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Week 1: October 31 & November 3, 2019Take the Next Leap of Faith

Matthew 13:44-46

44“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that somebody hid in a field, which someone else found and covered up. Full of joy, the finder sold everything and bought that field. 45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it.”

Sermon Summary

The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable that the wise are willing to sacrifice anything to gain it. It takes a giant leap of faith to trust God enough to know that His Kingdom is greater than our own. When you realize how valuable the Kingdom of Heaven is, you will stop at nothing to attain it, both for yourself and for those you love.

Sermon Notes

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Reflection Questions

When was a time you took a leap of faith, just like the finder and the

merchant Jesus talks about?

How did that leap of faith affect your life?

Sermon Notes

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What kind of anxieties do we experience during a leap of faith?

What is something you would be willing to sell everything you have to attain?

What would it look like for you to take a leap of faith in your generosity?

Sermon Notes

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Hide a “treasure” in your Bible on the same page as the verses Matthew 13: 44-46 (examples: dollar bills, chocolate coins, large candy bar, etc). Then hide the Bible somewhere in your house. Tell your family that there is a hidden treasure in your house and challenge them to find it. You can give clues or use “hot” and “cold” verbal cues to help them. As soon as they find the Bible, acknowledge that they have found the treasure. Open the Bible to reveal what it is. Ask: Was it fun to search the treasure?

Read Matthew 13: 44-46 together. Talk about how Jesus told a parable about two men who found treasure. They were willing to sell everything they had to have that treasure. Ask: What is the greatest treasure of all? Answer: Heaven! Jesus was not talking about earthly treasure such as gold, pearls, dollars or even candy. He was talking about Heaven. As Christians, we should be willing to give up everything so that we can please God and go to Heaven someday. Ask everyone what their most important possession is. Then ask: Would you be willing to give that up if it meant you got an even better treasure? Should we be happy or sad when we have to give up Earthly things so we can have Heaven? Is Jesus Christ and Heaven worth that sacrifice?

In this journal, there will be a Household Devotional for each week.

This is designed for parents to do with their kids (any age) to encourage discussion and discipleship at home.

Faith formation primarily happens at home, so talking about what you believe with your kids is the most important thing you can do as a parent.

Household Devotional

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Daily Prayer Focus

Tuesday

Pray that we understand how valuable the Kingdom of Heavenis to all of us

And that He who provides seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply our seed to increase the harvest of our righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10 ESV)

Because Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21)

Wednesday

Pray that we will be unafraid to take a leap of faith

Because God has promised to strengthen us and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Is. 41:10 ESV)

Because Jesus told us not to be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself (Matt. 6:34 ESV)

Sunday in WORSHIP

Pray that God will transform our hearts as we glorify His Name

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Christ will save it (Luke 9:24 ESV)

And know if we do not grow weary of doing good, in due season we will reap (Gal. 6:9 ESV)

Monday

Pray that we will become disciples who make disciples

And that we understand the world belongs to the Lord (Mark 16:20 ESV)

And help us share our faith as Phillip did with Nathaniel (John 1:45 ESV)

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Saturday

Pray that we will truly trust in God for all our needs

Because Psalm. 4:5 tells us we are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put our trust in the Lord

And remember that Ps. 118:8 tells us it is better to trust in the Lord than to put

confidence in man

Daily Closing Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the great sacrifice of Jesus and His willingness to suffer Your wrath in our place. We are eternally grateful for Your love and what you are doing through Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Please continue to grow us into the people you want us to be – completely transformed – new creatures – always willing to step up and do your will. The Bible tells us that those who do the will of God is His brother and His sister and His mother. That’s who we want to be Lord. Guide us and speak to us as we consider Your words to us. In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN

Thursday

Pray that we understand what sacrifice truly means to believers

And that when we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things will be added to us (Matt. 6:33 ESV)

And in Acts 20:25 (ESV) we are told by Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Friday

Pray for Christ UMC to reach out to serve our community (our portion of the nation)

And to understand the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:25 NIV)

And to learn to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. (James 1:22 ESV)

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Week 2: November 7 & 10, 2019Reach the People Next Door

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. 3 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. 4 They urgently begged us for the privilege of sharing in this service for the saints. They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will.

Sermon Summary The Macedonians are a model for what it means to live a generous life. In this passage from 2 Corinthians 8, we see a people who were severely afflicted and experiencing extreme poverty. Most people would have passed over the Macedonian Churches if they needed an offering, but they would not allow themselves to be passed over. Because they gave themselves first to the Lord, their hearts were changed to the needs of the people next door. That heart change led them to live a generous life.

