{March 5, 2017}

Posted on March 5, 2017 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey

March 5-11, 2017

{Sherpa: Part 1}

By Bill McMurtrey

Brooke spoke about Mt. Everest as a metaphor for the mountains that we climb in our lives. As she so eloquently put it, "The reality is WE’RE ALL CLIMBING SOMETHING….in this thing called LIFE." She went on to say that she didn’t know about us, but she has desperately needed sherpa’s in her life….I believe that we all do.

Sherpa’s come as those that help guide us through the hard times of life, not just there for when things are good and it’s all smooth sailing.

A little over a decade ago I left a career that I was very well grounded in. I could almost write my own ticket. I was very established and didn’t have a solid backup plan for my exit. It was hard making the decision to leave, but I heard and saw God calling me to do other things. On faith, I left.

Around the same time, my best buddy from the age of 5 died. Then my mother passed. It was a hard time in my life. The pain was real, it was deep and it was haunting. At this same time I began to get more involved at Heartland by joining a Friday morning men’s journey group.

A buddy of mine named Rob was the leader. Though I had been on and off with the group in the past he encouraged and challenged me to be more involved. He became my sherpa during that time. He would check on me during the week and call me if I missed a group to make sure that I was okay.

What Rob also did was guide me toward a better path. One that would make it easier and clearer when climbing my next Mt. Everest. He did this by sharing life, and sharing God’s words with me, through both good and bad times.

Because of Rob, my life is different today. For the better. The peace in my heart and the success I enjoy now is something that I could only dream of 12 years ago. I now realize that it was born out of faith and that what I am doing now is what God has called me to do. It wasn’t easy getting here, and I couldn’t have done it alone. I needed a guide to show me the way. I needed a sherpa.

{sunday 3.5.17}

Read Job 2:11

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Job had lived a good life to this point. This painful illness had to be a challenge, emotionally and spiritually. His friends heard of his situation and traveled to be with him. Who are your friends that are there for you in both the good and hard times? Who can you connect with that might need someone like you to help encourage them in good or hard times? To be their sherpa?

{personal reflection and bible reading plan}

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

{monday 3.6.17}

Read Acts 28:17-31

Observe, Reflect, Apply: We end Acts with Paul in prison. He goes on to teach about Jesus while being imprisoned for the next two years. If you were falsely imprisoned, how would you react? What would you say to those who came to visit you?

{tuesday 3.7.17}

Read Romans 1:1-12

Observe, Reflect, Apply: We learn alot about Paul and his identity and actions as a follower of Jesus here. Paul was praying for the Romans, day and night. Who are you praying for and how often are you praying for them? He was yearning to join them and share his faith personally, and also be encouraged by them. How can you encourage others in their pursuit of Jesus–whether they are still exploring who he is, or are trying to follow him?

{wednesday 3.8.17}

Read Romans 1:13-25

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul says he is unashamed of Jesus . . . do you ever find yourself feeling ashamed about the story of Jesus, and how it intersects with your life? Or timid? How has that been a hurdle as you consider sharing what you have experienced of Jesus with people who may not have the same beliefs?

{thursday 3.9.17}

Read Romans 1:26-2:4

Observe, Reflect, Apply: If you follow Jesus, who do you have the right to judge, and who do you not? How does that impact how you think about and interact with people who haven’t decided to follow Jesus? If God is kind, grace-giving and patient with us, how should we respond to those around us?

{friday 3.3.17}

Read Romans 2:5-16

Observe, Reflect, Apply: The word "sin" is not a word our culture finds acceptable. Instead, we trend toward words like "mistake". Why is it hard for us to pause and accept that our wrongs are sinful, not just mistakes? The phrase "nobody is perfect" is often used in our world. Where did that come from? Who or what is the measure of perfect?

{saturday 3.4.17}

Read Romans 2:17-32

Observe, Reflect, Apply: For 20 years after Jesus’ resurrection, both the Jewish people and the Gentiles (pretty much everyone who wasn’t Jewish) struggled with how best to follow Jesus and his teachings. Jewish leaders proclaimed that everyone needed to follow the old testament laws. In the book of Acts, in a hearing with the elders and the apostles, James (Jesus’ brother) concluded, "And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God." When you came to know God, was it difficult? Were there obstacles in the way of you following Jesus? How do you pursue a relationship with Jesus today? How does the challenge to "not make it difficult" impact the way you share him with others?

{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.

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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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