The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

A Praying & Spirit-Empowered Church

Ephesians 3:10-21

TRACKING THE WORD
What are the priorities and disciplines that increase the level of empowerment and purpose in our fellowship and ministries?

1. God intends to use the church to make His manifold wisdom and purpose known in the world and in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 3:4-11

God's wisdom and purpose:
- It is by revelation, not works or law-keeping or knowledge-seeking
- It is salvation for all through faith in Jesus
- It is to make plain our participation and purpose in God's future of hope.

2. God's intention is that the church be a Spirit-empowered body--full of Jesus' love and powerful in Godliness.

Ephesians 3:10-11, 16-19

3. The key to Spirit-empowerment is prayer that confidently approaches God, envisions God's purposes fulfilled, and waits patiently for God's power.

Ephesians 3:12-15, 20-21

GROWTH & ACTION POINTS
What is the next step in your relationship to God? Make a heart-searching response to these questions?

Are you enjoying a growing private prayer life? If not, will you clear your schedule to spend time alone with God? We publish weekly prayer guides in Life Together. You can pick one up each Sunday or receive them via e-mail or post mail.

Does your heart break for lost people? If not, will you ask the Lord to give you His heart? Will you begin praying for 3 or 4 neighbors, co-workers, or friends who do not know Jesus?

Are you enjoying a greater understanding of the mind and heart of God by reading and studying the Bible? If not, will you start a daily Bible reading plan, join a Bible study group, or discipleship or accountability group?

Have you tried the spiritual discipline of fasting? If not, would you consider joining others who fast a meal or a day on a weekly basis in order to pray, seek God's face and intercede for people?

MARKINGS & WAYPOINTS
Insights West Morris Street leadership has reflected for prayer & Spirit empowerment

"We are to be a Spirit-Empowered church. We will wait on the Lord in prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in changing lives."

FOR CONSIDERATION AND ACTION Here are aspects of our mission in regard to Spirit-empowerment and prayer to consider together for action:

- We recognize that all ministry apart from the Holy Spirit's direction and power is ultimately ineffective.

- Our habits of prayer are the acid test of our trust in a God who is present and who will act in saving power.

- We recognize that the work of God in the world is a matter of spiritual warfare.

- We recognize the continuous need for Scripture teaching on prayer, fasting, and the Holy Spirit.

- We see the calendar as a reflection of our priorities. Programs and activities must not prevent us from taking time to pray and wait on the Lord.

- We recognize our worship style is a reflection of our beliefs. If prayer is vital to kingdom work, then our worship must give center stage to a quality corporate ministry of intercessory prayer and healing prayer.

BOTTOM LINE "Everything begins here. In praying together, we affirm our trust in a God who is and powerful and willing to answer prayer. The bottom line of our business is in miraculously changed lives."

NO TRIVIAL PURSUITS "Without prayer we lose sight of the King and we loose touch with the Battle. Without the first, we lose hope. Without the second, we become preoccupied with trivial pursuits."

NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIVING "Our desire is to seek God - to learn to live life from the inside out. Through daily prayer, meditation on the Word and private worship, God pours his life-changing grace into our hearts. This is the essence of the disciplined Christian life. It is not just for the 'extra-spiritual.' It is the Christian life!"

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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