OCTOBER 23
LINDSAY RONGA
Sometimes our career success can overshadow what we are really going through. Lindsay Ronga, one of our Gateway North volunteers shares her story that will show us how we can trust God with our hardships and know that God is writing an even better story.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In what area of your life are you most tempted to place your value and identity (work, kids, spouse, money, appearance, intellect, etc.)?
2. What stood out to you from the message?
3. In her story, Lindsay Ronga shared, “Where we find our worth is what we’ll give the most energy to.” To what are you expending the most energy? What is the evidence of this, whether positive or negative?
4. Read Matthew 11:25-30.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
5. Jesus is inviting us to willingly take on His yoke in life. It doesn’t mean it is not work to follow Jesus, but that this work is light because it is the only life that is truly good and satisfying. What will it take for God to dwell in the center of your life so that He is the source of your energy and the guide in all you do? What will it take to un-yoke yourself from whatever you are attached to so that you might yoke yourself to Jesus?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.“ All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
TAKE A NEXT STEP
1. If you don’t know where to begin discerning areas where Jesus is not in the center of your life, consider going through this “rule of life” exercise. Don’t be turned off by the name, it is purely a guide to help you think through each area of your life and how to operate in a life-giving way instead of depleting. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5852ec829f7456cfcc0e1c5a/t/5e17be5d7cba366ace1df6e1/1578614383140/ptw_ruleoflife_workbook_.pdf
2. For further study on this topic, read and work through the Trust God Outcome: http://www.gatewaychurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Trust-God-Outcome-final.pdf
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids learn about Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall.
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation starter that isn’t, “So . . . how was church?”
- Who is the best teacher or coach you’ve ever had and why?
- What is God teaching you about right now?
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids learn about Daniel and how he ended up in the lion’s den.
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation starter that isn’t, “So . . . how was church?”
- What’s one way you can be brave because you know that God is with you?
- What kinds of words would help someone who is afraid not be afraid anymore?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
Nahum 1:7 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: “The Lord is good..” Nahum 1:7a
Elem: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will learn about Daniel’s dream of the strange beasts and what it meant.