God Encounters 2: The Apostle Paul’s Story
Paul the Terminator
Reading for the week of July 4 – 10
Day 1- Acts 6-7
Day 2- Acts 8-9
Day 3- Acts 13-15
Day 4- Acts 16-18
Day 5- Acts 19-21
Day 6- Acts 22-24
Bonus- Acts 25-28
Memorize/Reflect- “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Reflection- How have my life, attitudes, dreams, and desires changed since I became a follower of Jesus?
Discussion- Tell about how God has transformed who you are because you are in a living relationship with Jesus. What is one area you know God wants to change and grow you in the coming year?
Prayer Direction- Pray for people you know and care about who have not yet surrendered their life and heart to Jesus.
“Live It!” Challenge- Look for a natural opportunity, this week, to tell someone a story about how God has changed your life because you are a Christian.
July Prayer Focus: Continue praying the- Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow prayer. Look back, look at today, and look forward and saturate your days with prayer for God’s help and will to be unleashed in your life.
July – September: Continue the practice of Simplicity- This is the discipline of growing in contentment as you say, “Enough,” and seek to simplify your life. This week, tune in to the temptation to impulse buy. Commit to ask the question, “Do I really need this?” before buying and then take 24 hours to pray before making a decision to buy…see what happens.
Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: As you seek to encounter God in fresh new ways, consider reading, Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas or The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.
God Encounters 2: The Apostle Paul’s Story
Paul the Terminator
Reading for the week of July 4 – 10
Day 1- Acts 6-7
Day 2- Acts 8-9
Day 3- Acts 13-15
Day 4- Acts 16-18
Day 5- Acts 19-21
Day 6- Acts 22-24
Bonus- Acts 25-28
Memorize/Reflect- “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Reflection- How have my life, attitudes, dreams, and desires changed since I became a follower of Jesus?
Discussion- Tell about how God has transformed who you are because you are in a living relationship with Jesus. What is one area you know God wants to change and grow you in the coming year?
Prayer Direction- Pray for people you know and care about who have not yet surrendered their life and heart to Jesus.
“Live It!” Challenge- Look for a natural opportunity, this week, to tell someone a story about how God has changed your life because you are a Christian.
July Prayer Focus: Continue praying the- Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow prayer. Look back, look at today, and look forward and saturate your days with prayer for God’s help and will to be unleashed in your life.
July – September: Continue the practice of Simplicity- This is the discipline of growing in contentment as you say, “Enough,” and seek to simplify your life. This week, tune in to the temptation to impulse buy. Commit to ask the question, “Do I really need this?” before buying and then take 24 hours to pray before making a decision to buy…see what happens.
Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: As you seek to encounter God in fresh new ways, consider reading, Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas or The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.
God Encounters 1: Joseph’s Story
Holding God’s Hand in the Dark
Reading for the Week of June 27 – July 3
Day 1- Genesis 37 and 39
Day 2- Genesis 40-41
Day 3- Genesis 42-43
Day 4- Genesis 44-45
Day 5- Genesis 46-47
Day 6- Genesis 48-50
Bonus- Acts 16 and 2 Corinthians 11
Memorize/Reflect- “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20)
Reflection- How has God been near me and held my hand, even in the hard times of life?
Discussion- Tell about a time you went through loss, pain, or struggle that made no sense to you; but later, you began to see how God had been working in your life through this dark time.
Prayer Direction- Pray for people you love and care about who are going through a difficult time. Thank God for being with you, even in the hard times of life.
“Live It!” Challenge- Over and over we read that, “The Lord was with Joseph!” When you face tough times in the coming weeks, say to yourself, “I know the Lord is with me, even if I can’t see Him.” Then, look back later and see where God was at work.
July Prayer Focus: Try a new way of praying called- Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. You can journal, pray out loud, or lift this up silently. Simply look back at yesterday and pray through the day…what you experienced. You can confess, thank God, and learn from the past. Then, lift up today…give it to the Lord. Really think through the whole day and ask for God’s leading. Finally, offer the coming days to the Lord and ask for His leading and blessing.
July – September: Begin the practice of Simplicity- This is the discipline of growing in contentment as you say, “Enough,” and seek to simplify your life. In July we will think about economic simplicity. Consider identifying something you can do without and take what you would have spent on this and give it to someone in need.
Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: As you seek to encounter God in fresh new ways, consider reading, Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas or The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.
