
The Work of Hope
Hope is a force of God that enlivens us to life. We can easily miss the Read More
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August 7: A Change of Heart
1. Do you find it easy to speak with vitriol and bitterness when discussing something upsetting? Why or why not? What helps you keep your speech uplifting in such times?
2. When you notice that you are becoming angry at something or someone, what do you do? How does your relationship with Christ help soften your heart and release your anger?
3. Is it possible that our harsh words are just the result of having a bad day, or do you think they reflect deeper issues? Are harsh words ever warranted in a situation? Why or why not?
4. What does it mean to you to have your words bring glory to God? How can we tell if our words are bearing good fruit?
5. How does your church model kind and uplifting speech? Name some ways your community could do a better job of bringing glory to God through your words.
August 14: A Prayer of Gratitude
1. In what setting do you most like to pray? Is it in nature, a church building, or somewhere else?
2. When have you overheard someone’s personal prayers? How did this change the way you pray?
3. Do you like to pray out loud or do you prefer to pray silently? Why? How does your answer change depending on your
circumstances?
4. Is it easy for you to pray with thanksgiving? Why or why not? How does your outlook change when you thank God for the good things in your life?
5. When has the Holy Spirit inspired you to pray alongside someone? How does praying with someone differ from praying alone?
August 21: Seek God First
1. Why do you think it can be so challenging to remove invasive plant species? What can invasive species teach us about God’s creation and the value of nature?
2. When have you allowed something beautiful to invade your life? Why did this happen? What was the outcome? How did you regain balance in your life?
3. Do you like staying busy? Why or why not? How do your relationships with God, yourself, and others change depending on how busy you are?
4. What does it mean to get rid of something good to allow the best to come into your life? Is it hard for you to give up a good thing, even if you know it will bring you closer to God?
5. Do you ever find that you live a certain way so others will see you in a particular light? What scripture verses and spiritual practices help you stay focused on seeking God first in everything you do?
August 28: Enough Is Plenty
1. Recall a time when you received something from someone else’s abundance. How did that experience impact you? What did you do in response?
2. Have you ever grown food from seeds? What can growing our own food teach us about the way God provides for us?
3. When have you been able to share with others even though you didn’t have much yourself? What lesson did you take away from this experience?
4. When have you seen a miracle of multiplication? What happened? How were you or others blessed as a result?
5. What thoughts, habits, or beliefs keep you from sharing out of your abundance? What helps you to share generously with others? How does your faith encourage you to share what you have?