Author: Jimmy Trimble

Today we’ll discuss Community vs. Commitment. Often, we hear leaders in all types of organizations lamenting the lack of commitment. However, the true essence of Christian commitment lies not just in attendance but in fostering a thriving, loving community. Here is our scripture for the day, which is from Hebrews 10:24-25:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

The Craving for Community: In our fast-paced, often isolated world, people yearn for connection and community. It’s a universal desire, one that transcends age, culture, and background. We seek community for support in times of need, for celebration in times of joy, and for a sense of belonging in times of loneliness.

True Commitment is Born in Community: While commitment to attending church services is essential, it is only a part of the broader commitment to Christian community. As believers, our commitment should be rooted in love for one another and a desire to grow together in faith. The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this idea in Colossians 3:14, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

In a thriving community, commitment flows naturally. People attend not out of obligation but because they genuinely care about their fellow members. They understand that their presence and participation contribute to the well-being of the community as a whole.

The Shift from Attendance to Engagement: Leaders and members can foster a culture of commitment by shifting the focus from attendance metrics to the quality of engagement within the community. Instead of asking, “How many were present?” we should ask, “How deeply were we present for each other?”

Encouraging Small Groups and Personal Connections: One way to nurture commitment through community is by promoting small groups and personal connections. The men of Northside have done a good job of this by scheduling and promoting lots of activities and groups. These settings provide opportunities for members to share life’s ups and downs, pray for one another, and grow in their faith together. It’s in these intimate gatherings that commitment flourishes.

True Christian commitment is not about filling pews but about filling hearts with love and belonging. It’s about fostering a community where people are drawn not by duty but by the desire for genuine connection and spiritual growth. And, by first focusing on community, the commitment to attending will follow.

Questions

1. How would you define the word “community”?
2. Do you agree that most people place a very high value on community? If so, why?
3. In your opinion, is it more effective to tell people to be more committed or to build a strong community that is naturally attractive to people?
4. What are some elements of an effective community and what are some things we can do to encourage more of a community around us?
5. What would likely happen to a church/group/class if they hyper-focused on building a vibrant community?

James 2:14-26 covers the topic of faith and works. Typically, you will hear this referred to as “faith VS. works” but I think “AND” is better in this case, which we’ll cover today. Please take a few minutes to read that passage before proceeding.

To avoid any confusion, this is not about salvation. We are saved solely through declaring our faith in Jesus as described in Ephesians 2:8 and explained in #1 of the post in this link.

The topic of faith vs. works has ignited debates and discussions for centuries, but we find clear guidance in James 2:14-26. In reviewing this scripture and topic, we can see the intricate relationship between faith and works and the implications it holds for our Christian walk.

In his letter, James clearly and succinctly covers the essence of faith and works. He questions, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (James 2:14, NIV). This question underlines a crucial truth: genuine faith is not a passive belief but an active force that ignites transformation.

Illustrating this, James employs the example of a person who offers mere words of compassion to a needy brother or sister without offering any help. He asserts that such “faith”, without corresponding actions, is lifeless. Instead, true faith naturally leads to good works, just as a healthy tree bears fruit.

We could also use the example of praying for an improved golf game (yes, that’s ok) without scheduling lessons and practicing consistently. Likewise, seeking God’s blessings for our family’s well-being without actively striving to learn and grow as fathers or husbands falls short of genuine faith. These are just two examples of how relying solely on prayer without putting in the effort amounts to having a hollow faith. Our faith is authenticated by our actions.

James’s message isn’t a call to rely solely on works, but a reminder that works are the natural outpouring of a living, vibrant faith. Just as a vibrant tree’s fruit is a testament to its health, genuine faith is validated by the transformation it brings forth in our lives.

Questions:

1. Did today’s topic add to your understanding of the topic of faith and works? Did you have any previous misconceptions that this topic addressed?

