REFLECTING ON “YOUR STORY”

Altaer Moving Pictures – 2011

These weeks (June 26 & July 3), we're engaging stories of God's transforming power in our lives.  During our current Sunday gatherings we're hearing from some in the community... and we're encouraging everyone to reflect on your own story. Consider:

Reflect: 
Set aside some time to quiet yourself.  Be still.  Ask the Holy Spirit to come and show you God’s mighty hand in your life over the years.  As you listen, you may become aware of episodes of God’s power that you’re familiar with… or new episodes may come to mind.  As you continue to reflect, ask the Father, “Where would I be without You?”

Offer Thanksgiving:
As your mind becomes more renewed to the truth and reality of God’s amazing love and pursuit of you, offer Him thanks.  Express your thanks.  Offer Him worship from your heart and mind.  Offer Him worship that is costly, expressive, bold, and demonstrative.

Ask for Vision:
Considering God’s great call and invitation to you, it’s appropriate to respond by committing yourself to His plan and purpose.  Can you sincerely say to the Father, “Here I am, Lord.  Send me”?

Write Out Portions of Your Story:

• Ask God to speak through you. Ask Him to give you wisdom and guidance as you write. ("If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6).

• Consider:  Life before, What happened, Life after

• Consider verses of Scripture that have been especially meaningful or relevant in your journey

• Avoid
  • Inappropriate negativity towards people or organizations
  • Using stereotypes or overworked terms
  • Glorifying yourself

As you begin, ask God to give you the right words and approach.
Trust Him to do it. This is as much His story as it is yours!

1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Revelation 12:11 They overcame him…by the word of their testimony.

Consider:  Psalm 105, Psalm 116, Psalm 51

** Taken from various sources...