GTA - More to Chew On

Part 1 - CONNECTION

"Our Father who is in heaven..."

How do you find serenity in a stress-filled life?

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

The key to inner peace: Pray about everything

Words about our Dads:

You're not fair.	God is unreasonable.
I can't trust him to be there.	God is unreliable.
His work is more important than me.	God is unconcerned.
He always says, "NO."	God is ungracious.
You don't love me!	God is unamiable.
I'll never be good enough.	God is unpleasable.

We can connect with God because:

1. He is a caring father. He is more concerned with what is right. Psalm 89:13; 1 Peter 5:7

2. He is a committed father. He'll never let me down. James 1:17; 2 Tim. 2:13; Rom. 11:29; Psalm 59:10

3. He is a close father. He's never too busy for me. Acts 17:27; Psalm 145:18

4. He is a charitable father. He loves to bless my life with good stuff. Matthew 7:11

5. He is a compassionate father. It really does hurt Him more. Psalm 34:18; Psalm 103:13

6. He is a competent father. Dad and I are buds! Luke 1:37; Eph. 3:20

God sent JESUS to make the connection.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well.” John 14:6-7

OPEN DIALOGUE QUESTIONS:

Describe an ideal father.

How does God compare to a father/parent?

When do you feel closest to God?

When do you feel far away from Him?

Why do you need to feel connected to God?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How do I need to adjust my view of my heavenly Father in light of my earthly father?

How has God my Father been trying to connect with me?

Why am I avoiding Him?