I'm Excited for Small Group

Hi Guys,

Its been too long. I am going through small group withdrawals.. I hope that everyone ins doing well since we last met. I am totally looking forward to getting together tonight at our house. Sorry that the past few weeks have been crazy.

Can everyone be there at 6:15 today? Bring the kids and eat before you get there.

I really hope to see everyone tonight.

Monday Small Group (Bir-Mil Park)

Northwest Community Group Picnic will be on Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day) at BurMill Park - shelter #4. Plan to arrive around 11am. We’ll try to have lunch around noon. Each family should bring whatever meat they wish to grill, a dish to share, drinks, plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery. We will provide the charcoal, ice and chef services. Bring your games and hang out as long as you like. We have reserved the shelter for the entire day.

See you soon.
matt

Prayer for a friend

Hi Everyone.

There is someone who is very special to our family who needs our [prayers. She is a teacher at our kids preschool and has taught both Daniel and Abby. She was probably their favorite teacher at the school in their 3 years attending. Shhhhh, don’t tell the other teachers.
Anyway, here is her note to us. Her name is Donna.

I would like to ask you and Beth to keep me in your prayers. On June 3rd, I am having a small tumor removed from my pancreas. It is cancer....but NOT pancreatic cancer. I am not expected to need chemo or radiation. I am thankful that this has been caught very early!!! So, we have been on a bit of a scary medical journey the last couple of months.

Pray that the Lord will do a miracle in her body. That she would have a supernatural, God Ordained, recovery and even that she would be healed. I believe in the Holy Spirits ability to heal on the spot. It is OK to pray for that. I know a good amount of people blog stalk and keep up to date on what's going on, so if you would be so kind and ask Jesus to move on behalf Donna and her family.

Love you guys, Matt

Feel free to post your comments to her as well.

Meeting on Thursday

Hey Everyone.

We are changing Small Group to Thursday. Same time 6:15 and same place (Chewning's). Some people were not able to make it today and we have a house full of people already due to the Baby Shower.

See you on Thursday if you can make it.

Matt

Mother's Day - Mary Kay.

Hi Everyone.

Tonight we will meet at my house at 5:45 for Small Group. The girls will be going out to Molly Shelton's house (Mom's Group) and the guys are staying with the kids at my house. A little extended Mother's Day gift for them. Molly is doing a Mary Kay's gig at her place and some of the ladies in the group wanted to support her.

Mary Kay is not my thing, but, if your a dude and wanna go with your wife, feel free. However, I "WILL" make fun of you.

Matt

Yesterday's Bible Study Psalm 13

I really enjoyed Small Group yesterday. I felt like for the first time in a while, we had the chance to sit around the table and be authentic about where we are at. There is nothing better than a group of people going through the bible together. I was impressed in the way in which we all allowed the bible to read us rather than us read the bible.

Thank you for everyone who participated in the conversation. I think that all of us walked away feeling energized and encouraged.

We committed to memorizing some scripture this week. I am going to work on memorizing Psalm 13. Feel free to pick any scripture that you feel that you want to memorize. Per Scott....it cannot be John 3:16.

Anyway here are some things that I walked away with from last night after talking about Psalm 13.

1. We need our thoughts to be Christ's thoughts. The only way to do that is to be meditating on scripture and consistently in the word.

2. Be aware of our functional saviors. What are the things that I am running to rather than running towards Christ in order to fulfill something in me?

3. We need to remember that regardless of our circumstances, God is both Good and Sovereign. He is not surprised by anything and will use every situation to sanctify us, grow us, and discipline us.

4. The only way to fight Satan is with the word of God. We are powerless without it.

5. Prayer and Solitude. "Get Quite!" What are the things that do not allow you to hear God. maybe it's the TV, Ipod, chores, naps, etc? What is not allowing you to just sit with your bible and seek to hear from the Lord.

Memorize something this week and be ready to share it on Monday.

