Jacob's Well: soul

Showing posts with label soul. Show all posts

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A New Name

May 9/10, 2015

READ Luke 8:1-3
What was Mary Magdalene like before she found Jesus? Scripture says she was possessed by seven demons, but let's imagine what that would look like. DISCUSS with your group:

What would her behavior maybe have been like?
How did she speak?
How did she dress?
To whom did she relate with?
What would her attitude have been like?

It's important to understand what she was like before she met Jesus to understand how great her transformation was after she began to follow Him. Jesus was someone, maybe even the first person, who valued her and allowed her to Be-loved. He spoke to her, looked her in the eye, found the best in her so that she could find the best in herself. He forgave her, and she could let go of her past. There was nothing she could do to make Him love her more. There was nothing she could do to make Him love her less. Beloved.

READ John 19:25
We can see in this one verse that Mary Magdelene didn't just follow Jesus, but she followed Him right up to the cross. Many of His disciples didn't even make it that far. We can sense her desperation in this verse. Women in this day and location didn't have rights. They depended on parents or a spouse to take care of them. She not only didn't have family or a marriage to fall back on, she had a questionable background that would have kept her at a distance from most people. Jesus had given her hope to rise above all of those limitations, and now He was gone. She didn't want to go back to who she used to be, but she didn't know how to go forward without Jesus.

Have you ever felt that alone?
Have you ever been that desperate?

READ John 20:1-16
And so Mary Magdelene was out walking to the tomb in the dark of the night. Had she slept at all in the past couple of days? How great was her despair? What drew her to the tomb of Jesus? What questions were going through her mind as she came upon the open tomb? Could the others help find the body of Jesus? And then, when the others simply gave up and went home, the layers of despair were overwhelming and she began to weep.

Many of us have been in this place of being overwhelmed. THINK back on a time when life brought more than your coping skills could handle. SHARE with your group how you got to that place and how you were feeling.

* * * * *

And then He called her name. IMAGINE the shock and wonder and joy that she would have felt all at once. It's no wonder the first thing Jesus said to her was, "Do not cling to me." In other words, "I'm here but I'm not staying long." Instead, He gave her an errand. He sends her off to bring hope to others.

Mary had hope again. She was still beloved. She didn't have all the answers, but Jesus still loved her. He was still alive, and she was still dear to Him.

Do you feel this way too? Do you have the sense that you're dear to Christ?
Do you feel that you have to earn His love?
Do you feel that you can lose His love by doing or saying the wrong thing?
Do you stop during the day to sense His love for you?

TALK with your group about where you're at on your journey. Is there someone in your group who needs to know that they are beloved? Precious? Cherished?

TAKE a moment to pray together as a group. SIT for a moment. TAKE a deep breath. LISTEN for His voice. THANK Him for His love and His presence. FEEL His love for you. You are beloved!

* * * * *

By giving her the new name Beloved, Jesus filled Mary Magdelene with joy and hope and sent her off to share it. We're called to do the same. When we're empty, we don't have any hope to share. REMEMBER to continue coming back to the presence of Jesus to be renewed. SEEK Him. READ His word. FEED your soul.

Owned: Stewards & Owners

March 28/29, 2015

read matthew 16:26

a familiar question
Ownership is an issue of our soul’s wellbeing.

How do you feel your soul has been affected by the things you feel you own?
To what things or desires does your soul cling? Is it power? Wealth? Status? Personal safety?
What will you gain if you continue to cling to those things? What will you lose?

read mark 14:10-11
the owners

As an owner, Judas was looking out for Judas and didn’t take into account that his choices would affect the whole nation of Israel. What does this passage reveal to you about how being an owner can change how your life impacts the world around you? Your community? Your church? Your family?

read mark 14:6-9

the stewards: the woman
The woman in this story was willing to go beyond accepted behavior and custom to bless Jesus. She was a steward of the expensive oil and wanted to give to Jesus in an extravagant way.

