Journal Groups

Starting on Monday we will be beginning a men’s journal group at Starbucks on University at 6am. We will be learning how to study the Bible using a method called S.O.A.P

Here is what to expect. Bring a bible as well as a notebook or journal and a pen.

We will begin with the book of Romans. The journal group is based on a 1 hr format called 20/20/20.

We will read Romans 1 upon arrival individually for 20min.

We will then each journal using the S.O.A.P method.

S- Scripture. Pick one verse or phrase that interests you or stood out to you while reading. This can be because it challenged, encouraged or convicted you. Write that verse out. (it can be more than one)

O- Observation. What did you observe from the verse? What is happening?, who is it happening to?, why? etc… If you have a study Bible or notes in your Bible sometimes these help when doing your observation.

A- Application. What is it that you are to do with what you observed? What are you being challenged to do, to change, to surrender, to confess? How is this truth going to change you? 

P-Prayer. Write out a prayer to God acknowledging what His word said to you, along with a commitment to obey. Ask Him for strength, wisdom, help, forgiveness. 

After we are done journaling we will take 20min to read what we have written. Some would rather summarize, but reading is usually the best way to communicate what it is you wrote. 

Just a few thoughts.

The purpose of doing this is not to show off who is most eloquent or spiritual. Don’t be intimidated if you have never done this before. We are starting this group in order to learn how to discern the voice of God in our individual lives by being students and followers of His word. 

I know it’s early, but its worth it. I have found in my own life, If I don’t spend some time in the morning prepared to hear from God, the day and my schedule fill up real quick. Trust me, you won’t miss the sleep.

Ladies, a group for you will be starting soon. I will have more information on it coming up in the next week. 

Love you guys and gals!

1 Thess. 2:8

Jason

Living Out Your Faith at Work

The following is a message from James Schimmoeller. He is a Good Lifer who works in the business world. I love his approach towards living out his faith at work. I hope you enjoy his thoughts and are challenged to live out your faith and make the most of your relationships at work.

Love you guys!

-Jason

Your Faith and Your Job.

This week Jason shared with us a great message from Ephesians 6:5-9 on work relationships. So the question before us is; how can we be an effective Christian, Christ Light (1 John 1:7), at your place of work without being Bible thumpers? Ok, Bible thumper might be an over exaggeration but we all know there is a line that as Christians we can quickly cross. My point here is not to give a fail-safe way to never cross that line but I want to share what I found to be effective and more importantly not tarnish the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer
As Christians we must be connected with our Father and it is through prayer that we as believers stay connected (Luke 18:1-8). Every morning I go before our Father and ask Him “Do you want me to go to work today?” and then I stop and listen always waiting for Him to answer. I have been doing this for over 10 years and still have not heard “no” and there were days that I would beg for a no. Not hearing that no, I would just talk to God sharing with Him what I know I need to do that day. Making a mental checklist of what I know I need to accomplish; I find myself mentally walking through the office reflecting on my co-workers asking God for wisdom beyond my human understanding (James 1:5). Ask God to show me how He is at work in the person’s life and how I might be able to come along side what God is doing. Jesus own words stated, that He, Jesus, did nothing that the Father was not already doing (John 5:19).

Windows of Opportunities
So how is God at work at your job? Do you know or see God at work in your office? I know from experience the issue wasn’t that God wasn’t there, the issue was that I wasn’t tuned in and I never invited God into my workplace. I had to change and like I stated above it started with prayer and then it continued in prayer. I know some of you might not recognize this as prayer but any form of communication with God is prayer. I find myself in situations interacting with my coworker that at times can be frustrating, shocking, deep or just flat out weird. During these times, I would immediately mentally ask God “God what is going on; is this You?” Asking this question invites God into this situation that can provide wisdom and knowledge beyond all human understanding (Prov 3). Try it, I guarantee you will be amazed.

Christ Light
Recognizing the opening is just the beginning, now what? How should you respond? I wish there was an easy answer to these questions. Each situation is different; sometimes we must step up, other times we might be asked to be a good listener, and there are times we maybe required to sacrifice our time and/or resources. The one thing I can say is that you must keep one eye, nostril, ear, leg and hand tuned to the situation and the other tuned to God. Be open to the power of the Holy Spirit who is at work (Acts 1:8). Additionally, recognize and understand that there is more than one team on the field and that our response should be light not darkness, flavor not bitterness (Matthew 5:13-17). Our actions should be that of a balcony person not a basement person; meaning that we should be about building or lifting people up not tearing them down.

Being an effective Christian does not always mean quoting the Bible or leading them through the sinner’s prayer. Being an effective Christian could mean just listening or giving a helping hand to an overwhelming task; an effective Christian is one who is connected to the God and is willing to serve those for whom God has placed within your path.