My Thoughts Recently.

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to share a little about where I've been at with my walk.

I have posted it at:

http://chewningjourney.blogspot.com/2009/04/dwelling-in-psalm-13-god-seems-so-far.html

Maybe you guys can relate, maybe you can offer some encouragement. I would love nothing more than to hear all of your hearts.

Love you all, Matt

GREAT NEWS (Psalm 13)

Yo Small Group............

Hope all of you had a great Monday away from us. We missed everyone but Holly and Jen. Its all good though, we'll re-group next week.

Just wanted to let everyone know that God is soooooooooooooooo Good. In the good times, and the bad. We need to remember that those terrible moments in our lives are just as holy as the ones where we feel that Jesus is walking right next to us.

Psalm 13 says:

How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

This is just a reminder that God is good in all seasons of life and always has our best interest at hand. At times we feel like he has forgotten us, but as David said; "I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me."

OK.....on to the GREAT NEWS.

Holly got her results in from her PET Scan yesterday. CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!! There was no sign of cancer in her body. Praise God for answering our prayers. Lets continue to believe God for her healing. Holly and Ryan, We love you guys. Your a special couple and God has special plans for you and Jonah.

Small Group-Psalm 1

Hi everyone,

This week I want us to all be prepared to talk through Psalm 1 together. Everyone read through it a few times between now and Monday when we meet. Write down a few observations that you have and be prepared to share that on Monday as well.

Be praying for the following things:

1. Holly - She should be getting her results back next week from her PET scan. Pray that the results will come back normal. (We love you girl.)

2. Kelly - She fell and got a concussion last week. Pray that she'll feel great on Monday. We haven't got to chill with her for a while. I feel that with all the work that God is doing in her, the enemy may be trying to discourage her. (Fight that temptation Kel. We're proud of you.)

3. Beth - Being 8 months prego ain't comfortable. She''s been feeling a lot of soreness the past few days and has not been sleeping. pray that God will give her a supernatural health.

Am I missing anything?????????

Advance 09

Also...........

I normally don't push this type of stuff, but I think it would be great if our small group could go to this.

http://www.advance09.com/

I don't think that Beth and I will be able to make it because Baby J will be either almost here or just here. However, everyone from our group would benefit from this. These are some of the most profound men of God, of our time. It is a conference in Raleigh. I don't know another time that we would be able to have such influential men of God all in one building with the ability to hear their hearts.

In my humble opinion, this would be an incredible event to attend. One that would truly change our lives.

Matt

What God's doing in me!

I have been obsessed with the Psalms lately. Every time I pick up my bible, that is the first thing that I go to. Recently I have been meditating on Psalm 1.

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

There are three huge principles that are in here and they are defining for every believer. They define Gods progressive growth in all of his people in the most accurate way. Then again, why would that surprise me; it is God who wrote the book.

Point 1: Influence
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Who is influencing you? Is it your husband, wife, friends, or Jesus? You and I do not have an excuse to blame our spiritual state on our church, our friends, our spouse, our schedule, or anyone else except ourselves. Who is influencing you? Who do you need to intentionally pursue in order to connect with Christ and grow in your faith? If your not happy with your relationship with Christ; grow up and do the hard work. Your not a baby who drinks milk; you should be eating meat by now.

Point 2: The Word.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

You will never spiritually grow in your walk with Christ without scripture. Over and Over again, the bible speaks of itself as the one and only way to knowing God in his fullest state. We have got to read the bible in order to know God. And...it is not enough to read it. STUDY IT!! Learn about what God is trying to say in his word. MEMORIZE IT!! How are you supposed to meditate on the word of God when you don't have any of it memorized? How are you supposed to fight sin and Satan without the word embedded in your brain? It takes work; I know. PRAY IT! The bible says to pray according to Gods will. How are you supposed to pray according to Gods will aside from his word? Its impossible.

