Freedom is all well and good in principle, but it seems a daunting concept when one is facing chains the size of mountains. The spirit might be willing to drop all that stands in its way, but the body has other plans. It’s in moments like these that one can feel very small. It’s also in moments like these that God can work most powerfully. Human weakness is not an obstacle to God, but rather a conduit for Him to work his greatest miracles. One needn’t depend upon one’s own strength to face the giants, God’s on your side.  

Questions for further thought:
1. What are some instances of God’s power shining through weakness in the Bible?
2. What are some instances of God’s power working through your own weakness?  

​Challenge: Write out what God’s strength means to you. This could include personal examples, pieces of scripture, and/or whatever comes to you in the moment. 

The abundance of “restrictions” presented in the Bible can make it seem as if a Christian life is an unattainable one. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul, a man who himself struggled immensely against his own desires, explains that to follow Christ is to be set free. The chains of shame, long-standing habits, and addiction stand broken and behind you, and a new road lies before you. Does true freedom entail doing whatever you want, though? Paul wants you to consider what a life freed would look like, for God is a God of freedom, and He intends that you enter those blessings to their fullest degree. 

Questions for further thought:
1. What habits do you feel trapped in?
2. What does a life set free look like? Moreover, what would your life set free look like?  

​Challenge: Dig into Romans 6-8 and search for instances that Paul writes of freedom. How many times does the freedom of Christ come up in just three chapters?

No matter the source of our anger, we must learn to manage it properly so our emotions don’t control us. James shares three key points we should remember.
1) Be quick to listen. Don’t react immediately and take time to ask yourself why you’re angry.
2) Be slow to speak. Think carefully before you say anything and make sure your words honor God.
​3) Be slow to get angry. Most everyday situations don’t require your anger so be sure it’s actually worth it. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Which of the three points above is most difficult for you?
2. What other emotions do you experience that may be masking themselves as anger?  

Challenge: Check out Chip Ingram’s study titled “Emotions that Destroy” on Right Now Media. He explores this topic of anger in depth and shares biblical truth along with insights from his own experiences. 

​Sometimes anger is a God-given emotion that calls us to action. Jesus was furious that part of the house of the Lord was being used to take advantage of the people. When a worshiper wanted to buy a sacrificial animal, they had to exchange their currency first, which came with a hefty fee. The priests gained a great profit, while the temple was desecrated. 

Questions for further thought:
1. How can you tell if you’re feeling righteous indignation (like Christ) or worldly rage?
2. What types of actions do you think God wants our anger to fuel?  

Challenge: Look back at your answers to the questions from Tuesday. Make a plan and get started. For inspiration, look up the story of how the organization M.A.D.D got started – a grieving mother channeled her anger toward drunk driving into positive action.

Wow…this passage makes it very clear that Jesus was ANGRY! It’s important for us to know what angers God so we can make corrections in our own lives and seek change in our churches and communities. Notice that most of what Jesus lists can be summarized as hypocrisy: making everything look perfect on the outside while allowing the inside self to be filthy with sin. Let’s get mad and motivated to clean up our lives!

Questions for further thought:
1. When do you most easily fall into worry about outward appearances?
2. How can we avoid getting caught up in the self-indulgence our culture offers daily?  

Challenge: Choose one of the following to focus on pursuing further during the next few weeks: justice, mercy, or faith.

​Imagine our Lord’s anger toward the Pharisees’ obsession with rules and disregard for hurting people. Jesus used this opportunity to provide healing for a man’s hand. If we are to imitate His example, our anger should cause us to combat evil by doing good. Jesus saw a need and filled it, despite the reactions of the authorities of His day.

Questions for further thought:
1. What wrongs in this world really make you angry?
2. How can you channel this anger into doing something good and helpful? 

Challenge: Verse 5 tells us that although Jesus was angry, He was also “deeply saddened by their hard hearts.” Remember when you get angry about an injustice that God still loves those in the wrong. Pity those who fall victim to the devil’s influence and pray for them.

Anger is powerful. This emotion is usually considered negative, but as we will explore this week, anger can also be a catalyst for good. Paul reminds us, though, not to allow anger to control us since the devil can use our feelings as a temptation to sin. Jesus taught that sin is not only an act; our thoughts can also be sinful. This doesn’t mean that feeling angry is sinful; it’s what we choose to think or do next that make the difference.

Questions for further thought:
1. What is your initial response when you find yourself feeling angry?
2. How can you take captive hateful thoughts about others? 

Challenge: If you find yourself consistently controlled by your anger and falling prey to sin, resolve now to begin making a change. Start with asking for God’s guidance, then seek resources to assist in your plan of attack, and finally, set up some accountability. 

If you’ve ever gone on a mission trip or done some type of volunteering, you probably remember feeling a little apprehensive or uncomfortable. But you soon found out that God had a purpose and was able to use you to make a difference. When it was over, you could look back and see how He was at work providing, equipping, and blessing. 
 
Questions for further thought:
1. What are some volunteer or mission trip opportunities you could participate in?
2. What makes you feel apprehensive about doing these things?  

Challenge: Seek volunteer opportunities within Hillcrest and our community and pray for a willing spirit and God’s equipping.

​We like the word “comfort” but what if we took a positive view of the word “discomfort” when it’s associated with our faith? When reflecting on the times your faith grew, you’ll probably discover it was during times when you weren’t comfortable like when a loved one was going through a health crisis, or you were experiencing trouble in a relationship. 
 
Questions for further thought:
1. Throughout your life, what are some times your faith grew?
2. How could you encourage someone experiencing discomfort?  

Challenge: Journal some of the times your faith has grown and thank God for how He works in your life.

Maybe being a creature of habit brings us comfort. But continually seeking comfort isn’t what God has called Christians to do. Jesus was our prime example. He came to seek and save the lost. He loved people and healed them. He died on the cross for us. His purpose for us includes stepping out of our comfort zones and shining a light in this dark world.

Questions for further thought:

1. What does your comfort zone include?
2. What is one thing you could do this week to step out of your comfort zone to share God’s love with others?  

Challenge: Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror reminding yourself to do something to step out of your comfort zone.