Resilient Like Peter

Main Thought

Peter denied Jesus three times before the Crucifixion. He failed Christ. Still, Jesus forgave Peter with love and grace. Peter responded with resilience. He bounced back and helped lead the early church. Failure is inevitable for all of us, even when we’re trying our best. So we can learn a lot from Peter’s resilience. We can embrace failure as an opportunity for progress. That’s easier said than done, especially when we’re discouraged. That’s when it helps to shift our focus from failure to purpose. This mindset turns our failures and hurdles into stepping stones to greatness. In the process of becoming resilient, God transforms us and uses us to create a lasting impact in the world around us.

Main Passages

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

- John 21:15-17

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

- James 1:2-4

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 3:12-14

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Has God ever taught you an important lesson when you chose to be resilient? What happened?

3. Is there an ongoing challenge in your life? If so, then:

   1. How can choosing to be resilient become a blessing for you?

   2. How can choosing to be resilient become a blessing for others?

Faithful like Daniel

Main Thought

Daniel was a captive in Babylon from the land of Judah who lived around 600 BC. The ancient Babylonian Empire shared surprising similarities with our society. Values changed rapidly as people served “gods” that suited their goals. The pressure to conform was strong. Yet Daniel eventually emerged both as a prophet and as one of Babylon’s most powerful officials. How did Daniel go from being an oppressed captive to a government official? In a word, faithfulness. To be faithful means to be trustworthy, consistent, and reliable. Daniel faithfully lived out the values of humility, obedience to God, integrity, and service to others. God eventually protected Daniel when his political opponents tried to eliminate him. God has the power to protect us, and even prosper us, as we remain faithful to Him.

Main Passages

3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

- Daniel 6:3-4

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

- Daniel 6:10

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

- Galatians 6:9

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Can you think of an example of faithful leadership? What impact did that have on you and/or the world?

3. Think about your own faithfulness in the areas of humility, obedience to God, integrity, and service to others. In which of these areas are you strongest? In which of these areas can you improve most?

Building Belief

Main Thought

Throughout our lives, things that we don’t like or understand will happen. Even God moves in ways that we cannot understand. As a result of this, we experience disappointment, doubt, and pain. Thankfully, the reason for our belief does not depend on the results of life - it rests on “the Resurrection and the Life!” That’s a title that Jesus used for Himself. It refers to a new life in God, characterized by increasing freedom from the effects of sin and fulfillment through God’s love. If we believe this to be true about Jesus, then we can build on our belief in Him. “Building on our belief” begins with perspective. We view our lives with God in mind. Then, we place our trust in Jesus repeatedly by submitting to His will and ways. Finally, we press on in faith through every difficulty we face. If we build on our belief in Christ, then we don’t need to wait to experience “the resurrection and the life.” That can start now and last forever.

Main Passages

21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

- John 11:21-27

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

- John 11:38-40

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

- John 11:41-44

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters called Jesus. Who do you call on when you need support in your walk with God? Who calls on you?

3. What can you do to “build your belief” in Christ, based on the Main Thought above?

Believe and You'll See

Main Thought

In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man. That’s an incredible miracle - but the man might have been incredibly confused as everything unfolded. He would have heard the crowd approaching. He likely overheard their conversations, and found out that Jesus was coming. Then, He might have heard Jesus come near and spit on the ground. He felt mud on his eyes. Finally, Jesus told him to go and wash his eyes in a specific place. How odd! Yet the blind man somehow understood this was the Word of the Lord. He obeyed Jesus in an incredible act of faith. Then, the blind man received his sight. Miracles manifest when we hear God’s voice, believe His Word, and carry out His commands. Genuine belief leads to action.

Main Passage

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

- John 9:1-7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passage above?

2. What are some things we can do in order to be confident that we are hearing God and that He is leading us?

3. Does your belief in God consistently lead to action? Is there something that you can or should do in faith?

On Troubled Waters

Main Thought

God is sovereign. He’s powerful, wise, and in control. This is easy to believe when things are going our way. But do we still believe that God’s in control when our situation is unfavorable or unfair? Hardship is inevitable because our world is corrupted by sin. Yet God continues to reign even in the face of life’s storms. There’s no situation or circumstance greater than Him. He’s able to save us from our storms when He wants and how He wants. It can be fast or slow; powerful or plain. Even our direction and destination is determined by God. It is impossible for us to fully grasp God’s plans. Still, we can always find comfort in one of God’s sovereign decisions: His decision to love us no matter what comes our way.

