Monday, June 28, 2010

Sunday's sermon: Next steps

Good morning.

Yesterday's sermon text was from 2 Kings 2:9: "And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?' Elisha said, 'Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.'" The subject was "A Double Portion."

Take time to think today about your "next steps" and what you will do as a result of the sermon on your faith journey.

1. After hearing the sermon yesterday, can you identify areas in your life where "process" is at work? Remember, God takes his time.

2. Since the call is up to God, but the response is up to us, how have you responded to God's call on your life? Read 1 Kings 19:19-21

3. What have the storms or whirlwinds in your life taught you? Read 2 Kings 2:1.

4. You may acknowledge that you have not passed every test. But can you see where you are making progress? Remember, promotion is not based on perfection, but on progress.

5. What is your priority or passion? What drives you? Read 2 Kings 2:9.

6. Whose life inspires you by their passion or devotion so much so that you want to emulate that? What stops you or makes you think you couldn't be that spiritual or passionate?

Continue to pray for our church. I believe that God sent us a "test" yesterday during our worship, and I pray that we passed that test in a way that pleased God. I particularly want to thank the men of Memorial for the way you stepped up and responded.

If we are serious truly about being the Lord's church, such tests will come from time to time, and we must be ready to do what the Lord would have us do. We cannot be apathetic, casual or erratic about this if we really want that "double portion." It will take a seriousness of pursuit that frankly we have not always shown. We pray God's forgiveness and grace on our efforts when they have been less than the best we could do, and pray for God's grace and strength to do better as we make progress.

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