Times of Transition: Thin Spots

Life is not what it once was. Does that mean it is bad? Does that mean it is good? The answer here is like so many others...it depends. It depends on what changed, for who, when and why and probably a dozen other factors. What

Everlasting God

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

TRUE[ish] 03: As Long As You're Sincere Follow Up

As Long As You’re Sincere Week 3

What impressions did you have of Christianity before you became a follower of Christ? Are those different now? If so, how? 

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

Acts 16:29-30 (NIV)

• Many people don’t believe they have anything to be “saved” from. Discuss what being “saved” means to you?

• The word “saved” in this passage of scripture can also be translated “rescued.” When you made the decision to follow Christ, what do you believe He rescued you from?

• In what ways has He continued to rescue you?

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.

Luke 6:27-29 (NIV)

Has there ever been a time when you showed to love to someone you considered to be an enemy? If so, how did the experience affect you? How did it affect them?

What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!

Mark 6:2 (NIV)

• God continues to perform miracles in our lives today. Discuss a time when you saw a miracle in your own life or in the life of someone you know. How did that affect your relationship with Christ?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (NIV)

If you’re a follower of Christ, explain how you came to know Him personally. (If you’ve never shared your Christian testimony with your Life Group, take a few minutes to tell your story).

"Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV) 

Who do you say He is? Take a moment and tell the others in the group who Jesus is to you, what He means to you.

Final thought: Spend time in prayer as a group thanking God for all He saved you from when you made the decision to follow Him. Then take time to thank Him and celebrate the ways He continues to rescue you daily.

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Peace Comes From Trust

When Christ ascended into Heaven, He sent you a gift! The gift of peace through the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.


How much do you need today? Tell God, let him know what is going on. Thank him for what he has already done. Be creative here. There are lots of things that we forget about. Let your mind rest on God, what he has done and what he can do. Be calmed by the peace that comes from just relaxing in God's faithfulness. Let that peace guard your heart and your mind from the attacks of doubt, worry, criticism and "what ifs." Now live the way you have been called to live. Walk in the light.


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Brakes: Stopping Myself

The brakes are what makes my car safe to drive. 
How many problems do we have because we don't know how to stop ourselves? 

Galatians 5:22-23

 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


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TRUE[ish] 02: As Long As You're Happy Follow Up

As Long As You’re Happy Week 2

• Besides your faith in Christ, what are some of the things in your life that give you happiness? Explain how these things make you happy.

May all who are godly be happy... Psalm 97:12 (NIV)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

• There are many false beliefs in our society as to how to achieve happiness. Discuss some of those beliefs that you have followed and how those beliefs affected your life and your actions.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

• The world’s ideas of how to achieve happiness are usually at odds with God’s standards. Describe a time when you have put your immediate happiness above doing what you knew was right.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2: 15-17 (NIV)

This passage says “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” Have you ever pursued happiness through the things of this world? If so, be open and give some specific examples.

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands  Psalm 112:1 (NIV)

• God wants you blessed (which can be translated as more than happy.) Talk about a time when you have been overwhelmed by the blessings of God.

May all who are godly be happy in the LORD and praise his holy name!  Psalm 97:12 (NLT)

• Discuss some ways that you can begin a greater pursuit of happiness through God this week.

Final thought: Pray that God will help you strip away the false beliefs you have regarding true happiness in your life. Ask God to help you seek happiness through Him only. Thank Him for the blessings he has given you in your life so that you can truly appreciate the comfort and happiness that comes through His blessings.

For Further Study

You can use these questions and Scriptures in your own personal devotions during the week.

Open 

Describe some people you know that seem truly happy in their lives. Where do you think their happiness comes from?

Explore

Read Matthew 5:1-12

According to Jesus, what is the reward for those who are poor in spirit? (5:3)

Why are those who mourn blessed? (5:4)

What is the reward for those who are meek? (5:5)

What can those who hunger and thirst for righteousness expect? (5:6)

What does God promise to those who are merciful? (5:7)

Why are peacemakers blessed? (5:9)

What does the future hold for those who are persecuted because of righteousness? (5:10)

What instruction is given to Christians who are insulted, hassled, and lied about? (5:11-12)

Reflect

How do you think a person might behave if he or she were hungering and thirsting after righteousness?

What are some examples of showing mercy? 

How does society’s list of admirable virtues compare and contrast with these kingdom virtues?

How (if at all) does the promise of future blessing affect us in the present?

Which of these promises means the most to you today? Why? 

Apply

What realistic steps can you take this week to increase your hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Additional Resources

Quotes about the world’s view of happiness

Read these quotes and consider which of these reflect the world’s view and those that reflect God’s view. Some may incorporate both.

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” - Aristotle

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” - Dave Gardner

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” - Abraham Lincoln.

“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier.” - Margaret Young

“Being happy is something you have to learn. I often surprise myself by saying ‘Wow, this is it. I guess I’m happy. I got a home I love. A career that I love. I’m even feeling more and more at peace with myself.’ If there’s something else to happiness, let me know. I’m ambitious for that, too.” - Harrison Ford

“Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response.” - Mildred Barthel

“Joy has nothing to do with material things, or with man’s outward circumstance... A man living in the lap of luxury can be wretched, and a man in the depths of poverty can overflow with joy.” - William Barclay

Facts About Happiness

The following are some unique facts about happiness taken from various surveys to share with your group.

