Shepherd of the Valley Messages

• Thomas: On the Other Side of Doubt

  Be honest, do you think you could land a plane? What is your definition of faith? (After sharing, compare it to Hebrews 11:1) Read Matthew 14:22-33, another story about doubt. How does this story compare to Thomas’ story of doubt? Are there any themes about doubt you notice? How do you view doubt and faith? Are they opposites, compatible, or somewhere in between? What are some doubts you struggle with or have struggled with? If it was in the past, how did that doubt resolve? Is there a difference between healthy doubt or unhealthy doubt? How might we tell the difference? What is your reaction to this quote from Fuller: Doubt isn’t toxic to faith, silence is.” How can we help people who are going through times of doubt?

  --------  
• The End of Suffering

  Describe a time when you won something. Describe a time when a valley came to an end for you. This week Jeremey listed  ways God uses suffering in our lives (e.g., revealing our need for Him, shaping our character). Which of these purposes has felt most true in your story? Why? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This passage focuses on mourning with hope. While this refers to mourning death we can also include mourning many other losses. How does this kind of hope change the way you respond to suffering or loss compared to those without it? How can we as followers of Jesus remain grounded in this kind of Hope even when the world around us does not? Jeremey spoke about the differences between human hope and God’s hope, where do you find yourself most tempted to rely on human strength or control in life’s valleys? What helps you shift toward trusting God's promises? 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1-4 Each of these speak of a renewed creation in the future. How can “living in the future now” influence the way we handle present struggles and help others around you? What are practical ways to keep an eternal perspective in your daily life?

  --------  
• A Guide For Getting Through Hard Times

  Icebreaker Can you think of a time in your life when things felt disorienting—when you weren’t sure what was next or how to move forward? What was that experience like for you? Explore it What do you REALLY WANT from God when life feels disorienting? What does Psalm 13 teach us about expressing our pain and doubts to God? How does Lamentations 3 show the contrast between our shifting emotions and God’s unchanging character? Apply it Think of a time when you felt spiritually "disoriented." How did you respond, and how might these passages encourage you to trust God in those moments? How can you practice anchoring to God’s character rather than your feelings in daily life?

  --------  
• Noah

  For discussion questions, click the button above

  --------  
• The Original Party Crasher

  - Have you ever had or thrown a surprise party?  - In your opinion, what is the difference between the spiritual discipline of celebration and celebration in general?  - What things get in the way of you being able to celebrate others?  - Read Luke 7:44-46. What leads Simon and the woman to behave the way that they do? What does Jesus want to teach Simon?  - What do you think prevents Simon from being able to see the woman like Jesus does? Where can this show up in your own life? - What is one way you can celebrate more this week?

  --------  

More Religion & Spirituality podcasts

Trending Religion & Spirituality podcasts

About Shepherd of the Valley Messages