scripture presents him as our model: “the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”—the mindset that allows Jesus to not clutch at equality with God, though He is God; the mindset that allows him to look to the needs of others.
It is only in this mindset that the Christian’s worldview is shaped and formed. Those who travel down this pathway tend to engage in heady matters and can tend to be intellectual in outlook. But any intellectualism without the humility of Christ ends on the barren rocks of arrogance, shipwrecking the soul and often taking others down with them.
Let your mind, the worldview pathway, be shaped by Christ, humbly offering up your self to serve God. Pray: Lord, to you I humbly bow. Take all that I am and let me serve You.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Read Mark 12:28-3428 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Devotional thought: This moment, when Jesus engages with a teacher of the law, one who is truly seeking answers, is one of the great teaching moments of the scriptures, maybe in the history of the world. Jesus is able to speak out the truth of the law, that one must love God, and love others. One is to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” With that same mindset, we love our neighbor.“Well said, teacher,” replies the teacher of the law (which as an aside is a funny thing to hear, when the man is basically saying Good job Jesus!) It’s clear that the teacher has spent a lot of time thinking about the law and what it means. His question crystallizes all of his concerns. “You are not far from the kingdom of God,” Jesus says, because the only thing he lacks is accepting the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Pray: Lord I give you my heart, my soul, my mind, and all my strength. Take my life and let it be fully dedicated to You!
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Read I Peter 3:15-1815 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
Devotional thought: Sometimes we engage in something without being truly prepared. The nightmare scenario is that you have a final exam, and you’ve done nothing to prepare. In this passage above, the apostle Peter is preparing Christ-followers in the midst of a truly hostile environment. As he seeks to encourage these Christ-followers through this letter, note that rather than suggesting they retreat from the hostility he calls them to engage in specific ways.
1. In preparation he says they should revere Christ as Lord, or honor Christ in all things.
2. He says they should be prepared to give an answer, that is, they should know their faith and be able to communicate it.
3. He says they should be gentle and respectful.
Being prepared is a mindset. We need to see this world in need not as an enemy to fight but as a place full of people who need the good news we can share with gentleness and respect. What ways is God calling you to engage others in this world? Pray: God, prepare my heart and mind so that I might bring others into your life.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Family Activity
Everybody messes up. We do things we know we’re not supposed to, or we don’t do things we know we are supposed to. There’s another word for these mess-ups—sin. Romans 3:23 says, “Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory,” (NIRV). In other words, everyone is going to mess up. Everyone is going to sin.
Knowing this, God made a way for us to get forgiveness— He sent His son, Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so that we could have forgiveness for our sins. He exchanged His perfect life for our sin, so that we could be in God’s family forever.
All we have to do is ask—to repent. We ask God to forgive us and we change our actions. And God will forgive us over and over and over again.
Spend this week thanking God for His forgiveness.
Family Activity possibilities: Is there anyone you’re angry with? Someone you need to
forgive? Write their name down on paper. Then, as a sign of your forgiveness to them, rip up the paper and throw it away.
Do you need to tell someone you’re sorry? Take time today to ask for their forgiveness.
Is there something you feel guilty about or something you did that you wish you could go back and do differently? Choose one person to confess to. Ask them to pray with you as you ask God for forgiveness.
Think of someone you have a hard time getting along with and write down three things you like about them.
Find a cross, a picture of a cross, or draw a cross. Spend a few minutes thinking about how Jesus suffered for our sins. Thank Him for His sacrifice.
Pray: Help me to sacrifice for someone else this week.
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Thursday, March 19, 2020 Read Romans 12:1-2Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Devotional thought: Transformation here leads to the “renewing of the mind.” What does a renewed mind look like?
It is a transformation marked by sacrifice, the giving up of something lesser for something greater.
Here we see that that the sacrifice required is the giving up of a life serving one’s self to the life serving God. The life that serves God is characterized by holiness and a desire to live a life pleasing to God. This is life is given over to the worship of God, meaning one’s whole life is given over to God. This life of service to God also requires a turning away from the prevalent pattern of the world, so the mind is able to see things clearly from God’s point of view. The transformation is total. Pray: Lord, I seek a transformation of my entire being. Transform me in Your power.
