Then he (Jesus) said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” LUKE 12:15-21 NLT

To bless my future, I need to…

Put my life in God’s hands

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” LUKE 12:22-31 NLT

Worry / Worship

Self-focused / God-focused
Steals my joy / Gives me joy
Isolates / Gathers
Makes me sick / Heals my soul

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. JOHN 10:27-29 NLT

Do my best and trust God with the rest

Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory. PROVERBS 21:31 MSG
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ROMANS 8:28 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. As you think about your future, what are some of the things you think about?
2. In what ways has worry negatively affected your life?
3. Read Luke 12:22-26. If worry can’t change anything for the better, why do you think we so often turn to it for help it can’t give us?
4. Read Luke 12:27-28. How is your level of faith directly connected to your level of worry?
5. Read Luke 12:29-31. In what ways does seeking God first relieve us of worry about the future?
6. What area of worry do you need to release and trust God with today?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. What areas of your life cause you to worry? Allow yourself to sit for a few moments in silence and feel what is happening to your thoughts, your feelings, your body. To what extent does it seem like these things are too much to handle alone? What’s the truth of what your mind, heart and body are trying to tell you? Intentionally offer this moment to God. Be open about your worry and your need for his help and presence in your everyday life. What steps do you need to take to surrender your worry and trust God in these areas of your life? As you move through your week, allow the tension of worry to remind you to return to this place of prayer.

This year, Good Friday is Happening in Groups

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