Talk, Share, Pray.

Read James 1:2-8

1. Can you see Jesus as your Good Shepherd, Coach or Trainer? Have you ever had a coach in real life who pushed you in order for you to grow and develop as an athlete? Do those images of God resonate with you? Why or why not?

2. Jer. 29:11 tells us God has a bright future in mind for us His people (both individualy and corporately as a church). What will it take for God to get us to that place? Are you willing for God to do this good work in you?

3. Think about what i tmeans to become whole, complete, lacking nothing. How is that journey of transformation going? Are you growing? Or are you stuck? Do you have any idea why?

4. In your current trial, testing, temptation, do you feel like God has you tied up in knots; like you are re-learning things all over again. As if you are a child again, learning a life of dependance. Do you have the hope of knowing God is doing a good work in you through the trial?

Take the time to pray for one another in your trial, that you receive divine Wisdom which comes from the Holy Spirit. Pray for that divine perspective - for your brothers and sisters in your Simple Church and abroad (places like Iraq and Syria).

Pray we/they would experience the strong arms of the Father carrying them through this time of suffering/testing. That the trial would accomplish it's good work.