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Friday, March 20, 2020Read Acts 17:22-31 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
Devotional thought: Paul encounters an inscription on an altar makes God known through these ideas:1. God created everything in the world/is the master of creation2. This God is personal, designated by “he”3. God doesn’t live in manmade things/needs nothing from us4. God n is the giver of life.5. God made all the nations, and is the master of history6. God did this so that people would seek after him7. God isn’t an idol, made of material8. What will you do with this knowledge?9. God will judge the world by the one raised from the deadPray: God of the universe, help me to understand who you are and to communicate who You are.
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Sabbath Saturday, March 21, 2020 How I will rest today
Read Hebrews 11:1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Devotional thought: At the end of this week, as we see that God is Lord of the universe, and seeks full obedience with every part of our being, mind, heart, soul and strength, we come back to this statement of faith. “Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Further “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3) Our worldview, as much as anything, is formed by our faith in the God who made us, and in the assurance of what we do not see. Pray: Lord, this morning I come to you in faith. Give me the eyes of faith to see you even more deeply.
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Week Four Small Group QuestionsFor Small Groups during the Week of March 16-21
1. What’s the best decision you’ve ever made? Talk a about that and the thought process that went into it. 2. Read II Corinthians 10:1-5By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 3. How does Paul engage with those who oppose him? 4. In his earlier letter to the Corinthians, Paul said “we have the mind of Christ.”(I Corinthians 2:16). The word “mind” translates what has been often translated as “spirit” and means here that a Christ follower’s intellectual life is led by the Spirit of God. In II Cor 10:5 he says to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” These “thoughts” refer to the philosophical arguments of his day. The Worldview Pathway takes into account the Spirit-led Christ-follower, who makes reasoned arguments.Share instances where you have been challenged to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” 5. Share together some challenges you believe you will face in having “the mind of Christ” and in taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 6. Share and pray for each other.
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March 22, 2020The Missions Pathways Week 5Message Notes Memory scripture for the day: Psalm 67:3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. Message Notes Week 5
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Monday, March 23, 2020 Read Psalm 671 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.5 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.6 The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.7 May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Devotional thought: John Piper has said of this passage that “mission exists because worship doesn’t.” How does he come to this conclusion (look especially at verse 3). Think about this idea of mission—that you are someone who brings others to worship God. How can you, today, be a part of bringing worship to God? Pray: God of the universe all things were created by your mighty hand and I stand I awe of your power. Help me to live a life of worship and to love you so that others desire to worship you also!
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Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Read Matthew 5:14-1614 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Devotional thought: The logic of Jesus’ words here in the Sermon on the Mount is straightforward. You can’t hide a well lit town that’s elevated. You don’t light a lamp only to hide it so it’s useless. No, light is meant to enlighten others. The clear implication is that we are to let people see what we do not so that others would see how great we are, but that others would see God’s greatness. Be the light of the world today. Pray: Lord help me to bring attention to You today...just You.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Read Matthew 28:16-2016 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Devotional thought: We’ve given a further context to what has been called the Great Commission. Verses 16-17 are usually not given, but notice that there is one disciple missing (Judas), and that verse 17 states that they worshiped him, “but some doubted.” It may be that the doubters are among the eleven. It appears so, since no others are mentioned. That seems about right to me. Even the most hardy believers, those who have been around for a long time, have had moments of doubt. Yet, doubt in itself can be a precursor to belief, and doubt in believers does not deter Jesus from giving the Great Challenge, aka the Great Commission. When you approach this Commission today, remember that even the disciples, standing at the very feet of Jesus, struggled. In spite of that, Jesus is with us, even to the very end. Pray: Empower me, today, to live out the challenge of making disciples of those you have called me to.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Family Activity
Jesus didn’t have to die for us—He chose to. And if that’s all He ever did for us, we’d have so many reasons to thank Him. But that’s not all Jesus has done. Jesus continues to choose us every single day.
He loves us. He forgives us. He wants to be in a relationship with us.
On our worst day, we have so much be thankful for!
This week, spend some time in gratitude, thanking Jesus for all He’s done and continues to do.
Family Activity possibilities: Put a stack of index cards (or cut up paper) and colorful
pencils or markers on the kitchen table. All week long, write down things you are thankful for and leave the card where everyone can see it.
Think of someone who has done something nice or generous for you and write them a thank you card.
Do one kind thing for someone today—but do it in secret!
