Look - Set apart

Humble?  Exalted? Your Choice, today, God's tomorrow . . .

LOOK

Being singled out for distinction can be a true honor.  The accolades, basking in the glow of the awards or comments can all be great.  On the complete opposite end is being called out for something wrong – a totally different experience!

1.      When have you been set apart from a group with a distinction of honor?

2.      Have you ever been singled out for something you did wrong? 

3.      Have you ever had to single somebody out for something they did wrong?  How’d that feel?

Took - Persistence

Jesus tells us to pray always, and never lose heart.....

1. How do you practice persistence in your religious life today? 2. Is there anything you want to cry out to God for but have been
reluctant? Does this passage help you to change your mind or
not?
3. How do you not lose heart as you await an answer to your prayer? 

Book - persistence

BOOK – Luke 18:1-8
Jesus explains to the disciples why we should pray always.
1. Why do you think Jesus used this portrayal of the judge to tell this story?
2. Was the widow's victory spoiled, because of the way the judge granted her wish?
3. Do you have any hesitation about persistently asking for things in prayer from God? What hesitations?

Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" 

Look - Persistence . . . persistence . . . persistence . .

LOOK

We can all probably recite a story of how persistence paid off for someone – be it working at a skill over and over and over until it was mastered or even watching a nagging child appeal to its parent until it got what it wanted.

1.      What are you persistent in?  

2.      Are there other things you are not willing to be persistent about?  Why is that do you think?

3.      Has anyone persistently badgered you until you gave in?  What was that for, and what do you think made you finally cave in? 

Look - Faith and Gratitude

LOOK

Gratitude is important, we often remind chidden to say "thank you". 

1. How do you express your gratitude to others?

2. Do you know someone who expresses gratitude extravagantly?

3. What prevents you from expressing gratitude?

Book - Habit and Habitat

BOOK – Matthew 11:25-30

This week when we concentrated on the blessing of our animal friends, we read a very comforting passage of Christ's promise to us. 

1.   What stands out the most for you in this scripture?

2.   Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  How does this apply to our bad habits?

3.   Jesus says, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  What good habits can be built on this scripture?

Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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."