Main Passages

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

- John 6:15-21

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

- Isaiah 55:9

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Romans 8:38-39

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or passages above?

2. Is there a “storm” in your life right now? If so, do you believe that God is saving you from it or guiding you through it?

3. How can trusting God’s sovereignty help us grow in our faith?

What Do We Do When We Need a Miracle?

Main Thought

In John 6, as He’s preparing to feed a multitude, Jesus gives His disciples a test. What do you do in the face of an impossible situation or a great need? What do we do when we need a miracle? The Disciples responded by pointing to natural, circumstantial factors. Their responses even reveal a hint of doubt or cynicism. These are normal responses - but they weren’t the right answers to Jesus’s test. Thankfully, a little boy passed His test and set an example for the rest of us. First, we begin by getting close to God as we seek Him in our day-to-day lives. Second, we remember His character. God loves us, and He’s powerful enough to help us. Third, we answer God’s call in faith and sacrifice for His cause appropriately. Finally, we act in confident faith - believing that God will show up. We don’t know how God will respond when we ask Him to move. His miraculous blessings can come to us, happen around us, or occur within us as we become more like Christ. But God’s miracles leave our hearts satisfied and end with Him being glorified. We can look forward with hope to these results when we approach God in need of a miracle.

Main Passage

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

- John 6:5-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passage above?

2. Do you need a miracle in your life? It could be any kind of miracle - healing, provision, guidance, deliverance, protection, or more.

3. There are at least four things we can do when we need a miracle. Which one of those four things (listed in the Main Thought) is most relevant to you right now?

Seeing Generation Next Recover

Main Thought

In John 4, Jesus was approached by a royal official from Capernaum. This was likely a man who had the opportunity to hear from Jesus previously and didn’t believe in Him. Yet the official eventually found himself in need. His son, the “next generation” of his family, was sick and needed to be healed. First, Jesus took a moment to correct the official. Then Jesus sent him off with a promise that his son was healed. In that brief interaction, something changed within the official’s heart. He believed in Jesus and began the 20-mile journey home - without any proof other than the words of Christ. The official’s faith was rewarded when he found out his son was healed. God wants to heal the next generation! But He might need to change or correct us first. As God changes our lives, the next generation will be blessed through us. They’ll see us as living miracles and testimonies of God’s grace, love, and power. (This can be true for anyone who sees God working in our lives.)

Main Passage

Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” 49 The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. 51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. 54 This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. - John 4:46-54

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you in last Sunday’s sermon, the Main Thought, or the Main Passage above?

2. What’s one thing God might be changing, correcting, or healing in you? 

3. How might that eventually become a testimony for those around you, including the next generation?

Do You Want to be Healed?

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

- John 5:6

You can choose to do this H.E.A.R. Journal in your Life Group this week, talk about the content in Every Nation’s Miracles material, or join us for Prayer & Fasting. For more information, please talk to your Life Group.

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from John 5:2-16. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. The following questions can help us understand the context of a passage: What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

This week, we’ll read the Main Text from Pastor Roland’s sermon last week: John 5:2-16. We’ll write our responses and share them with our group. (If you journal some other way, feel free to do that!) Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life!

Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word!

When the Wine Runs Dry

Main Thought

We read about miracles throughout the Bible. The Every Nation family believes that God wants to continue performing miracles today! The ultimate purpose of God’s miracles among us is to reveal the glory Jesus to us. We can see this in Jesus’s first miracle: when He turned water into wine. So what does this miracle reveal to us about God? First, Jesus desires to participate in all the events of your life. He wants to be present and involved. This miracle also teaches us that Jesus’s power is accessible for our troubles. He wants to help us through our pain. Finally, this miracle reveals that God’s miraculous provision is available for our needs. He loves us and wants to bless us. These things are possible when we seek God’s presence and ask Him in faith.

Main Passages

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

- John 2:1-11

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

- Revelation 3:20

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

- Matthew 7:7-8

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What did you learn about God’s character or nature through this miracle?

3. Jesus wants to participate in our lives, give us His power, and provide for our needs. Which one of those things stirs your heart the most, and why?

   1. Bonus: Pray about the thing you chose, and study it in God’s Word!

Before Crossing Over

Main Thought

Transitions are a natural part of life. We often look forward to transitions with excitement as we imagine the possibilities that await us. Yet many transitions fail to deliver their full potential. One of the biggest reasons for this is that we are unprepared for these new seasons or opportunities. God wants us to prepare for transitions by being transformed. In Deuteronomy, we see how the Israelites were encouraged to transform before crossing over (or transitioning) into the Promised Land. Their transformation included reflection. When we reflect on things that have happened or what God has done in our lives, then we can adjust accordingly. Transformation also includes listening to God and responding in faith. Love motivates us to listen to God. God loved us with His best. We should love Him with our best too. If we choose to be transformed by doing these three things, then we are choosing life. That’s how we can prepare to experience God’s best in each new season.

