GPS Week of May 12, 2019

Monday May 13 — Philippians 2:5-11Philippians Chapter 2 is often referred to as the “Christ Hymn.” Most likely, this Scripture was a very early Christian hymn. This passage of Scripture is at the foundation of how we understand the character of our king, Jesus Christ. The king we serve is not one who abuses power, who manipulates, who sees his kingdom as something to exploit. Instead our king is the one who emptied himself, who humbled himself, who was obedient to God, who lived our life and died our death. Read verses 6-11, and consider how you can live the way Christ lived. How can you model your character and life after Christ today?Tuesday May 14 — Jeremiah 10:6-7, 10The words in verse 10 are particularly powerful, “he is the living God and the everlasting king.” We each experience the love and grace that God offers us through Jesus Christ both in this moment (our living God) and forever (the everlasting king). What does it mean for you that our king is both living now and everlasting? What steps can you take to help you receive fully the grace that God offers you in every moment? Consider today how you can intentionally embrace the gift of God’s grace in every moment.Wednesday May 15 — John 14:1-7John 14 is a Scripture we often use in funerals. These words provide us comfort in times of difficulty. It is so easy in our world to become burdened and overwhelmed. We stress about family, health, jobs, finances, our church, our government, our world. In the middle of these struggles we radically proclaim that our focus is on the life that God wants us to lead by claiming Jesus as our way, truth and life. How can you focus today on who Jesus calls you to be? How can you receive comfort from proclaiming Jesus Christ as your Lord?Thursday May 16 — Psalm 96Psalm 96 provides us vivid imagery of our Lord and king. Our king is a saving king, who does good works for the people, who is strong, fair, and righteous. The Psalmist sees all these things in our king through wonders of creation. What does the beauty of God’s creation teach you about God’s character? During the day pause to reflect on the wonder of creation. Reflect on who God is in your life.Friday May 17 — Matthew 10:5-7Jesus tells the twelve go to Israel (our people) and proclaim that “The kingdom of heaven has come near (vs. 7).” Here in Matthew 10 the disciples go to the people they know the best and proclaim to their friends and neighbors that God’s Kingdom is near. This Scripture reminds us that we can encounter the love of Christ in our homes, grocery stores, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We don’t have to go far to see that God’s Kingdom in available and present. How can you witness God’s Kingdom in the places you know best today?Saturday May 18 — Isaiah 9:2-7This is a Scripture we often associate with Christmas Eve and the birth of Christ; as Christians we read it and see the characteristics of Christ in the words “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (vs. 6).” How do you need Jesus Christ to be present to you today as your counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and prince of peace? Spend time today reflecting on these different aspects of Jesus.