SYNC- Connecting w/God by Resting

LISTEN IN: Miss the Sunday teaching conversation? Listen in HERE.

TRY IT: Nurture your health, relationships and soul by building the habit of rest into your life.

1. Create your own definition of what is “restful”. What would a perfect day of rest look like for you? What activities refresh and relax you? What enables you to connect with the people you love?
2. Reflect on your current patterns of busyness and rest. Sit down with your calendar. When & how often do you rest? Is it happening enough? What is the reading on your “energy gauge” right now?
3. Schedule times of rest. Block out times of rest on your calendar for the next month- aiming for at least 1 full day (even if it comes in pieces) every week. Treat these times as sacred.
4. Rest daily. Make it a goal to get 8 hours of sleep each night this week and do whatever it takes to make that happen: turn off the TV, cut off the caffeine earlier, exercise, etc.
5. Practice a “Sabbath” day this month. No work, to do lists or difficult conversations allowed. Start the night before with a good dinner. Go to bed asking God to give you rest. Spend the next day doing things that allow you to be refreshed and nourish your relationship with God and connections with others- even if it means not doing much at all.
6. Identify something in your life that takes a lot of time and energy and rest from it. Ex: No time on the computer at home.

LEARN MORE:

• “The Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan
• “Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest” by Wayne Muller

SYNC- Connecting w/God by Reflecting

LISTEN IN: Miss the Sunday teaching conversation? Listen in HERE.

TRY IT: Deepen your connection with God by stopping to dwell on who He is, what He’s said and how He’s moving in your life.

1. Reflect on God’s creation. Get out in nature this week. Take a walk through a park and notice the fall leaves, the cool air, the sound of the birds, etc. What does the art tell you about the Artist? Pay attention to the goodness you see in your everyday life- the kindness of a stranger, the bond between a parent and child, the taste of good food. What do these things teach you about their Maker?

2. Dwell on one word, verse or story in scripture. As you read the Bible, pay attention to something that speaks strongly to you- or that you don’t really understand. Instead of moving on to other passages, think, read and talk to God about this one.

3. Start keeping a journal. Record your questions, thoughts, prayers, experiences and learnings.

4. Review each day or week with God. Carve out some time to reflect on these questions to help you better understand and celebrate your journey with God:

· What am I most grateful for in the past day/week? What am I least grateful for?

· When did I feel most connected to God in the past day/week? When did I feel least connected?

5. Find a simple physical object that will prompt you to think about God throughout your day. Any time you see or touch it, let your thoughts go towards God and remember that He is thinking of you more times than you can count today.

Sync - Connection With God Through Scripture

HEAR IT: If you missed Sunday’s teaching conversation, you can listen to it HERE.

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119: 10-16, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 3:15, John 16:33, James 1:22-25.

Make a point to engage God through the Scriptures each day this week. Below you will find some practical steps to help you with that process.

READ IT: Read through Psalm 119 and write down all the different ways the Psalmist speaks about connecting with God through Scripture. What ways seem appealing to you? What ways seem difficult?

THINK ABOUT IT: (1) How do you typically approach Scripture? (2) Do you find connecting with God through Scripture easy or difficult? Why?

TRY IT: Select one verse from the Bible that God has used to speak into your life. Once you have selected your verse, use it as you practice the following disciplines this week:

• Memorize it: Rehearse the verse repeatedly until you have committed it to memory.

• Meditate on it: With an open mind, concentrate on the verse, look over each word, and allow God to reveal His Truth to you.

• Study it: Dig beneath the surface and answer these three simple questions to help give a bigger picture of the passage: (1) Who is the author? (2) Who is the author writing to? (3) For what purpose is the author writing?

• Obey it: Take some time to consider how this verse applies to your life and then obey it by putting it into practice.

SYNC- Connecting w/God by Praying

LISTEN IN: Miss the Sunday teaching conversation? Listen in HERE.