2. Can you think of real-life examples, aside from the ones mentioned, where relying solely on faith without corresponding actions might lead to an incomplete or ineffective outcome?

3. How does the understanding of faith as an “active force that ignites transformation” affect the way we approach challenges and opportunities in our lives?

4. Share an instance from your own life where your faith has spurred you to meaningful actions. What did you learn from that experience about the relationship between faith and works?

For all of us, uncertainty is a reality. As followers of Christ, we find peace and guidance in His teachings, offering us a firm foundation during life’s uncertainties. Below are three ideas that can anchor us as we navigate an unpredictable world.

1. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty:

In a world filled with uncertainties, we find peace by acknowledging that God is in charge. As Christians, we understand that He holds all things in His hands. He knows the end from the beginning and has a divine purpose for each of us. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By entrusting our lives to God’s care, we can let go of anxieties and embrace His perfect plan for us.

2. Finding Hope in Christ:

In the face of uncertainty, our hope rests in the unchanging character of Christ. Hebrews 13:8 assures us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Despite the shifting circumstances of life, Jesus remains our constant source of hope and strength. Through His sacrificial love, we are assured of eternal life, a hope that transcends the temporal nature of this world. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find comfort, encouragement, and the courage to face each day with confidence.

3. Living with Purpose:

While life may be uncertain, our purpose as followers of Christ remains constant. We are called to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Our purpose is to shine the light of Christ into the darkness, to show compassion, and to share the hope we have found in Him. By living a life centered on Christ, we find meaning even in uncertainty. We can trust that God will guide us and use our lives to impact others for His glory.

By trusting in God’s sovereignty, finding hope in Christ, and living with purpose, we can navigate the uncertainties with strength. In God’s hands, uncertainties can become stepping stones to something better if we view them that way.

Questions:

1. The first idea above says to “let go and let God”. Even though this is a simple concept, do you still find it difficult to give your anxieties to God sometimes? If so, why do you think we struggle with that idea?
2. The verse above from Hebrews talks about how Jesus is unchanging. Why is that so important as we attempt to navigate life’s uncertainties?
3. #3 above talks about how even though life can be uncertain, our purpose remains constant (love God, love people). How can you apply this concept to help reduce the stress and anxiety of uncertainty?
4. Based on today’s lesson, what is one thing you might do this week to help deal with life’s uncertainty?

I want to start with a question that may seem simple, but has potentially deep meaning for many of us: “What gets the best part of your day?” When you first wake up, do you grab your phone to check financial markets, social media, and emails? If so, it’s possible that you are setting yourself up for a day filled with more challenges than necessary.

As Christian men, we are called not just to believe in God, but to put Him at the center of our lives. And if we are going to live our lives like that, we need to start our day the right way. But why are those first few minutes so important? I’m not a doctor or scientist (and didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night) but from what I’ve read, it’s because our minds are fresh, our spirits are renewed, and our bodies are rested. In that crucial time, what we choose to focus on can shape the trajectory of our entire day.

That brings us to our verse for the day:

Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” There’s a powerful message in these words. The Psalmist knew the value of presenting his day before God, first thing in the morning. It’s not that we are forbidden from engaging with the world. But our day should start with a declaration that God is our priority.

We are not just followers of Christ; we are His ambassadors in a world that desperately needs His touch. Our actions, our words, our attitudes – everything we are – should reflect His nature. Of course, we all fall short of that goal at times but, when we give God the first and best part of our day, we are stating clearly where our loyalty lies. We are showing that we value His voice above all others. We are declaring that His wisdom is more important than any insight the world can offer.

When we begin our day with Him, we align ourselves with His will, and as a result we can be more confident as we navigate our day. And, in addition to honoring God, we will live more fulfilling and impactful lives.

Questions:

1. Do you believe that the way we start our day has a significant impact on the way the rest of our day turns out? Why or why not?
2. Based on today’s lesson, if you were designing the perfect start to your day, what would that look like? What activities, how long, etc?
3. Instead of starting our day with prayer and reflection, why is not just as effective to schedule some time during the day for these activities?
4. If this is such an easy concept and the benefits are so clear, why doesn’t everyone just start their day in prayer and reflection? Why is it not just that simple?

