Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show
you my faith by my deeds.
— James 2:18
 
 

Make these 6 small tweaks to change your life

YES, WE PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH

Our practices help us form and foray in the ways of Jesus. Our community is built on what we do, not just what we believe. Let's C.R.E.A.T.E. together.

  • Carve
  • Read
  • Eat
  • Act
  • Tell
  • Extend

C

Carve out time to hear the Holy Spirit

Small tweak

Instead of constant noise in the car, turn the radio off for a few minutes and listen to what God is saying to you.

KEY QUESTION

When today will I listen to the Holy Spirit?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Have a moment of silence in gatherings to listen to God. Ask if anyone has anything to share. Check everything with scripture.

LEARN MORE

Matthew 6:6 | Galatians 5:22-23

Some may choose to take a prayer walk or commit to a once-per-week time of solitude and listening to God. Others may segment their hour into daily increments of say ten minutes per day for six days of the week. The point is to have a specific time of just listening in silence, not speaking or asking for a list of things; just letting the Lord speak to you. What is He asking you to do? Who is He putting on your heart? Take note or journal what you hear, verify with scripture and those in church community with you, and immediately put His words into practice. 

#GARDEN #UP

Read a chapter a day from the Bible

Small tweak

Instead of reading another news story or blog post, read today's chapter at dailyjesusstory.com

KEY QUESTION

What am I doing today to become more like Jesus?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Read one of this weeks chapters and share ways to adjust our live to live like Jesus. See dailyjesusstory.com if you have trouble spots.

LEARN MORE

Philippians 3:7-14

Pay special attention to learn more about Jesus, his ways and means. Ask God to speak to you as you read, and do what He says. Discuss what you read with others. Write what you are doing and learning in a journal. Sometime we read sections of a book together. Invest in your personal and family growth by reading and attending things will help you grow into who God created you to be.

#GARDEN #LAB #UP

E

Eat together

Small tweak

Instead of eating alone, eat with someone else.

KEY QUESTION

Who can I eat with this week?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Have something to munch on or share a meal each time you get together.

LEARN MORE

Matthew 9:9-13 | Luke 19:1-10

Eat meals with people Jesus would eat with. Practice generous hospitality and invite people into your life. Around the table, gospel things happen. When eating with other Christ-followers: encourage one another, talk about your lives, share what God has been saying to you and what you've been doing about it.

#GARDEN #LAB #IN #OUT

A

Act as a missionary

Small tweak

Instead of avoiding eye contact, look people in the eye when you talk with them. Ask Jesus to give you His love for each person you meet.

KEY QUESTION

Where would Jesus go and what would He do if He were me?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Find ways to share about and pray for the people in your lives. Be creative and relational, like Jesus. Don't do for or to when you can do with.

LEARN MORE

Acts 13:47 | Acts 20:24

God has sent you. As a community of Jesus people, we are a collective of missionaries. Find places to create heaven-like community where you live, work, and play. Take opportunities to engage in Jesus-like mission on your day-to-day journey. Consider keeping a daily journal of how you have worked with Jesus. Ask yourself how you responded to his promptings and if there were any instances or opportunities where you resisted Jesus. Is there a people group in your life God is inviting you to start a church community with?

#LAUNCHPAD #LAB #OUT

T

Tell your story

Small tweak

Instead of talking about yourself, ask others relational questions.

KEY QUESTION

Who needs to hear your story? Who needs you to hear their story?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

Invite people to share struggles and ask permission to pray with people when they share.

LEARN MORE

Ephesians 4:29 | James 1:19

Tell your story to someone this week. Listen to others' stories. Be humble and vulnerable. Telling your story doesn't mean to tell your whole life story, rather it means to tell the truth about who you are, and use words to share things about your life that will help people see the work of Jesus in your life. The listening side of this is the drawing out of other people's stories. Ask great questions. Listen intently. Don't "one up." Pray for others, and tell them you are praying for them Be present in your relationships and conversations, and be aware that God is already at work in your lives and desires to help you go one step forward into your story.

#LAUNCHPAD #LAB #OUT

E

Extend Generosity

Small tweak

Instead of buying a large coffee for yourself, buy 2 smalls and give one away to someone else. BONUS: stay and drink it with them.

Key question

Who can I befriend or encourage with a blessing?

COMMUNITY PRACTICE

If you discover needs in your group, find ways to help each other out. Let people know they can give and receive at givetocreate.com or by texting "Create" to 77977.

LEARN MORE

Genesis 12:1-2

You are blessed to be a blessing, so give something that would be received as good news. What are you good at – and what are the needs around you? Merge those two together to discover your potential calling. Be on the lookout for 2 people this week – 1 person who is following Jesus and 1 person from outside the church from where your live, work, or play. Blessings can range from a simple encouragement or small gift or gesture to whatever Jesus prompts you to give. We recommend finding a something to do with someone that would be a blessing for greater relationship-building, or a secret blessing to prevent pride if that is a temptation for you. Use great discernment and transparency with your loved ones when extending blessings to someone of the opposite sex.

#LAUNCHPAD #LAB #IN #OUT


 

To learn more about the value of missional habits, download the free ebook "The Five Habits of Highly Missional People."