INTRODUCTION
 It is human nature to migrate to what is familiar. We enter a room full of people and often the first thing we do, is quickly look around in search of a known face. Interestingly, in a room full of strangers, a person we’ve met only once before can feel like a close friend and bring a sense of comfort. There’s simply something about the unknown that can be a little unsettling.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus has a wonderful way of drawing people out of the familiar and into the unknown. At times, Jesus did this by the power demonstrated in a miracle. At other times, this happened because of the questionable characters Jesus chose to all present at a meal. Luke shows us that Jesus not only admonished a tax collector to become His follower, but that He then entered a great banquet and party with a whole host of tax collectors and sinners. (See Luke 5:27-31)

REFLECTION:

A zone of comfort may be a place where we feel safe and less guarded. It’s often associated with trust. It is within the context of a zone of comfort that we experience a sense of belonging and connection with others. We all need zones of comfort.


1.    What are some of your zones of comfort?


(NOTE: Some possible zones of comfort could be: family, friends, church, school, etc… Sometimes intangible things like technology [cell phones, facebook, cars, etc] can become a perceived zone of comfort.)


2.    What are some of the benefits of these zones?


(NOTE: Zones of comfort can bring a deep sense of security, trust and belonging. At times we may even be moved toward wholeness and healing. etc)



3.    How can zones of comfort become a hindrance to our personal growth and demonstration of God’s kingdom here on earth?


(NOTE: Within a zone of comfort, we can become just that – comfortable. As such, we are prone to become insulated to the realities of the world, even numb to the needs around us. We can subconsciously refrain from reaching out to others or interacting with new people, simply because we already have a group of friends and/or family.)


REFLECTION:

Technology, as brilliant and useful as it is, can at times create barriers between others and our selves. Even social networking technology (like twitter, facebook, IM) can become counter-productive. Think through your recent trips to a store (like Target or HEB) or to a restaurant. While you were standing in line or waiting for your order, did you pull out your phone?

While our phones, with features to IM, text, facebook and the ability to surf the web are helpful, they can become a means by which we hide from others and avoid the feelings of insecurity and discomfort produced by being in close proximity to strangers. At the very least, they capture our attention and narrow our focus away from the world around us as we zone into a 2-inch screen resting in the palm of our hand. As such, it is impossible for us to become sensitive to the promptings of God, fully present to world around us and prevent us from actively engaging it with the Gospel.


4.    Is your phone (or some other form of technology) a distraction that limits your attentiveness to God and others? What if you fasted from looking at your phone while in check-outlines or moments like these? (What could you do with your focus and attention instead?)


PRAYER: God, reveal to me my zones of comfort, whether people, places or things... (pause)… I ask forgiveness for allowing these things to numb me to the promptings of Your Spirit and the voices of need crying out around me. Help me to detach myself from these things. Make me sensitive to Your Spirit as I free up my attention before You.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions… 

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now…
Matthew 6:33-34 MSG

Spiritual growth, like any growth, is the natural result of good health. Christians cannot grow into maturity by being spiritual couch potatoes. In Groups we work together to help each other grow. We actively share the process of spiritual growth with trusted Christian friends, and the Holy Spirit uses it to change us and change others.

1. In Groups we help each other apply the Bible to our life

He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28

Learning to apply God’s Word to our daily lives is a critical goal of Groups. The Bible is God’s revelation to His people and foundational to our lives. In Group’s people are encouraged to apply the Bible in their daily life. As people discover new truths, the group will be there to partner with them in living them out.

2.  In Groups we Pray with Trusted Prayer Partners

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. Ephesians 6:18

In Groups you find trusted prayer partners who will come alongside you during the good times and the bad times. One of the greatest joys of Groups is celebrating answered prayers together. Time and time again, we hear testimonies of prayers offered by a Group which God has answered in miraculous ways, to His Glory. When people experience God working in their lives through the prayers of their group, their faith is strengthened and their view of God is expanded.

3. In Groups we Practice Spiritual Disciplines

Groups encourage the practice of spiritual disciplines. As a result, people in Groups grow together. It’s interesting to note that most people initially want to join a Group mostly for the fellowship, but after months together they value the role of accountability in their spiritual growth just as much, if not more, than the fellowship. We hear this over and over when we ask people what they like most about their Groups.

4. In Groups we Expand our Ministry

We grow by sharing our stories and serving others. Your story is a powerful ministry to others. People also learn to exercise their spiritual gifts in Groups as they begin to minister to each other and serve together.

5. In Groups we receive Spiritual Protection

…people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:10

Groups help provide spiritual protection. Christians who are isolated and unplugged from the life of the church are vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Individuals are responsible to God for their own sin and behavior, but Groups can help provide a safety net to catch people before they fall.

Over the past 2 years, we have had the privilege of attending the Group Life conference at Willow Creek in Chicago and I can tell you it has made a big difference in our lives and our leadership. This is a high impact conference for ANYONE who leads people in ministry, not just those who lead small groups. We would love to send all of you to Chicago, which we can't, so we decided to bring it to you!

I am pumped up! This is not just another cool conference (but it is that), this is about spiritual transformation in our lives and the lives of those people we shepherd! This is about the heart of the local church. Pastor Rick and myself are passionate about this conference and about what it will do for you and for our church.

Watch a 2 min video on the conference here: http://www.youtube.com/willowgrouplife

Information on the topics and speakers is here: http://ccnonline.net/grouplife/schedule.htm

* Doors open at 8am and the conference starts at 8:15am.

* Lunch (Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago-style Hotdogs) will be provided along with coffee, water and light snacks throughout the day.

* Childcare will be provided at the church, but we need to know in advance how many, and ages, please.

 This day will fill your tank and help you to grow as a person and as a leader. It is a significant investment for the church and there is no charge to you, but that's not why you should come. You should take advantage of this opportunity because God is calling us to excellence in everything we do at Palm Valley Church.