Main Passages

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

- 2 Corinthians 5:21

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

- Deuteronomy 6:4-5

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days...”

- Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Reflect on your life in 2022. Try to describe it (or at least some major events) with a theme, word, or phrase.

3. Based on your answer to the previous question, how might God have wanted to transform you? Is there anything you can do in response to listen to God and obey Him in love?

Christmas H.E.A.R. Journal: Luke 2

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.”

- Luke 2:30-31

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from Luke 2. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

We invite you to celebrate Christmas by reflecting on, and learning from, the birth of Christ. You may do this with your Life Group. Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.

The Guiding Light

Main Thought

Our world can be a dark place for so many different reasons. Jesus Christ was born into the darkness in order to reveal God’s light. He revealed God’s character, care, and compassion for humanity - revelations that culminated when Jesus went to the Cross. Yet many people rejected Jesus. He wasn’t the kind of Savior that a lot of people wanted. Others might have wanted to follow God on their own terms. Many simply dismissed Jesus or denied Him. But light in a dark place cannot be denied forever. It shines anyway, and it guides those who choose to follow it. If we choose to receive Jesus, then we become a part of God’s family. He can guide us through this life into an eternity with Him.

Main Passages

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

- John 1:9-13 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

- Isaiah 53:6

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

- John 1:11-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Have you ever felt like God guided you out of darkness in your life?

3. Is anything keeping you from allowing Jesus, the Light of the World, to guide your life?

The Messiah is Comfortable in Our Mess

Main Thought

Jesus Christ was born into a mess literally and figuratively. Mary’s virgin conception surely would have looked scandalous to any outsider. Then, when it was finally time for her to give birth, the newborn Jesus was placed in a manger. Mangers were feeding troughs for animals! Why on earth would God allow His Son to be born in this way? It’s because He wanted to send a message. The Messiah came to meet us in our mess and help us clean up. Our “mess” represents the problems and pain we face. That comes in all shapes and sizes, but we all have something messy in our lives. If we want to meet the Messiah in our mess, then we can’t hide it. We need to invite Him in and be open to His help. It takes openness and obedience.

Main Passages

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Luke 2:4-7 NIV

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

- Matthew 1:22

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

- Luke 2:15

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Is there a mess in your life right now, or have you been through one before?

3. What could it look like for God to meet you in your mess?

The Necessity of Light

Main Thought

As Christmas draws near, houses are decorated with colorful lights. These lights stand out in the dark - and they’re a powerful picture of something the world desperately needs. Our world is a dark place where people are searching for things like truth, purpose, and love. We desperately need a light. God sent Jesus to be the Light the world needs! We can find our soul’s greatest needs in Him. After we come to Christ, God calls us to be lights like Jesus. The closer we are to Him, the more radiant we become. It can be challenging to shine in a dark world. Yet we can remain confident, knowing that light always wins in the end.

Main Passages

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

- John 1:1-5

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

- John 1:14

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

- Matthew 5:14-16

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. How can it be challenging to be a light for Jesus in a dark world?

3. Think of a person (or a group of people) that you can be a light for by pointing them to Jesus. Who is it, and how can you shine your light in Christ?

The Game Changing Power of Gratitude

Main Thought

Greed is everywhere in our society. There is an endless desire for “more” all around us: more of some product, service, or money. This consumerism is one expression of greed. Greed is also expressed when we care about things that benefit us in a way that excludes or ignores others. We can think of greed as a poision to the soul. Thankfully, after one of his miraculous encounters, Jesus recognizes an individual whose actions reveal the antidote to the greed. The antidote to greed is gratitude! Gratitude allows you to see with greater perspective. It causes us to appreciate the things we have, many of which are more important than the things we don’t have. Gratitude also produces the grace to follow God. When we’re grateful, we can see that our blessings in God outweigh our challenges. Finally, gratitude provides a place of peace and salvation. It helps us find rest in a world that’s gone mad.

Main Passages

“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

- Luke 17:11-19

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! “

- Psalm 107:1

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

- Habakuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Has gratitude ever helped you endure a frustrating or difficult situation? If so, how?

