Do you believe God’s story? Be careful with the stories you tell yourself and what narratives you are projecting onto others. Learn to live in freedom and trust in God's promises.

[0:00] The stories we tell ourselves

[3:40] Do you believe God’s story?

Bible verses

Proverbs 3:5-6

Hebrews 10:23

Numbers 13:33

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

Hebrews 10:23 Memory Verse

What stories do you tell yourself? Do the stories align with what God has said?

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a message to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not to rely on your own understanding.

This passage is a reminder to filter your thoughts through what God says, whether through His Word, prayer, or the Holy Spirit.

Numbers 13 recounts the story of the Israelites sending spies into Canaan and their reactions to the land's abundance and the size of its inhabitants. The Israelites' doubts led them to project their fears onto others, creating a narrative that caused them to refuse to enter the Promised Land. Only Caleb and Joshua believed God's promise and encouraged the Israelites to trust Him.

We can learn from the Israelites' experience and the importance of not projecting our fears onto others in our own lives.

Calls to Action:

Use Proverbs 3:5-6 as a guiding principle for trusting in God and not relying on your own understanding.

Seek God's understanding through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.

Acknowledge God's past successes and trust in His ability to fulfill His promises.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Is God’s way better? I think so. While human ways may seem more convenient, God's way is always better, even if it is not always easy.

[0:00] Intro

[1:30] Is God’s way better?

[11:30] Practical tips for choosing God’s way

[15:45] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Proverbs 3:5-6

Forrest Frank, “Your Way’s Better”

There are many examples in the Bible of people choosing their own way over God’s way. In every situation, there were major consequences of choosing their own way over God's way.

In Genesis, Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to sin and death. There was short-term and long-term brokenness when Abraham and Sarah tried to have a child their own way. The Israelites' request for a king in 1 Samuel 8 despite God's warnings, brought destruction. In the New Testament, Peter attempted to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. Jesus' response to Peter was, "Get behind Me, Satan."

God's way is always better, even if it is not always comfortable.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes his thorn in the flesh and God's response. God did not remove the ailment that Paul had, but Paul trusted God's grace in that difficult situation.

Here is some practical advice for choosing God’s way in your circumstances:

Don’t rush into relationships. Slow down and get to know the other person.

In your career there is a balance between making money and fulfilling God's calling. Use your gifts and talents to not only support yourself financially but to give to God.

Choose forgiveness. It is a key aspect of God's way. Let go of grudges and trust God's way of forgiveness.

Action steps:

Share your own story of how you've learned that God's way is better.

Start a conversation with someone about this topic and discuss how it applies to your lives.

Listen to the song "Your Way’s Better" by Forrest Frank and reflect on the message.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Why should I thank God? My life is horrible. Learn how to stay grateful and grounded despite life's challenges.

[0:00] Intro

[0:45] Thanking God despite challenges

[4:00] Compassion for pain

[11:00] Avoid false narratives

Bible Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Numbers 13:33

Life’s struggles can make it difficult to want to thank God.

Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves and the narratives we create in our minds, make it even more challenging. We tend to look at other people’s lives with rose colored glasses. It even happened in the Bible. In Genesis, Adam and Eve questioned God.

We also have examples of people in the Bible who chose to trust God in the midst of trials. Joseph, who was sold into slavery and imprisoned, remained faithful to God. The Hebrew boys thrown into the fiery furnace and John the Baptist, who lost his head for preaching God's word, are also examples of faith in difficult circumstances. Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul faced hardships but remained steadfast in their faith.

I’m not suggesting that thanking God in bad circumstances is easy.

We should have compassion for people who are struggling and understand the broader perspective of God's faithfulness in difficult situations. Unfortunately, people will experience pain in their lives. However, God is in control and has a plan, even if it is not always clear.

“God is responsible for the fact of freedom but not the acts of freedom.”

God is trustworthy. We can give thanks in all circumstances, not necessarily for the situation itself but for God's presence and control. It takes looking beyond our current circumstances and seeing God's hand at work. We can always be grateful because God is faithful, even if we don't feel it or see it.

Action steps:

Have courage and trust that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Focus on God's character rather than your circumstances.

Avoid telling yourself false narratives about God.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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