GPS-The Lorax

NOV 05  / Sunday – Read Proverbs 31:8

Overview: An advocate supports or defends a cause. What do you care enough about to make a difference, or stand for to make things better?

06 / Mon – Life lesson  |  Read Gen 1:26-30 / Gen 2:8-17, 19-20a

The children’s book The Lorax by Dr Seuss tells what happens when greed overcomes concern for the environment. As you read about God’s original creation, you get a glimpse of its breadth and stunning beauty. Was Adam given ownership of all creation? Or did it still belong to God and he was given responsibility to care for it? This is an important distinction. Do you actively take care of the physical world around you or are you tempted to leave that to others? What could you do to be a good steward of what you’ve been entrusted with?

07 / Tue – Perspective is important  |  Read Psalm 24:1

When the Once-ler first saw the beautiful Truffala trees, he never once considered they did not belong to him. He believed he had the right to use whatever he found for his own gain, no matter the consequences, which were dire. Do you know anyone like that? How might life be different if everyone believed the truth of this verse? How does this fact bring perspective to your life and the decisions you make every day? You never know how your example will inspire others.

08 / Wed – How much is enough?  |  Read Luke 12:15-21 (esp v15) / Hebrews 13:5

Have you ever considered all that you see and all that you ‘possess’ has just been loaned to you? When you leave planet Earth, you take nothing with you. Some see possessions as validation of their worth as a person. They are driven to constantly compare themselves with others. But notice who we tend to compare ourselves to…those with more than we have or those who have less than we do? One of the biggest deterrents to greed is learning to be truly content. It is possible.

09 / Thu – Rights and wrongs  |  Read Phil 2:3-4 / James 3:16 / Rom 12:2

Greed is based on a self-centered view of life. It is believing things like It’s me first or I know my rights or if it benefits me, it must be good. James shows the results when this thinking prevails. Yet this is the exact opposite of how those in the kingdom of God are called to live. Your kingdom come, Your will be done is the prayer and desire of every authentic Christ follower. How does a person get to that place in life? When you are willing to trust God’s character and are willing to surrender every desire, plan, dream, and decision to God’s good and perfect will, you’ll be able to live differently.

10 / Fri – Who are they?  |  Read Prov 31:8-9 / Is 1:17 / Ps 82:3-4 / Jer 22:1-3

As you read these verses, write down those identified as being powerless. Then make a list of the powerless in our world today. Compare the two. Today a ‘widow’ is not only one whose husband has died but one whose husband has abandoned her. The ‘fatherless’ may be orphans who have no parents at all or kids who have no father/father figure in their lives or those who are abandoned by their family. Who are our poor, needy, and oppressed? Those being robbed of dignity, proper medical care, or hard-earned money. Do you know anyone fitting these descriptions? How can you help?

11 / Sat – What do they need?  |  Read Is 1:17 / Prov 31:8-9 / Ps 82:3 / Jer 22:1-3 

The Lorax said he spoke for the trees because they had no power to speak. He echoes God’s words written thousands of years ago. And they are still true today. It is not enough to identify those who are in need. God calls us to do something. As you read these verses again, write down who the powerless are and then what God tells us to do about it. Look for the verbs (action words) attached. What did you discover? What will you do now as a result of what you learned? Remember, pray first; then act as the Holy Spirit leads you.