Call or text someone today and tell them how thankful you are for them and why—be specific!
Make a list of the top 10 things you are grateful for. Go outside and find a rock or stone. Using markers or
paint, decorate and draw a cross or a heart on it. Place it somewhere you will see it regularly. Every time you do, thank Jesus for his sacrifice for us.
Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done and continue to do!
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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Read I Corinthians 9:19-2319 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Devotional thought: Read this passage to yourself, and when you come to the latter part of verse 22, read that out loud, and with gusto. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
All thingsAll people
All possible meansIn order to save some.
The challenge of the Missions Pathway is the challenge of being all in, of being fully committed to the needs of others, so that there would be no obstacle to their coming to faith. Paul realized that God was all in for him, and that if anyone was undeserving of this, it was himself, for he was Saul of Tarsus, become Paul, the one who had persecuted the church. Pray: Lord, I confess I am less than all in for the salvation of others. Embolden me and empower me to be all in for the sake of others. 54
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Friday, March 27, 2020 Read Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Devotional thought: What do you think of as home? Name it here_________________What is the furthest distance you’ve been from home? Name it here__________________Some of us love to travel, some of us love to be homebodies.
In this passage, power through the Holy Spirit is coupled with all places of geography. The circle moves ever outward, from the place you call home, (Jerusalem), all the way to the end of the earth. Just know that God is with you in the Mission Pathway, no matter where you are. Pray: Lord, when I look around today, I know that you are present with me to witness. Where do you want me to go tomorrow?
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Sabbath Saturday, March 28, 2020 How I will rest today
Read Romans 10:8-178 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Devotional thought: In order for people to hear the good news, somebody has to speak it. “Faith comes from hearing the message.” Are you able to speak the message? To whom are you called to speak the message? Pray: Lord, I want to be your messenger. Help me to go and speak.
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Week Five Small Group QuestionsFor Small Groups during the Week of March 23-28, 2020
1. Share about something you lost that you still think about. 2. Read Luke 15 :1-7Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 3. What is Jesus critiquing in verse 1-2? 4. What is Jesus saying in verses 3-7? What is he not saying? 5. The two parables that follow are the lost coin, and the Prodigal son:
· Something is lost· Something is found· There’s a great celebration· There is a statement that brings meaning
15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”15:32 “...we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”How does this progression and attitude change our own, and how does it affect our actions? 6. Take a moment and pray for lost people that you know. 7. Share and pray for each other.
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March 29, 2020Week 6 Pathways: Mark the Moment SundayMessage Notes Memory scripture for the day: Luke 9:23 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Message Notes Week 6
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PATHWAYSMARK THE MOMENT
to keep This is first between you and God and also between you and
the Body of Christ whom you serve. There is a mirror image of this commitment on Page Two so
that you can keep this Page One to “Mark this Moment” and place a completed Page Two in the offering. If you wish, please let us know who you are
Check your commitment(s) COMMITMENT TO BASELINE PRACTICERS I will seek God daily in the scriptures by� � I will communicate with God regularly in prayer by � I will worship God with God’s people each week. � I will seek out a fellowship of like-minded believers by � I will look at my resources and move toward the kind of generosity God wants from me by � I will rest weekly since the sabbath was made for me. � Other COMMITMENT TO MY GROWTH PATHWAY � I will discern how it is I grow in Christ. � I will actively grow through my Relational Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Service Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Worldview Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Mission Pathway by � I will actively grow through this pathway by
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PATHWAYSMARK THE MOMENT
to offer up This is first between you and God and also between you and
the Body of Christ whom you serve. There is a mirror image of this commitment on Page Two so
that you can keep this Page One to “Mark this Moment” and place a completed Page Two in the offering. If you wish, please let us know who you are
Check your commitment(s) COMMITMENT TO BASELINE PRACTICERS I will seek God daily in the scriptures by� � I will communicate with God regularly in prayer by � I will worship God with God’s people each week. � I will seek out a fellowship of like-minded believers by � I will look at my resources and move toward the kind of generosity God wants from me by � I will rest weekly since the sabbath was made for me. � Other COMMITMENT TO MY GROWTH PATHWAY � I will discern how it is I grow in Christ. � I will actively grow through my Relational Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Service Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Worldview Pathway by � I will actively grow through my Mission Pathway by � I will actively grow through this pathway by 64