SCRIPTURES: Revelation 8:3-4, 5:8; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 23:46, 1:38: John 20:22, 12:; 1 Samuel 3:8-9; Philippians 3:10; Psalms 119:164; Acts 3:1

TRY IT: Expand your prayer life this week by trying one or more of the prayer forms below:

1. Return to the fundamentals by praying the model prayer that Jesus taught us- a.k.a. “the Lord’s Prayer”. You can pray this as a stand-alone prayer, use it to begin or end your conversational prayer times, or use each phrase as an outline to pray from.

“Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

2. Practice the presence of God by finding a breath prayer to pray whenever you think of it throughout the day. Use a scripture (ex. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection”), a prayer that has been meaningful to other believers throughout history (ex. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”), or write your own prayer based on your needs or what God is teaching you right now (ex: “Fill me with Your peace Lord”).

3. Take a stab at Fixed Hour Prayer using “The Divine Hours” (http://www.annarborvineyard.org/tdh/tdh.cfm). See the back of this sheet for an example. Try praying all of the hours for a single day, or praying two of the hours each day for a few days.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?:

· Fixed Hour Prayer: http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/

· Breath Prayers: http://www.christiansoulcare.com/spiritualdiscipline/spiritualdisciplinebreathprayers.htm

SYNC- Connecting w/God by Unplugging

Miss the conversation? You can listen to it HERE.

SCRIPTURES: Psalms 65:1, 131; Revelation 8:1; Ecclesiastes 5:1-3; Habakkuk 2:20; Deuteronomy 27:9; 1 Kings 19:8-13

TRY IT: Practice the habit of unplugging this week with one or more of the following actions:

1. Identify the ways you are adding noise (and words) to your life each day (ex. Having music on all the time, hopping online when you have a free minute, etc). Whenever you find yourself doing this, stop and unplug.

2. Turn off the radio and the phone when you are in the car by yourself this week. Relax your mind and try not to think of all the things you need to do or deal with. Remember that God is present in the car with you and just enjoy a drive together.

3. Each time you pray this week, begin with one minute of silence. Use it to clear your mind and sit in the presence of our Holy and Almighty God. Remember that the conversation you are about to have is about more than the words you have to offer.

4. Set aside a time (ex. 5 or 10 mins) to spend with God in silence. If/when your mind begins to wander, acknowledge it, let it go and refocus on God with the phrase, “Here I am, Lord”.

5. Choose a day this week to fast from all extra noise and input. Turn off the tv, put down the magazine, put away the ipod, close the laptop, etc.

6. After your attempts to unplug from noise, spend some time processing (with a friend, in a journal, etc.). What was your experience with silence like? Did it teach you anything about yourself? About your relationship with God? How could you make unplugging a regular part of your life?

WANT TO LEARN MORE?: Check out “Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence” by Ruth Haley Barton.

SYNC- Connecting w/God by Confessing

Miss the conversation? You can listen to it HERE.

TRY IT: Practice the habit of confessing this week with one or more of the following actions:

1. Recite one of the following “confessions” 1 or 2 times each day:

§ John 1:1-5

§ Colossians 1:15-18

§ 1 Timothy 3:16

§ The Apostles’ Creed

§ OR do some research about the names and titles of Jesus and write your own confession.

2. Start your day by watching the “That’s My King” video. Watch and listen for words and phrases that highlight the elements of Jesus’ identity you need most in your life right now.

3. If you haven’t been baptized before and are ready to declare yourself a Jesus follower- make this confession at our Baptism Day next Sunday (9/27) after the worship gathering. Contact Fred Turner (919.233.1115 or fred.turner@connectionschurch.ws) with questions and/or to get details.

4. Make a commitment to un-filter your speech this week. Continue to be kind, gentle and thoughtful of others- but be more honest and open when discussing spiritual matters. For example:

· Tell people you are praying for them if that’s what you are doing.

· Say church if you mean church

· Use the name Jesus when appropriate

Invest Yourself In Your Mission

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 15: 1-2, 4-6,14-16, 26-27; Matthew 5:13-16, 28:16-20; Luke 4:16-22;

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: What comes to mind when you think of “Missions” in churches? How do you think this matches Jesus’ ideas/desires?