Life can be a roller coaster of emotions, with unexpected challenges and trials. When we find ourselves going through difficult situations, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, we have the assurance that God is always with us and will help us through any challenge if we turn to Him.

In Psalms 9:9-10, we read that “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

This verse reminds us of a message we have heard many times – we can trust God. But those words are easy to say and hard to follow. I think the trick to finally saying “no” to anxiety is to keep focusing again and again on this message and looking at it from different angles.

For example, when we are physically exhausted during a tough workout, we push through because we know we’re getting stronger. Because we know the discomfort will produce good results, we don’t get anxious. But when we face life’s roller coasters, we tend to start to worry. Unlike our mindset during a workout, it’s easy to forget that God uses challenges to shape us and make us stronger.

So, should we approach life’s trials with the same attitude as we do a workout, knowing that God uses these challenges to shape us? We all know the answer is “yes” but, again, this is easier said than done.

God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is to bring us closer to Him. This means that, if we believe today’s verse and trust Him, He will use tough times to help us grow spiritually and become more resilient.

So, the next time you hit a high-anxiety moment, take a break and consider how God might be using that experience to draw you closer to Him. We are never alone in our struggles. God is with us every step of the way, and He will never leave us or forsake us.

Questions:

1. Do you agree with the comparison between life’s challenges & a workout, specifically the idea that we should look at them both as ways to get stronger?
2. During challenging times, why is it so difficult to focus on where God is moving instead of going straight to anxious thoughts? Could it just be a matter of habit or is it something more complicated than that?
3. In your experience, what are some of the main things people worry about?
4. If we train ourselves to think first of God’s plan during difficulties, how can that help us and the ones we love?

On this Easter Friday, I wanted focus on what we can do to show our gratitude for Jesus’ perfect gift of salvation. No verse better describes this gift than John 3:16, which says:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In a perfect act of mercy, Jesus offered us complete salvation with his death on the cross. That gift has been fully given. It is done. It cannot be given any more completely. There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn more of it. But, what can we do to express our gratitude?

To answer this question, imagine a parent who gives all their wealth and possessions to their child. In this scenario, the child is not required to do anything to inherit the parent’s fortune. They don’t even have to call or show up for birthdays or holidays to get the fortune because it’s been fully given.

In the same way, Jesus’ gift of salvation doesn’t require that we do anything to receive it other than accept it. We don’t have to impress Him with our good deeds because He has already given us everything.

But this doesn’t mean we should become complacent in our spiritual journey. In fact, this beautiful gift should inspire us to grow closer to Him every day and walk more in His ways.

So, when I think about how to give back even a small portion of what Jesus gave me, I like to think about what I appreciate most as a parent. If you do something nice for me, that’s good, but if you do something nice for my child or say something nice about them, then you will have a special place in my heart. I believe God thinks the same way about his children, so to show our gratitude this Easter, let’s renew our commitment to love others and say nice things about them.

Questions:

If the gift of salvation has been fully given and can’t be taken away from us, why do we keep showing up at church, praying, and reading the Bible?

Although we can’t earn our salvation, are there other blessings/gifts we can receive by following God’s will?

Do you agree that one of the best ways to express our gratitude for salvation is to love others and say nice things about them?

What are some things we can do this Easter weekend to show our gratitude to Jesus?

Last week we discussed the idea of avoiding comparing ourselves to others, primarily because God created each of us for a very unique and special purpose. There were some exceptions (for example, it’s ok to mimic the actions of a worthy and wise role model) but, generally, it’s best to focus on God’s unique plan for your life. During this discussion, we touched on spiritual gifts and the role they play in helping us stay on the distinct path God has planned for each of us.

