11/22 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

Title:  “Encountering God- with Gratitude”

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 22-28

Texts:  Mic. 6:8; Mt. 7:14; Lk. 17, 18 & 19;  Rev. 12:7-12

IN A NUTSHELL:  The prophet Micah said, “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before God.”  Worship is the humble walk. It is the knee buckling, jaw dropping acknowledgement of the gap between the creature and the creator, sinful and the Holy.  It is the heart-rending, spirit-mending gratitude and the joy of celebrating grace and redemption. This is all wrapped up in a hope that starts today and will last an eternity.

ICE BREAKER:  When was the last time you felt overwhelmed with gratitude?  What caused your thankfulness?  How did you respond?

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. What does Mt. 7:14 suggest about the number of those going to heaven?
  2. What are God's priorities for us as His children? Mic. 6:8
  3. List the stories recorded in Luke chapters 17 - 19.  What lessons on gratitude might be taken from those stories?  Lk. 17, 18 & 19
  4. We've heard the phrase for decades, no doubt, it's been said for millennia, "What's this world coming to?"  What's the answer? Rev. 12:7-12

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. Some have suggested that there are often key events in a person’s life that moves them from a mindset of gratitude, discovery and hope to a mindset of criticism, discouragement and hopelessness. Can you identify an event, relationship or circumstance that generally speaking changed your disposition (either good to bad or bad to good) Do you have any unfinished business with God or someone else regarding forgiveness or expressing gratitude?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1.  How might the world be different if gratitude for God’s grace were more spoken of by the church rather than criticism and judgement. We’re not talking about the absence of Scripture but rather the improvement of our tone!

 WHAT I SEE…

 

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet –11415GodEnccaresheet
  2. "Teaching Thankfulness" - Creative Connections for Kids
  3. "Biscuit is Thankful" - A children's book
  4. "30 Days of Thanksgiving" a daily devotional
  5. "The Dangerous Act of Worship" book by Mark Labberton
  6. TLCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  7. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
  8. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
11/15 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters

Sunday’s play list via YouTube

Title:  “Encountering God- Spiritual Warfare in Worship”

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 16-21 

Texts: Matt. 5:23-24; Ac. 16:16-40;  John 4:23-24;  Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Pet. 5:8-10;  2 Cor. 10:3-4; Heb. 3:13, 4:12-13;  Gal. 5:19-21;  Col. 3:5-8; Mk. 7:21-23

IN A NUTSHELL  If  worshiping God “in spirit and in truth” is seen by Jesus as one of the most important things for us to understand in our worship, then Satan is more than happy to just tweak our disposition and slightly distorting the truth.

ICE BREAKER  Describe the last time you saw the patrolman and knew you were going to be stopped.  What is it that causes us to be careless until we think we are about to be caught?

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. What did the woman at Jacob's well go to for discussion when she perceived Jesus was a prophet?
  2. Since the devil is trying to "devour" us what does Peter say we should do?
  3. What are the weapons we fight with as Christians?
  4. In what ways might John 4:23,24 and Heb. 4:12-13 be linked regarding the "spirit & truth"?

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. How can Christians help each other avoid being deceived by Satan?
  2. What today has challenged your ability to worship God in Spirit and truth?
  3. Take a look at the back of the CARE Sheet (Worship Priority) and spend some time this week evaluating your thoughts and actions.  If you are a Christian they are at war with the Holy Spirit in you as you try to worship. In light of those passages of Scripture how might you better make worshiping God in Spirit and truth a priority this next week?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1. If someone came to church today for the first time and asked you about the most important thing about your church, what would you describe?  Why?

 WHAT I SEE…

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet –11315GodEnccaresheet
  2. Spiritual Warfare - by Karl Payne
  3. Indications of Spiritual Warfare 
  4. TLCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  5. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
  6. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
  7. "Oh, that's good!" Hee Haw tribute to comedian Archie Campbell
Uncategorizeddougdelp
11/8 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 8-15 

  • Esther 1-10
  • Psalms 59-71

Texts:   Rev. 4:8-11; Neh. 8:6; Hab. 2:20; Matt. 2:11; Ps. 47:1; 2 Sam. 6:14, 16, 22

IN A NUTSHELL  Posture not only reflects the attitude of humility and gratitude that is present in the believer, but postures can enhance and magnify the experience of gratitude and reverence expressed by the believer.

ICE BREAKER  When a child raises their hands to his father, he wants to be picked up. When a friend offers you a gift, you reach out to receive it. When you celebrate a great victory, you jump up and down and shout and high five those around you. When you enter in the presence of a great king, you bow down in honor and respect. Talk about how posture does have meaning and significance in our lives.

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

Read 2 Sam. 6.  Why was David dancing with all his might in worship of the Lord?  What was his response to his wife's critical comments about his expression of worship?