What was her motivation in doing what she did? Do you think she thought twice about what she was doing?
What spoke to you about the way Jesus responded to those who were rebuking her?
Why was Jesus so pleased with her gift?

the stewards: Jesus

“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” ~Mark 14:21

“You will all fall away” Jesus told them, “For it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.’ ” ~Mark 14:27

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ~Mark 14:36

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. ~Mark 14:61a

But Jesus made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. ~Mark 15:5

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. ~Mark 15:37

Jesus gave complete control of His life to God. FIND the words in these passages where Jesus submitted to the will of His Father. NOTICE how Jesus remained silent or made no reply. What would your response be if you were in His position? How do His responses challenge you to give God complete control and be the owner of your life?

stewards & owners
Over the past few weeks, in what ways do you feel you've changed your thoughts from being an owner to being a steward? DISCUSS with your group.

next steps

worship

"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 31 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Good Friday Services

5:30pm & 7pm in the auditorium

Easter Weekend Services

auditorium Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

north venue Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

belong
Summer softball teams are now forming, both co-ed and men's teams. Call Tony Engedal at 715.559.9548 or email him at tony@jacobswellec.org to find more info about spring practice and summer games.

grow

Further reading:

Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
Contagious Generosity by Barry L. Cameron

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 31 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128

Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

Our view of God shapes how we live, whether we're aware of it or not. THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD group will help us trade in our false views of God for true ones and give us practical tools for becoming more like Jesus. Starts April 2 @6:30pm at JW. Call Marty & Carol Schultz for more info at 715.382.4530 or email them at schultzmc@charter.net.

Milestones coming up:

The Sex and Dating Milestone class will equip parents of middle school students to help their students navigate the world of sex and dating. If this is something you're interested in or know of other parents who this may affect, join us Satuday, April 11 @5pm in the North Venue. Call or email Paul Behnke at 715.833.2050 or paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org.
Our next Family Dedication Milestone class is Saturday, April 18 @5pm in the North Venue. Parents will be encouraged and resourced as they prepare for the dedication services on April 25/26. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or Erika can answer any questions you may have at 715.833.2050 or erika@jacobswellec.org.

New to Jacob’s Well? Never attended this Lunch with the Pastors before? This is your next step! Join us Sunday, April 12 @12:15pm in Room 223 to learn more about Jacob’s Well, get answers to your questions, meet the pastors and staff, and enjoy some good food together. Bring the kids! No need to sign up. Just show up!

serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, email Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

share

JW is hosting the Empowered To Connect Simulcast — a two-day conference equipping you to connect with and help children become all that God desires them to be. Join us April 10/11 from 9am-5pm each day in the North Venue. Registration is $5 and is available up until the event. Sign up at the welcome center or online at www.jacobswellec.org.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Owned: The King of Skittles

March 21/22

read luke 12:13-21

warnings about wealth

Our wealth is meant to be a tool but when it becomes our master it devastates our soul. There are more warnings about the spiritual dangers of wealth than almost any other topic in the scriptures.

After reading this passage, what is your first thought?
How does Jesus’ response affect you?
Does is make you want to reevaluate how you view ownership?

read 1 timothy 6:6-10

contentment or temptation

Are you content with the life you are living?
Are you content with the things that surround you?
Do you find yourself desiring more?

read malachi 3:7b-10

obedience

Managing finances is a spiritual discipline and takes great wisdom. Tithing is a soul training exercise and an act of obedience that builds our faith and keeps us living as a steward. “I can live better on 90% trusting God than living on 100% trusting myself.” Do you trust God in this way? Have you tried? Take time to DISCUSS with your group each one of the following statements. TALK about any questions you may have.

~ Tithing trains you in obedience.
~ Tithing gives you the joy of participating in God’s work.
~ Tithing is an act of honoring the owner with worship.
~ Tithing opens you up to God’s blessing.
~ Tithing builds your faith.
~ Tithing reminds your soul you are not an owner.

read 2 corinthians 8:1-6

the generosity of giving

We do not reach generosity until we reach obedience. Generosity beyond our tithe is also healing to our soul in a materialistic world. Generosity comes when our faith puts God as the owner and we do not need to be in control to be safe.

In what ways do you feel you are generous?
In what ways do you feel you need to improve?
When you look around and see the many needs in our world, what moves you toward generosity above and beyond the giving of your tithe?
How does the perspective of being a steward and not an owner change how you view your life and those around you?
How does generous giving work to advance the Kingdom of God?

PRAY: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge You are the owner and I am the manager of what You entrust to me. Help me let go of my control and help me manage my resources responsibly. amen

next steps

worship

"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 24 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Good Friday Services

5:30pm & 7pm in the auditorium

Easter Weekend Services

auditorium Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

north venue Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

grow

Further reading:

Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
Contagious Generosity by Barry L. Cameron

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 24 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, call Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at 715.833.2050 or email her at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

share

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Soul Talk - Overwhelmed: A Story

February 28/March 1, 2015

read 1 kings 19:1-15a

DISCUSS this story with your small group. What are your thoughts? Can you relate to Elijah?

How do you react in times of stress and anxiety?

