Sunday 22nd February, 2009

If you missed the talk from this Sunday, you can listen to it by clicking here. (30 minutes)
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Thank God it’s Monday!

When you wake up on Monday morning do you think “Monday? - Roll on Friday!” or “Thank God it’s Monday!”? What could help you see things differently from now on?

What’s the difference for a Christian between “living to work” and “working to live”?

Do your colleagues at work know you are a Christian – would they be surprised? If they were conducting your staff appraisal how do you think they would rate you? Would you be pleased or embarrassed?

Read Colossians 3:22-25. When is it ok to disobey your boss? How should you deal with a boss who persecutes you and gives you all the dross jobs to do just for being a Christian? How should you deal with a boss who abuses your faith and gives you all the dross jobs because he/she knows that as a Christian you won’t complain?

What areas of work (obedience, attitude, wholeheartedness) stop you from being a better role model for Christ and what can you do to improve things?

Read Luke 19:1-10. What lessons from Zacchaeus can you learn – what might you do at work over the coming weeks that could have a similar impact?

Where does God want you to be? If you are happy and successful are you prepared to move on to somewhere new if God calls you? If you are struggling at work and looking for other opportunities are you prepared to stay where you are for Christ?

Who at work could you be praying for?

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Sunday 15th February, 2009

If you missed the talk from this Sunday, you can listen to it by clicking here. (34 minutes)
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Faith is spelt R. I. S. K. // How to be a failure for God

FEAR

• What makes you afraid? Are there things in your life right now that scare you? Can you imagine that God is present somewhere, however hidden, in the midst of that situation? If you can, what do you think he might be doing?

• How do you respond when you’re scared? How do you think you should you respond?

• Are there situations that consistently make you afraid (for example, confrontation, being around people who are suffering, talking to certain types of people)? Why do you feel afraid? Does it affect the way you act? Do you try to avoid these situations? Should you?

OPPORTUNITY

• The same story is found in Mark 6:45-52. Mark makes special effort to show that something special is going on – to see it, pay attention to the last sentence of verse 48 and compare it with Moses’ experience in Exodus 33:18-23.

• Why do you think Peter recognised this as an opportunity and the other disciples didn’t? Whatever answer you come up with, do you have that quality?

• Do you find it easy or difficult to think that God might be doing something when things actually look and feel awful? How might thinking this way help you get through the hard times?

FAILURE

• If you feel that God is asking you to take a risk, but you’re afraid, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Try taking some risks and see if it’s as bad as you feared!

REPEATED PRACTICAL TASK: DO SOMETHING GOOD THIS WEEK (or even everyday this week!) The rules of this experiment are:

1. First pray that God will lead you. Then, when you have a chance to do something good, have faith that God set it up.
2. The good act must be something you wouldn’t normally do.
3. It has to be spontaneous, not planned. For best results, step out of your comfort zone and do something for a stranger.
4. It mustn’t be for the purpose of sharing your faith. It should just be about doing good. If you do get an opportunity to talk about Jesus, that’s just a bonus!
5. Share what happens using the 'comments' link below

Sunday 8th February, 2009

If you missed the talk from this Sunday, you can listen to it by clicking here. (23 minutes)
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Here & Now: If God is present… where are you?

DISTRACTED FROM THE PRESENT

• What sort of thing commonly draws you out of the present moment? Are you a worrier or a dreamer, or a bit of both? What areas of your life do you worry or dream about? If you identified with one of the distractions from the present below try doing the appropriate exercise:

• Past Pain – Read and reflect on Peter’s question and Jesus’ answer, in Matthew 18:21-35. Now think about Peter’s story, as told in Matthew 26:31-35 & 69-75 and John 21:15-19.

• Past Success – Try starting a notebook to record everything God does in your life, even small things. Refer to it whenever you are struggling with your present circumstances. Think about Paul’s experiences in Acts 19:11-12 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-11. Do you think two such opposite episodes were confusing to him?

• Future Worry – Read Philippians 4:4-9. Try putting it into practice and think about excellent things instead of worries. Read and meditate on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25-34. What action could you take to help you stop doubting God’s goodness?

• Future Dreams – Is your present actively helping you move towards your vision? What sort of things could you do? Read how Paul’s vision shaped his present in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.

LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT

• Make a list of some things that are in your life right now that you are thankful for (a mental list is ok, but writing it down is better.) Do you find it hard to pick things that are in the present? Do you find it easier to think of past things that you are thankful for, or things that you are looking forward to?

• Practical task: DO SOMETHING GOOD THIS WEEK (or even everyday this week!) The rules of this experiment are:

1. First pray that God will lead you. Then, when you have a chance to do something good, have faith that God set it up.
2. The good act must be something you wouldn’t normally do.
3. It has to be spontaneous, not planned. For best results, step out of your comfort zone and do something for a stranger.
4. It mustn’t be for the purpose of sharing your faith. It should just be about doing good. If you do get an opportunity to talk about Jesus, that’s just a bonus!
5. Share what happens: by using the comments button below.