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

Do you find yourself more often being like David and worshiping God without inhibitions? Or do you find yourself more like Michal who is embarrassed and critical of those who are expressive in worship? Which one did God bless?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

In a world that often does not believe in a Creator God, what do you think the average person thinks when they see someone passionately singing and lifting their hands in worship? How could posture communicate to a broken world that you believe in an unseen God?  ?

 WHAT I SEE...

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet –11215GodEnccaresheet
  2. Worship in the Bible - David Carpenter
  3. LCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  4. Timber Lake Christian Church Website
  5. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
11/1 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Nov. 1-7 

  • Ezekiel 33-48
  • II Timothy 1-4
  • Psalms 56-58

Title: “Encountering the Holy Spirit in Worship”

Texts: Acts 4; Gal. 5:19-26;  1 Cor. 12:1-11;  Jn. 15:26; 14:15-25; 1 Cor. 14:33; Ro. 8:26; Jn. 3:1-13; Rom. 11:34;  Is. 55:8,9

In a Nutshell: According to Acts 4 when we encounter the Holy Spirit amidst worship we could see some or all of these things which happen totally at God's discretion, not by man’s invention or device.  The overriding manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit include: respectful boldness of the believers and indisputable resources & successes of the gospel among the believers and unbelievers.

 ICE BREAKER  When is the last time you prayed for revival? Why? Why not?

 WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. What things “happened to the church” in Acts 4?
  2. What things did “the church do” in Acts 4?
  3. What happened “amidst the church” outside of their control in Acts 4?
  4. What was Paul saying to the most divided, confused and argumentative church (Corinth) found in the Bible when he said, “You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.” See also 1 Cor. 14:12,20
  5. What is the difference between “manifestations of the Spirit” and the “fruits of the Spirit”? Gal. 5:19-26

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. If you had a choice between having the power to do miraculous things and gain a large audience or the power to live every day filled with resolve growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control which would you choose? Why?
  2. What would you say is the most “noteworthy” thing that happened in Acts 4?
  3. What would you like to see in Acts 4 happen to Timber Lake today?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1. How might Randolph County be changed if we prayed for boldness to share Christ with others amidst difficult situations?

synergy flame

  1. This week at supper read, discuss the meaning of and pray about the “Fruits of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-24).  Look for ways to foster hope in the worlds in which each of your family members live. Believing in the Holy Spirit and celebrating life means living in hope. Have a positive , enthusiastic and supportive attitude rather than a critical one.   See how that habit changes  your next time “at church.”

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet –11115GodEnccaresheet
  2. "Forgotten God"  by Francis Chan
  3. "The Holy Spirit" by Jack Cottrell
  4. "Counterfeit Revival" by Hank Hanegraff
  5. “The Difference Between Emotion and Emotionalism in Worship”
  6. LCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  7. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
10/25 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Oct. 24 – 31 

  • Ezekiel 17-32
  • Psalms 54-55
  • I Thessalonians 1-5

Title: “A Genuine Encounter"

Texts: 1 Sam. 16:7; Mat. 15; 1 Cor. 10; Heb 12:28-29; Isa. 57:15

In a Nutshell: What does it mean to worship God authentically?  What are the qualities of genuine worship?  The New Testament does not give us a “prescription” for how to worship God.  It would have been much easier if God had done that, but He wanted us to have freedom and creativity.  We’ll look at several “healthy tensions” when it comes to worshiping God with our mind, bodies, and emotions (heart).

 ICE BREAKER:  Describe a time in your life (an event, personal worship time, etc.) when you had an awesome God encounter.  What were the circumstances? How did that experience change your overall picture of what it means to worship God?

QUESTIONS:

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. What does 1 Sam. 16:7 teach us about genuine worship? Can you tell if someone else is worshiping God by how the look, act, feel, etc.?
  2. What does 1 Cor. 10:31 tell us about when / how often we worship God? Have you ever been guilty of having an “event-oriented” view of worship rather than worshiping in all of life?
  3. In what ways do we worship horizontally, and in what ways do we worship vertically? (Psalm 29, Eph. 1:3-6, 1 Cor. 14:26, Col. 3:16, 1 Cor. 11)

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. What is the number one priority when it comes to worshiping and serving God? (Matthew 15:8ff)  Have you been focused too much on emotions or actions and not enough on your heart?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1. What do you believe is the healthy balance between staying rooted (tradition, hymns, doctrinal emphasis) and relevant (modern terminology, changes in style, etc.)?
  2. In what ways are your expressions of worship and service observable and compelling to the world (unbelievers) around you?