Fuzzy thinking - confusion or trouble concentrating
Bad decisions or unable to make decisions
Exaggerate the negative
Focus on my contribution or sacrifice
Blow little things out of proportion
Dealing and speaking in absolutes
Inflexibility in thinking – set on one idea or perspective
Attack or degrade new ideas
All or nothing, black and white thinking
Overly simplistic or linear thinking
Putting our struggle in the category of special, ie. “I am the only one”
Preoccupation with death
Reactive response:

Anger or cynicism
Giving up
Obsessing on one issue or person
Blaming
Attacking
Paranoia or hyper vigilance
Denial

Identifying these behaviors can be helpful in the journey through the gray. SHARE your observations with your group if this is something you recognize in your own life.

How do you react when you see someone else who is struggling with stress and anxiety? Here are some keys to coming alongside an overwhelmed person.

Look for symptoms
Listen
Try not to fix the problem or problems
Try not to project your situation on them
Support them, but do not own the situation
Pray with them and for them
Encouraging healthy practices:

Physical well being

Small group involvement

Professional help for them

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to help someone. You may feel frustrated, impatient, and helpless. How did God help Elijah? REFLECT on how someone has come alongside you during a season of gray. What did that look like? What was an encouragement to you? Is there someone you know inside or outside of your group who could use some regular encouragement?

PRAY this prayer together

“Sun behind all suns, Soul behind all souls….

Show to us in everything we touch

And in everyone we meet

The continued assurance of Thy Presence around us

Lest ever we should think Thee absent.

In all created things Thou art there.

In every friend we have

The sunshine of Thy Presence is shown forth.

In every enemy that seems to cross our path,

Thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love.

Show to us the glory in the gray.

Awake for us Thy Presence in the very storm till

All our joys are seen as Thee and

All our trivial tasks emerge as priestly sacraments in

The temple of Thy love.”

by George MacLeod

next steps

worship

"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 3 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times. THANK YOU to those of you who have chosen to make this transition!

belong

Spend some time praying as a group for each other's anxiety as well as for the anxiety of those you know.

grow

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Soul Talk - The Language of Your Soul

February 21/22, 2015

contemplative prayer

This week we want to focus on the practice of contemplative prayer. This type of prayer is about being with God. Just as we can be comforted in the presence of friends, so it is being in the presence of God.

Here are the guidelines:

Choose a scripture or prayer to focus your attention on. Imagine your prayer as an invitation for God’s presence to be with you all day. You’re opening the door of your whole day to God.
Sit comfortably for a couple minutes with your eyes closed, settling into silence, taking a few deep breaths, and then turn your attention to your scripture or prayer.
As your group begins reading, engage with your thoughts, body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections. Don’t be discouraged by distractions. They are like clouds floating by. God will bring to mind later on anything that’s important to your life.
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

Feel free to use one of the prayers listed, the scriptures from your outline in the program, or choose another scripture or prayer that’s meaningful to your group. If this is new to you, it’s going to be uncomfortable at first. But the more you train your soul in this type of prayer, the more you’ll come to enjoy and cherish your time with God.

the gloria

Glory to God in the highest.

And on earth peace to men of good will.

We praise You.

We bless You.

We adore You.

We glorify You.

We give You thanks for Your great glory.

O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty.

O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son.

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father:

You Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

You Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.

You Who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy.

You alone are the Lord.

You alone, O Jesus Christ, are the most high.

Together with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

the Lord’s prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven

Hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil. Amen.

the welcoming prayer

(by Father Thomas Keating)

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

I welcome everything that comes to me today

because I know it’s for my healing.

I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,

situations, and conditions.

I let go of my desire for power and control.

I let go of my desire for a affection, esteem, approval and pleasure.

I let go of my desire for survival and security.

I let go of my desire to change any situation,

condition, person or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and

God’s action within me. Amen.

next steps

worship

Join us in prayer February 22 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times.

belong

Spend some time praying as a group.

grow
Choose a time each day to sit with God in contemplative prayer. Put it on your calendar.

Further reading:
Prayer – Richard Foster
The Good and Beautiful Life – James Bryan Smith
Invitation to Solitude and Silence:

Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence – Ruth H. Barton

serve
Attend "Discover Your Design" at Camille's on Wednesday, March 18 @6:30pm to find how God designed you to help others.

share
Invite a friend to church.

Jacob's Well

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A New Name

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Owned: Stewards & Owners

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Owned: The King of Skittles

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Soul Talk - Overwhelmed: A Story

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Soul Talk - The Language of Your Soul

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