Summary of January 19 Care Group

Tonight we welcomed Mark and Kristi to our group! Everyone was in attendance. After singing about how deep is the love of God for us, Tony started us off by reading from Ps 86:5-6 "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace."

Tony then asked us how the CD series we just finished by Paul Tripp has affected our walks with God. Here are the themes that were discussed:
-Having worked through the messages with everyone from the care group has amplified the benefit in our lives because we had the chance to work out practical applications for our everyday lives.
-We feel more connected to the body.
-This is a safe place to know my heart is guarded by accountability to others.
-private vs. public persona: -It's good to know that we don't have to pretend we are flawless in front of others.
-It's important to respond to others with the soft brush of God's grace.
-God's agenda is evident as we come together.
-God never intended for us to be alone in our walk with Him. His perfect plan includes us caring for and loving one another.

Then we spent the remainder of the time identifying gifts in some of our members. Here are some of the evidences of grace we see by God's activity in each other: mercy, caring, faithfulness, serving, friendship, love, sacrifice, wisdom, humility, approachability, steadfastness, committment. Isn't God amazing?? He takes people like us and works His beautiful fruit into our lives so that others can see!!

Eric ended with Ps 16: 1-2 "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'"