Weekly Reading :: 03.07.10

PASSING THE BATON: GOLD MEDAL RELATIONSHIPS 5

Will You Be My Neighbor?

Reading for the Week of March 7- 13

Day 1- John 9
Day 2- John 11
Day 3- Matthew 28, Acts 1:1-14, and Luke 10:30-37
Day 4- Psalm 100 and 106
Day 5- Psalm 107 and 118
Day 6- Psalm 136
Bonus- Read Matthew 9 and Luke 10:30-37 each day

Memorize/Reflect- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Reflection- Who is one person you care about that does not have faith in Jesus and what can you do to let God’s love shine through you into their life this week?

Discussion- What are simple acts of service and gestures of love we can extend to our neighbors that will help them see the presence of Jesus?

Prayer Direction- Make a list of three to five people in your life who are not yet followers of Jesus.  Pray each day for: Their heart to grow soft, your life to reflect Jesus, and for opportunities to tell about your relationship with the Savior.

“Live It!” Challenge- Look at your weekly schedule and make sure you are spending time, on a regular basis, with people who are not yet in God’s family.

March Prayer Focus: Praying in Power.  Continue praying against Satan’s strongholds and, in the power of Jesus’ Name, ask God to break them down.  In particular, pray against addictions and fears that paralyze lives.

January-March: Continue trying new ways of fasting that will drive you to prayer and make you hunger more for God?

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore

Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Weekly Reading :: 02.28.10

PASSING THE BATON: GOLD MEDAL RELATIONSHIPS 4

How to Become a Great Friend

Reading for the Week of Feb. 28- March 6

Day 1- John 8
Day 2- John 10
Day 3- John 15
Day 4- John 3
Day 5- John 4
Day 6- John 6
Bonus- 1 Samuel 18-23 (The friendship of David and Jonathan)

Memorize/Reflect- “A friend love at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

Reflection- Who has been a close and valued friend in your life and what characteristics marked this person’s life?  How can you grow these qualities in your friendships?

Discussion- What strengthens a friendship and what breaks it down?  How can you avoid the kinds of behaviors that damage friendships?

Prayer Direction- Pray that Jesus will be your closest friend and that His presence in your life will make you a great friend to others.

“Live It!” Challenge- Get together with a close friend and tell them what their friendship means to you and how God has used them in your life!

March Prayer Focus: Praying in Power.  Take time to read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.  Identify places you believe Satan has strongholds and a foothold in your life, home, community, our nation, and the world.  Begin praying, in the power of Jesus’ Name, against these things.

January-March: You are starting the final month of our fasting focus.  What can you give up this month that would drive you to prayer and make you hunger more for God?

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore

Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Weekly Reading :: 02.21.10

PASSING THE BATON: GOLD MEDAL RELATIONSHIPS 3
Overcoming Marriage Hurdles

Reading for the Week of Feb. 21-27

Day 1- Song of Songs 7
Day 2- Song of Songs 8
Day 3- Ephesians 5:22-33 and Colossians 3
Day 4- John 1
Day 5- John 5
Day 6- John 7
Bonus- 2 Timothy

Memorize/Reflect- “…wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” (1 Timothy 3:11)

Reflection- What can I do to celebrate marriages and encourage married couples to keep Jesus in the center of their relationship?

Discussion- What specific “Marriage Landmines” do you see impacting couples around you and how can you help remove them?

Prayer Direction- Pray for couples to identify the specific lies the enemy is telling and the places he is attacking them. Ask for discernment to see the tactics of the evil one.

“Live It!” Challenge- If you know a young couple with little kids, offer to watch their kids and encourage them to take a date night. If you can afford it, pick up the tab for dinner or a movie!

February Prayer Focus: Continue with you’re A-Z Prayers.

January-March: Continue developing new ways to fast.

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore

Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Weekly Reading :: 02.14.10

PASSING THE BATON: GOLD MEDAL RELATIONSHIPS 2

Growing a Healthy Marriage

Reading for the Week of Feb. 14-20

Day 1- Song of Songs 1
Day 2- Song of Songs 2
Day 3- Song of Songs 3
Day 4- Song of Songs 4
Day 5- Song of Songs 5
Day 6- Song of Songs 6
Bonus- Read 1 Timothy and Proverbs 31

Memorize/Reflect- “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” (Ephesians 5:25)

Reflection- What makes for a good marriage and how can I cheer on those I know are seeking to build a Christ-honoring married life?

Discussion- What are some of the ways this world and Satan try to break down marriages?  What can we do to resist these attacks?

Prayer Direction- Pray for one married couple every day this week.  Ask God to help them love, serve, and bless each other.

“Live It!” Challenge- If you are married, plan an unexpected and surprising act of service for your spouse.  If you are not married, let a married couple you are praying for know you are supporting them in prayer.

