The Legacy of Patience

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
‍- Malachi 3:6-7

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To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water.
‍- 1 Peter 3:20

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God is patient

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If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
‍- John 15:10-11

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But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 5:8

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God is provisional

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For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
- Romans 1:20-21

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God is transformational

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
‍- Romans 12:2

Mixer

What did you most look forward to about the summer break as a kid? How about now?

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Neighborly - Daily Devotional

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

1. In Pastor Ken’s 6/6/22 entry, Into Your Hands, he reminds us of a prayer of David from Psalm 31:5 that Jesus prayed the first part of: “Into your hands I commit my spirit;” But Jesus did not pray the second part. Why not? In our human condition, do you pray that second part and not the first? What do you think a current situation could look like if you prayed only the first part? Do you trust God for the second part? Or are you trying to control that second part too much?
2. In Youth Director Cristina’s, 6/9/22 entry, Don’t Forget Who Fixed The Brakes, she shares a personal story of rescue by her dad - maybe not so much deserved, or perhaps there was a little carelessness, but rescued nonetheless out of love. When has that happened for you - dread in your circumstance turned relief at your rescue? How did you respond? How did David respond and what difference does a response like his have in your life? Spend some time memorizing Psalm 34 and get into the habit of gratitude and try it out!

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Malachi 3:6-7; 1 Peter 3:20; John 15:10-11; Romans 1:20-21, 12:2

1. What impacted or challenged you in today’s message?
2. Josh referred to the term “adaptive unconscious behavior (autopilot).” Can you identify any behaviors or thoughts that may have led to a spiritual distance between you and God? What are these behaviors doing for you? How might they be counterproductive to what God is doing in you?
3. In Malachi 3:6, God reminds us He does not change. How does knowing God is steadfast and true for all eternity (while humans are perpetually changing) bring you hope both in the present and the future?
4. How do these three attributes of God invite you back to intimacy with God? Have any of these been hard, or easy, for you to experience?
   • God is patient. How do John 15:10-11 and Romans 5:8 have bearing on this understanding?
   • God is provisional. How does Romans 1:20-21 have bearing on this understanding?
   • God is transformational. How does Romans 12:2 have bearing on this understanding?
5. Read 1 Peter 3:20. Describe a similar time in your life when you (like Noah) benefitted from God’s constant and unfailing patience and provision. How do you think God’s work in your story can be a legacy for future generations?
6. Do you believe you can have a fresh start with God - and don’t know where to start? What does Romans 12:1-2 teach us about what opens up God’s transformational power in your life? If you were to start here, what would it mean for you, your relationships, your career, and your future?

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Serve

• Save the Date! Good Neighbor Day is coming up Saturday, July 23! Registration will open soon.

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Pray

Joining us in praying for a covering over all the men in our church family who are dads, granddads, uncles, like-dads to their families and friends. They have a big job and are much needed! We thank God for you and pray that each of you know how much you are loved and cheered on by your Heavenly Father - the LORD, your God - and by us! Happy Father’s Day!

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