Point 3: Righteousness by faith alone.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

If you are still working to be Good than you will never be righteous. On your best day God says you are nothing but filthy rags. However, through faith in Christ and what was accomplished on the cross; you can be made righteous and holy. This is good and bad news. Bad because there is nothing that you can do about your spiritual state. Good because you never again have to get down on yourself for not trying hard enough. The goal is not to try harder; instead the goal is to look closer....closer to Christ. Look to him and believe.

Time will tell if your belief is real. Are you growing? Are you convicted of sin? Do you love Christ deeply? Is he beautiful to you?

Be Praying for Holly

Today Holly is going to get her PET Scan. I am surethat she is nervous. The last time she went is when she got the news that she had to have surgery again. Lets all br praying for her.

Holly,

I'm fighting for you. God is Good and Sovereign over all that is going on in yoru body. We are ll so proud of how you have been able to stay so faithful and strong through this. Your a great woman of God, great mother, and a wonderful wife (So Ryan says. hehe)

I am praying right now in the Name of Jesus, that any work of Satan will be dismissed by teh power of teh gospel. That teh will of God will be brought forth. I am praying that God will absolutely heal you to be cancer free.

We love you girl.

See you soon

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all being so flexible with the meeting date. Hope you are all doing well;. We're looking forward to getting together and catching up. Its been 2 weeks since we have all seen each other.

We had a great family vacation. The kids had a blast and it was very relaxing for Beth and I as well. The mountains are unbelievable. Growing up a city cat most of my life, it amazes me when I am punched in the face with God's incredible creation. I was able to take a kayak out on this lake and was just praising God while I rowed. It was awesome.

Anyway.

Bring your own meat tonight and we're gonna grill out.

Grill Out

Hi Guys,

Hope you all had a fun night with your kids on Monday. We set the ids up with a tent made out of blankets and couches and watched a movie together. Nothing like a little Madagascar 2. It was a bunch of fun. Those moments that the kids get to enjoy life with us parents are ones that they will treasure. Its important that we all are creating a fun culture with our kids. I have found that it is so easy to just go through life; eating, sleeping, discipline, and brushing teeth; without remembering to have a little fun.

This Monday, We will all grill out at our house. We'll spend time as a group eating and then split up. Guys will stay at our house and Girls will go somewhere else. (Stone's will your house be available for the ladies?)

I want to spend some time talking about our relationships. So....be prepared to split up as men and ladies.

Enjoy the rest of your week and stay in the word. No excuses.

Psalm 19

The law of the Lord are prefect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are sure.

Small Group Canceled (Agenda)

Hi Guys,

I hope that everyone had a great Easter Sunday with your families. The Chewning Fam had a great day. We were able to invite a friend to church with us and he really enjoyed it. We all then got to hang out at the in-laws and played outside.

Tonight Small Group is Canceled.

I want to give everyone a night to spend with your families to settle down after a long weekend. I thought with Spring Break going on and no school tomorrow, we as a small group can have a fun movie night with the kids. Its so important that our kids enjoy being with us. Lets shut the phones off, step away from the computers and spend a special night with the kids. Make cookies, let them stay up a little, and maybe let them crash in your room on the floor or in the living room. My kids love fun stuff like that.

Dad's, Lead the way on this.

After a fun night. Pray with the kids and spend some time in the word. Husbands and Wives: Read all of Ephesians 5 and then pray together.

There you have it. Its a family small group nite. Enjoy.

Tonight's Agenda:
Movie night with the Kids
Pray with Kids (Both parents Pray)
Ephesians 5 with Spouse
Pray with Spouse. (Both Spouses Pray for each other)

Men: Lead the way and make it happen.

Judas the Betrayer

Read Luke 9

Have you ever wondered about Judas the betrayer? Recently I have. It is crazy when I think about all that he did while he was with Jesus. When you read Luke 9, you will see that Jesus sent him out to preach the good news about Him. He gave Judas power and authority to heal and cast out demons. Judas was sent to be a specific messenger about the Gospel of Christ. That is just crazy to me.

