Invite someone, or a few people, into the prep and mess of your home

Spend time in prayer for a gospel-centered community. First, thank God for the Christ-like relationships you already have. Then spend time praying for community that is united (1 Corinthians 1:10), points you to Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10), that encourages you (Hebrews 10:24-25), that prays for you (James 5:16), that sharpens you (Proverbs 27:17), and that is long lasting (Colossians 3:13).

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Do you typically work through lunch? Or eat alone? Invite a coworker or friend to eat lunch with you today.

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Are you grocery shopping this weekend? Running other errands? Call or text someone and invite them to go with you.

If you’re in a community group, commit to going to a meal, taking a walk, or going to a park together as a group today

Eight Days of Hope Buffalo started yesterday (7/20). Sign up now to serve sometime this week!

In Matthew 6:19-21, Christ reminds us that our “things” here on earth are temporary - we should store our treasures in heaven. In this same verse, He lets us know that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. Our hearts should be postured to love God, love the church, and love the world. Begin this challenge by reading Matthew 6:19-24. Then, spend $5 to bless someone. Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit to guide you. Don’t forget to have a conversation with the person you decide to bless and begin to cultivate a relationship!

In Romans 12:13, we are reminded to be ready to help those in need - while some people are in need financially, many need encouragement, prayer, and deeper relationships. Commit to joyfully giving someone your time today. Consider using this time to cultivate a developing relationship. Be prepared to spend time listening, encouraging, and praying!

Financial Peace University is in September - mark it on your calendar! In addition, FPM, focused on Estate Planning is on August 17th. Mark your calendar!

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In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded that we each have a variety of spiritual gifts, and we should use them to serve one another. What are you gifted in? What are some of your natural abilities? Begin by reading 1 Peter 4:7-11. Then, go serve your neighbor! 

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• Read Galatians 1:11-24. Notice how Paul shares his personal story of salvation all while still pointing to Christ and sharing the truth of the gospel. Write down your grace story. Answer these questions:

  • What was your life like before knowing Christ?

  • At what moment did you claim Christ as your Lord and Savior?

  • What is your life like now because you have Christ? 

• After writing down your grace story, review it. Like Paul, make sure your grace story is sharing the gospel story! Make your grace story HIS story, not YOUR story.

Make a list of family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances in your life that are lost. Pray for each of them by name - that they are responsive to the Spirit and come to know Christ as Savior.

Write a letter to your younger self. What do you know now about God, faith, and life that you wish you knew then? Pray about a recipient you would give this letter to. For more instructions related to this challenge, watch this video.

Sit with a family member or friend and practice sharing the gospel and your grace story. Give each other feedback!

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Who in your life doesn’t yet know the Lord? Start building a relationship with them. Invite 1-2 people over for a meal this week. Commit to building a relationship with them. Don’t feel the need to steer the conversation in a particular direction. Spend more time listening than talking, and follow God’s leading.

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Set a goal of resting for 24 hours. However, if you need to - start small! Choose 4 hours to rest.

Prepare for your time of rest, and choose a ritual to open and close your time of rest. Review more ideas for practicing Sabbath. 

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We are in a culture inundated with information. Rest from the noise of the world and anxiety associated with technology. Instead of using your phone, take a walk, nap, or enjoy time with family and friends.

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We are in a culture inundated with information. Rest from the noise of the world and anxiety associated with technology. Instead of using your phone, take a walk, nap, or enjoy time with family and friends.

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Choose lunch or dinner to fast from this week. In place of the meal, spend time praying and reading the Bible. Use the following audio guide to facilitate your prayer and reading.

Different physical positions can influence our mindset, focus, and the depth of our prayer. For example, kneeling can foster a sense of humility and reverence, while standing with arms raised can symbolize openness and praise. Sitting quietly might help with contemplation and listening to God. By varying our posture, we engage our bodies in worship, which can help to keep our prayer life dynamic, attentive, and deeply connected to our spiritual intentions.

In the evening, review the events of your day. Consider the people, tasks, and surprises of your day. Give thanks to anything and everything you have to be grateful for! Notice the fingerprints of God throughout your day.

Read a Psalm, and then pray the psalm! Consider the following Psalms: Psalm 23, Psalm 103, Psalm 46, Psalm 34:1-14, Psalm 111

Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others; you practice lifting their needs, concerns, and hopes to God. Write a list of people in your life and their specific needs, and then spend time praying over each person by name.

Read Psalm 139:1, 23-24. Now pray these same verses.Humbly acknowledge your sins and shortcomings before God and ask for His forgiveness and strength to turn away from these thoughts and behaviors. Conclude with a heartfelt commitment to change, seeking His guidance and grace to live righteously.

Set a timer for 2 minutes. When the timer starts, ask Jesus this question: “What do you want to say to me?” Then be still and wait for Jesus.

Commit to reading the Bible daily for the next 30 days. Choose a Bible reading plan. Consider using The Chapel's Daily Reading Plan, or browse reading plans on The Bible App.

Choose a verse or passage to memorize this week. Consider memorizing one of the following verses or passages: Psalm 23, Matthew 5:16, Matthew 6:33-34, Mark 10:44-45, Romans 10:17, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 4:15-16, Romans 12:1-2

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Read a Psalm this morning. Consider the following Psalms: Psalm 23, Psalm 103, Psalm 46, Psalm 34:1-14, Psalm 111

Study John 15:5-8 using the Lectio Divina method. Lectio Divina is a traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. Use the following resource to guide your Lectio Divina study.

Put your phone to bed At least one hour before going to bed, put your phone away. Leave it somewhere outside of your bedroom. This may mean you need to buy an alarm clock! Commit to reading your Bible before bed and first thing in the morning. Only after you’ve read your Bible should you go pick up your phone.

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