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Reflection Questions

Why do you think the churches in Macedonia were so generous,even in their poverty?

The Macedonian churches considered it a privilege to meet the needs of others. What needs do you see in the Bryan/College Station community?

Sermon Notes

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Household Devotional

Open the Bible and read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 together as a family. Explain that the Macedonians were very poor and did not have enough to even take care of themselves. But they gave generously and joyfully to the Lord’s people because they loved God. That is why we give to others, out of our love for God first.

Each person should make a list of the ways they can personally give generously. Younger kids can draw pictures. There are lots of ways to give generously: money, time, service, gifts and talents.

Ask: Is it always easy to give what you have to others? What stops you from giving? What can we each do to remove those excuses and give generously like the Macedonians? As a family, choose one way you will each give generously to someone else this next week. Then pray for God to use you as His servants to bring glory to Him and to bless others. Make sure you find some time during the week to talk about how giving generously is going for everyone.

How do you think Christ UMC is meeting those needs?

When was a time in your life that you gave generously like the Macedonian churches? What did God reveal to you?

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Daily Prayer Focus

Sunday in WORSHIP

Pray that we will give unto the Lord the glory due His name

And we will trust in Him with all our hearts; leaning not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5 ESV)

And that He will summon His power to show us His strength (Ps. 68:23 NIV)

Monday

Pray that as disciples we will become witnesses for Him in the world

And like the disciples, we too will become fishers of men (Matt. 4:19 NIV)

Because Jesus chose us and appointed us to go and bear fruit (John 15:16 NIV)

Tuesday

Pray we’ll remember that giving is a reflection of the heart (Matt. 6:21 NIV)

And that while one man gives freely and gains even more; another withholds unduly, but then comes to poverty (Prov. 11:24 NIV)

And that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7 NIV)

Wednesday

Pray we remember that giving is a reflection of priorities (Deut. 26:9-10)

And that every man shall give as he is able according to the blessing the Lord our God has given us (Deut. 16:17 ESV)

And that our God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches (Phil 4:19 ESV)

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Thursday

Pray we know that giving is a privilege (as witnessed by the Macedonians)

Because Jesus tells us to give and it will be given to us...For with the measure we use it will be measured back to us (Luke 6:38 ESV)

Because Psalm 37:22 (ESV) says, “The wicked borrows and does not pay back but

the righteous is generous and gives.”

Friday

Pray we remember that giving is a blessing (Malachi 3:10)

And with a song of thanksgiving we will sacrifice to You what we have promised, for salvation comes from the Lord (Jonah 2:9 ESV)

And riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers us from

death (Prov. 11:4 ESV)

Saturday

Pray we keep our lives free from the love of money (Heb. 13:5 ESV)

Because Jesus said “I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hungernor thirst (John 6:35 ESV)

And remember the poor widow who gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:44 NIV)

Daily Closing Prayer

Holy Jehovah-Jireh, Provider God,Help us look to you for our needs rather than to the world. We know that when you want something accomplished in Your name, You not only give us a vision for the work to be done, but also the faith to believe that You will supply what is needed to attain that vision. We know your greatest desire is reaching people for the Kingdom so we are putting our trust in You to provide what is needed. Help us to lean on you completely, trust in you implicitly, and glorify You with our lives. Lord, we know that nothing is impossible for you. In Jesus’ precious name we pray AMEN

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Week 3: November 14 & 17, 2019Lead the Next Generation to Jesus

Nehemiah 3

Then Eliashib the high priest set to work with his fellow priests and built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, then dedicated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The people of Jericho built next to them, and Zaccur, Imri’s son, built next to them. 3 The children of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 4 Next to them Meremoth, Uriah’s son and Hakkoz’s grandson, made repairs. Meshullam, Berechiah’s son and Meshezabel’s grandson, made repairs next to them, and Zadok, Baana’s son, made repairs next to them.5 Next to them the people from Tekoa made repairs, but their officials wouldn’t help with the work of their supervisors. 6 Joiada, Paseah’s son, and Meshullam, Besodeiah’s son, repaired the Mishneh Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the people of Gibeon and of Mizpah, who were ruled by the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Uzziel, Harhaiah’s son, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs next to them; and Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs next to him. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah, Hur’s son, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them Jedaiah, Harumaph’s son, made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush, Hashabneiah’s son, made repairs next to him. 11 Malchijah, Harim’s son, and Hasshub, Pahath-moab’s son, repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to them Shallum, Hallohesh’s son, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, along with his daughters. 13 Hanun and the people of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they built it and set up its

