Message-Based Study Teacher: Scott Allen Video Is Available Online at Messages.Visitccc.Com Connection What Are You Looking Forward to the Most This Summer?
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Date: May 2, 2021 Message: “The Struggle is Real: Loneliness” Message-based Study Teacher: Scott Allen Video is available online at messages.visitccc.com Connection What are you looking forward to the most this summer? Cheer and Challenge How did it go living out your “I will…” statement from last week? Share your experience. Tell about any experiences you had this week following through on the B.L.E.S.S. challenge. Content The Word of God, like a prism, gives us a framework to run our struggles through and the opportunity to see and receive life giving perspectives, healing, and new direction. Loneliness 1. Read these Bible verses and write what it says or implies about loneliness. Genesis 2:18 - Genesis 40:23 - 41:1 - Mark 5:1-5 - Matthew 26:36-38 - 2 Timothy 4:16 2. Read 1 Kings 18:20-39. What character qualities did the prophet Elijah show in his confrontation with the prophets of Baal? 3. Read 1 Kings 19:1-5. What character qualities did the prophet Elijah show after his victory over the prophets of Baal? 4. Have you ever been threatened? How did it make you feel? How did you react to the threat? 5. What makes us, like Elijah, often go from courage, bravery and victory to being afraid, lonely and running for our lives? 6. Read 1 Kings 19:9-13. In what way did God speak to Elijah? How did Elijah speak to God? When was the last time you had an honest conversation with God? 7. Read Psalm 46:10. What biblical wisdom is given to us to help us know and hear God? How can knowing God help you not live in loneliness? 8. Read 2 Timothy 4:17. As God stood by Paul, He will stand by you and strengthen you. Commitment As you reflect on today’s study, what step can you take towards dealing with your loneliness? Write a statement committing yourself to respond: “I will ________________________________________________________________________________.” Begin with prayer. Listen with care. Eat / Engage with another. Serve. Share your story. This week, intentionally engage with someone over coffee, lunch, or on the phone. Allow God to encourage you through that person and for you to be an encouragement to them. Continue Digging Deeper 1. Write out and work to memorize Romans 12:12. 2. Establishing new rhythms and routines in your every day can help lower stress and help you stay focused. Create a 5-4-3-2-1 pattern that works for you and use it at some point each day. For example: Write down 5 things you are grateful for. Write down 4 stressors. Do 3 physical movements such as walk/jog for 3 minutes, do 3 shoulder shrugs or do 3 stretches. Take 2 deep breaths. Read 1 Bible verse, say a short prayer and take an additional deep breath. Optional Resources: Rhythms of Renewal assessment ~ https://rebekahlyons.com/rhythms-of-renewal “Rhythms for Life” podcast with Gabe & Rebekah Lyons ~ https://rebekahlyons.com/podcast 3. Dave Mathis said, “Solitude is a kind of companion to fellowship, a fasting from other people, to make our return to them all the better. And silence is a fasting from noise and talk, to improve our listening and speaking.” Being alone in isolation for long periods of time can be damaging, however planned solitude can be purposeful and life-giving. Reframe Our Perspective (alone vs. solitude)- What is solitude from a biblical perspective? What is the difference between being alone and embracing solitude? Read & Recite Truth- List verses in scripture that tell us that God is with us (Deuteronomy 31:6 & Isaiah 41:10) and that we should meet together with others? Listen to songs that speak to the truth that God is with us and we were created to be together in community with others. “Together” by For King and Country-(feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly) ~ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lR1Hk0FVi_k “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe - ghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbbCGqK6uNc Redeem Alone Time - How can we leverage the loneliness we feel especially during this time of isolation and social distancing? Read Mark 1:35 and Matthew 14:23. What is one thing Jesus did when alone? What else can you do within a planned time of solitude this week (read the Bible, pray, go for a silent walk/run in creation, paint/draw while praying, rest, etc.)? 4. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Dig deeper in discovering how emotionally healthy you are by taking this personal assessment at https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2021/03/EHD-Personal-Assessment-2021.pdf?v=4096ee8eef7d. 5. CCC Care Ministry Resources (Call Scott at 610-431-0300 x170 or email [email protected]) • Celebrate Recovery - Monday at 7:00pm • Divorce Care - Tuesday at 6:30pm • Grief Share - Wednesday at 6:30pm • Care Coaching • Compassion Fund • Meals Ministry .