Guidance and Purpose for Graduates' New Journey
Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and to give thanks to God for His guidance and blessings. As we come together in this sacred space, we acknowledge God's presence among us and seek His wisdom for the future. We begin our worship by lifting our hearts with gratitude, remembering the support of family, friends, and educators who have nurtured the growth of these graduates. Let us worship with gladness, offering our praise and prayers for the journey ahead. [01:11]
As we continue in worship, we sing praises to the God of the universe, who made a way for us to know Him and have eternal life. We sing "Oh Praise the Name," lifting our voices in adoration and thanksgiving. [10:57]
We then take a moment to pray for the Saenz family, who are mourning the loss of Andrea. We acknowledge the difficulty of losing a loved one and ask for God's presence, peace, and comfort for the family. We also honor those who have given their lives for our country, thanking God for the freedom to worship and lifting up those who have lost loved ones due to war. [14:45]
Turning our focus to the graduates, I remind them of four important things for the next part of their journey. First, remember your foundation of faith. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all your ways. Do not be wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. [22:36]
Second, have courage in the face of challenges. Life is hard, and college will present new difficulties. But remember that God is with you. He commands us to be strong and courageous, for He will be with us wherever we go. When life gets tough, don't forget that the God of the universe lives in you, empowering you to face any challenge. [27:26]
Third, live a life on purpose. As you transition to this new phase, be intentional about how you live. God has prepared good works for you to do, and it is important to live into those works with purpose. Whether you are in college, the workplace, or at home, live your life with the intention of fulfilling God's purpose for you. [29:16]
Fourth, never forget the importance of community. Christian relationships provide strength and encouragement. In college, it is easy to stray from the pack, but staying connected with a community of believers will help you stay on the path that God has for you. Remember that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. [34:07]
As we conclude, I pray for our graduates, asking God to encourage them to take heart, remember their faith, take courage, live on purpose, and never forsake community. I remind them that God has a great plan for their lives and that He is with them, helping them to know right from wrong and to live into His best for them. [39:20]
We end our time together by singing "Rock of Ages" and celebrating the strength and support we find in God. We also take a moment to acknowledge the graduates, expressing our gratitude for their presence in our church family and praying for their future endeavors. [41:34]
Key Takeaways:
1. Foundation of Faith: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all your ways. Do not be wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Remember the faith that has been modeled and taught to you, and let it guide you in this new phase of life. [22:36]
2. Courage in Challenges: Life is hard, and college will present new difficulties. But have courage, for God is with you. He commands us to be strong and courageous, for He will be with us wherever we go. When life gets tough, remember that the God of the universe lives in you, empowering you to face any challenge. [27:26]
3. Live on Purpose: Be intentional about how you live. God has prepared good works for you to do, and it is important to live into those works with purpose. Whether you are in college, the workplace, or at home, live your life with the intention of fulfilling God's purpose for you. [29:16]
4. Importance of Community: Christian relationships provide strength and encouragement. In college, it is easy to stray from the pack, but staying connected with a community of believers will help you stay on the path that God has for you. Remember that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. [34:07]
5. God's Plan and Presence: God has a great plan for your life, and He is with you, helping you to know right from wrong and to live into His best for you. Take heart, remember your faith, take courage, live on purpose, and never forsake community. Trust that God is walking with you and will never leave you. [39:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Opening Worship
[10:57] - Praise and Worship
[14:45] - Prayer for the Saenz Family
[22:36] - Foundation of Faith
[27:26] - Courage in Challenges
[29:16] - Live on Purpose
[34:07] - Importance of Community
[39:20] - God's Plan and Presence
[41:34] - Closing Hymn and Acknowledgements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:5-7: "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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
2. Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
3. Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 3:5-7 say about trusting in the Lord and the benefits of doing so?
2. According to Joshua 1:9, what command does God give Joshua, and what promise accompanies this command?
3. In Ephesians 2:10, what does Paul say about our purpose as God’s handiwork?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command to "trust in the Lord with all your heart" (Proverbs 3:5) challenge our natural inclinations to rely on our own understanding? [22:36]
2. What might it look like in practical terms to "be strong and courageous" in the face of challenges, as instructed in Joshua 1:9? [27:26]
3. How can understanding that we are "created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10) influence the way we approach our daily lives and decisions? [29:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you relied on your own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord. How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [22:36]
2. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you draw strength and courage from the promise that God is with you wherever you go? [27:26]
3. Identify one specific way you can live intentionally this week, fulfilling the good works God has prepared for you. How will you ensure you stay focused on this purpose? [29:16]
4. How can you actively seek out and maintain Christian community in your current phase of life? What steps will you take to stay connected with fellow believers? [34:07]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence guiding you. How did that experience shape your faith, and how can you seek to experience God's guidance more regularly? [39:20]
6. In what ways can you support and encourage someone in your community who is going through a difficult time, similar to how the church supported the Saenz family? [14:45]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily routine, especially in acknowledging the support of family, friends, and educators in your life? [01:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
Description: As you embark on this new phase of life, it is crucial to remember the foundation of faith that has been laid for you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all your ways. This means relying on God's wisdom and guidance rather than your own understanding. By doing so, you will find health and nourishment for your body and soul. This foundation of faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that will guide you through the challenges and opportunities ahead. [22:36]
Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than trusting in God's wisdom? How can you begin to acknowledge Him in all your ways today?
