Tonight we shared about Joy and what God reveals about it in scripture. Everybody shared what Joy looks like to them through something tangible. Meredith shared a poem by Bradley Hathaway:
A truth about Joy that we can find in scripture, is that we have find joy based on having an eternal perspective on temporary circumstances. Even as Jesus is on the cross he tells the man hanging next to him, "today you will be with me in paradise." Jesus, in the midst of unbearable suffering, is thinking of being with is Father in Heaven. My stressful day is nothing in light of what is to come.
To focus on that we spent 15 minutes writing out thanks to the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It's cool to watch how our perspectives on life can change by just forcing ourselves to think about how many things we have to be thankful for.
For this week...
We are focusing on Peace. The scriptures are...
Genesis 8:6-22
Luke 2:14 / Romans 5:1-2 / Matthew 11:28-30
1 Peter 5:7 / Romans 12:17-21 / Psalm 46:10
Philippians 4:4-9
Isaiah 2:2-5 / Isaiah 11:1-13
1. What is peace? What is a definition of peace?
2. Why is peace important?
3. How did Christ experience peace?
4. What is God's vision for peace?
5. What prevents us from experiencing peace?
6. How does the world's view of peace differ from our view of peace?
7. How can we mature in our peace? What would that next level of peace look like?
Challenge: Take time to tangibly explore peace. What brings you peace? How can you share it with the group?
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