WHAT I SEE

  1. Did the explanations of any of the healthy tensions challenge your thinking about genuine worship?
  1.  synergy flame
  2. Worship and service cannot be separated.  The fact is that we were created to serve God. When we worship God, we will naturally serve Him, and when we serve God, we are worshiping Him.  As Christians, no matter how young or old, we all have something to do.  We are servants of the Most High God!   When we think of a servant, we may think of someone who reports to work for a specific amount of time and is paid a specific wage. That is an employee – not a servant.  In the New Testament, the Greek word for “serve” is often “latreuo” and is often translated as “worship.”  This is not the picture of a slave serving a master. It is the picture of a relationship of love that compels action.  Romans 12:1 — “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet –10415GodEnccaresheet (1)
  2. LCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  3. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
10/18 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Oct. 11 – 17 

  • Ezekiel 1-16
  • Romans 12-16
  • Psalms 52-53

Title: “Encountering God in Scripture ”

Texts: Matthew 6:1-15; Psalm 100

In a Nutshell:  The principle of ’affirmation’ could be derived from Scripture and compiled into a format that would act as a prayer  tool to enable people to encounter God in Scripture.

 ICE BREAKER:  Do you remember a time you fell asleep while you were praying?

QUESTIONS:

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. What seems to be a reoccurring theme (comparison/contrast) in Matthew 6:1-15?
  2. What is Jesus asking God for when he says” your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
  3. It has been suggested that two verses of Psalm 100 are action oriented, and two are knowledge based. Which ones are which in your estimation?
  4. Is it possible to enter “his presence/courts” without singing, really singing?
  5. What would it look like to come into a corporate worship service not realizing that you are His? He owns you…

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. What areas of your life are not ordered as God has ordered heaven?
  2. What keeps you singing when you worship?
  3. How is my prayer life… really? Selfish or selfless? Focused or haphazard

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1. How might you take this verse (Matt. 9:35-37)and pray for people in your world?

WHAT I SEE

  1.  synergy flame
  2. This week take seriously one of the below challenges:
    1. This week commit to read/pray with/from/through 1 John chapter 1.
    2. Go to next week’s CARE sheet usually posted on Thursdays and then read/pray the Scriptures to be used in the sermon. www.dougdelp.wordpress.com
    3. Buy the book (“Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship”) and commit to at least one month of praying through Scripture.  [Oct. 25—Nov. 26, Thanksgiving]
    4. Check out this website knowing only the Scripture is inspired and man’s interpretation and application always needs to be checked with the Bible (Acts 17:11). www.pray-the-scriptures.com

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet – 10315GodEnccaresheet
  2. “Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship" by Kenneth Boa
  3. TLCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  4. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
10/11 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Oct. 11 – 17 

Title: “The Cost of Encountering God ”

Texts:   Leviticus 1-7; Luke 9; 18; Mark 12; Ac. 2, 4

In a Nutshell:God has always shown that it takes sacrifice to worship Him properly. We honor him appropriately when we give the first and the best. If we only give the leftovers, it is not worship. 

ICE BREAKER:  Remember a time when you responded with a glad and generous heart. Maybe a VBS where you emptied out your piggy bank to help a missionary, or wrote an extravagant check to help the Lord's work, or committed a significant amount of time to serve in a ministry you are passionate about?

QUESTIONS:

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. Skim through Leviticus 1-7 and notice some of the repeated words about what we are to bring to the Lord in worship.
  2. How difficult is it to give your best, an animal without defect, or the finest flour? To be burned (wasted?) in the fire. Have you ever felt like your were throwing money way when you were putting money in the offering?
  3. Have you read through the old testament sacrifice requirements and thought, "I am so glad we don't have to do that anymore." Discuss why we say that.

WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  1. When we read the New Testament, we see Jesus asking for much more than a tithe. Read Luke 18:18-25; Luke 9:23-25; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 2:44-45;4:32-35.
  2. Do you see yourself in any of those stories? Have you encountered God in such a way that you love Him and other believers to the point of sacrificial giving?
  3. Maybe instead of "giving till it hurts" we should "give until we worship." Do we give our first and best from a heart of worship? What would that look like for you?

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  1. If we gave and shared in one another's needs, how would that change the reputation of the church in the community?  We tend to place limits on what we are willing to give up so that we feel secure and safe.

WHAT I SEE

  • Will you sacrifice with joy and worship God as you give and serve this year?
  • Will you cheerfully give with a glad heart when you see a need that you can fill?
  1.  synergy flame
  2. Ask "Do I trust God enough to give sacrificially in my offerings of money, time and talents?" And if not, why not?  What would our ministry and missions budget look like if we gave not according to our comfort, but according to the need. Would the nursery, children's and youth ministry ever lack for volunteers? Would the communion and shut-in ministry ever have to beg?

Online Resources:

  1. The CARE Sheet - 10215GodEnccaresheet
  2. “A Call to Die” by David Nasson
  3. TLCC Music Ministry – Pinterest Board
  4. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
10/4 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

God Encounters Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Oct. 4 - 11 

Title: "Created to Encounter God"

Texts:  Romans 1; Genesis 4;  John 4

In a Nutshell: As birds are designed to fly, and fish are designed to swim, so we humans are designed to love God.  Bible stories provide windows into the lives of people as they have encountered God.  The first challenge we discover quickly is our tendency to love that which has been created, instead of the Creator. 