God Encounters 1: Joseph’s Story
Holding God’s Hand in the Dark
Reading for the Week of June 27 – July 3
Day 1- Genesis 37 and 39
Day 2- Genesis 40-41
Day 3- Genesis 42-43
Day 4- Genesis 44-45
Day 5- Genesis 46-47
Day 6- Genesis 48-50
Bonus- Acts 16 and 2 Corinthians 11
Memorize/Reflect- “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20)
Reflection- How has God been near me and held my hand, even in the hard times of life?
Discussion- Tell about a time you went through loss, pain, or struggle that made no sense to you; but later, you began to see how God had been working in your life through this dark time.
Prayer Direction- Pray for people you love and care about who are going through a difficult time. Thank God for being with you, even in the hard times of life.
“Live It!” Challenge- Over and over we read that, “The Lord was with Joseph!” When you face tough times in the coming weeks, say to yourself, “I know the Lord is with me, even if I can’t see Him.” Then, look back later and see where God was at work.
July Prayer Focus: Try a new way of praying called- Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. You can journal, pray out loud, or lift this up silently. Simply look back at yesterday and pray through the day…what you experienced. You can confess, thank God, and learn from the past. Then, lift up today…give it to the Lord. Really think through the whole day and ask for God’s leading. Finally, offer the coming days to the Lord and ask for His leading and blessing.
July – September: Begin the practice of Simplicity- This is the discipline of growing in contentment as you say, “Enough,” and seek to simplify your life. In July we will think about economic simplicity. Consider identifying something you can do without and take what you would have spent on this and give it to someone in need.
Resources online or in the Shoreline Bookstore: As you seek to encounter God in fresh new ways, consider reading, Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas or The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.
Happy Father’s Day
“Everyday is Father’s Day”
Reading for the Week of June 20 – 26
Day 1- 1 Thessalonians 4
Day 2- 1 Thessalonians 5
Day 3- Philippians 2
Day 4- Philippians 4
Day 5- Romans 5
Day 6- Romans 12
Bonus- 2 Peter 1
Memorize/Reflect- “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Reflection- Do I make giving thanks part of my daily routine?
Discussion- Am I naturally joyful or not, and if not, how can I create a joyful attitude in a difficult world during tough times?
Prayer Direction- Ask God to give you the guidance and direction you need to set up a structure of self-reminding! It’s no shame to forget and slowly drift away from prayer, joy and thankfulness. This happened back in the days of Jesus and Peter and it happens today with us. Pray for the power to make this “will for you” part of your every-day life.
“Live It!” Challenge- Set your watch, phone, computer, or some other device to go off twice a day this week. When it does: 1) Stop and evaluate how thankful you have been in the past few hours, 2) Thank God for two or three things!
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week, try a 30 minute time of silence and simply listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
Happy Father’s Day
“Everyday is Father’s Day”
Reading for the Week of June 20 – 26
Day 1- 1 Thessalonians 4
Day 2- 1 Thessalonians 5
Day 3- Philippians 2
Day 4- Philippians 4
Day 5- Romans 5
Day 6- Romans 12
Bonus- 2 Peter 1
Memorize/Reflect- “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Reflection- Do I make giving thanks part of my daily routine?
Discussion- Am I naturally joyful or not, and if not, how can I create a joyful attitude in a difficult world during tough times?
Prayer Direction- Ask God to give you the guidance and direction you need to set up a structure of self-reminding! It’s no shame to forget and slowly drift away from prayer, joy and thankfulness. This happened back in the days of Jesus and Peter and it happens today with us. Pray for the power to make this “will for you” part of your every-day life.
“Live It!” Challenge- Set your watch, phone, computer, or some other device to go off twice a day this week. When it does: 1) Stop and evaluate how thankful you have been in the past few hours, 2) Thank God for two or three things!
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week, try a 30 minute time of silence and simply listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 5 (Money, Sex and Power)
Battling the Money Monster
Reading for the Week of June 13 – 19
Day 1- Malachi 1-2; Matthew 6:23-25
Day 2- Malachi 3-4
Day 3- Proverbs 11-12
Day 4- Proverbs 13-14
Day 5- Proverbs 15-16
Day 6- Proverbs 17-18
Bonus- Proverbs 19-22
Memorize/Reflect- “A good name is more desirable that great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
Reflection- What are some of the good materials things God has given me and how can I use them for His glory?
Discussion- Why is it so easy to hold on to what we have and so hard to share? What has helped you learn to share what you have with God and with people?
Prayer Direction- Pray for a deep awareness that all you have is a gift from God. Thank Him for all He has given and ask Him to help you live with a generous heart.
