Drifting: Part One

DRIFTING: PART ONE
The Problem With Auto-Pilot
8/2/09

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: 1 Kings 3:5-28 &11:4, Ecclesiastes 1:2, James 1:14-15

REFLECT/DISCUSS:
Q: When you pray, what do you typically ask God for?

Q: If you were Solomon, and God offered to give you anything you wanted, what would you asked for? How might your response to God be different than Solomon’s?

Q: Solomon’s life started out so well, but somewhere along his journey, it took a dramatic turn to a tragic finish. In your own words, how is it possible that Solomon started off so well in life only to end in such dark and painful place, far from God?

Q: Do you ever feel like Solomon’s story reminds you of your own life? If so, why do you think that is?

TRY IT:
Take a few minutes to watch Casting Crowns’ music video, Slow Fade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-8SYA6rfbs

Q: Why do you think this song speaks to so many people today? How do you think the message of this song relates to Solomon’s life? How about yours?

TRY IT:
Go back and read James 1:14-15 again.

Q: Why do you think James warns us so boldly about sin and its consequence? Think about God’s desire to protect us.

Q: James uses some strong imagery – that, like a fish, we are all tempted to bite the “hooks” in our lives. What “hooks” are in your life? What are most tempted to bite?

Q: Do you feel like your life is on autopilot today? Do you feel like you’ve been drifting in your life (relationship with God, marriage, finances, parenting, etc.)?

Q: How does it feel to know you can never separate yourself from the love of God – that no matter what you’ve done, or how far you’ve drifted, God is able (and desires) to restore your life and set you back on the right path?

FOR NEXT WEEK:
Read Matthew 6:33 and Colossians 3:1-4