Q: Why do you think Jesus talks about cutting off vines that produce no fruit or throwing out salt that doesn’t affect anything? Is Jesus trying to create a culture where we are constantly worrying if we are producing enough fruit? Trying to reinforce mission as a part of the identity of each of His followers? Something else?

Q: Go back through John 15 (see verses above) and Matthew 28:16-20 and note everything that Jesus says to assure us that the full weight of the mission doesn't rest on us. Looking at your completed list- what part(s) does God leave for us to play?

Q: How would you describe Jesus’ mission? How does the Luke 4 passage above mesh with the ways you’ve heard Jesus’ purposes described before?

Q: What are you doing to invest yourself in your church community’s part of Jesus’ mission?

Q: How would you describe your personal slice of Jesus’ mission? What gifts, abilities and passions has God given? Who does He send you to on a daily basis? How might your mission help our church flesh out our mission together?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
New teaching series stars: “SYNC”

Invest Yourself In A Spiritual Community

If you want to listen to the teaching, check our PODCAST PAGE.

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 15:12-14, 17

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: What levels of connectedness do I already have in my life?

Big Group- Being a part of a church community.

Mid-Sized Group- Hanging out with 15-50 people, often defined by a common interest, life-stage, task, etc.

Small Group- Sending time with 6-12 people learn often with the purpose of learning, serving or having fun together.

Inner Circle- Having a few friends that you regularly share life with outside of structured events.

Spiritual Friendship- Having another person or two who you are transparent with so that you can support and encourage each other in your lives with God.

Q: What’s my next step into community?

Q: Of the three actions we talked about on Sunday (being proactive, persistent & patient), which is most natural for me? Which is hardest? Which seems most timely right now?

FOR NEXT WEEK:

“Invest Yourself In Your Mission”

Invest Yourself In Your Relationship With God

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Colossians 1:20-22, Matthew 13:44-46, John 15:1-11

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: What’s the largest amount of money you would accept from someone if they were paying you in pennies?

Q: Do you really want the things you say you want in life? Does it show in the way you invest your energy, time, etc.?

Q: What do you think/feel about the idea that what God really wanted was us? Think or talk about all that He invested to be able to bring us back to Himself.

Q: Do you relate to Jesus’ imagery of a Vineyard? Do you have any experience with growing a garden or something similar? If this imagery doesn’t hit home for you, what picture would you paint to describe the relationship Jesus offers us?

Q: Of the three ways Jesus mentions in John 15 that we can invest in our relationship with God (submission, obedience & dependence) which is the hardest for you? The easiest? Which seems like it could be most timely for you?

Q: Do you usually associate “obedience” with “love” and “joy”? If you did, how might it change your relationship with God?

TRY IT: Invest in your relationship with God by attempting one or more of the following this week:

· Stay focused on Jesus by praying a simple prayer whenever you think of it throughout the day. Write a sentence that captures something you want to say to God, or use this one:

“God, help me to stay connected to you today.”

· Think about and write down your thoughts to the following questions:

1. How has God been shaping me lately? What is there in my life he’d like to prune away?

2. Jesus says that I live in His love by obeying Him. Is there something that God has been calling me to do in obedience that I’ve been ignoring for a while?

3. As the Vine, Jesus says that He’s the source of life for us (the branches). Where do I need His strength in my life right now?

· Take a “prayer walk” by yourself and use the time to talk with and listen to God.

· Read Luke 8:40-56. What do you learn from the way these folks pursued Jesus? From the way Jesus responded to them?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
“Invest Yourself In A Spiritual Family

The Missing Ingredient Week 3

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7, 31, 13:4-7, 8-13; 1 John 3:1-2, 11, 14, 16, 4:7-8; Ephesians 3:14-19.

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: How do you decide which new recipes you’ll cook at home? Do the number of steps or ingredients play a role in your decisions?

Q: Look back at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Does this recipe for love seem simple or complex? Easy or demanding? Do you think this might have something to do with love (as described here) being a missing ingredient in the lives of some of Jesus’ followers and churches?

Q: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 compares love with knowledge, understanding and spiritual gifts. How does love fare when held up to these things? Why do you think that is?