Day 2: Be Strong and Courageous
Description: Life is full of challenges, and the transition to college or a new phase of life will bring its own set of difficulties. However, you are not alone. God commands us to be strong and courageous, reminding us that He is with us wherever we go. This divine presence empowers us to face any challenge with confidence and strength. When life gets tough, remember that the God of the universe lives in you, giving you the courage to overcome any obstacle. [27:26]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that requires courage? How can you remind yourself of God's presence and strength in this situation?
Day 3: Live with Purpose
Description: As you transition to this new phase, it is essential to live intentionally. God has prepared good works for you to do, and it is important to live into those works with purpose. Whether you are in college, the workplace, or at home, live your life with the intention of fulfilling God's purpose for you. This means being mindful of your actions and decisions, ensuring they align with the good works God has prepared for you. [29:16]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can live intentionally in your current phase of life? How can you align your daily actions with the good works God has prepared for you?
Day 4: The Strength of Community
Description: Christian relationships provide strength and encouragement, especially during times of transition. In college or any new phase of life, it is easy to stray from the pack, but staying connected with a community of believers will help you stay on the path that God has for you. Remember that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Surround yourself with a supportive community that will encourage you in your faith and help you grow spiritually. [34:07]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that provide you with spiritual support and encouragement? How can you strengthen these relationships and stay connected with your community of believers?
Day 5: God's Plan and Presence
Description: God has a great plan for your life, and He is with you, helping you to know right from wrong and to live into His best for you. Take heart, remember your faith, take courage, live on purpose, and never forsake community. Trust that God is walking with you and will never leave you. This assurance of God's presence and guidance is a source of comfort and strength as you navigate the journey ahead. [39:20]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can seek God's presence and guidance in your daily life? How can you remind yourself of His plan and presence as you move forward?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I was talking with a friend this last week and he was having to make a hard decision and he said, you know, Darren, the easy things are very seldom right, but the right things are very seldom easy too. I thought about that and I can't agree more. It's very easy to slide away from our faith. We know it's not right. We probably don't want to, but we do because we're just sick of it. We're just sick of fighting. But remember what I shared in our second point. Take courage. The God of the universe is not just with you, because you are a follower of Jesus, he lives in you, empowering you to do what needs to be done so you can have that life and live to abundance." [37:29]
2. "When I graduated high school, I didn't have a whole lot of purpose. I lived a life for me. I lived the American dream per se. But the purpose I was living wasn't the right purpose. See, in Ephesians 2.10, Paul says this, For it is grace you've been saved through faith. Again, you didn't work your way into this salvation. Jesus gives it as a gift for us. And this is not from yourselves. It is a gift from God, not by works, so no one can boast. And that's great news. But if we stop there, we miss our purpose. Paul continues this thought, For we are God's workmanship, created, in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." [29:16]
3. "Another pastor that I follow online said this, We can make excuses, or you can know God intimately. But we can't do both. There's no such thing as intimacy without intentionality. We need to be intentional about how we live. Because if we are not intentional, we will just slide into falling away. And then years down the line, you will be God who, I've seen it, I've lived it. And the reality is God can chase us down and save us. But we should be about a purposeful life." [30:41]
4. "It's very easy to slide away from our faith. We know it's not right. We probably don't want to, but we do because we're just sick of it. We're just sick of fighting. But remember what I shared in our second point. Take courage. The God of the universe is not just with you, because you are a follower of Jesus, he lives in you, empowering you to do what needs to be done so you can have that life and live to abundance." [37:29]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Remember your foundation of faith that your parents, your grandparents, and others have modeled for you and taught you. Second thing I'd like to share with you is have courage in the face of challenges. This was one of the things I think I didn't, another one of the things I didn't really understand when I was growing up. I knew there were going to be challenges in life, and I don't mean to say this to scare you right now, but what you've faced so far isn't anything about what's to come. College is hard. Life is hard. And, but have courage, because the God that the foundation that you have been taught, he goes with you. He's in you and goes with you." [27:26]
2. "These four things, they're not rocket science, to be honest. They're not rocket science. They're not rocket science. They're not rocket science with you. They're just kind of, yeah, remember your faith. Remember what you were taught. Take courage. Live on purpose. Don't forget community. It's important. While they're not rocket science, these are things that are very important for everyday life for all of us, whether you're a graduate or middle-aged or whatever I am right now." [37:29]
3. "But what if you got connected with people who were passionately following after Jesus, even though not perfectly, and were encouraged in your walk? I think it would be amazing. Just as a cord of three strands is not easily broken, we need to recognize the strength found in Christian relationship. Other parts of scripture say that there's a lion trying to devour those around us. And what, if you've ever watched a nature documentary, have you guys ever watched one of those nature documentary where, you know, they're like, oh my goodness, this shouldn't be, you know, like you're watching it as a kid and you're like, isn't this rated R? Right? There's murder here. But what happens often is the prey goes after the weak, goes after the ones that have strayed from the pack." [35:48]
4. "So you guys in your next season, your purpose to some extent is to learn and grow in college and wherever you go. And that's a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big
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