Posted on February 10, 2019 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
February 10 – 16, 2019
Walk This Way: Holy Spirit
By Bill McMurtrey
Have you ever asked yourself what your life could be like if things were different for you? Have you ever wanted things in your life to be different? If so, have you ever made any changes to bring about that difference? What did you do? Did you do it on your own, your way? Or, did you ask God to help you, and give it to Him in the process?
I’ve been going to Heartland for a long time–about 23 or 24 years now–but I wasn’t always involved. That started for me around 12 years ago. Mine was a long slow process, from sitting and listening to Sunday services to growing in understanding of my faith to the involvement I enjoy and love today. I attended Sunday services for several years before beginning weekly classes on Wednesday nights (wish I had started them sooner). Then I started attending a weekly men’s group and the events that would come along with that community.
At the same time I also had my non-church friends that I’d been hanging with for a few years. Over time I would invite some of those guys to come to Heartland with me for a men’s bible study. But one night during a conversation with a large group of my non-church friends something happened. As I was sharing with a group of men and women, I was asked if I knew someone at Heartland. I knew who the lady was but I didn’t know her personally and shared that. A few of the folks began mocking and making fun of that woman. I stopped speaking. I wasn’t scared, but I remembered that in Matthew 7:6 Jesus tells us, "Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you." Now, these folks were friends, but I was taking note of a deeper truth.
At that moment I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, in my heart, my mind and my soul, I knew. It was time to make a change. To begin to live a fuller, richer life without anxiety or fears. That was the Holy Spirit talking to me, and even bringing Jesus’ teacing to mind.
I separated myself from those "friends" and made a beeline straight to the church. Back in those days we used to have a thing called New Community on Tuesday night. I was truly blessed that night…because it was a Tuesday. I left a group of what was then friends to embed myself directly into the church. It was what God wanted for me. He gave me the sign. The Holy Spirit spoke to me, and my heart remained calm. I was anxious for nothing. And I have not looked back one day since.
Remember the Don McClean song, American Pie, where it says, "…the three men I admire the most, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost?" How can you not love that trio? God rules all, Jesus takes us to him, and the Holy Spirit embodies us when we allow God into our hearts. I once heard a very wise man say, "The Holy Spirit needs a body." It is a proverbial saying, to allow us to be used for the Holy Spirit, for God’s will, for the good of man. How will you let him in?
‘I don’t want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn’t be doing this by my own power.’
Observe, Reflect, Apply: How do you allow the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you throughout your day? How do you take note of the Spirit’s presence or nudge in your life? Let’s take this week to become more aware of when we are being guided, and what we are being asked to take note of. We can’t wait to hear what you learn!
NEW RESOURCE: Our own Seth Davidson has begun a Journey Vlog that you can subscribe to. Each week he offers an 8-10 minute overview about the scripture reading for the day. Simply follow along, listening to the corresponding date. CLICK HERE to check it out. Be sure to click "subscribe" on the page to follow him on YouTube!
{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.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul knew what he was facing and it wasn’t going to be good. He could have walked away, but like many people following Jesus he faced his own death with bravery. In our current world many followers of Jesus in other parts of the world know what this is like but here in JOCO it’s not our reality. Even though we aren’t facing execution, we still need to follow Jesus with the same faith and bravery. Where in your life is it the most difficult to follow Jesus? Share this with a trusted group or friend.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul brings in some Greeks (outsiders to the Jewish faith) and the culture he was raised in turns against him. I know the friends I had grown up with were shocked when I came to faith. There was some resistance from them as well. I wasn’t facing death, but I either had to walk away from following Jesus to make everything normal again or keep following Jesus and risk losing friends. Have you ever felt challenged by friends or family because of your faith? Share your story with a trusted group or friend.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: As things start to heat up and the situation is turning for the worse, Paul declares who he is and shares with the crowd that he is a Jew so they will listen to him. Paul meets them where they are at and relates by sharing what he has in common. Even though we follow Jesus and others don’t doesn’t mean we can’t relate to each other and share common experiences with people who don’t follow Jesus. How do you relate to other people even if your faith is different?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul shares his story. He is honest and shares exactly what happened to him so others could identify with his experience and story. Have you ever shared your story? How do you feel about sharing your story? Are you ok and comfortable with this?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Paul didn’t share his story to save his life, but because it’s what happened and what needed to be said. The crowd wasn’t moved by Paul’s story either. What we are asked to do by God doesn’t always have a happy and fun ending. Have you ever followed God and the situation didn’t turn out good for you? Share your story with a trusted group or friend.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: This part of Paul’s story ends with Jesus coming to him saying he’s done a good job sharing his story but that he will need to do it again in Rome. The work continues for Paul and things aren’t going to get easier. Perseverance is what comes to my mind when I read this story. What word comes to your mind? Describe to a trusted group or friend why you chose this word.
{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}
NEW RESOURCE:CLICK HERE to follow our own Seth Davidson on YouTube. He has begun a Journey Vlog that you can subscribe to. Each day he offers an 8-10 minute overview about the scripture reading for the day. Be sure to click "subscribe" on the page to follow this YouTube channel!
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources).
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
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.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