Questions:

ICE BREAKER  Can you remember the first thing/person that made you think… “I can’t live without…”?

WINDOWS IN THE WORD

  1. How did Cain's attitude toward his brother affect his relationship with God?  Genesis 4
  2. What was the beginning of the downward fall for those that become enslaved to sin? Romans 1
  3. What are the two most important elements God expects us to bring to our worship of Him? John 4

     

    WINDOWS INTO MY HEART

  4. What was the most dominant emotion you have sensed this morning since coming to church?   What action or thought did that emotion come from?emoticons
  5. If God were to tell you "sin is crouching at your door and you must master it" what situation would He be referring to?
  6.  If all your struggles had been exposed and forgiven (like the woman at the well) how would your worship experience be different?

    WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

  7. How did Cain's attitude toward his brother affect his relationship with God?  Genesis 4
  8. Has the Holy Spirit brought to mind a name of a person that you need to visit with at the water cooler (Jacob's well)?  What do you need to tell them?  

    WHAT I SEE

  9. Jot down one thing you sense the Holy Spirit telling you that you need to do differently this week. 
  10.  synergy flame
  11. Let’s think about a recent family challenge where one of you struggled with anger or bitterness. On a scale of 1-10 how difficult was it to go to church, read the Bible, pray?  Was there anything specific that helped you to overcome those feelings?

Online Resources:

  1. "The Way of a Worshiper" by Buddy Owens
  2. TLCC Music Ministry - Pinterest Board
  3. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
9/27 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

shofar holiday Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Sept. 20- 26 

Title: “The Feast of Tabernacles - Tents, Water & Light”

Texts:  John 7-9; Ex. 23:16,33-43; Is. 12:3; 44:3; Ps. 27:1; Is. 60:1;  Heb. 11:32-40  

In a Nutshell: “The Feast of Tabernacles (a.k.a. Ingathering) celebrated the harvest God had given them. It was to be a reminder of how God had taken them from Egypt to Israel, a pilgrimage with a destination.  Rabbis were quoted saying, ‘if a person has not been to Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles they didn’t know what rejoicing really meant.’ Today we remember this is not our home and more importantly celebrate that Jesus will take us there!"

Questions:

  1. What indications (their actions/statements) do you see in John 7-9 that the Jews were "on edge" about Jesus?
  2. Jesus' brothers did not believe Jesus was "the son of God". Therefore what were they trying to do when they urged him to go to Jerusalem for the "Feast of Tabernacles" (Booths)? (Jn. 7:1-9)
  3. Were the Jews primarily upset about what Jesus had done, or who He said He was?
  4. God wanted the Feast of Tabernacles to be celebrated for what reason?
  5. While the Jewish leaders had developed the traditions of carrying water to the altar and carrying torches into the city what did Jesus do/say to direct those traditions toward His identity?  (Jn. 7:37,38;  8:12-13; Is. 12:3; 44:3; Ps. 27:1; Is. 60:1)
  6. What were the heroes of our faith focused on?  And what did they hold on to loosely? Heb. 11:32-40  
  7.  synergy flame Putting it all together
  8. What is it about going camping that causes your family to reconnect?
  9. The Feast of Tabernacles had evolved into a festival of traditions surrounding winter rains, waning hours of sunlight.  How did Jesus recover the main points of the Holy Spirit and living out the will of God before others?
  10. What do you (your family) do to keep you focused on the eternal/spiritual priorities in your lives?

Online Resources:

  1. CARE Sheet - CARE Sheet 9-4-15 b
  2. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
  3. The last 12 months has changed many Jewish minds & hearts!
  4. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
Yom Kippur at Timber Lake Christian Church

It’s the cold grey days that makes the warm sunshine most welcomed. In contrast it’s the long hot days that makes the cool breeze calm the soul.  It’s the lonely days, months and years that will make the heart sing when the company of true love is found.  In contrast, it’s the constant barrage of a passionate person wanting their needs met or insisting on their preferences first that will make being alone an oasis! Gratitude is best nurtured when seeing your life from the context of the contrasts!  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we begin to bask in the warm of His grace.  But it is important to remember that Jesus is more than just our Saviour, He is to be our Lord as well.  The proof of having comprehended His grace is the gratitude with which we live our lives, grateful enough to follow in His footsteps – not perfectly, but faithfully…persistently!

The Holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and the ten days before can be a time to “afflict ourselves” (Num. 29:7), or “test yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5).  If you want to see the contrast (context) in which the Day of Atonement was born read Leviticus 16.  Looking at our lives through the lens of Scripture about sin isn’t to communicate one day you’re saved and the next day you are not. This isn’t trying to communicate you must earn your salvation.   But it is recognizing that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This is a time to honestly ask yourself if you are living a life of grateful obedience to God or just indulging in His grace assuming “your constant indulgence in sin is forgiven anyway.”

Celebrating Yom Kippur means denying yourself of the regular routine (eating, working, playing) and spend some time asking yourself some hard questions.  Once you and God through His word and prayer (the Holy Spirit) have determined just whose “script” you are following it’s time to celebrate (break the fast)!

Jonah

Tonight we will meet at 5:30 at the TLCC pavilion and have a hot dog roast, discuss a New Testament meaning of Yom Kippur and watch the movie “Jonah”.   The challenge is to fast until tomorrow after church.  Then together we will have a pot-luck “breakfast” celebrating God’s grace!  If possible tomorrow for church wear white to celebrate God’s redemption.  Jesus sacrifice.

Uncategorizeddougdelp
9/20 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

shofar holiday Sunday’s play list via YouTube

This Week’s Bible Readings  Sept. 20- 26 

Title: “The Day of At-One-Ment - at what cost?”

Texts:  Lev. 16; Hebrews 9 & 10; Matthew 25; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; Luke 22:15-20; Romans 1:18-3:31; Isaiah 1&2

In a Nutshell: "At-One-Ment" in today's vernacular might be "on the same page", "soul-mates", "of the same mind and heart".  Atonement Day in the Old Testament was that annual reminder that God and His people would only be "at-one" because of God's provision and man's obedience.  Since Jesus' sacrifice the Day of Atonement is a good day for us to ask ourselves if we are living out of gratitude and obedience or selfishness and entitlement. In other words, "am I and God of the same mind and heart?"

Questions:

  1. What are the sins listed in the New Testament that describe a life outside of the will of God? (1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal. 5:19-21, Rev. 21:8)
  2. What does the author of Hebrews say the blood of bulls and goats could cleanse? What about the blood of Jesus?" (Hebrews 9:11-14)
  3. Based upon the entire chapter of Matthew 25 what criteria seems to be used for determining who will be regarded as sheep, and who will be judged as goats?
  4.  synergy flame Putting it all together…
  5. At what point do you begin moving from good intentions to actual success when congratulating your kids for doing the right thing?  What is the difference between "good intentions" and "righteousness"?
  6. What does it look like when people choose not to honor God as God, or acknowledge Him, or even worse to live in opposition to His commands?  How can this be made understandable for children and youth?

Online Resources:

  1. CARE Sheet –CARE Sheet 9-3-15
  2. Yom Kippur - Pre- & Break- fast menus
  3. Ten Days of Awe
  4. A Solemn Assembly
  5. Core Values of My Preaching & Teaching Ministry - Doug Delp
  6. Freedom of Religion (not freedom from religion) - Doug Delp
  7. How Could a Loving God Send Anyone to Hell? Christian Standard Article
  8. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
Uncategorizeddougdelp
9/13 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

shofar holiday Sunday’s play list via YouTube

Last Week’s Bible Readings  Sept. 6 – 12 

 This week’s Bible Readings  Sept. 13- 19 

Title: “The Feast of Trumpets”

Texts:  Num. 29:1-8; Lev. 23:23-27; Ex. 19:10-17;  Lk. 22:20; Mt. 25:1-13; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17

In a Nutshell: The shofar (Ram's horn) was used to "call God's people together" and the feast was expressly stated to be kept as a "memorial."  The feast of Trumpets is the first of three fall festivals united by the thought of redemption and atonement.  It has been called "10 days of Awe" referring to the need for repentance and redemption through God's amazing grace. If "The Trumpet" was blown today would you be ready?  While we should not become legalistic about keeping festivals since all things Old find their fulfillment in Jesus how might knowing/celebrating the Feast of Trumpets enhance our faith in Christ?

Questions:

  1. What major events need to be "remembered" in a memorial such as the Feast of Trumpets? Num. 19:1-6; Lev. 23:23-27; Ex. 19:13
  2. How are the Lord's Supper and the Jewish wedding traditions tied by Jesus to his plan of redemption? Lk. 22:20; Mt. 25:1-13;
  3. Who is it that blows the shofar? Ex. 19:13;  1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17
  4.  synergy flame Putting it all together…
  5. If you were to view the next 10 days as ones to prepare your mind and heart to repent of sins and find confidence in God's plan of redemption what would you do?
  6. Keep in mind that the last feast is of "Tabernacles" and is the most joyous of all feasts!  How might your family be benefited by undergoing a major "house cleaning" of sin and a spiritual revival?   What would that look like in your home?
  7. When is the last day you woke up thinking... today could be THE day!?
  8. How can you talk to your children about Jesus' second coming without creating fear?

