Your Training
There is a scene in the movie “Greyhound” where they are in the midst of battling a German submarine and one of the sailors blurts out there is a torpedo in the water. Tom Hanks, who plays the captain, calmly but forcefully says, “Your training son; bearing, range?” If we are going to navigate the treacherous waters of living today, we can’t just blurt out what’s wrong, we need to identify the target and apply a solution. That is why we will study this weekend about God as our Father.
Convictions
Jesus brings extreme clarity about the relationship between attitude or motivation and action. And in the midst of His discussion, He gives the key to true transformation for our lives, a transformation that gives both freedom and a basis for powerful convictions.
Shine
Unless you are on a no sodium diet, most of us would say a tasteless meal needs some _____? You walk into a dark room, and you turn on a _____? Flavor is needed in the first instance, and we need help to see in the second. Such is life. And such is the call of Jesus on our lives, to be _____ and _____.
I Choose
Jesus let us know that in this world we, as His followers, will face persecution. It is a given. But a key phrase that is vital for us to remember is about the why. Twice He says, “for the sake of righteousness” or “for My sake.” We can be resilient in the face of these things when our why has to do with Jesus and not ourselves or our affiliations.
How to Wear Your Crown
In dealing with others, we find it challenging to show mercy or have pure motives in our interactions or seek to disarm situations without taking sides. For those who act toward others giving them blessing they don’t deserve, are pure in motive and are seeking to help find peace with God and others, it will require patience. Let’s explore an unlikely woman in the Bible that exemplifies these beatitudes.
What Are You Hungry For?
What would you like to see happen in the world more than anything? Power against power does not work. But power under control with a clear goal in mind can make a huge change in the world. A seated Rosa Parks changed a culture. A repentant John Newton changed a country. And a hungry "you" can be used to change a community.
Attitudes Worth Catching
We work hard at NOT getting sick, not catching a virus or a bug that might knock us out of work or infect the rest of the family. Unfortunately, we don’t spend the same amount of effort in fending off attitudes. Attitudes are contagious and they are everywhere. Some attitudes are worth catching and can greatly impact your life, some are not so great and can severely kill your joy. This week we will look at the teachings of Jesus as He explains what attitudes are non-optional for those who seek to follow Him.