Posted on February 26, 2018 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
February 25 – March 3, 2018
Run To Win: Join The Team
By Kamala Hyer
Running to win seems like a simple concept. If you are running, you are likely running to win. So why, then, do we lose sight of this concept when it comes to our faith? Sometimes the race with God feels like the gun has gone off, but we’re behind the line, waiting for our cue. Today Dan gave us a good reminder that the shot has already been fired, the race is already taking place, and it’s time for us to catch up.
I ran track in high school. Coming from a low-income family I was always more worried about if I was going to have the tools I needed to excel. Would my off-brand spikes really make that much of a difference in the long run? No, but in the moment it felt like I could never succeed unless I had the brand new Nike spikes on my feet.
That was a common thread in my race with God. “I just started following Jesus, I can’t help others come to know Him.” Or, “I can’t serve God from this pit, I have to wait until my life feels like I’m on the peak.” That is a BIG one for me. But today’s message reminded me – God uses you where you are. The shoes on your feet are always enough. Even in your mess, you are a tool for God to use. Even in your doubt, you can be used for affirmation.
Sometimes moments or struggles in our lives bring us to our knees, solely so somebody else can climb on our backs to get over their obstacle. We are all a team and a family in Jesus. Even if you’re in a current season of doubt or unbelief, you have a purpose that can serve those around you.
The race, indefinitely, isn’t about us. Our struggles matter, but they do not hold us back. The race is about helping those around us; it’s a race that will never be won alone. Who are you taking to the finish line with you, so that we can all share in the blessings together.
This week may we all feel encouraged to link arms with those around us, no matter what season we are in, so that we may arrive at the finish line together.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Are there moments where you feel inadequate to run the race with God? In those moments, what brings you affirmation? Are you running with intention and purpose in every step, or are you still waiting on your cue?
{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 or on image below to enjoy Seth Davidson’s overview of Matthew 19-20.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: I find the first part of this scripture with the kids very interesting. Jesus makes a point to care for them before he moves on to do anything else. Why do you think Jesus put the children first?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Humanly speaking it is impossible for us to be saved but with God all things are possible. That’s a concept I heard when I first started attending church and hanging around church people. It sounded like a nice little bumper sticker to me and I never thought much about it. How would you explain this in your own words to someone who has never been to church?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: At first glance it does seem unfair that the people who worked all day were paid the same as the people who only worked the last bit. What does the landlord of the vineyard tell the unhappy workers? What makes you jealous? How does this story relate to you and your jealousy?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: The story of the two blind men yelling out to Jesus is a familiar story. They shout to Jesus, people around them scold them, Jesus heals them and they begin to follow Jesus. We as a society still have rules about how to behave in public. Any action showing too much emotion that is different from the crowd and you get side eye looks from everyone around. Jesus does not seem to care about our self imposed societal rules on behavior, but instead focuses on the individual people. Why do you think Jesus focuses so much effort on individuals instead of groups as a whole?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: If you invited me over to your home and I started flipping tables and throwing lamps around I would expect for you to be upset and throw me out. It’s not everyday you see this type of thing happen and I’m sure the witnesses to Jesus turning over tables where shocked. Jesus could have gone about this in many different ways. He wasn’t the kind of person who just reacted either. Everything was done with purpose and intention. Why do you think Jesus chose to flip tables and make a scene?
{community discussion questions}
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 a Journey Community 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 on your journey.
Can you name a 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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