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doors, bolts, and bars. They also repaired fifteen hundred feet of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. 14 Malchiah, Rechab’s son, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. 15 And Shallum, Col-hozeh’s son, ruler of the Mizpah district, repaired the Spring Gate. He rebuilt and covered it, and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. He also built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the King’s Garden, as far as the stairs that go down from David’s City. 16 After him, Nehemiah, Azbuk’s son, ruler of half the Beth-zur district, repaired from the point opposite David’s tombs as far as the artificial pool and the Warriors’ House. 17 After him, the Levites made repairs: Rehum, Bani’s son, and next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him, their relatives made repairs: Binnui,[f] Henadad’s son, ruler of half the district of Keilah. 19 Next to him, Ezer, Jeshua’s son, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. 20 After him, Baruch, Zabbai’s son, thoroughly repaired another section from the Angle to the door of the house of the high priest Eliashib. 21 After him, Meremoth, Uriah’s son and Hakkoz’s grandson, repaired another section from the door to the back of Eliashib’s house. 22 After him, the priests from the surrounding area made repairs. 23 After them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them, Azariah, Maaseiah’s son and Ananiah’s grandson, repaired beside his house. 24 After him, Binnui, Henadad’s son, repaired another section from the house of Azariah to the Angle and to the corner. 25 Palal, Uzai’s son, repaired from the point opposite the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him, Pedaiah, Parosh’s son, 26 and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs up to the point opposite the Water Gate to the east and the projecting tower. 27 After them, the people of Tekoa repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. 28 From the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each one opposite his own house. 29 After them, Zadok, Immer’s son, made repairs opposite his own house. After him, Shemaiah, Shecaniah’s son, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs.30 After him, Hananiah, Shelemiah’s son, and Hanun, Zalaph’s sixth son, repaired another section. After them, Meshullam, Berechiah’s son, made repairs opposite his own room. 31 After him, Malchiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Parade Gate, and as far as the upper room at the corner. 32 And between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

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Sermon Notes

Sermon Summary

The passage from Nehemiah 3 is long, but essential to our understanding of generosity, because our acts of generosity will reach people whose names we may never know, and whose faces we never see. This story also shows that everyone had a role to play in building the Jerusalem wall. Because of their selflessness, we have a record of these names some 2500 years later.

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As you reflect on your experiences at Christ UMC, do you feel joy in the “sections of the wall” provided before you arrived? How have they blessed your family in faith?

As the people were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, each family had their own portion to build. When you think about your involvement at Christ UMC, what is your “section”?

The wall was a legacy for future generations. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

How can your generosity leave a legacy?

Reflection Questions

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Household Devotional

Build a large tower out of legos with your family. Make sure that each person helps out. You can even assign jobs: engineer that designs the tower and tells others how to build it, designer that picks out what color legos to use, builders that actually assemble it. Then read Nehemiah 4: 15-20 as a family. Ask: Would the wall have been built around Jericho without the teamwork of everyone helping? Discuss how important each person was in completing the wall. Then discuss the fact that building the wall was going to benefit future generations to come! It was not just for them!

Look up some pictures online of General Sherman, the largest living tree in the world. It started as a simple seed that was planted years ago and it has grown into an amazing tree that people visit every year. A reminder of God’s creativity and goodness. But, it took a long time to grow. Being generous with money or service is like planting a seed. It will grow into big things and make a big impact in other’s people lives as well as God’s kingdom. We each have a part to play like the people in Jericho building the wall. We can make an impact on future generations with our generosity! If you wish, plant a seed in a small pot to leave in a windowsill. As you watch it grow, let it remind you that your generosity now makes an impact that grows and continues into the future!

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Daily Prayer Focus

Sunday in WORSHIP

Pray in adoration and stop focusing on ourselves

Because Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matt. 4:10 NIV)

Who has ever given to God that God should repay him; for from Him, through Him,

and to Him are all things (Rom. 11:35-36 NIV)

Monday

Pray we will make disciples for His Kingdom (Matt 28:19 NIV)

And understand the body is to grow and build itself up in love as each part does its work (Eph. 4:16 NIV)

And as a follower of Jesus, I become a part of His body (1 Cor. 12:27 NIV)

Tuesday

Pray we never forget posterity will serve Him

And future generations will be told about the Lord (Psalm 22:30 NIV)

And they will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn (Ps. 22:31)

Wednesday

Pray His dominion endures from generation to generation (Dan. 4:3 NIV)

And as Abraham’s offspring all nations and earth are to be blessed (Gen. 22:18)

As His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50)

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Thursday

Pray that we leave our children a legacy so they too will love the Lord

To know that things seen are transient but things unseen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:18)

What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life (Matt. 16:26)

