WELCOME ICEBREAKER How did your mom (guardian) do laundry when you were a child? WORSHIP Psalm 103:1-5 WORD There are a number of steps that God takes us through as He guides us in life’s journey. From the Apostle Paul to Moses, the leaders of the Bible all went through a season of training, that can be compared to the laundry process. As we enter various chapters of our lives, we sometimes find that we repeat some of these preparation steps. As a group read the verses for each of the following steps and then ask those in the group what step they think they might be in. STEP ONE — The Laundry Basket — Welcome to the Light - In this stage we are just discovering our need for God and how Jesus can restore our lives.
STEP TWO — The Agitator — Water, Detergent and a Scrub - At this point God begins the scrubbing process and we may even think it was easier in the world. It feels like there is a lot of “stinkin’ thinking” and old habits from the world God is removing by washing us with His word.
STEP THREE — The Wringer — Squeezed in the Trials of Life - In the squeeze of the wringer we find out if the flesh is dominating us, or the new life we have in Christ. We don’t like the pressure of trials but they do cause us to mature as believers.
STEP FOUR — The Clothes Line — Learning to Smell Sweet - Paul spent a number of years in the desert before ministry leadership, (Gal 1:17) and Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness tending sheep. These are often the seasons of mentorship or apprenticeship. Like laundry hanging in the breeze you come off smelling sweet and fresh. In this step it’s all about having the right attitude.
STEP FIVE — The Ironing Board — Getting Rid of the Wrinkles - At this stage you feel like God is detailing your life. You are discovering that just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate.
STEP SIX — The Closet — A Season of Patience - At this point you have done all you can do and you are now ready for the next chapter. Your heart is filled with a great expectancy.
WORK Take turns praying for the needs in the group. Remember to phone those in your group during the week and encourage them. Also remember that we have a water baptism coming up May 1 at 4:30 in English Bay.
|
