Challenge

Challenge

If you have identified Jesus as the Messiah, then this Lenten season, don’t get distracted by other voices and paths. Don’t take the easy and popular route. Rather, pick up your cross and follow the path of Christ, even when it’s awfully heavy and inconvenient many times. At the cross is Christ, our life-line, our redeemer and God.

What is distracting you from following Christ? What self-interest can you let go in order to focus more on Jesus’ call to follow?

Mark 8:27-38



Challenge

Challenge: Lent is about life in the wilderness and our search for God. In the wilderness, we’re constantly tempted by evil forces and beasts. Nonetheless, we must remember that angels are also present, empowering us to continue moving towards God. How might you use your wilderness experience to witness Christ to someone else?
Mark 1:9-15


Challenge

Challenge: Jonah was very upset that God showed mercy to the people of Nineveh. He wanted God to destroy them. Yes, Jonah had no problem receiving God’s grace repeatedly. We judge others based on their actions, but ourselves based on our intentions. We start comparing sins and we always come out deserving grace, but not them. When we think God agrees with us all the time, we can be certain we’ve created God in our own image. God’s mercy and grace is not dependent on our preference, bu is available to everyone. Who can you show grace to this week? Jonah, Chapter 4


Challenge

Challenge

In many ways, Jonah is a book about the choices we make and God’s grace.
When Jonah chose to ignore God and run, everyone on the boat faced a storm.
When Jonah finally obeyed God, an entire city was given a second chance.
 
Our choices impact others. 
 
What choice will you make today that will impact others in a positive way?
How can your choice embrace God’s grace?
How might you extend a second chance to someone else?

The choice is yours. 

Jonah 3



Challenge

Challenge

While Jonah was placed on Time Out inside the belly of the fish,
he prayed to God a Psalm of Thanksgiving. 
 
Can you still praise and give thanks to God
even though you’re battling through a storm,
your life is in crisis, or you’re not where you want to be?

Jonah 2



Challenge

Challenge

Jonah was given a task, he instead chose to run away and do his own thing.
God interrupted his life, sent the storm and fish, so to re-align it with his assignment.
Are you trying to do your own thing and running away from God?
Has God interrupted your life?

Jonah, Chapter 1



Challenge

Challenge for 2018:
Waiting and life events can become doorways to encountering God and to bless people.
How can you become a blessing to others in 2018? 

Luke 2:21-40



Challenge

Weekly Challenge

How are you preparing your life for the coming of Christ?

What is it in you life that needs reconciliation, healing, and restoration? 

Isaiah 40:1-11



Challenge

Weekly Challenge

It seems like the judgment of the world is based on how we treat each other today.
Christ can either welcome us to his kingdom or we can stand there and ask,
but when was it that we saw you hungry, thirsty, naked, a stranger, sick, or in prison?
Christ will respond, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,
you did it to me.”

What are you doing today for “the least of these”?

Matthew 25:31-46



Challenge

Weekly Challenge

From our message this past Sunday, our faith calls us to action and requires that we take risks at times.
Playing it safe or being an idle Christian is not being faithful. 

What actions or risks are you taking this week to exemplify your faith? 
Matthew 25:14-30

And, since it is Thanksgiving week, each day think of someone or something to be grateful for.