Online Resources:

  1. CARE Sheet - CARE Sheet 9-1-15
  2. A Solemn Assembly
  3. The Feast of Trumpets
  4. Heaven  by Randy Alcorn
  5. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
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9/6 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Synergy for the Trip Sunday’s play list via YouTube

Last Week’s Bible Readings Aug. 31- Sept. 5 

This week’s Bible Readings  Sept. 6 - 12 

Title: “Synergy for the Trip – Legacy”

Texts:  John 17:26;  Romans 12:15;  2 Corinthians 10:5

In a Nutshell: The Legacy milestone is about  change and opportunities. We seek to provide resources to support spiritual growth through later years, leaving a solid foundation for your family. [assessments, inspiration]

Questions:

  1. Share a story where you and a loved one had a different emotional reaction to the same circumstance and it led to a disagreement.
  2. What erroneous things did your parents indirectly lead you to believe about yourself and how has that effected you emotionally in life?
  3. Share some stories when you were trying to fix someone's emotions rather than empathize with them.
  4. synergy flame Putting it all together…
  5. When someone says "I understand what you are going through" how does that make you feel?
  6. When someone says you shouldn't feel that way, how does that make you feel?
  7. Can we be spiritually healthy and not be emotionally healthy?
  8. What do you put more stock in loving words or loving actions?
  9. Name one argument that you routinely have and what are the emotions that lie behind that argument, does not feeling the same way as the other contribute to this argument?

Online Resources:

  1. Synergy Milestone Study Sheet (Milestone #5) Synergy Milestone study Sheets 2014 (M5)
  2. Pinterest – Legacy
  3. Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joiner
  4. The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
  5. Intentional Parenting by Tad Thompson
  6. What is Synergy? New Synergy Promo (4)
  7. Synergy Bookmark Synergy Milestones Study Bookmark 2014
  8. Discipleship Assessment Postcard Discipleship Assessment 2015
  9. Discipleship Assessment Resources Family Discipleship assessment and resources
  10. Timber Lake’s past videos (Vimeo)
  11. Who is Randal Weidenaar?
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8/30 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Synergy for the Trip Sunday’s play list via YouTube

Last Week’s Bible Readings  Aug. 24-30 

This week's Bible Readings Aug. 31- Sept. 6 

Title: “Synergy for the Trip – Supporting Adulthood”

Texts:  Pr. 3:1-12; Pr. 11:14; 18:15; Eccl. 4:9-12; Eph. 4:11-16

In a Nutshell: Supporting Adulthood is about the importance of developing good relationships and taking responsibility: Resources provided are to encourage networking, accountability, refinement and balance in the life and spiritual growth of an adult. 

Questions:

  1. What would be the results of applying oneself to the commands and teachings contained in Proverbs?
  2. What was to be the source of wisdom that would bring "healing to the flesh" and "refreshment to the bones"?
  3. Where might one find safety?
  4. How are two or three better than one?
  5. What did Paul say would result from "maturity"?  What or who helped to encourage this maturity?
  6. synergy flame Putting it all together…
  7. What topics issues did you struggle with in your 20's?
  8. How is entitlement showing up in your life?
  9. How many of those topics have you discussed with you children/grandchildren?
  10. Who would you regard as a mentor in your young years?  Who are you mentoring now?

Online Resources:

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8/23 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Synergy for the Trip Sunday's play list via YouTube

Last Week’s Bible Reading Aug. 9- 15 Bible Readings: 

  • II Chronicles 27-28
  • Micah 1-7
  • Isaiah 7-19
  • Proverbs 19

Aug. 16- 22 Bible Readings: 

Title: “Synergy for the Trip – Teens”

Texts:  1 Sam. 17 (David & Goliath); Lk. 1:26-38 (Mary, mother of Jesus); 1 Kings 1:6 (David & Absolom/Adonija); 1 Sam. 2:22 (Hophni & Phinehas);  Mk. 14:51,52; Acts 12:12,25; 15:37-41; 2 Tim. 4:11 (John Mark)

In a Nutshell: Adolescence can be tough! In this milestone we seek to provide resources to help parents and their youth develop spiritual disciplines and embrace upcoming adulthood.  Youth that have a tested faith along the way tend to grow, those that are sheltered from the potential of making bad decisions tend to make some real "doosies" once they get on their own.  Anyway you look at it teens are built to try their new wings!  Model the principles you've been talking about the past 12 years and let them practice.  Be sure to avoid "clipping " their wings!