“Live It!” Challenge- Try tithing for the coming month. Actually give the first ten percent of all your income to the ministry of the local church and see what happens.
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try daily ten-minute time of silence. Each day, read Psalm 23 and then be quiet and seek to meet God in His green pastures and quiet waters.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 5 (Money, Sex and Power)
Battling the Money Monster
Reading for the Week of June 13 – 19
Day 1- Malachi 1-2; Matthew 6:23-25
Day 2- Malachi 3-4
Day 3- Proverbs 11-12
Day 4- Proverbs 13-14
Day 5- Proverbs 15-16
Day 6- Proverbs 17-18
Bonus- Proverbs 19-22
Memorize/Reflect- “A good name is more desirable that great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
Reflection- What are some of the good materials things God has given me and how can I use them for His glory?
Discussion- Why is it so easy to hold on to what we have and so hard to share? What has helped you learn to share what you have with God and with people?
Prayer Direction- Pray for a deep awareness that all you have is a gift from God. Thank Him for all He has given and ask Him to help you live with a generous heart.
“Live It!” Challenge- Try tithing for the coming month. Actually give the first ten percent of all your income to the ministry of the local church and see what happens.
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try daily ten-minute time of silence. Each day, read Psalm 23 and then be quiet and seek to meet God in His green pastures and quiet waters.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 4 (Money, Sex and Power)
How God Wants Us to Look at Money
Reading for the Week of June 6 – 12
Day 1- Haggai Chapter 1; Luke 16:12-14
Day 2- Haggai Chapter 2; 1 Timothy 3:2-4
Day 3- Malachi 1-2; 1 Timothy 6:9-11
Day 4- Malachi 3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-3
Day 5- Haggai Chapter 1; Hebrews 13:4-6
Day 6- Haggai Chapter 2; Proverbs 23:5
Bonus- Proverbs 9-10; Malachi 3:10
Memorize/Reflect- “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)
Reflection- Am I rich with good deeds and generous with the material things God has given me? Would others say that I am generous? Would God say I give freely?
Discussion- It is easy to spend more and more of what I have and rationalize the way I use my resources. Sometimes we even compare our financial choices with the people around us to justify our choices. If we try to set aside the comparisons and rationalizations, what does the Bible say we should do with the money God has given us?
Prayer Direction- Next time you get a pay check or even a surprise source of income, stop and ask God what He wants you to do with this money before you decide how to spend it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Keep track of all the money you give for the next thirty days. Also, track the way you spend your money for a whole month. What do you learn about your heart and view of money?
June Prayer Focus: This month we begin a focus on confession. Take some time and read Psalm 51. Take time to confess where your life has fallen short of God’s perfect will and desire for you. If you have not been generous with the resources God has given you, confess this.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a one-hour silent retreat. Take a walk…alone, and listen. Or, just close the door, turn off your phone, TV, radio, and computer, and listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 4 (Money, Sex and Power)
How God Wants Us to Look at Money
Reading for the Week of June 6 – 12
Day 1- Haggai Chapter 1; Luke 16:12-14
Day 2- Haggai Chapter 2; 1 Timothy 3:2-4
Day 3- Malachi 1-2; 1 Timothy 6:9-11
Day 4- Malachi 3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-3
Day 5- Haggai Chapter 1; Hebrews 13:4-6
Day 6- Haggai Chapter 2; Proverbs 23:5
Bonus- Proverbs 9-10; Malachi 3:10
Memorize/Reflect- “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)
Reflection- Am I rich with good deeds and generous with the material things God has given me? Would others say that I am generous? Would God say I give freely?
Discussion- It is easy to spend more and more of what I have and rationalize the way I use my resources. Sometimes we even compare our financial choices with the people around us to justify our choices. If we try to set aside the comparisons and rationalizations, what does the Bible say we should do with the money God has given us?
Prayer Direction- Next time you get a pay check or even a surprise source of income, stop and ask God what He wants you to do with this money before you decide how to spend it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Keep track of all the money you give for the next thirty days. Also, track the way you spend your money for a whole month. What do you learn about your heart and view of money?
June Prayer Focus: This month we begin a focus on confession. Take some time and read Psalm 51. Take time to confess where your life has fallen short of God’s perfect will and desire for you. If you have not been generous with the resources God has given you, confess this.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a one-hour silent retreat. Take a walk…alone, and listen. Or, just close the door, turn off your phone, TV, radio, and computer, and listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
