If you find yourself living in a lesser story, how do you begin to let God rewrite your story? You follow Him. You follow His lead. And that path may sometimes be very clear, and other times it may feel very mysterious. But following Him wholeheartedly, regardless of what we may or may not understand as we go along, is the only way to allow God to write your story. Instead of taking the reigns, embrace God’s direction—join Him, get on board and embrace everywhere His story just may take you.
Session Three Parent Cue:
• What holds you back from trusting God completely?
• What would it take for you to surrender that reluctance?
• How might your life become a bigger story than the one you live now?
So if we all long for God’s story, then how do we settle for so much less? How does our story get so off track? It happens subtly. Oftentimes, without ever realizing it, the focus of our story shifts—God is moved from a place of prominence, to a place of convenience. But stay this way for long, and it is easy to see a story that has gotten off track. Small changes, seemingly harmless, can take our story to a place it doesn’t belong. Sometimes we think the story is better left in our own hands. But what if we allowed God the control, the freedom and the power He deserves? What if we allowed Him to tell the story? Where would His story take you?
Session Two Parent Cue:
• (This question is for the parent to answer.) Have you ever found yourself in a place in your life where you wondered, “How did I get here?” If you retraced your steps, what were the decisions you made that led you there?
• Each one of you take a decision in your life (whether good or bad) and track the steps that led you to the end result.
Here is an overview of the current series as well as summaries of each week’s discussions. Listed below each summary is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about each week’s session of this series. The questions are intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.
We are all drawn to great stories—whether that’s on the big screen, small screen, in a book or elsewhere. But we may be completely unaware of one simple truth—that our lives are a story as well. The decisions we make every day are shaping the plot. The things we do, believe and trust determine what is being written. And for many of us, the story we are scripting could be so much more if we let God write, or even rewrite, our story. It’s the story we long for, the one our hearts truly desire.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who minimizes risks, we all long for a great story. A great romance. A great adventure. A great mystery. And it could be that the reason we yearn for something so big is because God made us that way. Believe it or not, a big story is unfolding around us, a story God is telling that started long before us and will continue to unfold long after we are gone. The things that draw us, that captivate us, that pull us in are the things that make God’s story great. The question is, are we a part of that story? Are we telling His story? In other words, are our lives reflecting something bigger?
• What are some of your favorite stories (in movies, books, etc.)? What specifically about those stories do you love?
• Read Ecclesiastes 3:11. Do you ever wish your life was “more” than what it is now? If yes, why?
So you decided to fight, to stay in your relationship with God even though you’re feeling not that into Him. And for some of you, you’ve already seen a big change. There’s a new connection. There’s excitement. But for others, you’re fighting and nothing’s happening. You’re working, but you’re not getting anything in return. So what’s the problem? It may be that “me” is getting in the way, that your focus is on you. And in the process, you have made God very small, boring and predictable—a God you think you know, but One who is actually so much bigger than us.
Session Three Parent Cue: What are some things you’ve learned about God in your relationship with Him? Search online for “names of God” and go through the list and identify specific ways you’ve “experienced” those names. For example, one of the names of God means “provider.” How have you seen God provide in your life?
Here is an overview of what we’re talking about. Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded to by BOTH of you. Use this opportunity to find out what God is teaching your child, and allow your child to see what God is teaching you as well.
Every one of us has experienced it at some point. At one time, we were really into a relationship—whether that’s a friendship or a dating relationship—and now, well, not so much. We’re just not that into it anymore. So we walk away or we let the relationship die. But what happens when that relationship you’re not that into anymore is the one you have with God? You were really into Him at one point. You were feeling connected, directed, close. Now it feels like nothing. How do you deal with it?
There is a natural ebb and flow to our relationships, isn’t there? There are times when we feel really close to someone, and times when we don’t. The reasons vary, but there are times when we’re just not feeling that into a relationship. It’s true of our friendships and other relationships, but what happens when it happens in our relationship with God? And when it does, why is it so difficult to admit it?
Session One Parent Cue: Describe a time when you felt really close to God. Now, describe a time when you felt really distant from Him.
When you’re not that into a relationship, you have a choice—to stay or to go. God has made it very clear in the Bible that He’s not going anywhere. He’s in. But we’re the ones who struggle with the choice, and that struggle sometimes involves fighting our own feelings and perceptions. It’s a fight that we have to be willing to take on, and a decision each of us has to make. And while it may feel like it, it’s not one-sided, God isn’t going anywhere. So are you going to fight your own tendencies to pull away? Are you going to fight for your relationship with God?
Session Two Parent Cue: Have you ever been tempted to walk away from God? What made you come back to Him . . . or walk away?
Disciple Now is a weekend retreat in homes around Mechanicsville. It’s a great place for your student to get to know Christ, other students, and some great leaders. It’s also one of our most fun events. From the time your student arrives at their host home to the time they leave Sunday after the second service they’ll be surrounded by caring adults, loud music, fun activities, and great teaching.
About Live Love
This year’s theme is Live Love. Christ said His followers should be known for their love. Drawing from the writings of John, the beloved disciple, LIVE LOVE focuses on the heart of life as part of God’s family. What are your students living for? Love changes everything.
Leaders
This year our worship leader, speaker and host home leaders will be from Bluefield College’s Impact Teams. These amazing students work through the BCM to provide support for Disciple Now’s all around Virginia.
Host Homes
Your student will spend the majority of their time at their host homes. On Friday, please go straight to the host homes at 6:30 PM. Call 779-2700 for host home info.
Session Three (12/18/11)
It’s the easiest thing in the world to do, and that’s probably why so many of us are guilty of doing it. God gives us something–a talent, a provision, a relationship–we take it, make big plans for it, then somehow forget all about Him. In the act of serving God, sometimes we completely miss Him. Sometimes our big God becomes very small in our lives. Perhaps that’s why God chose Mary, someone who was very aware of what little she had to offer, to provide the gift that the world so desperately needed. Mary is remembered not only for what she did, but for why she did it–simply to honor God’s request.
Session Three Parent Cue: Have you ever had a moment when you felt like God asked you to do something specific? How did you respond?
Play great beach games
Relax on the world’s smallest beach.
Prizes for worst Hawaiian shirt.
Wear your best tasteful beach outfit (that means no swimsuits) and bring a summer snack to share.
Bring a friend, it’s going to be fun!
Sign up for Events Here