The other thing that is crazy is that Jesus, being fully God and all knowing, prayed to the Father all night when he was picking out the 12 disciples. In other words, he prayed all night to the Father about who to choose and went through great lengths to make sure that Judas was a part of his 12, while knowing full well that he would betray him and hand him over to be crucified for some silver.

How can this be? Jesus literally set himself up to be betrayed and killed.

This just shows the absolute glory of Christ. He was determined to save his people, regardless of the cost. Like the scripture says, he was willing to go through death, even death on a cross. Our God is great. Yet, while we were still sinners and rebelling against God, Christ willingly went to the cross to die so that we may live. That is an awesome testimony of the love, knowledge, sacrifice and glory of Christ.

Do you love him today? I do!

God's using our small group.

Hi Guys,

Last night we only had a few people who were able to make it to the meeting. We decided to split up between the guys and girls and chill together. The girls went to the Stone's place and Mike and I stayed at my crib. It was a bunch of fun and a great time to connect.

The highlight of the night came from what God is doing in Mike. There are 2 things that stick out like a screaming kid in a grocery store.

1. A few weeks back you may remember that we threw Mike in the hot seat to encourage him and pray over him. One of his requests was for more work. With the economy the way it is, he was only getting 1 or 2 days at work which was putting him in a little stress being the sole breadwinner for his family. We prayed and God answered.

Since that night, he has been overwhelmed with work. he has been given at least 5 days a week which is more than enough and actually overtime for him. How great is our God? He is faithful to answer and provide.

2. 15 days ago we decided to start to go through Luke together. In doing so, Mike has begun to read through scripture on occasion. For a while now Mike was dealing with some issues with a co-worker. She was being very bitter to him. Naturally, like we all have done, Mike treated her with the same contempt as he was receiving from her. He was being nasty, leaving her extra work, etc. Then he came across God's word.

Luke 6:27-36

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Mike went on to bless her even though she was being nasty to him. He would stay at work longer to do more work so that she wouldn't have to do it. He would try and make her job easier, and be extremely nice and sincere to her every chance he had. he even said that he left her notes with smiley faces (That's a stretch for Mike if you know him.)

Can you believe that she bought him breakfast the other day while she came into work. How cool is that. Mike said that God's word is right, it is the sick who need Christians. Not the well. That's awesome.

I love all you guys,

Matt

Keep reading. We are on day 15 right now.

Today's Meeting 4/6/09

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I am looking forward to tonight's meeting. I want to prepare everyone about what we will be chatting about. We'll be talking about "The Word". aka. "The Bible".

Lets prepare our hearts to be challenged tonight. I want to discuss in honest conversation, our personal views on scripture. I know that we all may have different views on what the bible really is and how it is applicable, so lets be open to talk through it and learn from each other.

Three things that you can be thinking of during the day today.

1. Is the bible really "God speaking to me personally"?

2. Is the bible really relevant to me today?

3. Why is it important for Christians to read the bible?

Again, we will meet at the Chewning's at 5:45 for dinner; then we will go to the Stone's to chat. Jen Stone is bringing dinner. Yummy.

Be thinking about who wants to volunteer to watch the kids tonight. Last week it was Beth Chewning and Jen Sudduth.

Isaiah 40: "OUR God is Awesome and Stands Forever."

I was encouraged by my brother-in-law, Paul, to read this scripture and wanted to share it with my our small group. It has become one of my favorite parts of scripture. Our God is so huge and we are so small. yet, in his bigness, he allows us to know him. That is amazing to me. How great is our God? He's AWESOME!!!!

I have been meditating on verse 8 for the past 2 days now and it is just speaking wonders to me.

Our God and his word stands for ever. How cool is it that he is "OUR" God. Not just the God, or God, but "OUR" God. He's mine! He's yours! He's OURS!!

Isaiah 40:8-15

8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.

