GOD GAVE ME JOY
CrossFellowship.org

In "How God Made Me Happy PT.1", Pastor Scott Thom explores how to find true happiness and joy despite life's trials. He emphasizes that happiness comes from walking in alignment with God's design, trusting His plan, and showing mercy and love to others. By accepting both good and bad circumstances, we can grow in faith, embrace God's love, and experience lasting joy. Pastor Scott also encourages viewers to trust God through hardships and remember that nothing can separate them from His love.

Discussion Questions:
1. What are some ways we try to find happiness outside of God's design, and how do they often lead to frustration?
2. How does loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds (Matthew 22:36-38) influence our joy and peace?
3. How can we practice mercy in our relationships to foster more profound joy in ourselves and others?
4. What does accepting the bad with the good mean, and how can we better navigate difficult circumstances with God’s guidance?
5. How can you encourage others to embrace joy, even in hardship?

Prayer Points:
1. For Joy and Happiness: Pray for God’s help in aligning your life with His design so that joy and peace can flow through all circumstances.
2. For Trust in God’s Plan: Ask God to help you trust His plan during difficult times, knowing He works everything for good.
3. For Mercy and Love: Pray for a heart that shows mercy to others, leading to deeper relationships and lasting joy.

Action Steps:
1. Align with God’s Design: Reflect on areas where you might be acting outside God's plan, and take steps to realign with His purpose.
2. Practice Mercy: In your interactions this week, consciously show mercy and kindness to others, even in challenging situations.
3. Embrace Both Good and Bad: When faced with difficulties, focus on your blessings and trust that God will work everything for your good.
4. Cultivate Healthy Relationships: Look for opportunities to serve and love those around you, building relationships that bring mutual joy.
5. Daily Prayer: Start each day by asking for joy and guidance to walk according to God’s will, trusting His love will always be with you.

Keywords for You
How to find happiness in life
Trusting God’s plan
God’s design for your life
Joy in trials
Walking in God’s love
Loving God with all your heart
Mercy and happiness
Overcoming struggles with faith
Christian joy and peace
Finding peace in difficult times

Trust in His Light
Uplifting Worship Song

CrossFellowship.org

Trust in His Eternal Light | A Song of Peace & Assurance

[Verse]
Crawl through the stormy night
Feel the weight of endless fight
Hope whispers in the wind
A love that never bends

[Verse 2]
Lost in shadows razor thin
Hold the light it's burning within
Promises that never break
Standing firm for love's sake

[Chorus]
Hope does not disappoint no fear
His love is pouring out right here
In our hearts a flame ignites
Trust in His eternal light

[Verse 3]
Waves crashing on battered shores
Faith bursts open heavy doors
In this struggle find the peace
Grace that brings a sweet release

[Bridge]
When the darkness blurs the line
Feel His strength in every sign
Through the chaos hear His call
Hold the love that conquers all

[Chorus]
Hope does not disappoint no fear
His love is pouring out right here
In our hearts a flame ignites
Trust in His eternal light

In this video, Pastor Scott Thom shares six practical tips for handling challenging conversations constructively and gracefully. Drawing from Biblical wisdom, he emphasizes the importance of prayer, dignity, and wisdom when navigating difficult discussions. He advises listeners to be impartial, seek external confirmation, and choose the right setting to address the issue. The video also encourages focusing on the core issue and working toward restoration while preparing to take decisive action if necessary. By following these steps, individuals can handle tough conversations more successfully and preserve healthy relationships.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the most challenging aspect of having tough conversations for you?
2. How can you ensure you listen and not just react during a difficult conversation?
3. What does the Bible teach us about seeking wisdom before addressing conflicts, and how can we apply it?
4. How do you determine the best time and place for a sensitive conversation?
5. When facing a repeat offender or unresolved issue, what action steps might you need to take for the sake of the community?

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for Wisdom: Ask God for guidance and the ability to approach difficult conversations gracefully and understanding.
2. Pray for Dignity and Respect: Pray that you would honor others during conflict by listening well and treating them with respect.
3. Pray for Restoration: Ask God for relationship healing and the strength to forgive and restore unity.
4. Pray for Boldness: Pray for the courage to take necessary action when a situation calls for discipline or change.
5. Pray for Others: Lift people involved in tough conversations around you so that they may also seek peace and wisdom in their interactions.

Action Steps:

1. Prepare for a Difficult Conversation: Choose one upcoming tough conversation and apply these six tips to navigate it with wisdom and grace.
2. Seek Wise Counsel: Consult a trusted mentor or friend for advice and prayer before addressing a tough issue.
3. Set the Right Environment: Identify an appropriate time and place for a private, calm conversation with someone you need to talk to.
4. Focus on Resolution: During your following difficult conversation, focus solely on resolving the core issue rather than allowing the discussion to become a heated argument or a distraction.
5. Take Action if Needed: If you’ve addressed an issue repeatedly without resolution, consider the next steps needed to protect the health of the relationship or community.

Keywords

Handling tough conversations

Conflict resolution

Biblical advice for tough talks

How to handle difficult people

Christian counseling tips

Prayer for wisdom

Restoring relationships

Communication in Ministry

Proverbs wisdom

Dealing with conflict gracefully