Spiritual Emphasis Week

DAY 1: Redefining Home (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13)

-Many of us have heard the phrase "this is not our home," meaning, for a follower of Jesus our home is in heaven. True statement, but, all of us find ourselves on this earth - so, how do we live in a place that is not our home?

-Using Jeremiah 29: Illustrating how, in Jer. 29 - the Jewish nation has been ripped from their home by Babylon and are living in a land that is not their home. In this moment God says, "make yourself comfortable, and make this place a home."

-I will also talk about seeing the life we have as a gift.

 

DAY 2: Finding a Home Within our Own Skin (John 8:1-11 & Romans 8:1)

-Using the story of the woman caught in adultery I want to talk about the ways that, for many, our own worst enemy is ourselves. I want to point our that many struggle with some level of dislike of who they are. Many times we are the ones holding the stones to condemn ourselves - whether that be from shame, guilt, doubt, anxiety, etc. 

-My point will be that as forgiven children of God we need to drop the stones that we use to condemn ourselves, and feel the freedom that comes from knowing that "there is no condemnation for those in Christ" - not even from ourselves.

 

DAY 3: Our Home Outside these Doors (Matthew 26:36-40 & Matthew 25)

-This day we will talk about Jesus' example of loving our neighbors - whether they be poor, in need, local or abroad. 

 

DAY 4: Come Home (Luke 15:11-32)

-This day plays off the story of the lost son. 

-I'll use the illustration of a table, and talk about how there is always a place set for you at the table - and when you come home God is ready to say "welcome."

-This day I will need those who are comfortable to be available for some invitation time.

 

DAY 5: Change Wherever Home Is (Daniel 3)

-Using the story of the fiery furnace, I'll talk about how Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were not living in their "home," but used their faith to change the world where they were at.

-I'll talk about how many times we are nervous or scared to live in to our faith - that sometimes we bind ourselves in fear - but (as in the story) it's only when they jump in the fire that they are free. So, let's jump in the fire, because freedom comes in the fire.