YOKES on YOU Part 2

YOKES ON YOU – Part 2

Our values or value system is such an important part of who we are yet it is a topic that we give very little thought to. Such a lot of people do life without really knowing what their values are. Like a sail of a yacht can influence where a boat is heading, our values determine how we live, effecting where we are heading which plays a huge part in where we land up.

Job 34:1-4

1. What stands out for you in this verse? 2. What is consuming your thinking lately? Would you say that your thought life right now is healthy and pleasing to God? Explain.

Many things in life can shape our set of values like T.V, the company we keep, books we read and things we choose to listen to. Often, I have heard the phrase “Show me your company/friends and I will show you your future.”

3. What does a statement like this mean to you? Are you keeping the right company, company that influences you in the right way? Explain.

4. Here at Hope Church we have a clear set of values; are you able to name a few?  Every person is valuable – because they are valuable to God.  Team – we don’t compete but complete.  Servant leadership – helping others achieve their destiny in God.  Generosity – with our time, talents and treasure.  Authenticity – reflecting God every day and in all circumstances.  Family – the best gift you can bring to the church is a healthy family life.  Community – relationship before ministry.  Excellence – doing our best with what we have.  Relevance – being culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure.  Fun – to have fun in whatever we are doing.

In the Bible many godly men and women rose early to meet with God, including Abraham (Genesis 19:27), Moses (Exodus 34:4), Job (Job 1:5), Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:19), Jacob (Genesis 28:18), David (Psalms 5:3; 57:7,8).

5. Are you spending daily time with God? If not, what changes do you need to implement to spend time with God? If yes, what does your daily time with God look like?

Psalm 119:165-168

Final thought Try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value.

Pray for: 1. Each other that we will become a people that will be guided by our convictions and values. 2. Dino that is preaching at our church this coming Sunday. 3. All the men that are going to the Men’s Conference at Hillsong Cape Town this coming weekend, for safety while travelling and that God will speak to each person. YOKES ON YOU – Part 1

Acquiring knowledge or information has never been faster than it is today. At the click of a button we can acquire information on any topic, it is that easy. In saying that such speed and ease can affect our understanding of things either positively or negatively especially on the topic of God. Resulting in, what we believe about God affects what we believe he does, loves and blesses. Such beliefs ultimately affect the way we live our lives.

1. Share from a time you were carrying something that was too heavy for you. How did you manage that process?

Deuteronomy 28:1-2

2. Do you think God gives us commands to live by to restrict us or give us freedom? Explain.

God gives us teachings (yoke) on how to live our lives in a manner that is honouring to Him, ourselves as well as others. Think of a rugby game without any rules or markings on the field, it would lead to utter chaos. It is the rules of the game and the markings that allow the game to flow freely.

Psalm 91:1-2

Jesus gave us His yoke not to add onto our load but to share our load with Him. He wants us to be evenly yoke with Him in our understanding of Him as well as our relationship to Him so that in unison your load can be carried.

3. Why do we find it so difficult to accept help from God or others that want to lighten our load?

4. Do you have people in your life that at times can help share your load? Are you that person for someone else? Explain.

The process of lightening the load begins with learning to know and understand Jesus. The burden is not necessarily removed, but our thoughts and responses are changed as we begin to love Him, trust Him, believe His promises, and rely on His power. Then, as the weight of the affliction shifts from our shoulders to His, we will discover relief, although the situation may remain unchanged.

Final Thought “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NIV).

Pray for: 1. Those you know of that are facing difficulties and struggling to trust God to lighten their load. 2. All the new Life Groups that are starting this week. 3. The land at Kraaibosch that the church is acquiring, that God will release a financial blessing to pay for it.