Forward Motion

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
- James 1:4

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The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
‍- Luke 8:14-15

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer 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

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“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
- Matthew 6:24

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The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
- Romans 8:6

Mixer

If you could get rid of any traditional Thanksgiving food, which item would it be?

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‘Neighborly’ - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 11/16/22 entry, The Fruit Inspector, Som Tami reminds us that a disciple is a fruit-bearer. Meditate on Galatians 5:22-25 for the list of fruit the Spirit bears that is good for this world. This fruit is ready to grow in you by the Spirit - it’s planted! So listen to Him speak to you about where He wants you to grow. What are the challenges you will face? How can you prepare for them? How will you seek the help of others (mentor, table group, etc.)?
2. In the 11/18/22 entry, All Of It, Pastor Sean reminds us that a disciple has a call to go out and teach others. Not just some, but ALL that God has taught us. It seems impossible but we have support: Whoever we attempt to disciple and teach, Jesus is the one who changes them.How does this encourage you to reach out to someone this week? What fears does this alleviate? Where will you start?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures:  James 1:4; Luke 8:14-15; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:24

1. How does perseverance redirect us when we’re feeling stuck?
   
2. Read Luke 8:14-15. What are the main differences between these two seeds? How do the thorns compare to the good soil?
   
3. Pastor Josh notes the three things that can choke our maturity listed in Luke 8:14-15: worry (what we can’t control), riches (what we can’t get), and pleasures (what we can’t satisfy). Which of these most often throw your spiritual journey off track? Share a time where your forward motion was distracted by one of these three.
   
4. It is difficult to force perseverance, but Pastor Josh instead suggests that perseverance is a force outside of us that is assigned to finish a work in us. How does that shift your understanding of perseverance? How could that practically empower you to overcome struggles in your own life?
   
5. If we’re not getting the opportunities we want, it could be that we’re not mature enough for them. Perseverance through trials can help mature us to prepare ourselves for what God has for us. Where in your life, either past or present, can you see God using perseverance to prepare you for future opportunities?
   
6. Knowing that the “noble heart” described in Luke 8 isn’t a perfect one, but instead one that is honest about their struggles, where do you need to be more honest about the things that are sucking out your maturity? Who do you need to be more honest with? Yourself, God, your table group, or your accountability partner?
   
7. Based on James 1:4, how does a Go First leader find maturity? What is your next step towards a more mature faith?

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Serve

Are you asking what happens next after Serve Day? Check out:

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Pray

Pray together with your family this week and thank God for the way He has held your family in His hands this past year. Pray in thanksgiving for all of the blessings and wisdom gained. Pray in thanksgiving that God is faithful to His children, and, by His great love and mercy, He gives us a hope and a future.

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”

1 Peter 1:3-4