GPS-Annie I Over

MAY 11 / Sunday – Read John 15:1-17 / John 17:20-26

Overview: This game only works when played together as a group. It’s no fun with just two players and almost impossible alone. So, too, the Christian faith—it is made to do together with each other and together with the risen Jesus.

12 / Mon – Life-source  |  Read John 15:1-5 / Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever visited a vineyard? If so, you’ve probably noticed how multiple branches grow out of one vine. No matter how far the vine branches grow, they still produce beautiful clusters of grapes as long as they stay connected to the vine. How strongly are you attached to Jesus? Are there times when you feel dry and unfruitful? If so, check your connection and remind yourself he is the source of your life. Will you? If your life is rooted in Jesus, you can flourish even in difficulty.

13 / Tue – Don’t disconnect  |  Read Hebrews 10:23-25

Some live a Jesus-and-me-just-the-two-of-us spiritual life. They are not connected to any community of believers. The reason can be an independent spirit unwilling to submit themselves to others or the result of being hurt by those who claim to be Christians. Whatever the reason, that is not God’s plan. When He brings us into His family, other believers become our brothers and sisters in Christ and spiritual mothers and fathers who help us grow. Just like any family, there can be issues and problems but will you resist the temptation to walk away? We need each other.

14 / Wed – Which one are you?  |  Read Romans 12:3-5 / 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

When you were born again, not only did you find a new family, you became a part of the body of Christ. If you know anything about human anatomy, you understand Paul’s analogy here. What stood out in your mind as you read his words? Then look at the community of believers to which you are connected. Do you see how the variety of skills, talents, perspectives and giftedness represented there can help the church fulfill its mission? Where do you fit in?

15 / Thu – A little uncoordinated?  |  Read Ephesians 1:22-23 / Colssians 1:18

You may have seen people who are uncoordinated. It occurs when muscles can’t seem to do what the brain is telling them to do. It can be that way in the church unless members realize that Christ is the head. He is the brains of the operation, literally. And how wonderful that he lets us participate. God could fulfill His plan without help from anyone but He wants us to work with him and share in the joy that follows. If you feel a little uncoordinated, will you ask Him to show you?

16 / Fri – Aiming for harmony  |  Read Ephesians 4:1-7 and 11-16

The body of Christ is quite a diverse group. And that is good. God doesn’t want conformity, where everyone sings the same note; He is looking for unity. In a choir, all the members have the same goal and, as each person sings their own part in harmony, following the director’s lead, something beautiful happens. It takes practice. And so does living in unity with other members of the body of Christ. Find your place, sing your part, watch the director and you’ll experience unity in diversity.

17 / Sat – T-E-A-M  |  Read Colossians 3:12-17

In many children’s games, you cannot win on your own. You have to be a team player. Have you heard this definition of T.E.A.M. – together everyone achieves more? It’s true. Are you a team player? It starts with a strong connection to Jesus, acknowledging him as the Coach, executing the plays he calls. It also means caring about the rest of your team, working together toward the goal, letting others put points up on the board, encouraging each other when things look bleak and sharing the joy of victory together.  How are you doing in your position on the team? When you struggle, look to your Coach. He will tell you the next move.

18 / Sat – You have a choice  |  Read John 6:38 / Matt 26:39 / Joshua 24:14-18

Research shows the average person makes 35,000 decisions daily, consciously and unconsciously. Someone once said, I only have one thing to do today: follow Him. Is it really possible to live this out? Try it. Start your day by connecting with Jesus in your heart and mind, asking for his way to do things, resolving to pause before you speak or act, as often as you can. End by reviewing your day, celebrating the good, asking forgiveness when needed and learning from your mistakes. Practice this everyday and you’ll have fewer regrets. Will you try this experiment for a few weeks?