But what exactly are these spiritual gifts and how do we know which gifts we have? Let’s start with three references from scripture about spiritual gifts:

There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-5)
 
Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:10)
 
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-6a)

For each of us, our unique path has unique challenges and opportunities to serve God. And He has already provided us with special gifts (spiritual gifts) to make us more effective along the way. As we use our spiritual gifts to serve God, we collectively strengthen the Body of Christ.

Here is a helpful link to an explanation of spiritual gifts that includes a list of all the gifts listed in various passages in the Bible.  These include administration, apostle, discernment, evangelism, exhortation, faith, giving, healings, helper, knowledge, leadership, mercy, miracles, pastor, prophesy, service, teaching, tongues (interpreting), and wisdom.

As examples, if your gifts are “missions” and “administration” then you may be best suited for various types of missions.  Or if your gifts are “teaching” and “leading” then you’ll be most effective in developing and leading teaching ministries.

There are hundreds of surveys online to help you determine your spiritual gifts.  Here is a good one created by the Methodist Church. Once you know your gifts, you’ll be better equipped to serve God and be more effective on your unique spiritual journey.

Questions:

• Based on today’s lesson, why do you think it is important to understand your spiritual gifts?
• Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts survey? If so, what are your gifts?
• Whether or not you know your spiritual gifts, do you feel like you’ve been consistently attracted to certain types of service or ministries? If so, what specific gifts would that indicate you might have?
• Is it a bad thing to volunteer or serve in ways that are not directly related to your spiritual gifts?

Last week, we talked about the idea of replacing our “thorns” of fear, anxiety, and worry with a stronger faith and trust in God. When we are fearful and anxious, we are saying to God that we do not trust Him and that we place no faith in His promises.

One of the biggest drivers of fear and anxiety is the sin of comparison, and that is the subject of our verse for the day, which is from 2 Corinthians 10:12:

When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

In this verse, Paul is saying to the Corinthians that it is unwise to compare ourselves to others. If they had Instagram at that time, Paul might have added something like, “You should delete Insta and all other social media accounts, so your attention is not drawn away from the truth of Jesus Christ.”

So, why is comparison so dangerous and harmful? I believe it all boils down to the fact that God created us for a unique purpose and when we compare ourselves to others, it draws our attention away from that purpose. When we start comparing houses, cars, vacations, wardrobes, athletic ability, academic ability, and others, we can never truly be satisfied. Trying to keep up with others will be our constant distraction. There is no finish line to this race and the only one who is happy when we compare ourselves to others is the devil. He’s loves it when our eyes and hearts are distracted from God.

While most comparison is not wise, I think the following three types of comparison are good:

1. Where are you in comparison to God’s plan for your life? Do you know our spiritual gifts and are you using them (Romans 12:6-8)? Are you focused primarily on loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-40)?
2. Where are you today in comparison to where you were on your faith journey yesterday? Are you making progress? Do you have a plan for improvement?
3. If you find someone who is a good role model, it is ok to compare yourself in limited ways as you try to mimic some of their positive attributes.

Otherwise, it’s best to keep our eyes on the prize and off of our neighbor’s stuff.

Questions:

1. Do you agree that comparing ourselves to others creates anxiety and distracts us from God’s plan? Why or why not?
2. In your experience, what are some of the main things people tend to compare?
3. If social media is such a big source of comparison, is it possible to continue using social media without falling into the comparison trap? If so, what strategies might work for avoiding this trap?
4. What benefits would you experience by limiting your comparison to other people this week?

I noticed this picture in the prayer chapel and it inspired a thought –

Here is a closer image:

An arch (as shown in the firepit above) is a very strong structure as long as each brick is in place and supporting its portion of the load. But if you remove just one brick, the arch will fall. That brings us to our verse for the day which is from 1 Thessalonians 5:11:

“So, continue encouraging each other and building each other up.”

