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Food for Thought
_{^{For the week of January 4, 2009}}
(Questions and Scriptures for further study)

1. This weekend we looked at not only how to survive, but also maintain hope and purpose in the midst of storms we may encounter in 2009.  We heard one way to do this is checking to see if we’re staying on course, not drifting from the goals and values God has called us to.  In order to stay on course, what core values do the following scriptures suggest?
 
Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
        and lean not on your own understanding;
    [6] in all your ways acknowledge him,
        and he will make your paths straight. _^[NIV]
 
Proverbs 9:10
    "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
        and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. _^[NIV]

Philippians 2:2-3
    then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. _^[NIV]

Colossians 3:13-14
    Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. _^[NIV]

Hebrews 10:24-25
    And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. _^[NIV]

Looking back at what you wrote above, are there any you need to add or re-focus on in 2009?

2.   One of the reasons we drift from what God has called us to is that we lose sight of what’s valuable.  What does Jesus tell us is most valuable in Matthew 6:19-34?  Of the distractions Jesus mentions in this passage, which one(s) are most likely to trip you up along the way?
 
Matthew 6:19-34
    "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    [22] "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
    [24] "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
    [25] "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
    [28] "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. _^[NIV]

3.  Even though we may have hope in the midst of the storm, the emotional battle of despair can be a challenge.  Paul repeatedly encountered this kind of dilemma.  What does Paul suggest in Philippians 4:5-6 to help battle hopelessness?
 
Philippians 4:5-6
    Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. _^[NIV]

Part of Paul’s advice is giving thanks. Looking back on 2008, make a list of what you can thank God for.  Take some time to give thanks to Him.

4. What would you hope people say about your spiritual character and impact in 2009?  Looking back at this week’s sermon and study, what do you need to focus on to be able to thrive in the midst of any storms you may encounter?