Welcome to the first of a series of blog posts that will take us through the book, MORE. Our hope is that you will journey with us as we discover clues that shed light on how God has uniquely made each of us. Our goal with these blog posts is simply to give you a tool to think devotionally and practically through each week’s lesson. With all that said, let’s get started.
Start here | Prayer
God, I want to live a full and abundant life. Help me to discover the sources of my restless discontentment in life. Open my eyes to the ways in which I can live a full and abundant life in Jesus. And as I walk this path, help me to discover more about living in my sweet spot and in my own personal calling. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture |
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV – NLT
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV – NLT
Observations |
What are 3-5 thoughts or observations that come to mind simply from reading John 10:10? Who is the thief? Do you really believe that the distinction between the thief and Jesus is this stark? Think honestly about how you approach life.
What are 3-5 thoughts or observations that come to mind simply from reading Ephesians 2:10? Do you truly believe you are God’s own workmanship (masterpiece) and that you are created in Christ Jesus to do good work? If you say you believe this, how does it change the way you see your identity? How does the meaning of everyday life change for you if God has created you for a purpose and planned it before you were even born?
We are all uniquely designed by God and have a personal calling. Ephesians 2:10 outlines the BE-DO-GO framework of calling that Todd Wilson writes about in MORE. We are created in Christ Jesus (BE – design) for good works (DO – purpose) that we should walk in them (GO – position).
What other thoughts or observations come to mind for you?
Application |
Todd Wilson in his book, MORE, observes the original language in John 10:10. Jesus is guiding us to take an active approach to having an abundant life. We are called to “take hold of an exceedingly abundant life.”
Can you say you are “taking hold” of an exceedingly abundant life by living in perfect alignment with God and His design for you?
How would it change your life if you began to “take hold” of the abundant life God has planned for you?
How would it change your marriage? How you parent your children? How you view your career? How you handle your hurts, habits and hang-ups?
There are three main elements that represent your “sweet spot” of personal calling; BE-DO-GO. Which of the three are you excited to learn more about through this series of blog posts?
Next Steps |
What are some next steps you can take after going through this? If you are having problems thinking so some, here is a short list of practical next steps you can take as we walk this path together.
- Join us on Sunday mornings as we discover MORE together
@ the nZone – 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am
@ Piney Branch School – 9:30, 11:00am
Online @ https://watch.newlife.church – 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am
- Join a life group
Find info at newlife4me.com/groups
- Order a copy of the book, MORE
- Download a copy of the study guide for Week 1
Join the conversation. What were some thoughts that stuck out to you during this devotional? Share below as we all process this together.