-James Schimmoeller

Message from Feb 10th Service- Unique Part 1

Here is the link to the message from Sunday. Hope to see you this Sunday at 10:30am as we finish out this two-part series. Bring your friends!

 

http://cpmassets.com/audio-player.php?audio=http://s3.amazonaws.com/churchplantmedia-cms/good_life_church/unique—part-1.mp3

 

 

Check out the Sermon from Sunday Jan 20th

How does the Gospel simplify our relationships? Check out this Link.

 

http://s3.amazonaws.com/churchplantmedia-cms/good_life_church/relationships.mp3cpmassets.com

 

 

 

Happy NEW YEAR!

Hopefully you are visiting the site today because of an invite you received in the mail! We are so pumped to meet you and your family on Jan. 13th at 10:30am at Tara Elementary. Be sure to bring your whole family and invite your friends and neighbors. In the mean time I wanted to share this with each of you. Happy NEW YEAR! I pray you make the most of your fresh start and new beginning!

To get to know us more feel free to do a few things.

#1-Check out the video. It is from this past weekend as I shared with Two Rivers Church in South Florida. Two Rivers Church is one of our partners. They are also some amazing people making a big difference in South Florida.

#2- Check out this link. It leads you to an article about Good Life written in the East County Observer a little over a month ago.

http://www.yourobserver.com/news/east-county/Front-Page/1205201223429/East-County-couple-launches-new-church?page=2

#3-Surf around the blog. You can take as little or as much time as you would like to read our story, beliefs, values, and go back in time from day one of our journey.

Mission/Vision of Good Life and an Invite to our Christmas Series

Check out this video on the Vision and Mission of Good Life Church.

http://vimeo.com/channels/churchatthebay/54736108

Also YOU ARE INVITED TO

Family, Turkey, Christmas Tree and Lights

Well, it is that time of year. Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had some great friends and family gather together for our first Good Life Thanksgiving here in Bradenton. Beth did what only she can do. She cooked some amazing food and led us through some great traditions. We had a jar of approx. 200 thankful cards made daily throughout November by our family, and others who joined us. After dinner we, all 18 of us, pulled out a handful of the cards and read them aloud. It was a heart warming and touching time as it always is. We also pulled out the Thanksgiving journal in which each person writes the things they are most thankful for throughout the year. We also took a group picture and placed it in as a memento for years to come. As the weekend came to an end and all our friends and company had left it was time for the Christmas tree and lights.

Christmas is my very favorite time of year. I love the looks. The greenery everywhere, the lights strung out all over the city, the reds, greens and blues. I love the smells. Fresh baked cookies, apple cinnamon candles, and pine. I love the sounds, the Christmas music filling the radio waves, the anticipation in the air, movies like Elf, Fred Claus and of course A Christmas Story on the TV. A chill is in the air. By chill I mean the temp is in the 70s here in Southwest Florida. Brrr… What is there not to love about Christmas? Well, the reality is a lot for some people. While many are laughing, loving and making memories during this season, Christmas is a tough time for so many. For some it is a reminder of loss. Lost income, lost homes, lost relationships, even lost family members.

You see, the cultural celebration of the holiday is a blast, but it at best is circumstantial. Happiness during this season for many is reliant upon factors such as the economy, the back account, and the amount of stuff under a tree. For others, their losses are magnified by the fact that the stuff of the holidays can not fill the very real void they deal with daily.

As I sit in my living room, listening to Christmas music, starring at the illuminated tree and praying, I am being reminded by Jesus that my role during this season isn’t simply to enjoy the cultural holiday it has become. Rather it is to cling to the great hope that Christmas really is. It is the hope that became flesh when a baby cried out in the little town of Bethlehem and the angels rejoiced. It is the hope that God, who may have seemed distant and far away, was now among us and His life of perfection, ministry and sacrifice would change the landscape of the Earth forever. This story, this baby, this savior, is the real hope behind all the lights, all the trees, all the smells and all the gifts. Emmanuel, God with us… Now that is worth celebrating.

Praying that the focus of the Body of Christ is clear during this time and that the message we share and live out meets people where they are. Praying lives will be saved, hope will be restored, and pain and loss will be replaced by joy and laughter once again.

Merry Christmas!

_________

 

SERVICE UPDATE!

Good Life Church will have its 3rd and 4th Preview Services on Dec 9th and 16th at Tara Elementary School at 10:30am. The services will have a Christmas theme, including some Christmas Carol favorites and messages based on the Christmas Story! PUMPED! Bring a friend and come on out to worship with us. Children’s ministry is available for Babies-5th grade.