Central Truth

All that we have comes from God. He is the One who gives life, and He is the One who provides. Not me!

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Reflections

I love how God's Word is always faithful to meet me where I am. When I read this verse, it reminds me that I often try to live life on my own strength. I feel like my way is best and that I know what is best for my family. My flesh tells me that if I just try harder, it will be enough. God has to constantly remind me that if I turn to Him, He provides for every need. For many years, pride was a stronghold that kept me from God's best for me. In the past, the damage, and thankfully redemption, looked something like this:

In my marriage, I failed to see that my wife was a gift from the Lord. I regarded myself as superior and did not treat her the way Christ instructs me to in Ephesians 5:25. This way also robbed me of the joy of experiencing a helpmate that God created suitable just for me. (Genesis 2:18) Instead of looking to God's Word for His plan for marriage, I trusted in my own efforts and "try-harder" mentality. This proved to be dissatisfying and frustrating. A few years ago, my wife and I were invited to participate in Watermark's Re|Engage ministry, a 16-week experience designed for couples to reconnect. Here, we learned His plan for a marriage that is meant to ultimately bring glory and honor to God. I can honestly say that I am more in love with my wife today than the first day we were married. His way fulfills!

In the past, I also failed to recognize that success in my job and potential to earn income also came from Him. Going my own way left me striving and trying harder in my own efforts. Because I viewed my income as a direct result of my hard work, I failed to be obedient in my giving. Thankfully, through the study of His Word, I have learned that all money and the ability to earn money comes directly from the Lord. As a result, my heart changed toward my giving.

Now I know, it's all His.

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Discussion Questions

1. In what areas of your life are your own efforts exhausting you?

2. Are you experiencing lasting joy in your relationships, work, parenting, finances, and other areas of life?

3. Do you believe that all of the items in Question 2 above are gifts from the Lord?

4. If so, how are these gifts bringing glory and honor to Him?

5. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and are ready to commit your life to the One who brings the ultimate gift of salvation, peace, and joy, would you contact someone at Watermark Community Church today?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

1 Corinthians 2-6 (June 18-22)

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

* If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, who lives in you?
* What do these verses say your body is?
* How would you expect someone to take care of a temple?
* What does it mean that you were bought with a high price?
* How do you treat something that is very expensive?
* How can you honor God with your body? (Make a list of at least 10 things.)

Activity: Go outside and use sidewalk chalk to draw a body for each family member. Be sure to include the eyes, ears, mouth, brain, heart, hands, feet, and stomach. Now for each of these parts, discuss ways that you can honor God with them.

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