The Strong Challenge Day 15

Study Challenge #5 - Read A Whole Book

Open your Bible and read a whole book of it in one setting. We are to jot down anything that stands out...

Hey Jude! Okay, I know I did not pick the longest of books, but here are some of my thoughts after reading Jude.

• Sometimes what you plan is not what God intends (vs. 3)
• It's amazing that after thousands of years that somethings never change (vs. 4)
• We must be wise, and careful because the devil is trying everything to detour our mission and purpose
• As a pastor, I must reach as many people as possible, but also protect those whom God has entrusted to me
• Churches should not be in competition with each other but united in snatching people from the flames, encouraging one another, and bringing glory to God.

The Strong Challenge Day 14

Study Challenge #4 - Enjoy A Story

Today we are encouraged to read the entire Book of Ruth and jot down anything that stands out...

• I cannot imagine what Naomi was going through losing her spouse and then her boys
• Even in the midst of her own pain and suffering, Naomi seemed to be looking out for others (vs.9)
• Sometimes when you are dead set on something, no one can talk you out of it (vs. 18)
• I think I may name my next son, Boaz (2:1)
• When remaining obedient to the principles and calling God has told you to do, He will take care of you

The Strong Challenge Day 13

Study Challenge #3 - Memorize

Let me start out by saying....UGH!!! I hate memorizing. Although, I've been pretty good over the years at memorizing Scripture (partly thanks to going to a church camp growing up that challenged us with Bible quizzing). I must confess, I haven't memorized much as of lately. So, today's challenge is more than fitting.

Here are the four passages we are encouraged to choose from:

Psalm 1:1-2

Psalm 119:41

Matthew 11:28-30

Ephesians 4:1-2

Which one will you memorize...I'm choosing Psalm 119:41 as a reminder of the blessing and the assurance I have in Christ.

The Strong Challenge Day 12

Study Challenge #2 - Read Someone's Mail

I know, scandalous right...but today we are to read Ephesians 4:1-16 and then write down anything that stands out in this 2000 year old letter to the early Church at Ephesus...

• Our calling issues a responsibility (vs. 1)
• I've got some things to work on (humility & patience for sure) (vs. 2)
• One of my jobs as a pastor is to help people discover who they are in Christ and train them to do ministry (vs. 11-12)
• I love that I'm created for community. I love that I don't have to do life alone. And I love that my walk with Jesus isn't simply between me and Him, but others are able to pour into my life and my relationship (vs.13-16)

The Strong Challenge Day 11

Study Challenge #1 - Hear From A Prophet

Today I am to read from Isaiah 40:1-5 then reflect on what I think the passage meant to God's people when it was written, and the meaning for me today...

I think that God's people may have gotten a sense of relief and comfort by knowing that their time for comfort has finally come. There is a promise by God that seems to proclaim a joyous event. Not only would it be a comfort, but also a humbling experience.

For me personally, I to am humbled. Particularly by verse 5, in that I eagerly anticipate the glory of the Lord to appear and all of humanity will experience it. This is part of my hope in that Generation Church not only points people to this glory but is a factor to which His glory is revealed by the things we do, how we reach out to people, how we serve, how we worship, and how we connect with others.

I don't want to sit on the sidelines as the highway through the desert is being built, I want to help build it and move people to God.

Now is the time, and we are the people...