The God Of Possibilities: "You’ve Got The Power!!" – Part 2

Recap of 2/21/2011:
Well, we don’t seem to get as far as I would have “thought” (grin). While we covered the topic of the power of thoughts, we didn’t reach the power of words (this week, maybe?). We reviewed the concept of the James-Ephesians Bridge and how the “sweet spot” of Ephesians 3:20 lies right between the guardrails of James 4:2 and 4:3 (see image here).


For 2/28/2011:
Brief: This week, it’ll be about the power of words. We’ll see how God set an example in the beginning, how Jesus further demonstrated it during His earthly ministry, and the same work that we have today. I’m excited to rummage around scripture with you to understand better our power to create and to destroy!!

Homework
Keep track of those thoughts which are positive versus those which are negative. Be prepared to share your results with the discussion group.

Truth And Dare!
For each of the following scriptures answer the following questions:

• Who is this speaking to?
• What is being said here?
• Where and When does this take place?
• How is it done?
• Why do I care?

1. Ephesians 2:19-22 (NLT)
2. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
3. Ephesians 2:7-9 (AMP)
4. Ephesians 2:18 (MSG)
    

“I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.”
-- Martin Luther King, Jr. --

The God Of Possibilities: "You’ve Got The Power!!" – Part 1

Recap of 2/14/2011:
We talked about the “Tale Of Two Gardens” and the impact of what was lost in Eden by Adam and regained in Gethsemane by Jesus (aka “Jesus, Tell Them What They’ve Won!!”). Our discussion challenged the thinking that walking in “the desert” is where things get tough. When, as I proposed, that walking on a day-to-day basis in the “garden” of a lush, green, fruitful life we experience some of our most arduous decisions for serving the Lord – just as Jesus did in Gethsemane.


For 2/21/2011:
Brief: We’ll be talking about the power of thoughts. The mind, as the very core of our person, influences our words and actions. When the Bible talks about “heart” we need to consider if the reference is really the “mind”. For example, Proverbs 23:7 (AMP) says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” For me, my heart is busy pumping blood, so I use my mind to think. How ‘bout you?

Homework
None for this week

Truth And Dare!
For each of the following scriptures answer the following questions:

• Who is this speaking to?
• What is being said here?
• Why should we do what is written here?
• How is it done? How does this apply to me?

1. John 1:12 (NLT)
2. Philippians 2:5 (AMP)
3. Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
5. Acts 1:8 (AMP)
6. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
    

“I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.”
-- Martin Luther King, Jr. --

The God Of Possibilities: "Jesus, Tell Them What They've Won!"

Recap of 2/7/2011:
We covered the variability’s of what the gospels say about all things are possible with God. We also discussed a few people’s suggested “possibilities” and “impossibilities”. We concluded the discussion time with Mark 11:23 and the mountain of unbelief which can cause us a problem.

Homework for the week:  Observe your life and note three (3) times how your unbelief keeps you from doing the possibilities ahead of you.

For 2/14/2011:
Prepare To Share:
Consider the following questions and be prepared to discuss this during group.  What is a possibility and impossibility for another person you know and then for you?  How can you pray for them and for yourself?

Truth And Dare!
For each of the following scriptures answer the following questions:

• Who is this speaking to?
• What is being said here?
• Why should we do what is written here?
• How is it done? How does this apply to me?

1. Ephesians 3:12 (MSG)
2. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)
3. Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
    

“Without Divine assistance I cannot succeed; with it I cannot fail.”
-- Abraham Lincoln, February 11, 1861 --