Fresh Start, anyone???

Ahhhh, a fresh start.  Feels good when you get one, doesn’t it?  Maybe it is something big, like in an important relationship.  Or, maybe it is something as simple as an unexpected nap on a very tiresome day!  What does having a fresh start mean to you?

Can you think of any fresh starts in the Bible?  Can you think of a time that people asked for/needed a fresh start and Jesus denied them?

Over the next few weeks, this will be our topic, “Fresh Start.”  As we go along, I want you to really try and find some time to sit down and think.  Perhaps early in the morning, or late at night.  Maybe even between classes at some point, but as you have settled into your class routine, I’d like to now make sure you have this blog/study as part of that!!

Many of you were able to go with us to either New Orleans or Centrifuge, or both this summer.  This has been one of the most powerful, thought provoking, ‘light bulb’ summers ever that I’ve been a part of!  For those of you who did not go with us, but has been somewhere like that before (New Orleans, Ecuador, Centrifuge….) you know how powerful these times can be!  You know that there are things that God speaks to your deepest parts in situations like these… but then we come home.  Then what?  Does God keep speaking?  Do we stop listening?  Are we so distracted by life that we can no longer hear? What is the deal with that??  Seems we all come home (adults included) having been touched to the very core of our being, but in no time, the fire and desire is gone…..

This is exactly what we are going to discuss the next few weeks!!  Where does that desire go?  When do we lose it?  Was God REALLY speaking?

The question we will start with this week is this:  “Do you feel STUCK?” (This is a good place for you to comment!!!!)  Where do you feel stuck?  Do you realize you are stuck?  Do you want to stay stuck?  How do you get yourself unstuck?

Please respond to this statement:  “We want God in our lives, and all the good stuff He promises, but we also want what we want-even if it’s harmful to us.”  (If I were going to comment, this might be a good place)

Please look up John 10:10.  It simply says, “I have come that they may  have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  What do you think this abundant life looks like?  Does it mean riches?  Friendships? Jobs? Good grades? Happiness all the time?  (another great place for you to comment!!)

How does your ‘stuckness’ affect your having abundant life?

We are going to leave off here for this week.  During this week, I’d like you to make a list of those things in your life that might be keeping you from having abundant life.  OR Make a list of those areas where you feel stuck!  Either one, or both would be great!!!

I want us to work on getting Unstuck together, ok??

Love you guys to the sky and back.  You are precious and God has big plans for you!!!!!