1. Nigeria is the happiest country in the world. The United States is ranked 16th.

2. Americans are, on average, only 69 percent happy. 

3. 14 percent of the world’s nations on Earth are less than 50 percent happy. 

4. The world’s population is, on average, less than 65 percent happy. 

5. Americans earning more than $10 million annually are only slightly happier than average Americans

6. Americans’ personal income has increased more than 2 1/2 times over the last 50 years, but their happiness level has remained the same.

Here are some suggestions you may want to use for your time with God this week:

Day 1: Read 1 John 2:15-17. Be honest with God and confess those things in your life that are distracting you from truly knowing God’s happiness. Seek God for satisfaction through Him rather than worldly things.

Day 2: Read Philippians 4:12-13. Pray to God for contentment in those areas of life where needed. Share with God any urgent needs you have.

Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-26. Pray for those around you that lack true happiness in their life. Pray that will find that happiness through God.

Day 4: Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. Pray about your financial needs. Seek God’s satisfaction rather than relying on money during your prayer time today. Ask for God to meet your needs today.

Day 5: Read Psalm 112:1-10. Thank God for the blessings in your life. Praise Him for all He has done in your life and will continue to do.

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TRUE[ish] 01: What Is Truth? Follow Up Blog

Describe a time in your life when you told a lie. What were the consequences of your lie? Was the truth finally revealed?

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" Pilate asked.

John 18:37-38a

What you believe determines how you behave. How have false beliefs affected you in your life?


The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness...Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools... They exchanged the truth of God for a lie...

Romans 1:18,22,25

Two of Satan’s greatest weapons against truth are relativism and subjectivism. Relativism is the assumption there is no absolute truth and subjectivism allows a person to determine what is right and wrong on their own without submitting to any authority. How do you see these two weapons being used by Satan in our society today?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 

Some would say, to believe there is only one way to a relationship with God, is narrow minded. Would you agree? Why or why not?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning...The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1: 1-2, 14 (NIV)

Verse 14 says that Jesus came full of grace and truth. Truth without grace can lead to legalism. Grace without truth can lead to an “anything goes” mindset. Do you lean more toward grace or truth? What are some areas, in your life, where you need to experience this balance of grace and truth?

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32 (NIV)

So if the Son sets your free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 

Share with your someone how the truth of Christ has set you free from those things that used to hold you captive. 

Final thought: With your group ask God to show you more of His truth as you pray together. Pray that He will open your eyes to false truths that you may have fallen victim to. Thank God for His wonderful grace through Christ that has set you free from lies and the darkness of sin.

For Further Study

To use this resource, simply select one or two questions from each category below that you think will help your group discussion. Alternatively, you can use these questions and Scriptures in your own personal devotions during the week.


Open 

Why is it difficult for many people to admit they have done something wrong? Do you find this true in your own life?

Explain.

Explore

Read 1 John 1:5- 2:14 This passage encourages us to walk in the light of God’s truth. When we walk in His light, there is no darkness at all. (1:5)
What message did the writer hear and declare? (1:5)
What inconsistency did John address? (1:6) 
What results from "walking in the light"? (1:7) How were some believers apparently deceiving themselves? (1:8)

What is the result of confessing one’s sins? (1:9) 

Why did John write this letter? (2:1)

What did John say he was giving to his readers? (2:7-8)

Reflect

• What do you think the terms "light" and "darkness" represent?
  
• In what way is God similar to light?
  
• In what way do we "walk in darkness"?
  
• How can we "walk in the light"? 
  
  How does the promise of being purified from all sin make you feel?
  What confidence should our relationship with the Father give us? 
  
  

Apply 

Share some of the areas of your life where it feels like you are still “walking in darkness.”

What are some things you can do help that will allow Christ to take you out of the darkness and into His light this week?

Daily Activities for the Week

Day 1: Read 1 John 1:5-2:14. Have an honest conversation with God about those areas of your life that may still be in darkness. Ask Him to lead you into the light of His truth.   

Day 2: Read Romans 1: 18-25. Spend time praying for those you know that are being misled by lies in their lives. Ask God to open their eyes to His truth.

Day 3: Read John 14: 5-14. In those areas of your life where you have been blinded by a lie, ask God if you are still being affected by that lie. Ask Him to continue to bring the light of truth into this area of you life.
Day 4: Read John 8: 32-36. Spend time thanking God for rescuing you from lies in your life that have held you captive in the past.

Day 5: Read John 18: 37-38. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal a specific truth in your life today.

Have fun!

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Trust For The Everyday

Of all things we have to worry about, money is one of the easiest. Understandable, but, while you're trying to be smart with money, don't forget this.

Hebrews 13:5 (New Living Translation)

5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

"I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you."

God wants us trusting Him and nothing else. Because He knows that He alone can satisfy our deepest needs.


- g-ram