Friday

Pray that we can learn from the experience of Nehemiah

Committing our way to the Lord, trusting in Him and He will bring it to pass (Ps. 37:5 NIV)

Because the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for

other things enter to chock the word and it becomes unfruitful (Mark 4:19)

Saturday

Pray we remember a generation goes and a generation comes but the earth remains (Eccles. 1:4 ESV)

And one generation shall comment your work to another (Ps. 145:4 ESV)

And let this be recorded for a generation to come so that a people yet to be

created may praise the Lord (Ps. 102:18 ESV)

Daily Closing Prayer

Precious El Roi (God who sees), As You saw and provided for Hagar in the desert, we know You see us as well. We’re not praying for anything You are not already aware of. Lord, our prayers are not selfish; they are coming from an honest heart with a desire to prepare Your House for more children; a generation to praise Your name and worship You. Search our hearts O Lord and know our strongest desire is to love You first, and make new disciples for Your Kingdom. We’re bringing the prayers before Your altar, thanking You in advance for what You will do. In Jesus’ Precious Name. AMEN

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Week 4: November 21 & 24, 2019Commitment Services

For Such a Time as This

Esther 4:14

14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Sermon Summary

We believe that like Esther, we have been positioned for such a time as this. How are you going to respond?

Sermon Notes

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Why do you think this is the right time for Next?

When Christ UMC members 25 years from now look back at on this time, what do you want them to say about us?

What are the main three lessons you’ve learned about generosity during this season of our church?

1.

2.

3.

Reflection Questions

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Household Devotional

Gather some crayons: Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple and Orange. Hide the blue crayon in your pocket and set the others on a table with some paper. Tell your family that they need to draw a picture with grass, trees, flowers, a river, the sky, sun and clouds. Ask them to get started and tell them to let you know if there is a color that they need. They should ask you for blue! Say: Oh no, you are missing blue! You can’t color the water or a blue sky without it. It seems like blue is an important color even though it is such a small thing. These crayons remind me of my Christian friends. Each one is special and has something wonderful to offer God and His people. Just like Queen Esther in the Bible.

Esther was married to King Xerxes when a man named Haman was plotting to destroy the Jews, Esther’s people. She didn’t have power and could have either remained silent or speak up at great danger to herself to save the Jewish people. Read Esther 4:14 as a family. Ask: What does it mean that Esther came into her royal position for such a time as this? Have you ever been in the right place at the right time to help a friend? Share. God will put you in the position to give to others or to help. You are special and needed in God’s kingdom just like the blue crayon and Queen Esther. Ask: Will you be ready to answer God when he puts you in a place to help? Finish coloring your picture and hang it in your kitchen as a reminder that we are all needed just like the crayons you used.

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Daily Prayer Focus

Sunday in WORSHIP

Pray we do all things for the sake of the Gospel (Ps. 143:8)

Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burdens. The God who is our Salvation. (Ps. 68:19 NASB)

And remember how lovely are your dwelling places O Lord of hosts (Ps. 84:1)

Monday

Pray we will love each other as Christ loves us

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news (Rom. 10:14-15 ESV)

And be a disciple who makes disciples (2 Tim. 2:2)

Tuesday

Pray we remember nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37 ESV)

And the Lord our God gives us power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18 ESV)

And the heavens, the earth, and all that is in it belongs to the Lord (Deut. 10:14)

Wednesday

Pray we’ll remember children are a gift from God

And we should have no greater joy than knowing our children walk in truth(3 John 1:4 ESV)

And we shall teach the truths of God to our children (Deut. 6:7 ESV)

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Thursday

Pray for us because we want to know God’s will

And to do good, be rich in good works, be generous, and ready to share(1 Tim. 6:18 NASB)

And we want Him to show us the way we should go (Ps. 143:8)

Friday

Pray we will commit our way to the Lord (Ps. 37:5)

Because we know we cannot serve two masters, God and money (Matt. 6:24)

Because we know we can forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits

(Matt. 19:30 NASB)

Saturday

Pray we’ll honor God from our wealth and our first fruits (Prov. 3:9)

So our barns will be filled with plenty and our vats will overflow with new wine(Prov. 3:10)

And, at its best, our life is but a breathe so when we amass riches, we will not know

who will gather them (Ps. 39:5-6)

Daily Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Take away anything in our hearts that is not from you. You loved us first, saved us through the precious blood of Christ and bear our burdens every day. Help us to love each other, trust You completely, and take away our doubts. Give us hearts of gratitude and of generosity as we look to expand your Kingdom here on earth. We love our children, the future of Your church, and want them to always have the opportunity to know You more. We love You Lord and we totally commit our way to You. In Jesus’ Precious Name, AMEN