One Single Story

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for God's Presence

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

I noticed that these verses do not focus on Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, but rather on the advice he gave to Pharaoh after he gave him the interpretation. Why these verses?

A lot of Christians claim they read the Bible. This would mean they have access to the revelation (i.e. information, knowledge) God has given. Why is it that their decisions do not often reflect wisdom?

How does the presence of God turn information into wisdom? Talk about an example of how you have seen this in your own life.

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 41:17–42:17

Matthew 13:24–26

Psalm 18:1–15

Proverbs 4:1–6

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Influence

Topic: Influence Requires God's "Common Sense"

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

Well, these verses don't talk about common sense for making decisions or for leadership, they mention things we don't often connect with the idea of wisdom. How do these things help us pray for influence?

A lot of people like the idea of having influence with others but they don't often realize that comes with responsibilities. How does influence and responsibility go together?

Tell me what the things this passage says about wisdom look like in your personal life? Which one of these benefits of wisdom do you think you need the most right now?

Which one do you think is most lacking in our church community?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 35:1–36:43

Matthew 12:1-21

Psalm 15:1-5

Proverbs 3:21-26

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Influence

Topic: The Kingdom Needs Influence

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

When I read the phrase "The Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing," I wonder if some people might misunderstand it. We don't believe the kingdom of heaven advances through physical violence, do we?

I know this connects to our theme of praying for influence. If the Kingdom is experiencing violent opposition, what does it mean for us as followers of Jesus to pray for influence?

Can you think of ways Christians today can take intentional steps to influence their communities for Christ?

How do you think opposition and persecution can strengthen the influence of the Kingdom of Heaven, even though they seem to be setbacks?

Can you share an example of a time when what seemed like a defeat in your life turned out to be a victory for God's Kingdom?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 32:13–34:31

Matthew 11:7-30

Psalm 14:1-7

Proverbs 3:19-20

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Influence

Topic: Influence for a Mission

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

We've been discussing the theme of praying for influence this week. How does this text connect with that theme?

So what do we learn from this text about praying for influence and reconciliation?

Have you ever experienced having to navigate a difficult reconciliation? How was God present in that reconciliation?

What do we do when a reconciliation doesn't happen?

Jacob's fear is tied to his past mistakes. How might unresolved guilt or shame affect our ability to trust God's protection when we seek to reconcile relationships?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 31:17–32:12

Matthew 10:24–11:6

Psalm 13:1-6

Proverbs 3:16-18

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Influence

Topic: Influence for a Mission

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

We've been talking about praying for influence. Why do so many people assume that Christian influence is only for pastors, church leaders, and preachers?

What does the Great Commission look like in this day and age?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 30:1–31:16

Matthew 10:1-23

Psalm 12:1-8

Proverbs 3:13-15

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Influence

Topic: Jesus Has Ultimate Influence

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

Do you think the influence that Jesus had was only due to the fact that He was able to work miracles? If so, what ground do we have to stand on to pray for influence with people?

Jesus's influence was not only for leaders of the synagogue. There was an unnamed woman with a flow of blood, who had no money because she had spent it all on doctors, and Jesus healed her too. How does real influence reach across social and economic separations?

Why do we need influence like Jesus?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 28:1–29:35

Matthew 9:18-38

Psalm 11:1-7

Proverbs 3:11-12

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Blessing

Topic: The Path to Blessing

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

What does it mean to "Lean on Your Own Understanding"?

What are some examples of "leaning on your own understanding" in daily life? What makes this so tempting?

Can you think of a time when relying on your own wisdom led to a "crooked path"? What were the results?

How does trusting the Lord with all your heart change the way you approach difficult decisions?

In what ways does living in the "place of blessing" reflect a daily walk of trusting God rather than a single decision?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 23:1–24:51

Matthew 8:1–17

Psalm 9:13–20

Proverbs 3:1–6

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Blessing

Topic: The Test of Blessing

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

Have you ever experienced a time when God asked you to trust Him with something you value deeply? How did you respond?

Why do you think God allows blessings to be tested?

What does Abraham's statement, "The LORD will provide," teach us about God's character?

Are there areas in your life where you're holding onto blessings too tightly? How can you entrust them to God?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 20:1–22:24

Matthew 7:15–29

Psalm 9:1–12

Proverbs 2:16–22

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Blessing

Topic: We Are Praying to a Majestic God!

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

That does make us wonder what a God like that is doing paying attention to us mere mortals? Why does God even think about humans? (v. 4)

Many people believe in God, but assume God is uninterested or uninvolved in their daily lives. What changes when a person believes God not only exist, but is involved in their life?

Has God ever clearly involved Himself in your life? How did those events unfold?

Do you believe God is in control of every single detail of your life? Or do you believe God is involved only in the end result of those details? What is the difference?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 18:16–19:38

Matthew 6:25–7:14

Psalm 8:1-9

Proverbs 2:6-15

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Praying for Blessing

Topic: Blessing and Obedience

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

I know we practice circumcision in our country for health reasons, but it is difficult for us to relate to circumcision as a "sign". Why did God choose this as a sign of His covenant with Abraham and Israel?

Okay, but how does circumcision connect to the covenant? They don't seem related.

What are some things God requires of His people that are not necessarily "logical"?

What are some things God has required you to do that were perhaps difficult to obey?

Talk about a time in your life when you were obedient to a challenging request. What happened as a result of your obedience?

The reading for the day is:

Genesis 16:1–18:15

Matthew 6:1-24

Psalm 7:1-17

Proverbs 2:1-5