Tag: step out

Step Out: Be Who and What God Called You To Be

We are working our way through stepping out of our comfort zone and becoming a disciple. This week we are focused on being who and what God called each of us to be. Our Scripture this week comes from Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world!
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Let your light shine before others.

In the first part of verse 14, we read “you are the light” – and “you” is each one of us. We are the “light” (Greek phṓs), which is literally “the manifestation of God’s self-existent life”. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon).

As Christ followers, our very existence points to God who created us. Just like a city on top of a hill cannot be hidden, our very existence — the words we say, the actions we take, our lives as a whole — shine brightly, illuminating God’s work in the world.

What does this mean for you?

To step out of your comfort zone is literally to step fully into the person God has created you to be, doing the work that He has prepared for you to do.

Who are you in Christ?
What is God asking you to do?
How can you shine brightly where God plants you?

Comment below or message us if we can help you uncover God’s work in your life.

Step Out: Explore and Serve

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus gathered with his Disciples for the last time, and the day that was just the beginning of events that would lead to his eventual death and resurrection. The term “Maundy” (Latin: Mondatum, Commandment) represents the ceremonial Washing of Feet – a religious rite of washing the feet of the poor.

After the last supper, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34) Preceding this command, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, exemplifying His love for them and offering us a beautiful demonstration of serving one another.

As you step out of your boat and explore what God is calling you to do, how can you serve the people God has placed in your path?

Comment below or contact us if we can help you uncover God’s work in your life.

Step Into Your Power Source

On this Good Friday, at noon, a few centuries ago, “there was darkness over all the land” as Jesus died on the cross. (Matt. 27:45) At the moment of His last breath, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Matt. 27:51)

At the moment of this cataclysmic event, it appeared the power had ceased and the light of a son…teacher…master…healer…had gone out of the world. The disciples would soon learn that the Power of Jesus was just getting started.

A couple days ago, storms and a tornado ripped through our area, resulting in a power outage for around 18 hours. There was much rejoicing among our children when the power – and all electronics – were restored. I posted to my facebook status, “Electricity is back on!!” with some happy party emojis. Some of our friends were still waiting for restoration in other areas of our city and county, so it was a huge surprise that our neighborhood “beat the deadline.”

I chose my status update word carefully: Electricity. In fact, I never posted that our power had gone out, except in private text messages, or comments on various friend’s discussion threads.

Why?

It’s because I never felt that I had lost power. The loss of electricity was an inconvenience. It also caused concern and efforts were made to preserve the food in our refrigerator. The loss of electricity was also irritating and a point of contention for our kids who were trying to navigate quarantine with a sudden loss of a day’s online school and the all-important leisure-time video games and TV.

I felt I never lost power because I never lost Jesus. I know some of you might be rolling your eyes at this point, thinking that sounds a little cliché, but stay with me on this idea. This week, we’ve been exploring the concept of praying about everything. Jesus is the source of power and strength (Isaiah 40:29). I tap into that source of power anytime just by praying – and I wrote yesterday about how prayer is just a little conversation with God.

So, no matter what I’m facing, whether I understand it or not, whether I’m hunkering down in a basement with a violent storm overhead, whether I lose a job, whether I’m sick, whether I… [fill in your own blank], I know without any doubt that God will work all things out according to His plans and purposes. I know this because of the work He’s already done in my life, and because of His promises to me in His Word which are forever true and unchanging (Isaiah 40:8).

There’s a common phrase often uttered in times of distress, fear, or hopelessness, “all we can do is pray.” Instead of waiting for an emergency, I invite you to begin each day and tackle every moment by tapping into your power source through prayer.

What would your day look like if you began with prayer?

Who is the source of your power?

Comment below or message us if we can help you uncover God’s work in your life.

Step Out: Pray About Everything

As we embark on this Holy Week journey of expectation of Christ’s death and resurrection, it’s a joy to explore prayer with you! Our scripture comes from Jeremiah 33:3, “‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ (The Message)

One way that we call out to God is through prayer. Prayer can take on many forms, and there are quite a few spiritual practices that can also assist us. However, prayer in its most basic form is just a conversation with God.

The concept of “Conversation” implies two-way communication. While one person speaks, the other person listens. If we spend all our time talking at God instead of resting in His Presence and listening to Him, we miss out — we miss getting to know Him, being comforted by Him, being directed.

As God pointed out in Jeremiah 33:3, He wants us to call on Him, talk to Him and seek Him so that He can direct us toward ‘things we could never figure out on our own’ —but if we don’t make the space available to listen for His answer, we miss the mark of going deeper with our faith and receiving that revelatory information that can fulfill us, restore us, heal us, and possibly set our lives on an incredible course.

Does your prayer life need a boost?

What can you do to make space for God?

Comment below or message us if we can help you uncover God’s work in your life.

Step Out: Identify and Overcome Obstacles

Welcome to April 1st! Our theme this month is no joke: Step Out – Grow in Faith…Become a Disciple. For this first week, we are looking at identifying and overcoming obstacles.

In order to achieve your goals, you need a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish. If you’re attempting to step out of your boat and explore, but you haven’t heard clearly from God, then we invite you to review Step #1: Stand Up – Did God Speak to Me?

Once you have clarity about what you’re exploring, it’s time to assess what’s in your way. Obstacles might be tangible such as time, money, or resources – but obstacles can also be perceived such as fear of failure, fear of success, or feelings of inadequacy.

Let’s take a look at the current situation: In these historic days, you might be faced with a myriad of obstacles that are affecting your schedule, your time available, your mental and physical health, and your resources. Remember, your obstacles – both tangible and perceived – are not a surprise to God. He might use them, move them, or help you navigate around them!

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

You might view the current Pandemic as a huge obstacle – but what if you view it as an opportunity?

How is God using you and growing you spiritually and professionally right where you are?
How is God speaking to you right now?
What is God asking you to do?
What does God want you to hear?

Comment below or contact us if we can help you uncover God’s work in your life.

expect the unexpected

This week…

Live out your mission…Walk the path God has planned for you whether it’s overgrown with brush, clogged with mud, or barren and less traveled.

Expect the unexpected…When you step out and start walking, each step with your eyes fixed on Jesus, your whole body leaning toward Him, your heart open, you will journey deeper and be drawn closer to the heart of God.

explore

Happy Friday from all of us at step forward! Approaching the weekend can be exciting or daunting depending on your schedule. Often, our days are crammed with activities making space and silence a hot commodity. As we wrap up this week, our prayer is that you will have an opportunity to spend time in conversation with God so that you can be spiritually refueled for the days ahead. We also pray you will have time to explore your gifts and talents and consider how God wants you to use them for His Glory.