Questions:

  1. How did young David and Mary view themselves?  View God?
  2. Where did David and Eli fail their sons?
  3. Why do you think John Mark included such a curious story about a young, unnamed disciple running off naked?
  4. Why do you think Paul did not want to take John Mark on the second mission journey?
  5. What all had to happen for Paul, Barnabas & Timothy to have to come to the point that Paul could say "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry"?
  6. synergy flame Putting it all together…
  7. How do you communicate to your children/grandchildren that you love them unconditionally AND that their choices do have consequences?
  8. How does this kind of communication change from "the early years" to the "teens"?
  9. What are signs that you are too much of your child's "friend" rather than their "parent"?
  10. What significant event/trip/activity do you remember as a teen that you would say was monumental in your maturing process?  (May have been an ultimate success or a major failure)
  11. What priorities/event would you like to establish now for "the kids" in your life in effort to help them transition to adulthood?

Online Resources:

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8/16 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship
by

Synergy for the Trip

The songs we’ll all sing together in worship are on the playlist!

Last Week’s Bible Reading August 16-22

  • Isaiah 20-35
  • I Corinthians 8-10
  • Proverbs 20-23

Aug. 9- 15 Bible Readings: 

  • II Chronicles 27-28
  • Micah 1-7
  • Isaiah 7-19
  • Proverbs 19

Title: “Synergy for the Trip – The Early Years”

Texts:  Deut. 6:4-9; Matt. 18:1-4; John 6:1-4; 1 Sam. 3:1-10;

In a Nutshell: Prenatal thru Early Childhood: Young children are very impressionable and born hungry to learn. The question is if the parents/adults in their world will teach and model how to listen to and serve God. In this milestone we seek to provide resources which will support and encourage parents of young children in their developing spiritual disciplines. [the age of discovery & security]

Questions:

  1. What activities did God say could be done while the children are learning about Him and His will?  Deut. 6:4-9
  2. How did Jesus view children according to Matt. 18:1-4 & Mark 10:13-16
  3. Why did Samuel keep thinking Eli was calling him?
  4. How did Eli tell Samuel to respond?
  5. Which seems more embarrassing to imagine happening,  a child offering his 5 loaves and 2 fish, or Andrew telling Jesus about the young lad's offer when there are so many to feed? John 6:1-4
  6. synergy flame Putting it all together…
  7. What characteristic or tendency have you learned about your child, grandchild or neighborhood child lately?
  8. What Godly virtue nature have you intentionally talked about and modeled for the children in your life lately?

Online Resources:

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8/9 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Synergy for the Trip The songs we’ll all sing together in worship are on the playlist!

Last Week’s Bible Reading August 2-8

  • II Kings 15-17
  • Hosea 1-14
  • II Chronicles 24-26
  • Isaiah 6
  • Proverbs 17-18

Aug. 9- 15 Bible Readings: 

  • II Chronicles 27-28
  • Micah 1-7
  • Isaiah 7-19
  • Proverbs 19

Title: "Synergy for the Trip - Discipleship"

Texts:  Heb. 5:11-6:3; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Rom. 6:1-4; Acts 10

In a Nutshell: Discipleship is a time of nurturing the learning and commitment process: It's more than a ritual, more than information and more than an experience in a community but it certainly involves all three. Guiding parents with resources designed to help children desire a greater level of commitment including Baptism into Christ is a priority. [a period of development and decision]

Questions:

  1. What does the Hebrews author suggest are included in the "elementary doctrines" of Christ? Heb. 6:1-3
  2. What is the difference between those that live on "the milk" (elementary doctrines) as oppose to those that live on "the meat" (more difficult teachings)? Heb. 5:11-14
  3. Does spiritual growth demand effort on our part?  2 Pet. 1:5-7,10?
  4. What does it look like to be "ineffective or unfruitful" in your knowledge of Christ? 2 Pet. 1:8
  5. What can cause Christians to be "ineffective/unfruitful" in their Christian walk? 2 Pet. 1:9
  6. Thinking through the story of Cornelius, what character similarities do you see in Cornelius and your children when they were ready for baptism?
  7. What appears to have been missing for Cornelius before God said (through the giving of the Holy Spirit) that Cornelius was ready to be baptized?
  8. How do people who don't take their baptism seriously tend to show their foolishness? Rom. 6:1-4
  9. synergy flame Putting it all together...
  10. What virtues/characteristics seem to be present in the life of a person that is ready to be baptized?
  11. What characteristics are typically visible in the lives of those who are not taking their life in Christ seriously?
  12. In light of the Scriptures above, how can you help someone that feels ineffective/unfruitful in their spiritual walk?
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8/2 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Celebrate God's Call graphic (2)

The songs we’ll all sing together in worship are on the playlist!

July 28-Aug. 1 Bible Readings: 

  • Amos 1-9
  • II Kings 12-14
  • Isaiah 1-5
  • Obadiah 1
  • Jonah 1-4

Next Week’s Bible Reading August 2-8

  • II Kings 15-17
  • Hosea 1-14
  • II Chronicles 24-26
  • Isaiah 6
  • Proverbs 17-18

Title: Celebrate God’s Call – to Protect

Texts: Romans 13:1-7; Matt. 5:38-41; Isaiah 66:9-10; 1 Samuel 8:4-10

In a Nutshell: God instituted the government when it was obvious His people did not want Him to govern over them.  The challenge for society ever since has been to make sure those leaders that "bear the sword" look to God's word to define right from wrong. No doubt some people are uniquely "tuned" to be protective.  Let's pray that those in postions of authority are motivated by God's call to protect the innocent.

