Week of December 9th - We are blessed by needs and the needy

Key Thought:
When a friend or family member has something positive happen to them our response is often to say “what a blessing.” However, I have yet to hear someone respond with these same words immediately after receiving bad news. “Oh, the doctor told you that you need surgery…what a blessing” or “It appears that your baby will be born with a disability…what a blessing” or “I have this cousin that is really annoying and always trying to mooch money from the family…he’s a real blessing.” Obviously this type of attitude isn’t natural or easy for anyone. In fact, it almost sounds like something an insane person would say. Well, being thankful for needs isn’t insane, but it is difficult. The benefit of embracing needs and the needy in our lives is that such a commitment will always drive us back to God. Only with God’s strength, only with God’s encouragement, only with God’s grace can we put up with and appreciate neediness. Needs force us to remember that we need God!!!!

Sermon Highlights:
Take some time to write down some important thoughts that have stuck with you from Steve’s sermon entitled Blessed With A Need (Dec 9th , 2007).

Bible Reading:
Monday – Matthew 5:3
Tuesday – Matthew 5:4
Wednesday – Matthew 5:6
Thursday – Matthew 5:10
Friday – Matthew 5:11

Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:

1. Think of something that has happened to you that originally made you discouraged or even angry, but now you are able to view it as a blessing. Why did your perspective change?
2. If we could extinguish all personal need from our lives, what would that feel like? Would that be a relief or would it end up being a detriment?
3. Honestly, how much effort do you spend to avoid the needy people in your life? Do you believe God has brought those people into your life?
4. What character issues does God develop in us through needs and needy people?
5. Think about the last time you felt a personal need deeply. How did it end up benefiting you spiritually?