Letting Go Journal week 1

JOURNAL

Introduction

HOW TO USE THIS JOURNAL… Each week we will read through the book of Philippians (don’t worry, it’s really short – only 4 chapters!) using a different version, or translation of the Bible. If you use the YouVersion Bible App there are even audio versions of some of the translations, so you can listen instead of read. We will have a verse to memorize each week from the selected scripture, questions for reflection, and some other way to engage with the text. Lastly, we will practice our spiritual habit, the Palms Up, Palms Down Prayer.

Although we may not always get to choose what we let go of, we do get to choose how we accept it. Our prayer is that through this series we will learn how to do this well.

WEEK 1: LETTING GO… OF CERTAINTY & FINDING FAITH READ Each week as we read through the book of Philippians we will read a different translation. This week we will be reading the Common English Bible (CEB). You can find different translations through the YouVersion Bible App (www.bible.com).

Day 1 - Read Chapter 1 Day 2 - Read Chapter 2 Day 3 - Read Chapter 3 Day 4 - Read Chapter 4 Day 5 - Watch this video from The Bible Project on the book of Philippians: https://bibleproject.com/explore/philippians/ MEMORIZE This week we are memorizing Philippians 3:8b “I count it all rubbish, in order that I might gain Christ.”

A helpful way to memorize is to write the words out. Get a journal or notebook, and each day copy the verse down. As you do this, picture the words traveling from the tip of your pen, up through your fingers and arm, right into your brain. Hold them there for a few seconds. Each day try to write more of the verse without looking at it.

REFLECT How important is predictability and certainty in your life? Do you hold tight to your routine?

How do you react when something unexpected happens and upsets your routine or plans?

What is it about routines, predictability, certainty that causes you to panic, be fearful, or anxious when it is lost?

In our scripture this week, Paul lists what he considers his “assets” in verses 1-6 (CEB), but then he says that he considers all of that a loss, even as “sewer trash” compared to the value of knowing Jesus as his Lord and being found in him. Instead of holding on tightly to his assets, Paul was willing to let them go in order to grasp something of higher value – Jesus.

What is it that you are holding on tightly to today?

Are you willing, like Paul, to consider it as “sewer trash” and let go of it so that you can grasp hold of Jesus?

SPIRITUAL HABIT As you reflect on that last question, prepare to practice our spiritual habit that was introduced in this week’s sermon. Use this video to guide you through the practice this week: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cbLBUq6VGOI