"Hi"

Hi Guys,

I really enjoyed small group this week. I was up praying for all of you specifically this morning. I believe that God really is wanting to do some big things in our small group. I am excited about that. Lets be dedicated to our pursuit of Christ. Remember that Knowledge of God word is never a substitute for our pursuit of him. Knowledge can only help in our pursuit. Like Proverbs 3 says trust him and acknowledge him in every area of your life. That's is what it means to pursue Christ.

This week, do we have anyone who wants to volunteer for the main dish?

We'll do drinks and ice cream.

Remember to keep on a daily schedule of scripture reading. Make time. We don't have time because we don't create time. get up 15 minutes earlier, go to bed 15 minutes earlier. Spend less time on the Internet or watching TV. You can find the time.

I'd like for everyone to share one verse that encouraged them............

Prayer

Hi Everyone,

I would like for all of you to be prayiong for a friend on mine who sent me this e-mail. Thanks and I had a great time with everyone yesterday.

Matt

Hi Chewning,
We actually had some shocking news last week at our 28 week ultrasound saying that Mason has a closed spinal defect…. Long story…we go this Thurs morn to Baptist outpatient center for a 2nd ultrasound screening and to verify or gather more information on the diagnosis. We are faithful that the Lord gave and is creating our Mason, is the great healer, and will see us thru this. I could tell you 30 mins. worth of info that I can’t spend time to type up… Please keep us and Baby Mason in your prayers. I am at peace that it’s all in the Lord’s hands and he will be OK and that truly is all I can count on!

I’m glad to hear that Beth and baby are doing well!

Thanks for asking… talk to you soon,
Steph

Day 5 "Spiritual Pride"

Have you ever seen something that was going really well, take a sudden turn for the worst? One time I was in a basketball game in college. We were playing Newbury college and I had just gone on one of the hottest streaks of my entire basketball career. I scored 36 points in a matter of 14 minutes. I'll never forget the game. We were down by ten at the half and I remember telling James Capozzi,who was in the crowd while we were warming up for the start of the 2nd half, that I was going to go for 20 in the half and win the game. I only had about 5 points in the first half and was quite for the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half. Then I hit a shot with the shot clock expiring and it sparked my fire. From that point on, the hoop was as big as the Atlantic. I hit 3 after 3 after 3 from everywhere on the court. And ones, up and unders, free throws, mid-range jumpers; I just couldn't miss. I remember looking up into the stands at Beth (who was holding Daniel) and then James, and making an expression like "I have no idea why everything is going in?" Next thing I know we are up 10 points with 1 minute left and I just went went on a scoring spree that I have never witnessed before. It was crazy and I remember it like it was yesterday.

Then it took a turn....FOR THE WORST. Our team literally just shut down with one minute left. Somehow, with one minute left and down 10 points, Newbury found themselves now up 1 point with 6 seconds left. I can't even remember how that happened. They were about to pull off the biggest comeback that I would ever be a part of.

...I hit the game winner with no time left on the clock and we won by 1. Best game of my career.

Luke 4:14-30 is a story of how quickly something could go wrong after being so right. Jesus is in his home town probably with his family and crew. He's at the church that he grew up in, and people were probably excited to see him. At that time there were a lot of talk about Jesus because of miracles that he was performing in Capernaum. (Side note, Luke was not written in chronological order like other gospels.) While at church, Jesus picks up a scroll and reads a prophecy about himself out of Isaiah. he basically told the group that the Messiah is here and standing before you. The crowd was overwhelmingly joyful. Scripture says that the crowd "spoke well of him and was amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips."

Then it turned! To preface his next statement, he first warned the crowd by saying, "Easy, don't talk so highly of me yet, because I am about to tell you something that will make you want to literally throw me off of a cliff." Then he shares an analogy and communicated to the Jews that the Kingdom of God is not just for the good, moral, law following Jews. Instead he tells them that the Kingdom of God is for the repentant sinners of the world." This is how the Jews responded. One minute they were filled with Joy that the messiah was before them and the next minute, scripture tells us "All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff."

