“Steward Stories, Steward Hearts” – Pastor Luke Faw
1.EXPLORE YOUR STORY WITH JESUS
If Jesus cares about your story, how much should YOU care about your story?
- “Quit believing He already knows so it doesn’t matter. He wants to know you with you.” - Tim Reist
Luke 5:22 (NIV) – Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?
Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV) – Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’
Revelation 3:20 (NLT) – “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Luke 10:41-42 (NLT) – But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV) – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
2.BE CURIOUS – NOT JUST COURTEOUS
John 4:9 (NLT) – The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
John 4:28-29 (NLT) – The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
“Any aspect of your life that doesn’t glisten with hope is believing a lie and that lie is a stronghold of the devil.” – Francis Frangipane
Luke 15:28-30 (NLT) – “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends.
3.VALUE PEOPLE BY LISTENING TO THEIR STORIES
2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) – I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
What is God doing?
How are you experiencing God? How is God experiencing you? - Tim Reist
John 17:21, 23 (NIV) – that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me…. 23 I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Listening to and stewarding the stories around people is an act of worship!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION / REFLECTIION:
1. What does it mean to be known by God?
2. What does it mean to be known by someone?
3. Who are 2-3 safe people you think you could start to share your story with?
4. Have you ever felt curious about aspects of your story, or why you tend to behave a certain way in some situations? Why or why not?
5. How are you experiencing God in this season of your life?
6. How do you think God is experiencing you?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO UNPACK YOUR STORY:
What makes you cry?
What do you notice when unexpected tears come?
What are you pushing down within yourself?
What makes you happy, brings you delight and joy?
