Beyond Sunday - P.I.E.S.
Thoughts: Let’s face it, the holidays can be stressful, and holiday gatherings with family and/or friends are sometimes awkward and challenging. Many of those stresses originate in the expectations everyone brings to the party. But how would things change if instead of expectations, everyone brought EXPECTANCY.
The difference is subtle, but expectation involves imposing your own thoughts, ideas, and plans on others. It primarily focuses on what you want or legitimately need. That can lead to disappointment and frustration when those expectations aren't met. Expectancy, on the other hand, involves accepting and looking forward hopefully to what might happen. We are blessed with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the ability to respond as Jesus would; gives us the freedom to love and to serve in every situation.
That shift of focus from ourselves to others is central to the message of the gospel. In his book, Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller relates a discussion with a friend about societal problems like racism. He ends with, “All I am saying is that if we as a species could fix our self-absorption, we could end a lot of pain in the world.”
The difference is subtle, but expectation involves imposing your own thoughts, ideas, and plans on others. It primarily focuses on what you want or legitimately need. That can lead to disappointment and frustration when those expectations aren't met. Expectancy, on the other hand, involves accepting and looking forward hopefully to what might happen. We are blessed with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the ability to respond as Jesus would; gives us the freedom to love and to serve in every situation.
That shift of focus from ourselves to others is central to the message of the gospel. In his book, Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller relates a discussion with a friend about societal problems like racism. He ends with, “All I am saying is that if we as a species could fix our self-absorption, we could end a lot of pain in the world.”
• What do you think makes it so difficult for us to die to ourselves?
• In the context of holiday gatherings and practically speaking, how could you go about honoring others above yourself?
Troy suggested that we should think less about what we hope to get from these holiday gatherings, and more about what we can bring to those parties. He gave us the very helpful acrostic P.I.E.S.—Pray, Include, Encourage, Serve.
• Oswald Chambers described praying for others as “…raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying.”
• In the context of holiday gatherings and practically speaking, how could you go about honoring others above yourself?
Troy suggested that we should think less about what we hope to get from these holiday gatherings, and more about what we can bring to those parties. He gave us the very helpful acrostic P.I.E.S.—Pray, Include, Encourage, Serve.
• Oswald Chambers described praying for others as “…raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying.”
o What do those verses reveal to you about the character of God?
o How would crying out to God for help as the Psalmist describes, specifically about your relationships, help you handle holiday gatherings?
o How does that verse from Hebrews help you pray, and approach those gatherings with confidence and hope?
• Jesus recognized the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or characteristics. He invited the outcasts of society back into the community of the truly human as objects of divine affection. Jesus ended their exclusion with a grace that did not ignore or condone their self-excluding sinfulness, offering in its place forgiveness and
regeneration.
o How would crying out to God for help as the Psalmist describes, specifically about your relationships, help you handle holiday gatherings?
o How does that verse from Hebrews help you pray, and approach those gatherings with confidence and hope?
• Jesus recognized the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or characteristics. He invited the outcasts of society back into the community of the truly human as objects of divine affection. Jesus ended their exclusion with a grace that did not ignore or condone their self-excluding sinfulness, offering in its place forgiveness and
regeneration.
o How can humility help us be more inclusive of others?
• Read: Romans 1:11-12, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
o How does being around other people of faith encourage you? How would that encouragement help you prepare for the possible stress of holiday gatherings?
o What does “…building others up according to their needs…” require of us?
o How does being around other people of faith encourage you? How would that encouragement help you prepare for the possible stress of holiday gatherings?
o What does “…building others up according to their needs…” require of us?
• Read: Galatians 5:13-15, 1 Peter 4:10-11
o What does serving others have to do with being “…faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”?
o What are some simple yet effective ways you can serve others during your various holiday gatherings, even if you are not the host?
o What does serving others have to do with being “…faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”?
o What are some simple yet effective ways you can serve others during your various holiday gatherings, even if you are not the host?
Pray: Start praying NOW over your interactions with others during the holiday season. Pray for grace, humility, and patience.
Think of specific individuals with whom you may expect to struggle, and pray for wisdom in those encounters. Pray specifically for those who may feel excluded or have challenges engaging in social settings. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you set healthy boundaries for yourself, and to help you respect the boundaries of others.
Think of specific individuals with whom you may expect to struggle, and pray for wisdom in those encounters. Pray specifically for those who may feel excluded or have challenges engaging in social settings. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you set healthy boundaries for yourself, and to help you respect the boundaries of others.
Next Steps:
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior(1). If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have chosen to surrender completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.
(1)If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer
• If you haven’t entered into a relationship with Jesus, start your faith journey today by accepting Him as your Savior(1). If you want more info or help with taking that step, or just want to share your news, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
• If you have chosen to surrender completely to God, but have not yet declared that publicly by being water baptized, you can sign up to take that step here.
(1)If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer
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