Why did they turn so fast? Why were they ready to throw Jesus off of a cliff? The answer; "SPIRITUAL PRIDE!!"

The Jews thought that salvation was for only those who were good morel Jews. How dare salvation be offered to those who don't try hard. I try hard, I sacrifice, I am a good person. I deserve the Kingdom of God.

Don't we all act like this sometimes. Don't we sometimes look at people who are lost and don't know Christ with some sort of internal spiritual pride. Almost as if we are better than they are? None of us would intentionally do this or even admit it for that matter, but if your honest; it's there. It's in us to act and think like this. Truth be told, if we were one of the religious people in the room, we would have been trying to throw Jesus over a cliff as well. How dare he stomp on my self righteous party.

This is what I pull away from this scripture.

If I am not willing to put myself in situations where people are turning against me and kicking me out, than I have to ask if I am compromising TRUTH? Jesus was full of truth, he lived truth and was truth. I believe that Christians need to be less combative with their approach towards TRUTH, however stand firm in the fact that "ONLY WE HAVE THE TRUTH." Ultimately we'll walk away like Jesus; totally and supernaturally unharmed. Scripture says "Jesus walked right through the mob and went on his way."

Day 3 "Are we growing?" Questions for everyone

There is a lot of weird stiff that went down in today's scriptures. Let me just play out the scenario real quick about Simeon and Anna. I am not sure how to explain these two people because we don't see anyone like these two in our culture except for the guy who stands on the corner in NYC screaming "Jesus is COMING" and the crazy lady who brings the tambourine to church. None-the less, they were filled with the same Holy Spirit that we are filled with and because of that, acted a little weird. Simeon comes to the baby dedication and snatches Jesus up and starts screaming that he's God. Anna then tells everyone that this baby will redeem God's people. That's one weird day to say the least.

One thing that spoke pretty clearly to me when I was reading this was the idea that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. This is a very strong concern for me and I think that as a small group, we need to be asking this question. Are we growing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men?

Notice that it does not talk about growing in our commitment to church attendance, to ministry, to small group attendance, or any other religious activity. Instead it addresses our spiritual wisdom, our physical stature, and our favor with people and the Lord.

It seems that God is not impressed in what we do for him; instead he is concerned about our growth. My prayer for our group is that we would all grow. We are all on different pages in our walk, however we need to all be moving forward. We have to understand that it's OK not be OK; but...its not OK to stay there. We all need to be moving forward.

So......................

Jen Shomo: Are you growing in your faith? How?

Stone's: How are you overcoming your sin?

Mike and Celia: What areas in your life do you need to grow in wisdom and favor with God and others? Is anything holding you back?

Suddoth's: What are your plans to grow up in your faith?

Jon M aka the Baptist: Are there things in your life that are hindering your growth?

Kelly: Your a new believer, that is when people typically see the most growth...is that true for you? If so, tell us about it.

Steve and Alice: What areas in your lives is God currently working on changing?

Beth: How is 3 kids and being pregnant hindering your walk? Is it at all?

Holly and Ryan: How is all that you been through the past few years grown you spiritually?

I am asking myself similar questions. Lately I feel like I have been in a desert. I feel like when I get quite, God is not there as often. I feel like I don't hear him as clearly as I have in the past. I am concerned that it is because I am coming to the word for information instead of a heart transformation opportunity. How can I change that behavior?

Plans for this coming up Monday (READ)

Here is Monday's agenda.

Meet at my house at 5:45. We'll have dinner together and then leave at 6:20 to go to the Stone's. We will leave the kids with 2 people at our house. We will decide on who stays with the kids on Monday.

Main Meal: Jen Sudduth

Dessert: Jen Shomo (Yeah, I said it.)

