The One Thing
Christmas Eve 2022
What’s the one thing that would change everything for you in 2023? A new car? A new house? Waking up early? Reading a book a week? Letting go of the past? Or, breaking an addiction? Does Jesus and your relationship with Him make the list?
Maybe you’ve hoped that Jesus could be the one thing that changed everything…and nothing changed? Your life pretty much stayed the same and now you’re left standing with the one thing that could change something–CONTROL.
CONTROL IS EXPECTATIONS SUPERPOWER. However, when our ability to control doesn’t meet our expectations we lend ourselves to “disappointment, frustration, sadness, confusion, worry, stress, exhaustion from overworking, cynicism, fear, anger, the list goes on. Even worse, unmet expectations lead to resentment and disillusionment – resentment towards ourselves, others, and resentment towards God. We begin to see our Loving Father as the one who withheld or denied our happiness instead of the One who is working all things for our good.”
BE EXPECTANT: In world that seeks control we live expectantly; Focusing on how God moves, proclaiming victory, and believing God will do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. (Isaiah 64:3-5)
For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?
Want an EXPECTANT basketball but won’t be here in person? Click HERE so we can mail you one!
Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:
This week Pastor Kiesha is talking to us about proclamations. She gives us the scripture Luke 4: 14-21. What is something that stands out to you in this scripture?
Pastor Kiesha talks about proclamations and how words have power. These words that Jesus was speaking had very specific power. Much like a back story for a super hero, the back story was that the people had been waiting for their own rescuer. The words he used were all about his purpose. He was stating what kind of leader he would be. The only problem was the people wanted a military leader and got angry over his words. Which phrase do you think is most important for you?
When have there been times in your life that you had someone speak words over you that have been hurtful or helpful? How did you handle that? Pastor Kiesha has spoken these words over you for this year. What do you think about the Lord’s favor? What do you think that looks like for you? How will you choose to trust God in the midst of this next year?
- What is something you learned about today in children’s church?
- What was a fun game you played in children’s church?
- What was the story about in church? How did God speak to you?
Questions for Families:
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SET LIST
LIFE IS NOT MEANT TO BE LIVED ALONE. YOU WERE CREATED TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH OTHER PEOPLE.