Radically Happy

Point to Ponder: When we worship with an unprepared heart, we sin. Verse to Remember: “Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure.” — Psalm 24:3-4,6 (NLT) Question to Consider: What can you do to prepare yourself for corporate worship this weekend? [Read…

Point to Ponder: The Sabbath is a time to “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) Verse to Remember: “You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week is holy because it belongs to me.” — Leviticus 23:3a (CEV)…

Point to Ponder: We are better together Verse to Remember: “We work together as partners who belong to God.” — I Corinthians 3:9a (NLT) Question to Consider: How do your gifts and abilities complement the others in your group? [Read More] thoughts on Day 35 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days…

Verse to Remember: “You have six days to do your work, but the seventh day of each week is holy because it belongs to me.” — Leviticus 23:3 (CEV) [Read More] thoughts on weekly Session 6 (the last one) of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community, including our special guest…

Point to Ponder: Serious service requires serious sacrifice Verse to Remember: “…we must give our lives for other believers.” — I John 3:16b (GW) Question to Consider: What sacrifice can you make that will enrich the lives of many? [Read More] thoughts on Day 34 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days…

For several months, courtesy of Back to the Bible, I’ve been receiving an online devotional by the late “prince of preachers” Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I was tickled to see him end today’s devotional with the triplistic formulation: Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus–humility, happiness, and holiness.…

Point to Ponder: Find the intersection of God’s will and your gifts Verse to Remember: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.” — Hebrews 10:24 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How can you use your abilities to serve God by helping others? [Read More] thoughts…

Point to Ponder: Humility is the result of knowing who you are. Verse to Remember: “Serve each other in humility…” — I Peter 5:5a (NLT) Question to Consider: How do you feel when you’re treated like a servant? [Read More] thoughts on Day 32 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of…

Point to Ponder: You have more to share than you realize. Verse to Remember: “…make up your own mind what you will give… God loves it when the giver delights in giving.” — II Corinthians 9:7 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How attached are you to your possessions? Do you own…

Point to Ponder: We’re to carry each others burdens. Verse to Remember: “You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.” — Galatians 6:2 (CEV) Question to Consider: Who do you know who needs your help to carry their burdens today? [Read More] thoughts on…

Point to Ponder: We’re saved to serve others. Verse to Remember: “Each of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves ‘How can I help?’.” — Romans 15:2 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How will you serve someone in your church or small group today? [Read…

Verse to Remember: “By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.” — Galatians 5:6 (NIV) [Read More] thoughts on weekly Session 5 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community,

Point to Ponder: Fellowship without forgiveness is impossible Verse to Remember: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Question to Consider: If there’s someone you need to forgive, when are you doing to do it? If…

Point to Ponder: The purpose of confession is not disgrace, but grace. Verse to Remember: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16 (NIV) Question to Consider: If…

Point to Ponder: Let others go first. Verse to Remember: “out of humility of mind everyone should give preference to others.” — Phiippians 2:3b (NJB) Question to Consider: In what ways and situations do you need to “practice playing second fiddle” this week? [Read More] thoughts on Day 26 of…

Point to Ponder: It is your business! Verse to Remember: “You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” — Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) Question to Consider: We wouldn’t hesitate to stop…

Point to Ponder: We are all teachers of the faith. Verse to Remember: “Use his words to teach and counsel each other.” — Colossians 3:16a (NLT) Question to Consider: What are some lessons God has taught you recently that you can share with your small group? [Read More] thoughts on…

Point to Ponder: We have the power to kill or give life. Verse to Remember: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Question to Consider: How can you become a more consistent source of encouragement to those around you? [Read More] thoughts on Day…

Point to Ponder: We all need models to mature. Verse to Remember: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — I Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Question to Consider: Who will I look to as models and mentors for my spiritual growth? Who am I willing to be an…

Verse to Remember: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) [Read More] thoughts on weekly Session 4 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community,