Drinks: Chewning's

This week we will be going over Luke 1-5. Lets chat about how we feel the website is working and what we may be able to do different if needed?

Day 2 "Being Jesus' Dad"

Not to be too unspiritual, but the first thing that came to mind when reading this was "Did Mary and Zechariah really bust out into a freestyle hip hop battle during all of this?" From the looks of it, that is just what happened.

When I think of Joseph, this is almost more that I can even fathom. He is in love with the woman of his dreams, she comes and tells him that she pregnant with the Holy Spirit's baby (Yeah right), then he has a dream where an angel comes to tell him that his wife is going to give birth to God in the flesh and that his child will take away the sins of the world. Wow, what a day. That's more than I could handle. Now here he is, coming to his home town, not married with a pregnant girl.

When I look at the life of Joesph I see such obedience and submission to Christ even as a child. I wonder how hard it was for Joseph to look at this situation and be able to self evaluate his place? Do I leave her? Do I raise this boy? What is my role? How am I going to raise God? So many questions. I wonder what Joseph was doing when he finally decided that the best possible thing to do was to be selfless and just play his part? To lay aside his goals, his desires, his dreams, his life, so that he could play his part in the most influential time in all of history. What a great model he must have been for Jesus as he was growing up; having a father who was more interested in the plan of God rather than his own plan.

That forces me to ask the same question about myself.

1. How is Christ influencing my decisions today?

2. Am I modeling Joseph in which he was able to lay aside his goals, his desires, his dreams, his life, so that he could play his God given part?

3. What is Christ doing right now as I type this blog, to mold me into his likeness?

4. If it were not for Christ, where would I be today?

Thanks for Tonight !! (Everyone Read)

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for coming to small group tonight. I really appreciate everyone's willingness and desire to both want to grow in their walk with Jesus and deepen friendships in our group. Today was different and fun, we were able to talk about what we want to do moving forward as a group as well as some fun activities.

Some of the fun activities that we wrote down were:

- Girls / Guys night out.

- Camping Trip

- Feed the Homeless

- Bowling

- Grill out in someones backyard

- Bur-Mil or Triad Park

- Game Night

We also talked about how we can utilize our small group as a missional opportunity. I hope that everyone understands the importance of seeing people who don't know Jesus, come to life in Christ. Lets make sure we are all building relationships with people who God gives us, in order to lead them to the Lord.

Finally, Next week we will most likely meet at our house and then go to the Stones for group time. Jen Stone, Please confirm as soon as you can.

Can someone volunteer to bring a meal?

Lets make sure that we are using this blog to stay connected throughout the week. We will start on Day 1 tomorrow. I have already written a little about it. Again, stay connected with this site because it will be our primary way of connecting with eacother.

LEAVE COMMENTS AND GET THE BALL ROLLLING!!!

Day 1 "Our Destiny"

How can a person not be encouraged by these words from God; Jeremiah 1:5"Before I formed you in your mothers womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart."

In today's reading, Luke describes in detail the plans for John the Baptist. He explains it to John's dad, months before John is ever conceived or born. This reading just goes to show us how deeply God is involved in the universe.

You all know that I have 3 kids, almost 4. I am not sure if you know that NONE of them have been planned. We tried to plan our last one but had 2 miscarriages and then the Dr told us to stop trying for a few months. Two weeks later we found out about baby J (Jacob's due in June). So, I never planned our children, but that does not mean that they weren't planned. Psalm 139 tells us that God had beautiful thoughts for all of my kids before they were even a twinkle in my eye or a thought in my little brain.

John the baptist had his destiny laid out before him. Supernaturally an angel told about his whole life to his Father and how he would pave the way for the Savior of the world. We too have a destiny that God has spoken over our lives. It is our responsibility to live out our destiny for the glory of God.

I am asking myself these 3 questions today.

1. Am I currently living out my destiny?

2. What has God set me apart for?

3. How am I living a life like John, so that I am paving a way for Jesus to work in others?