Q: The followers of Jesus in Corinth who first received this letter were very excited about having the “best” spiritual gifts (see 1^st Corinthians 12) and needed to be reminded that love was more universal, important, effective and long lasting. What kinds of things do followers of Jesus get obsessed with today instead of love? (Ex. Having the best worship music.)

Q: We often think of knowledge and revelation as key components of understanding and knowing God. 1 Corinthians 13 suggests that our knowledge and insights are temporary and incomplete and that love helps us understand God in a deeper and longer lasting way. How can that be? What insights do 1 John 4:7-8 and Ephesians 3:14-19 give you about this?

TRY IT:

Pray through Ephesians 3:14-21 several times this week.

NEXT WEEK:

New Teaching Series Starts!

Drifting: Part Two

DRIFTING
Part Two: Getting the Right Directions
Teacher: Shawn Cooper
8/9/09

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: 1 Kings 2:1-4, Matthew 6:32-33

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: If you had one last chance to share with someone important to you, what would you want to tell them? Do you think the focus of that conversation would reflect what you wish had spent more time focusing on in life? Why?

Q: Have you ever felt like your life was more focused on God's rules than God Himself? What do you think happens we we get so focused on rules that we lose focus on God?

Q: Why do you think David tells Solomon to "observe what the Lord your God requires" before he tells him to obey Him? What does it mean to observe?

Q: Do you find yourself struggling to trust God? Why do you think this is?

Q: Do ever feel like your struggle to trust God leads to disobedience? General example: You know you should give financially as an act of worship, but you fear that if you give, God won't provide the money you need to pay your bills.

Q: How does it make you feel to know that God blesses your life when you live by His design? How has God proved this in your life already?

Q: Read Matthew 6:32-34. How do you think your life would be different if you made a point to seek Him first, before making decisions or forming plans?

Q: What is it in your life that your "running after" instead of seeking God first?

TRY IT:

1. Each day this week, before the you get started, take a few minutes to ask God to keep you mindful of Matthew 6:32-34 throughout the day.
2. Before your schedule fills up this week, create a plan and secure some time each day to spend with God. Commit to this time as the most important "appointment" of your day.

Drifting: Part One

DRIFTING: PART ONE
The Problem With Auto-Pilot
8/2/09

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: 1 Kings 3:5-28 &11:4, Ecclesiastes 1:2, James 1:14-15

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: When you pray, what do you typically ask God for?

Q: If you were Solomon, and God offered to give you anything you wanted, what would you asked for? How might your response to God be different than Solomon’s?

Q: Solomon’s life started out so well, but somewhere along his journey, it took a dramatic turn to a tragic finish. In your own words, how is it possible that Solomon started off so well in life only to end in such dark and painful place, far from God?

Q: Do you ever feel like Solomon’s story reminds you of your own life? If so, why do you think that is?

TRY IT:
Take a few minutes to watch Casting Crowns’ music video, Slow Fade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-8SYA6rfbs

Q: Why do you think this song speaks to so many people today? How do you think the message of this song relates to Solomon’s life? How about yours?

TRY IT:
Go back and read James 1:14-15 again.

Q: Why do you think James warns us so boldly about sin and its consequence? Think about God’s desire to protect us.

Q: James uses some strong imagery – that, like a fish, we are all tempted to bite the “hooks” in our lives. What “hooks” are in your life? What are most tempted to bite?

Q: Do you feel like your life is on autopilot today? Do you feel like you’ve been drifting in your life (relationship with God, marriage, finances, parenting, etc.)?

Q: How does it feel to know you can never separate yourself from the love of God – that no matter what you’ve done, or how far you’ve drifted, God is able (and desires) to restore your life and set you back on the right path?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read Matthew 6:33 and Colossians 3:1-4

The Missing ingredient Week 2

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-26; John 13:34-45; 1 John 4:7-12

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: How would you define the word love? Is it a feeling? Action? Choice? Experience? Something Else?

Q: How do you know if someone loves you? You love someone else?

Q: Compare your answers to the last couple of questions to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How are your ideas similar to the love God describes here? How are they different?

Q: How often do you think about the connection between your love for God and your love for other people? Based on what you see in the scriptures above, how would you describe God’s view of the link between the two?