Questions:

  1. Do Matthew 5:38-41 & Romans 13:1-7 contradict?  Why or why not?
  2. What are some of the Scriptures that guide our Safety ministry? Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 10:16; Ecclesiastes 4:10; Nehemiah 4:9
  3. Why did God say the people of Israel wanted a King?  1 Samuel 8:4-10
  4. What types of employment that protect people and property can be found in the Bible? Judges 2:16;  1 Samuel 8:5; Genesis 42:6;  Daniel 6:2;   Acts 13:7;  Matthew 27:2;  Judges 9:54; Isaiah 55:4;  1 Chronicles 7:4
  5. What some characteristics of "shepherds" that are not doing what God commissioned them to do? Isaiah 66:9-10
  6. How many of these careers would require a unique personality in order to be successful?                                                                                                                           synergy flame
  7. What kinds of personalities, temperaments and talents tend to support the different types of “protecting” careers?
  8. What kinds of personalities, temperaments and talents do you see in your children/grandchildren?

Online Resources:

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7/19 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Celebrate God's Call graphic (2) This week, we'll have the VBS kids singing a couple of their songs from the week during second service.  The songs we'll all sing together in worship are on the playlist!

  • Open Up the Heavens (Vertical Church Band)
  • Victory in Jesus (Travis Cottrell)
  • Broken Vessels (Hillsong)
  • Mercy Tree (Charles Billingsley)

July 15-19 Bible Readings: 

Next Week’s Bible Reading July 20-27

Title: Celebrate God's Call - to Produce

Texts: Col. 3:17;  Deut. 8:18;  Col. 3:23; 2 Thess. 3:10; Acts 20:35; Eph. 4:28

In a Nutshell: When gratitude is our “posture” purpose becomes our motivation.  When our “call to action” is from God our resources are endless and our opportunities to “work with passion” are as close as our next door neighbor! Two very important ways to live among a “pagan” nation is to view every person as a potential soul to win to Christ and every challenge as an opportunity to create a solution or nurture a relationship.

Questions:

  1. What are mature motives for working?
  2. What are immature motives for working?
  3. What types of employment that produced things can be found in the Bible?  Genesis 40:5; 1 Samuel 9:23-24; Matthew 24:41;  Isaiah 19:8; Matthew 4:18; Jeremiah 16:16;  Luke 2:8; Psalm 129:3;  2 Samuel 5:11; Isaiah 14:8; Joshua 9:21; 2 Timothy 4:14; Acts 19:24; Judges 17:4; 1 Samuel 3:19;  Jeremiah 18:2; Romans 9:21; 2 Kings 12:12; Acts 9:43; Nehemiah 3:8; Exodus 30:35; Psalm 68:25; Revelation 18:22
  4. How many of these careers would require a highly creative person in order to be successful?                                                                                                                           synergy flame
  5. What kinds of personalities, temperaments and talents tend to support the different types of "producing" types of careers?
  6. What kinds of personalities, temperaments and talents do you see in your children/grandchildren?

Online Resources:

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7/5 Prepare Your Heart for Sunday Worship

Biker Flyer (2) TLCC Worship – Led by Cyle Cundiff and the Praise Team while Brian is on Sabbatical

June 28 – July 4 Bible Readings: 

Next Week’s Bible Reading July 5-11

Title: Celebrate America Present

Texts: Jeremiah 29:4-7; 1 Peter 2:1-17; Isaiah 8:11-22

In a Nutshell: “This isn’t your Father’s America.”  Things have changed and it wasn’t just this past week!  When you wake up and realize you no longer live in a “Christian nation” there are some good priorities necessary to keep in mind. America is not the nation of Israel, and we must not assume Jewish promises apply to us, but here we can find some very relevant principles for living in a nation that no longer regards the Christian God as Lord of their lives.

Also, this is “Biker Sunday!”  We have invited three motorcycle groups to join us!  It’s a potluck Sunday and they are our special guests.  I know no other group that knows how to celebrate the goodness of the USA than Christian bikers.  Let’s make them feel welcome!

Questions:

  1. Does it seem strange to pray for the welfare of a city that doesn’t serve God?
  2. What all did God tell the exiles not to do?
  3. What did he tell them to do?
  4. What warnings and commands did Peter give to the Christians?
  5. What were God’s people not to fear? but rather to fear/respect (obey) instead?
  6. What did God say his people that had turned from Him would tend to do when they got “hungry” and frustrated? 8:20-22

Online Resources:

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