The Good Old Days Guide

Sermon study guide
The Good Old Days
November 12-18
God is the God of the past, present and the future. God is the God of our past, present and future. I encourage you to read and let these questions challenge and encourage you this week. You can also respond or use the website for conversation as well.
Blessings! Pastor Melissa
www.sheridannorwayum.blogspot.com


Monday, November 12, 2007
“The chief calling of Haggai was to provide encouragement to those who had returned that something even more glorious could arise from the mess into which they had come -- IF they would trust God's provision and get to work to restore their ruined towns and cities, including the temple in Jerusalem. They needed to get over their fears about the future, buck up, and start rebuilding. And as they did, the prophet promised, God would provide what they needed to complete the task.” Taylor Burton Edwards, UMC General Board of Discipleship

Where have you not trusted God with your present and your future? What fears are keeping you from trusting in God completely?


Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Haggai 2:9

The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.

Can you think of 3 concrete things that need rebuilding--Three physical examples of something that needs to be rebuilt in your life. Why do those things need to be rebuilt? Is it for God’s work or for your work?


Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Haggai 2:4
Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.

Where have you seen God active in your lives this week? How have you shared that?



Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Franciscan Blessing:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
Have you experienced discomfort today? Have you been angry at injustice? Have you cried for others? Have you tried to make a difference in the world?

Friday, November 16, 2007
Prayer:

God of love, turn our hearts to your ways; and give us peace. Amen.

Where is God calling you today? Are you listening to the God of the present and the future?


Saturday, November 17, 2007
Prayer:
Most Holy and Powerful God, we take courage today that you will provide all we need to keep your presence at the center of our work to rebuild this church and this community around us for your glory. We need you today to shake the heavens and the earth. Shake the trees and the dry land. Shake the hearts and souls, pockets, wallets and pocketbooks of all of us here and those around us. Shake us so that our earthly treasures and heavenly investments would be released freely to carry out your purposes. All we have needed, you have provided. Now may we provide all you need for this temple, our own temples, and this community to be whole. As we bring our gifts to you, instill in our souls the fact that our silver is yours and our gold is yours, no matter how much or how little we have. And unlike the prosperity pimps who spend too much time preaching garbage, may we know that as we prosper you, you will prosper us, not for our own selfish gain, but for the sole purpose of positioning us to prosper others in need. For we are blessed to be a blessing! We thank you and we praise you. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!!

You are blessed to be a blessing. Where have you been a blessing to others this week?