Crossroads Church of God, Lima OH

Scripture Used: Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:38-39

Essential Life Question: What is your image of God?

• God as demanding CEO/boss
• God as judge
• God of grace

Spiritual Practice: Grace in / Grace out

Debilitating Distortions:

1. Superficiality (fear of vulnerability)
2. Seduction of More (fear of not having enough)
3. Pace of Life (fear of missing out)
4. Quick Fix (fear of uncertainty)

Making yourself available…

1. Read with us
2. Morning Prayer

Scripture Used: Esther 8-10, Romans 12:18-21

Notes: Two Considerations

1. The Kingdom Way of Non-Vengeance
2. The Need to Remember

Scripture Used: Esther 5-7, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 2:8, Isaiah 30:15-18

Things to Consider:

1. Divine reversals
2. His timing is perfect
3. Salvation belongs to God

Assignment:

1. Meditate on Isaiah 30:15-18

Reflection/Confession

1. How have you struggled with patience and trusting God’s great mercy?
2. Where have you “rushed ahead” and even began to doubt God’s plan for good?

Scripture Used: Esther 4:1-17

Things to Consider: 

1. The Imperfection of Heroes
2. Purpose of blessing
3. Being in tune with God

Assignment:

1. Recognize your blessings
2. Be in tune with God
3. Read Esther

Scripture Used: Esther 3:1-15, Matthew 5:29, Psalm 139:23-24, Proverbs 12:16

Things to Consider:

1. Unaddressed Sin Festers
2. Danger of Stubbornness
3. Need for Peacemakers

Assignment:

1. Practice Being Second
2. Read Through Esther

Scripture Used: Esther 2

Notes:

1. Character-forming impact of mentors
2. Redemptive Providence
3. Personal Responsibility

Scripture Used: Esther 1, Colossians 1:15-17, Acts 17:28

Notes: 4 Things To Consider
1. Real Story

2.  Danger of an Uncontrolled Ego

3. Important Question: Who is around you?

4. Good to not always get what you want

Assignment: Read the Book of Esther

The Worksheet Used: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/2644/2021/01/Crossroads-Pandemic-Hope-Resilience-Handouts.pdf

Gratitude Challenge: https://www.cornerstoneofhopelima.org/resources

Cornerstone of Hope Lima: https://www.cornerstoneofhopelima.org

Notes:

1. Surrender to the will and power of the Holy Spirit
2. Let Jesus work through us to bring peace to a weary world.