WEEKLY SERMON REFLECTIONS

Each week, take 5 days to dive deeper into the heart of our Sunday sermons! Through key insights and scripture, this format will allow for further personal reflection and spiritual growth. Keeping this at the dinner table, discuss it with family and/or friends.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK:

“Lord, you are such a good Father. Thank you for the tests and trials that you allow me to endure, so that they may build a Christ-likeness in me that you desire. I pray that when I am tempted, you are faithful to provide a way out for me and loving arms for me to run to. Thank you that I can live the redeemed life that you have called me to live by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

DAY
01

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

-MATTHEW 6:13

REFLECTION:

It is important for us to understand this verse correctly. This is asking God to not leave us to be led by our own temptations. We all have them on this side of heaven. It’s what you do with them that matters most.

RESPONSE:

How can we actively seek God’s help in resisting temptation in our lives?

DAY
02

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

-JAMES 1:2-4

REFLECTION:

God will allow us to be tested so that we can grow in our faith and maturity as a believer in Christ. It has the potential to prepare us for something greater that God has for us.

RESPONSE:

How can we consider it joy when we are in the middle of the struggle? What encouragement does this verse give us and what focus should we give our attention to when going through tests and trials of our faith?

DAY
03

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”, for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

-JAMES 1:13-15

REFLECTION:

It is important for us to know that God is not behind evil. According to scripture we can’t even put all the blame on the devil either. As human beings on this side of heaven, temptation and trials are something we will alway contend with.

RESPONSE:

What steps can we take to recognize and address temptation in our life before it becomes sin?

DAY
04

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

-JAMES 1:16-18

REFLECTION:

God only leads us into that which is a good thing, a perfect thing…so that we can bring forth a flourishing.

RESPONSE:

How can we remind ourselves of God’s goodness even in difficult times? How can we invite Him into our situations and ask Him to help us when we are faced with temptations and trials?

DAY
05

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

-1 CORINTHIANS 10:12-13

REFLECTION:

It is important to know the difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit and the shame and condemnation that the enemy tries to keep us bound in. God’s conviction is a correction that affords an exit, as well as an empowerment to move forward.

RESPONSE:

How does having a self awareness of one's frailty, propensity and responsibility drive you towards God and your trust in His plan for your life?