June 18 – 24, 2017

{Lay It Down: Part Two}

By Meghan Hemenway

Today we learned more about the complex character of John. A man strong enough, brave enough, and authoritative enough to be confused for the messiah yet humble enough to lay it all down and point those looking for the savior away from himself and to Jesus. He was a man who knew his place in the larger story of God, was confident in his deep purpose, and drew his focus ever toward God and others.

John’s story is timely today, Father’s Day, when we look at the role John’s father, Zechariah, had in developing his son’s character. Dads can play such a large part in shaping who we become, and John’s father beautifully grasped that in Luke 1:67-79 as he blessed his infant son. He prayed for all the parts of John’s character that we see come true.

Today you may be reminded of a father figure in your life who helped tie you into the larger story. Someone who modeled faith and great love, and helped you identify your passion and purpose. And we can all be reminded of the ultimate father, Abba father, God in heaven, who looks at each of us as Zechariah looked at John. He is filled with deep love for us. He sees purpose for each of our lives and wants to be part of helping us understand it.

Next Sunday Heartland will be meeting at Kill Creek for the baptism service. When John baptized Jesus, the heavens opened, the holy spirit came down, and God, the father, said, "You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21) This is God’s message not just to Jesus, but to each of us.

Two years ago I came up from the quietness under the waters of Kill Creek to the joyful shouts and cheers of God’s family. I nervously took that step forward in obedience and surrender. I wanted to lay it all down and accept my place. Lord, may I never forget the peace and joy in that transition from the waters to being a beloved daughter with whom you are well pleased.

{sunday 6.11.17}

Read Luke 3:7-21

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Do you long to hear God say he loves you? What do you need to lay down to accept your part in God’s story? Are you being called to the waters?

If you answered yes to any of the above and are interested in being baptized this coming Sunday, June 25, CLICK HERE to sign up now. Got questions? CLICK HERE to email Britton Gregory!

Miss the Sunday teaching? CLICK HERE to watch now!

{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 reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.

CLICK HERE to check out our latest video resource from Seth Davidson, The Journey Continues. It is designed to help us unpack the bible verses we are reading this week.

{monday 6.19.17}

Read Galatians 1:13-24

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Have you had your moment with God? When you realized that he loves you no matter what, and that his grace will cover all of your "stuff"? If so, how can you share your experience as an encouragement for others who may not yet believe? If not, consider allowing yourself to experience this moment with God. Ask someone you know and trust to explain it, or reach out to anyone at Heartland if you need a wingman.

{tuesday 6.20.17}

Read Galatians 2:1-14

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul was sent to share the news about Jesus to the Gentiles (basically to everyday folks like you and me). When he met the apostles, who were sharing the same news with the Jewish people, they embraced him. Do you have a "squad", a "team" that you can build community with and practice sharing your lives and what Jesus has done in you with those who don’t know him? If not, how can you find your people, your squad? What is one thing you could do this week to move in that direction?

{wednesday 6.21.17}

Read Galatians 2:15-3:5

Observe, Reflect, Apply: Do you ever feel caught between can and should? Between want to and ought to? When we try to earn Jesus’ grace and forgiveness, we are on the should, ought to, legal side of the story. But he live, was crucified and rose from the dead so that we could simply believe in him to receive this amazing gift. How do you get "unstuck" from the law side of faith? How do you practice the giving of grace to those in your life?

{thursday 6.22.17}

Read Galatians 3:6-18

Observe, Reflect, Apply: It is our faith that sets us free, and allows us to approach God without shame, to accept Jesus’ sacrifice without guilt, and to receive the Holy Spirit as our encourager. What does this freedom, and the influence of Jesus in your life, look like in your ordinary every day? Are there things you could do differently to align your ordinary every day to the influence of Jesus?

{friday 6.23.17}

Read Galatians 3:19-29

Observe, Reflect, Apply: How cool is it that you, me, and every other human on the planet who receives God’s gift are part of the same family? How can we practice living in unity with other believers? How can we offer this gift to those who don’t know Jesus yet?

{saturday 6.24.17}

Read Galatians 4:1-16

Observe, Reflect, Apply: These passages remind us that we have inherited the gift of freedom as believers in Jesus. How, then, do we so often wind up living trapped, depressed, and owned by things that Jesus died to free us from? If you are feeling weighed down by anything, find a friend to share that with. Pray for God’s influence in your life as you take steps toward freedom.

{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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© 2017 Heartland Community Church 12175 S. Strang Line Road, Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 341-5820.

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