On Fire For The Future.
Luke 24:13–35 [NIV]
Icebreaker: Expectation vs. Reality
Ask your group to think of a time when they were excited about something, but it didn’t turn out the way they hoped.
How did that moment change the way you approached the next step?
Announcements:
NORTH PARK OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, October 4th - 11 AM
North Park Campus
BAPTISMS
Sunday, October 5th
National City Campus
MAN CAMP
Thursday, October 9th - Saturday, October 11th
Whispering Winds Camp 17606 Harrison Park Road Julian, CA
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Thursdays - 7 PM - 8:30 PM
National City Campus
HARVEST SUNDAY
Sunday, October 26th 9AM/11AM/1PM
National City Campus
3 Ways We Stay On Fire For The Future.
1. Deal With Disappointments Of The Past.
We have all encountered disappointment and carried the weight of unmet expectations, crushed hopes, or moments when life doesn’t turn out the way we planned. Disappointment can make us feel lost, overlooked, or hopeless, but Jesus meets us in those moments.
He doesn’t ignore our pain and disappointments, but actively strengthens our hearts, reminds us of His love, and gives us courage to move forward. God wants us to release our disappointments and trust Him even when we can’t see the full picture. When we let go of past hurt, we make room for joy, healing, and purpose to have a place in our future.
Reflection Questions:
What past disappointment is still influencing your decisions or outlook today?
How can you reframe past setbacks to see them as lessons or stepping stones?
What practical step can you take this week to release a past hurt and move forward?
2. Commit To A Journey Of Discovery.
Faith is a journey, not a single moment. The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Jesus at first, but He walked with them, patiently guiding them, opening Scripture, and revealing truth step by step.
Our spiritual growth happens when we move intentionally with God, recognizing Him in the ordinary moments, practicing gratitude, humility, and generosity. Just like Jesus broke bread, gave thanks, and shared with others, our lives become a reflection of His love when we walk in these practices.
Reflection Questions:
Where in your life do you need to be more intentional about seeking God’s presence?
What area of your faith feels uncertain, and how can you explore it more deeply this week?
How can you cultivate greater awareness of God’s work in the small, everyday moments of your life?
3. Run With The Mission.
When God lights a fire in your heart, it’s never meant to stay hidden. True spiritual encounters stir something inside us that naturally drives us into action. The disciples didn’t linger in their own experience with Jesus. The moment they recognized Him, their hearts were burning with urgency, and they immediately went to share what they had seen and heard.
Running with the mission is allowing this internal passion and fire to shape every choice and every day. It is giving yourself permission to step out of your comfort zone, speak truths that feel risky, and act in ways that stretch your faith. It means showing up consistently, even when the impact isn’t immediate or visible, trusting that God’s work in your life is producing fruit.
The question isn’t whether God has placed a fire in you. The question is whether you will let it burn brightly, transform you from the inside out, and flow out into the world around you. The mission is personal, but its impact is lasting.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways have you held back from fully stepping into what God is calling you to do, and why?
How is God shaping your character or perspective through the challenges you’re facing right now?
THIS WEEK’S DECLARATION:
“This week, I declare that I will not be held down by the disappointments of my past. My unmet expectations and unanswered questions will not blind me to the truth that Jesus is walking with me. He is lifting me out of discouragement, and my faith is alive because my Savior is alive. I choose to walk daily with Jesus on this journey of discovery. I will recognize Him in gratitude that invites miracles, in humility that draws grace, and in generosity that reflects His heart. My eyes are open, and my heart burns with His Word. I declare that I will run with the mission He has given me. Like the disciples, I cannot stay silent — I will share what I have seen and heard. I belong to a house of hope, joy, and grace, and I am stepping boldly into the future God has prepared. I am on fire for the future, and the best is yet to come.”
