{February 19, 2017}

Posted on February 19, 2017 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey

February 19-25, 2017

{Our Nation Is. . . Too Important To Stay The Same}

By Bill McMurtrey

During times of uncertainty people can act in a manner that is not only detrimental to their best interest, but in a way that is not glorifying to God or themselves. During times of uncertainty, emotions, anxieties and fears run high.

Dan gave the illustration of "Loving our Enemies". . . this is not easy. I don’t know if I can say that "I Love my enemies" . . . but I have prayed for them. I recently went through a situation that was completely out of my control. Nothing I could do but continue to walk the path God gave me and pray. It was difficult. Extremely difficult. I had to dig down deep, peel back some layers of me and pray. Not for my own personal desire but that God’s will would be done.

In doing so I had to pray for my enemy, my "adversary" if you will. For he, like all of us, was created in God’s image. We can’t always control or change outcomes or situations. And we can’t expect people’s thoughts or political leanings to be like ours. No matter how hard we try, or how bad we want something that we think is righteous and good. No matter how "broken" we may feel from the situation we can invite God into it.

I really liked how Dan said that "America is not a Kingdom. It isn’t. The Kingdom Jesus spoke about is God’s home. If we as a nation or as individuals are to heal or change, we should seek God in all we do . . . because God made us all too great, for things to stay the same.

Missed Sunday? CLICK HERE to watch the video service.

{sunday 2.19.17}

CLICK HERE to download the Kingdom Scripture List and Resources (referenced by Dan in the teaching.)

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Follow the link above to Dan’s Kingdom Scripture List and Resources mentioned in the teaching. Take some time and choose a verse that resonates with you this week. Maybe put it on your dashboard, computer, mirror. Pray for a deeper understanding of what God is asking you to do in his words. We are praying with you this week!

{personal reflection and reading plan: from the book of Acts}

As you read Acts, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the study questions below. Grab a friend or two and meet up to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.

{monday 2.20.17}

Read Acts 23:25-24:3

Observe, Reflect, Apply: As you reflect on what happened in our readings last week (Claudius gives a good summary in his letter as well) what do you observe about Paul’s situation, and the people and resources coming together to address it? What do you think Paul is thinking as he is brought before the Governor?

{tuesday 2.21.17}

Read Acts 24:4-16

Observe, Reflect, Apply: In this scene, Paul hears his charges again and has opportunity to speak. He addresses the false charges, but also boldly declares his faith in following Jesus (The Way). What do you think of Paul’s courage, and his statement of belief? If you had opportunity to share your own statement of faith, what would you say?

{wednesday 2.22.17}

Read Acts 24:17-27

Observe, Reflect, Apply: What do you observe in these verses? If you were a friend of Paul’s visiting him while in prison, what would you do/say?

{thursday 2.23.17}

Read Acts 25:1-15

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Do you think Paul became frustrated by this point? When you are accused of something you didn’t do, how do you respond? In this setting, the Jewish leaders want Paul killed, but the Roman government is applying their legal process to the situation. How did they get to this juncture, a 2+ year standoff?

{friday 2.24.17}

Read Acts 25:16-26:1

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Our list of involved characters grows longer! And Paul gets another appeal. What are your observations about the justice system in Roman times? What is one thing you can take from these passages as a personal lesson today?

{saturday 2.25.17}

Read Acts 26:2-14

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Here we get an even deeper version of Pauls life and his turning toward Jesus in faith. Do you have anyone in your life who is adamantly opposed to the story of Jesus? Perhaps you are still questioning it? What can we learn from Paul…someone violently opposed to Jesus, who is now proclaiming his truth boldly and spending time in prison because of his faith?

{group discussion ideas}

We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as an Heartland group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters for The Journey.

Can you name an ‘takeaway’ or challenge from the Sunday message?
How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?

{extra journey resources}

CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.

The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.

Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.

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