February Prayer Focus: Continue with you’re A-Z Prayer.  If you have finished the alphabet, start over and dig deeper, for new attributes you might have never celebrated before.

January-March: Continue growing in your discipline of fasting.

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore

Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Weekly Reading :: 02.07.10

PASSING THE BATON: GOLD MEDAL RELATIONSHIPS 1

The Power of Generational Faith

Reading for the Week of February 7-13

Day 1- 1 Tim. 1:1-2 and 1 Kings 19 (Elijah and Elisha)
Day 2- Titus 1:1-4 and 1 Thess. 2
Day 3- Ephesians 6
Day 4- Ephesians 5:22-33 and Colossians 3
Day 5- 1 Peter 3
Day 6- Proverbs 6:20-7:27
Bonus- Days 1-3 read Genesis 1-4; Days 4-6 read James

Memorize/Reflect- “Fathers (and mothers), do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and the instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Reflection- How did my parents impact my life (for better or for worse) and what can I learn from their example?

Discussion- What is one great “Parenting Strategy” that you feel really helps kids grow healthy in life and faith?

Prayer Direction- If you are a parent, ask God to help you pass the baton of faith to your children.  If you do not have children, pray for God to help you be a spiritual parent.

“Live It!” Challenge- If God has used your father or mother to bless and encourage you in your faith, call them or write a note to thank them.  If they have passed away, take some time to thank God for what their life meant to you.

February Prayer Focus: Begin using the A-Z format of prayer as you reflect on various attributes and characteristics of God.  Linger on the A’s- Almighty, Awesome, Amazing… and then move to the B’s- Beautiful, Bountiful…and move through the alphabet.  With each attribute that comes to heart, express your thanks and praise to God!

January-March: Continue developing the discipline of fasting.  If you want to go deeper in this, consider reading John Piper’s book, Hunger for God.

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore

Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Weekly Reading :: 01.31.10

Reading for the Week of January 31 – February 6

Day 1- Acts 14 and Ephesians 4:11-16
Day 2- Acts 15 and Romans 12:3-9
Day 3- Acts 16 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Day 4- Gen. 25:19-34 & 27:1-41 (Isaac and Rebekah’s story)
Day 5- Genesis 37 (Jacob and his son Joseph)
Day 6- 2 Chronicles 34 (Josiah’s story)
Bonus- Finish reading the book of Acts

Memorize/Reflect- “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service…” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Reflection- What can I do to be more equipped and prepared for ministry at Shoreline and in our community?

Discussion- What is one area of volunteer ministry you have a passion to serve but have not yet explored? What can you do to learn more about how God might use you in this ministry?

Prayer Direction- Pray for God to empower every leader at Shoreline to effectively recruit, equip, and encourage ministry volunteers!

“Live It!” Challenge- Write a note to a Shoreline leader who has helped inspire you toward service or who has trained you to serve the Lord. Thank them for their ministry.

February Prayer Focus: Use the C.A.T.S. prayer format for one more week. Next week Pastor Kevin will introduce a new way of praying (A-Z Prayers).

January-March: Take a new step in fasting. Give up one thing this week and each time you think about it, talk with the God who satisfies all your needs and longings!

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore:

As we get ready for a new series: Passing the Baton: Gold Medal Relationships. Be sure to check out some of the featured resources at the Shoreline books store. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas, Fit to be Tied by Bill Hybels, Seismic Shifts by Kevin Harney (Chapters 10-12).

Download this months challenge below!
January Letter

Weekly Reading :: 01.24.10

Week of January 24-30

Day 1- Acts 6-7 (Stephen’s Story)
Day 2- Acts 8 (Philip’s Story)
Day 3- Acts 9 (Saul’s Story)
Day 4- Acts 10 (Cornelius’ Story)
Day 5- Acts 11-12
Day 6- Acts 13
Bonus: 1 Corinthians 12:7-26 each day

Memorize/Reflect- “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Cor. 12:26)

Reflection- Do I see the church more as a place to get what I want, a place to serve and invest, or a healthy balance of the two?

Discussion- What is one of your spiritual gifts and how are you using it to bless God and others?

Prayer Direction- Lord, unleash every person who calls Shoreline their church home to serve by using their gifts.

“Live It!” Challenge- Identify on way you have been a consumer of church services and reverse this pattern in your life.

January Prayer Focus: Continue to pray using C.A.T.S. as a guideline.

January-March: Continue trying new ways of fasting.

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore:

What you do best in the body of Christ, Bruce Bugsby
The Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero
Finding a Church You Can Love, Kevin and Sherry Harney

Download this months challenge below!
January Letter

Weekly Reading :: 01.17.10

Week of January 17-23

Day 1- 1 Samuel 17:17-50 (David’s Story)
Day 2- Judges 7:1-21 (Gideon’s Story)
Day 3- Acts 1
Day 4- Acts 2-3
Day 5- Acts 4 (Peter and John’s Story)
Day 6- Acts 5
Bonus: Days 1-3 – Esther / Days 4-6 – Eph. 4:1-16

Memorize/Reflect- “Now about spiritual gifts, I don’t want you to be ignorant.” (1 Cor. 12:1)

Reflection- What gifts and passions has God given me that will help me serve Him and others?