If we compare our lives to an arch, we can start to think about the critical bricks that hold things together for us. These might include:

• Relationship with God
• Relationships with others
• Healthy nutrition
• Exercise
• Quality sleep
• Meaningful work
• Stress management

We can probably think of many other examples, but for today we’ll focus on our relationship with others.

Our “arch” is strongest when we are supported by the following individuals, in order of importance:

• Immediate family
• Extended family and closest friends
• Other friends and acquaintances

Although we know our arch is strongest when we maintain quality relationships with those closest to us, sometimes it’s easiest to ignore these individuals or even hurt them. So, as a starting point, we can think through the needs of our closest relationships and focus our energies there. What are their love languages? Where can we provide the most support and encouragement? As these relationships are strengthened, our arch is strengthened.

And maybe you have a weak or missing brick in your arch that really needs a lot of work. If so, like every other difficult challenge, there is one proven way to start thinking about the solution – go to God in prayer and ask Him for miraculous healing. And as you ask Him for guidance, focus only on the ideal scenario and don’t slip back into old ways of thinking. These old ruts are the devil’s way of trying to pull you back because he hates it when strained relationships are healed. If you are giving it to God, really give it to God and focus only on the perfect solution you know he can create.

As you start this exercise, a good first step is to think through the prioritized list above and review each relationship. Which ones are strong? Which ones need work? Which ones need a miracle? And sometimes, when we think about strengthening our own arch, the first thing we really need to do is consider how we can help strengthen others’ arches first.

Here are a few questions to help us think more about today’s topic –

Questions:

1. Do you agree that our arch is strongest when we maintain the high-quality relationships with those closest to us?
2. What are some reasons it is easiest to ignore or even hurt those closest to us?
3. Do you have any examples of bricks in your life that you’ve repaired that helped strengthen your arch?
4. Why is it so important not to let yourself slip back into old ways of thinking once you’ve asked God to help heal a damaged relationship? In other words, why are old ruts so harmful?
5. Do you agree that some missing/damaged bricks can only be replaced or repaired by starting with prayer? Why or why not?

Last week, we discussed gratitude and how important it is to God that we live with grateful hearts. This week we’ll continue this theme with a focus on the health benefits of expressing gratitude.

We’ll use the same verse we used last week, which is from Thessalonians 5:18,

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

In preparing for our lesson today, I searched the phrase “health benefits of being grateful”. There are many examples but, for this lesson, I’ll focus on an article from Psychology Today titled 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude. This is not a Christian publication, but I’m going to try to tie the article together with our verse for today. I believe that God designed our hearts, minds, and bodies to be healthier when we express gratitude, as explained below.

The article includes these seven scientifically proven benefits of giving thanks:

1. More relationships — thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship.
2. Improved psychological health
3. Improved physical health
4. Enhanced empathy and reduced aggression
5. Improved sleep
6. Improved self-esteem
7. Mental strength

Can you think of another singular factor, besides gratitude, that can provide this many benefits? I tried to think of one but came up empty. So, I searched for other opinions and found this quote from the Roman philosopher Cicero – “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others”. There were many other quotes on the topic, and they all gave gratitude the same level of significance.

So, this is where it became clear to me that God designed us in a way that makes us healthier when we express gratitude. Here are the truths we know:

1. We know that God wants us to have all the good things in the list above (and many more)
2. We know that God is the one who designed us
3. Scientific studies show that gratitude leads to the benefits above (and many more)

When we consider all these things together, it seems obvious that we can draw a clear connection. I believe we can simply say that God wants each of us to enjoy every good thing in life and that He gave us gratitude as one of the keys to unlock all this goodness.

Questions:

1. We discussed this last week, but let’s ask the question again after today’s lesson – why do you think gratitude is so important to God?
2. Can you think of any other single factor, other than gratitude, that can produce so many benefits?
3. Do you have a regular gratitude practice now? If you are comfortable, please share this with the group.
4. In addition to the answers from question 3, what are some other ways you can start making gratitude a daily habit?