Forever: Peace

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- Galatians 5:22-23

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests toGod.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6-7

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned tobe content whatever the circumstances. 
- Philippians 4:11

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await aSavior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
- Philippians3:20-21

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!  I plead with Euodiaand I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
- Philippians 4:1-2

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, byprayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians4:6-7

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
- Philippians4:8-9

Mixer

What would you most like to do for someone else if you had the money and time?

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Daily Devotional Questions

1. In Pastor Harry’s Friday 10/16 entry, Smile!, he says: “Whether we know it or not, we are all painting a portrait of the God we love and serve by the way we live our lives.” What did you do this week to put on God’s JOY and how did it make a difference?

2. Need help with painting an accurate portrait of God? In John 14:9, Jesus replies to Philip: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” How is Jesus the portrait of God’s JOY? How did he model JOY in his ministry as he walked among us? What one step could you take this week to follow his example?

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Strongest You Questions

1. In Episode 3 (date 10.15.2020), Mike talked about creating an environment of safety for our relationships to grow. Describe someone in your life that is a safe landing place for you?

2. In an earlier sermon, Mike showed a model of a house and where we put the people of our lives in our house: in our master bedroom, in our living room, on the front porch, or on the sidewalk. What is important to your feeling of safety when placing certain people in your ‘master bedroom’ or inner sanctum? What are the pitfalls of letting everyone in?

3. How did Jesus create safety in his relationships?

4. What ideas do you have for implementing one or all of Mike’s 4 Ways to Build Strong Relationships? In you, in your family, in your workplace.

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Sermon Questions

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 3:20; 4:1-2, 6-7, 8-9, 11

1. Who can you think of that exemplifies ‘calm in the storm’ and who isn’t phased by ‘hugs and kisses’? How would they describe their vertical and horizontal fins? How safe would you feel getting into their plane, why or why not?
   
2. In 2020, are your expectations about life still in an ‘infancy’ mindset, or have they matured? What are your expectations for the other side of this pandemic? Are you experiencing peace as you tumble these thoughts around in your mind, or not at all?
   
3. How are your expectations shaping your prayer life? Let’s be honest, we all have moments where we pray for God to just remove the turbulence. But we also know that often He does not. When have you prayed a ‘removal prayer’ but God answered you like He did the Apostle Paul: ‘navigate the turbulence’? How did you respond and what did you notice when you got to the other side?
   
4. How did you find Pastor Jared’s analogy of the airplane fuselage and the importance of having vertical and horizontal fins helpful as you navigate the ‘Costco, Cancer, COVID’ headwinds in your life?
   
5. What if you were to start praying with gratitude before you know the outcome? What is your certain reward? The A.C.T.S Prayer Model is just one model, but it can be helpful to get you started in talking with God. If you Google it, you can print out colorful charts that you can carry with you, stick in your Bible, etc. But you have a unique relationship with God and prayer is all about sharing your heart with Him in your own way, too!

ADORATION: Praise God for what and who He is. ( Acts 4:24; 1 Kings 8:22)

CONFESSION: State how you have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23) and ask His   forgiveness. (Psalm 51:1; 1 John 1:9) Remove the barriers between your heart and His!*

THANKSGIVING: Thank God for the specific things that He has done for you - or will do for you! (Psalm 7:17, 9:1; Daniel 2:23)*

SUPPLICATION: Make your requests to God - for yourself and others. (Philipians 4:6)

Even Jesus had requests of His Father: Mark 14:36; Luke 23:34; John 17

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Live it out

How can thankfulness and gratitude help your human relationships? How do you feel when others express their gratitude to you? Who is one person that you can pick this week that needs to be lifted, encouraged, and appreciated? How can you express your thankfulness for that person and to that person? Or perhaps make this a whole family endeavor this week!