Q: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and substitute your name for the word love. (Ex. Bob is patient, Bob is kind….) How accurately does this passage describe you right now? Which elements of love feel like a fit? Which don’t?

Q: If becoming more loving is a combination of God’s Spirit working in us and our cooperation with Him (see Galatians 5), which do you need more of right now: God’s power or your effort?

Q: Do you ever notice yourself choosing between following God’s Spirit or your own corrupt nature? How do you pay attention to your spiritual nature and let God lead you on a day-to-day basis?

TRY IT:

1. Identify one aspect of love that you need help with. Ask God to make you more loving this week. Pay attention to the opportunities you’re given to act that way.

2. Memorize 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

The Missing ingredient Week 1

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Matthew 10:38-39, 17:20, 19:21, 22:34-40; Isaiah 29:13; Malachi 1:6-10; 1 John 4:7-12

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Have you ever left something out of a recipe, either by accident or on purpose? How did it turn out? Could you tell?

Q: Agree or Disagree: “Many people feel like something is missing when it comes to their relationship with God.”

Q: What “ingredients” to a life of faith do you think are missing in churches/believers today?

Q: What do you think of the actions of faith that are described in 1 Cor 13:1-3? How would your “recipe” for faith stack up against it?

Q: After describing some very impressive acts of faith, the Bible says that they are “nothing” if they aren’t done with love. Would we choose the same word? If not, what would we substitute for it?

Q: God’s struggle to have our hearts (and not just our actions) isn’t anything new. Take a look at Malachi 1:6-13. How does God react when we try to go through the motions without really loving Him?

Q: Read 1 John 4:7-12. According to this passage, why is love so essential to having a relationship with God?

TRY IT:

1. Jot down your own “recipe of faith”, listing the actions you take to live out your faith and sustain your relationship with God (ex. Praying, reading the Bible, etc.). Where/how does love factor in? Is it an ingredient? A key ingredient?

2. Memorize 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The "F" Word: The Free, The Strong & The Brave

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 20:19-26; Acts 1:3-9, 2:1-8, chapters 3 & 4; Ephesians 1:17-20; John 8:30-36; 2 Timothy 1:7-8; 2 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 10:24-25

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: Do you think of yourself as a brave person? What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Q: Agree or Disagree: “As people of faith, we come from a long line of cowards.”

Q: Do the guys in Acts 3 and 4 sound like the same people who were hiding in fear in John 20? What made the difference in them?

Q: The Bible says that those who follow Jesus are FREE- from sin, trying to please God by keeping the rules, etc. Do you feel free? If so, how do you make sure that your freedom in Jesus honors him instead of turning into permission to sin? If you don’t feel free, what could you do to live into what God says is true about you?

Q: If God doesn’t give us a cowardly or timid spirit, where do those things come from? What can we do about that?

Q: After being threatened, Jesus’ friends go find other disciples to pray with. Together they are filled with power (see the end of Acts 4). Who is there in your life that encourages you and helps you stay bold about your faith? Who do you do the same for?

The "F" Word: We're Afraid of GOD

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

Isaiah 6:1-8; Exodus 33; 1 John 4:9-10, 17-21; 1 Peter 1:17-21

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Q: Can you think of an example of something you thought was cool from a distance, but scary up close?

Q: Have you ever had an experience that left you awestruck by God’s presence, holiness or glory? What happened?

Q: What do you think lies behind Moses’ request to see more of God’s glory? Should we be praying for the same thing?

Q: Comparing our sins to others often leaves us feeling ok to with ourselves. What happens when Isaiah sees His sin in the light of God’s glory and holiness? Do you think we need the same experience sometimes? If so, how could we get a taste of this?

Q: God’s grace moved Isaiah and us away from the fear of judgment and punishment and towards something else. How would you describe the kind of fear Christians are supposed to have? (See 1 Peter 1:13-21 for some help.)

Q: Do you agree that many followers of Jesus get too comfortable and casual with Jesus and His grace? If so, how can we strike a balance between intimate love and reverent respect in our daily lives with God?

FOR NEXT WEEK:

“The Free & The Brave”