Do you have a hard time feeling grateful? Some people seem to be bursting with gratitude at even the smallest things. Do you ever wish you could be like that, but also don’t want to be fake about it?

Join us this week as we explore how to cultivate grateful hearts.

Next Steps

I will learn to be grateful for imperfect gifts.

I will learn to be grateful in times of worry and frustration.

I will learn to be grateful by avoiding grumbling and complaining.

I will express a grateful heart openly, often and in all circumstances.

I will express a grateful heart by worshipping God.

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Is it hard for you to focus on just one thing at a time? When was the last time you gave someone your undivided attention? When you pray and talk (or listen) to God, the Creator of the Universe, are you often doing other things at the same time? Join us this week as we revisit how to tune in to the Ultimate Source of life, joy, freedom and wisdom.

Next Steps

I will commit my life to be about one thing — to hear God’s Word and put it into practice.

I will do whatever God asks of me.

I will pay whatever the cost to do what God asks of me.

I will continually ask God the question, “What’s the one thing needed in this moment for me to live as your disciple?”

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Have you ever wondered where God is in the midst of pain and suffering? Do you ever struggle with believing that God is loving, good, generous and kind in the face of hardship, both in the world at large and in your own life? The Old Testament character, Job certainly did. That’s why we can relate to him, and learn from him.

Next Steps

I will persevere in suffering.

I will trust the goodness and generosity of God.

I will study the book of Job for further understanding.

I will join a small group and develop supportive friendships.

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You’ve probably heard the saying, “Begin with the end in mind”. It sounds wise, but how often do you actually do it? Did you start your day, your week, your career, your marriage, your family, with a plan of how you’d reach your end goals successfully? Or are you like a ship without a rudder, being blown about by the winds of desire?

Next Steps

“I love you God, except…” What is your except?

I will follow wisdom rather than desire.

I will test desire by having the end in mind.

I will calmly look at every option, consider every consequence, and choose what is best.

I will take a stand and devote my life to God, and learn to deal with unfulfilled desire.

I will ask the wise questions: What is good here? What would love do? What is best?

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Who doesn’t love a good story? Good vs Evil, light vs dark. An unlikely Hero rising up to take on a powerful enemy. In the Book of Judges we see God calling men and women to heroic action. But the story isn’t over, He may be calling you.

Next Steps

I will pray about what battle Jesus is calling me to fight.

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It’s said that hardship builds character. Being forced to wait teaches us to be patient. Trials build faith. Have you ever wondered where God is in the midst of your trials and hardships? Has your faith ever been put to the test? Join us this week as we start a new series, “Characters”, and learn from, and relate to, the life of Joseph.

Next Steps

I will trust God has a much better view from above.

I will turn to God to find strength during the dark days of doubt.

I will be the right person in the right place to accomplish God’s purpose.

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Getting to know the 3rd Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is both a day-by-day and a life-long endeavor. But did you know there are particular times in life when listening to the Holy Spirit’s voice is especially important? As we conclude our series, “The God I Never Knew” we’ll examine these times and why the Holy Spirit’s role in them is so vital.

Next Steps

I will listen to the Spirit’s voice that says, “You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

When I’m discouraged I will find solitude and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

When I’m convicted of sin I will confess, repent, receive grace, and thank God that the Spirit is at work in my heart and conscience.

The post You Are Loved by God appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Do you filter contaminants out of your drinking water, or the air in your car or house? How about filtering spam out of your email and text messages? Filters have become invaluable parts of our lives. We use them constantly. But do you take the same care to filter what comes into your mind?

Join us this week as we study how the Holy Spirit can help us filter where we need it most.

Next Steps

I will be open and prayerful, listening to the Spirit throughout each day.

I will allow the Holy Spirit to filter out toxic messages from media.

I will be aware of the effect people around me have on me.

I will allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten me about an area of life I need to change.

I will limit my exposure to damaging aspects of media.

I will fast from certain media to realize the effects it has on me.

I will immerse myself in one great book by a Christian author.

I will memorize Scripture as a way to shape my mind by God’s Word.

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Have you made a mistake recently or in your past that you’re not able to let go of? Maybe you think, “I don’t want to walk through my life with this cloud of guilt hanging over me anymore,” but you don’t know what to do. Are you holding onto sin, but you’re not sure what to do to let go of it? Join us this week as we explore how the Holy Spirit sets us free from sin and regret.

Next Steps

I will examine my life to determine what burdens I’m carrying.

I will stop carrying burdens that are weighing me down.

I will choose Godly sorrow that leads to repentance, life and joy.

I will come to Jesus and lay my burden down.

The post The Convicting Work of The Spirit appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

This week we are continuing to ask and answer some tough questions about the Holy Spirit. We’ll explore things like whether the gift of healing is still active today, if there is a right or wrong way to pray, and how the Spirit can show up in our day-to-day. Join us for part two as we look directly at these challenging questions about the Spirit.

Next Steps

I will expect the Spirit to manifest Himself in remarkable ways.

I will look to the fruit of the Spirit for evidence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life.

I will spend my life training to be like Jesus.

I will pay attention to the Spirit who is with me all the time.

I will listen for the Spirit’s promptings, and I will say yes to him.

I will ask for prayer for healing, believing we serve a healing God.

The post Tough Questions About the Spirit (Part 2) appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.