Discussion- Who is a person you have watched use their gifts for the Lord and how have they inspired you?

Prayer Direction- Pray that you will discover, develop, and use your unique gifts for God’s glory.

“Live It!” Challenge- Visit the Shoreline web site and the booths in the courtyard and look over the service opportunities. Pray about potential areas you might be gifted to serve.

Prayer Focus- Continue to pray using C.A.T.S. as a guideline.

Discipline- Continue to explore various kinds of fasting that will create a greater hunger for God and sense of satisfaction in Him alone!

Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore:

What you do best in the body of Christ, Bruce Bugsby
The Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero
Finding a Church You Can Love, Kevin and Sherry Harney

Download this months challenge below!
January Letter

Weekly Reading :: 01.10.10

Dear Shoreline Family,

As we enter a new year, it is a great time to think about taking steps forward in our spiritual lives.  God wants his people to grow into full maturity.  The apostle Paul puts it this way, “…so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12-13)

As we enter into 2010 we will be taking a spiritual journey of learning.  We will be doing this on three levels.

1) Study of God’s Word.  If you have a regular Bible reading program, stick with it!  If you don’t, we will introduce a weekly reading program beginning today.  It will be listed in the church program as well as placed on the Shoreline web site.  Each week we will provide six days of reading (three to follow-up the Sunday message and three to prepare you for the following week).  Along with the reading will be some reflection thoughts for the week.

Week of January 10-16

Day 1- Matthew 26:26-30 and 27:27-56
Day 2- Luke 23:26-56
Day 3- John 13:1-17 and John 19
Day 4- 1 Corinthians 12-13
Day 5- Romans 12
Day 6- Ephesians 4:1-16 and 1 Peter 4:1-11
Bonus: Read John 13:1-17 each day this week.

Memorize/Reflect- “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

Reflection- How has Jesus served me and how should this impact the way I live?

Reflection- Who has “washed my feet” and how can I say, “Thank you”?

Discussion- Tell about a person who really serves like Jesus and what do you learn from their life?

Discussion- What are some examples of serving in our world today that would be like “foot washing” in the days of Jesus and how can we serve in some of these ways?

Prayer Direction- Pray for God to grow your desire and willingness to serve others.  Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to daily opportunities to serve (people close to you and those you meet through the day).

“Live It!” Challenge- Commit to one surprising moment of service this week.  Do something that is unexpected and extravagant for someone in your life!

2) Prayer Focus.  Each month we will have a specific approach to prayer that will be introduced and engrafted into our worship services as well as other gatherings of the Shoreline congregation.  Our prayer focus for January will be the use of a simple acronym: C.A.T.S.  This is praying using the format: Confession, Adoration, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.  You can do this on your own, with another person, or as a family.  It can be out loud, silent, or written.  Have fun with it and let this simple prayer structure take you to deep places of connection with Jesus!

3) Spiritual Disciplines (Fasting). Each quarter we will learn about and practice a specific spiritual discipline.  For the first quarter of the year our focus will be fasting.  We are encouraging everyone to spend time fasting each week of January through March.  Fasting is about refraining from something so we can turn our attention, prayers, and hearts toward God.  As we refrain from other things, our hunger for God grows!  Here are some suggestions for how you can fast in the coming months:

• Skip a meal once a week and use this time for prayer.
• Refrain from eating for a full day and pray for Shoreline, your personal walk with Christ, for others to know the love of Jesus, or for some other area of focus every time you think of food.  You might find yourself praying all day! (If you have any medical concerns, check with your doctor before doing any sort of extended fast)
• Take a week and don’t watch any TV / Hulu / or Movies. Use this time for prayer and study of God’s Word.
• Give up video games for a week. Use this time for prayer and study of God’s Word.
• Turn off your cell phone for one hour a day.  Fast from phoning, texting, Email, and all other e-based forms of communication. Use this time to connect and talk with Jesus!
• Cut down on your intake of Caffeine (Coffee or Soft Drinks). Each time a craving hits you, use this as a reminder to pray.
• Go a week without any sweets and desserts.
• Facebook fast.  Go a full day with no Facebook or other forms of e-based social networking.
• Identify something you really love and do on a regular basis and take a day or week off.  Use this time to pray, listen for God, or read His Word.

Remember…fasting is not so much about what you don’t do, eat, or enjoy.  Fasting is about creating a deeper hunger for God by cutting off other things (often good things).  When we do this, we long for God more and connect with Him in deeper ways.

Download this weeks reading below!
Weekly Reading 01.10.10