3. What’s one current challenge you’re facing? Try to think of one thing you can be grateful for in the midst of that situation, and share that with your group.

How to Stand in a Storm

Main Thought

Storms are inevitable. This is true in nature, and it’s true in our own lives. Stress, emergencies, and other “storms” come for everyone. How can we prepare for them? According to a famous parable of Jesus, we have two options when it comes to building our lives. (We build our lives on something when it’s the foundation of important things like our identity, direction, or hope.) The first option is to build our lives on “sand.” Sand can represent things in the world that are subject to change. This covers a wide range of things; some common examples may include a situation, possibilities that we see, or the good things people say about us. When storms come, we’ll eventually find that these things are unreliable. Thankfully, we have a second option on which to build our lives: Jesus and His Word. His love, His presence, and our assurance in Him are unmoved by life’s storms. If we want to build our lives on Christ, then we must repeatedly choose to live and act by faith. If we do this, then we will be well-prepared to stand strong in life’s storms.

Main Passage

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

- Matthew 7:24-29

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Have you experienced any significant storms in your life recently?

3. How can you act in faith and build your life on Jesus?

The Burden That Brings Rest

Main Thought

We live in a chaotic and restless world. This can even be true in our own minds. Everyone experiences restlessness at some level. One of the biggest reasons for this restlessness is our need to perform well or prove ourselves (either to ourselves or to others). In moderation, these things can become blessings. Left unchecked, these desires can become cravings that only leave us wanting more. They cannot be satisfied, and they cause the chaos in our minds to become a heavy burden. God doesn’t want us to carry burdens like this. He invites us to exchange our burdens with Him. We can receive God’s love and approval for us. These things are free gifts through Jesus Christ. Living from this place of love and approval is key to experiencing the peace we search for while continuing to walk by faith.

Main Passages

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

- Jeremiah 6:16

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

- 1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. When can a desire to perform well or prove ourselves be helpful? When do those desires become unhealthy or burdensome?

3. How can receiving God’s love and approval help lift the burdens in our minds, and free us to live well?

Comfort for the Troubled Heart

Main Thought

Change is constant in the world we live in. Sometimes, change can be uncomfortable or chaotic. We might feel vexed or troubled. Where can we find comfort for our troubled hearts? When our lives or the world is in a state of disarray, we can turn to God and His Word. God’s Word points us to a future place with God where we’ll be free of trouble forever. We can reach that place through faith in Jesus Christ. But Jesus didn’t just leave us waiting to find peace in eternity. He promised that we could also have peace through the presence of His Holy Spirit while here on earth. These present and future promises give us strength, stability, and comfort in a world that’s gone mad.

Main Passages

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 

- John 14:1-2

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

- John 14:4-6

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

- John 14:25-27

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. What are some things that have troubled you or challenged you recently?

3. How does God give us peace in an unpredictable world? Have you ever experienced that for yourself?

Freedom From & Freedom To

Main Thought

In the Old Testament, God used Moses to give his people a set of laws. These rules eventually came to be known as “the Law of Moses,” or simply as “the Law.” The Law established a standard for moral goodness (or righteousness) in relation to God and others. Yet the Law could only portray righteousness. It could not produce it. The Law’s standard was too high, and it didn’t transform the human heart. This is where Jesus enters the picture. He exceeded the standard of the law because of His love for God and Man. Jesus earned righteousness for Himself. Then, He extended that same goodness to us as a gift. We are free from the rigid requirements of the Law because we’re made righteous through faith in Christ! But what should we do with our freedom? We should respond to God’s love by imitating Christ and exceeding the standard of the Law. We do that when we love God “with all,” in all areas of our lives.

Main Passage

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

- Galatians 4:4-5

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

- Mark 12:30-31

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

- Mark 12:41-44

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think it’s significant that Jesus freed us from the standard of the Law?

3. What’s one practical step you can take toward loving God with all you have?

God First

Main Thought

Throughout the Bible, there was an emphasis placed on “first things.” The firstborn was set apart for God and needed to be redeemed. The first portion of one’s wealth was dedicated to God as well. These rules taught a clear principle: God comes first! When we put God first, we honor Him. Then, the actions that we take with our hands begin to teach our hearts. We learn to put God first in the way we live our lives. God moves in favor on behalf of those who put Him first in faith.

Main Passages

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

- Exodus 13:1-2

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

- Genesis 4:3-5

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

- Proverbs 3:9-10

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why do you think God wants the “first things” set apart for Him? 

3. In what way (or ways) can you put God first in your life this week?