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

He Has Risen - Worship Song with Lyrics

CrossFellowship.org

[Verse]
Sunday morning light
Stone rolled out of sight
Empty grave so bright
Angels in our sight

[Verse 2]
"Fear not" said, angel's voice
Seek him and rejoice
Jesus crucified
Now He’s glorified

[Chorus]
He has risen
Hallelujah sing His praise
He has risen
Let our hands in worship raise
He has risen
From the night to endless days
He has risen
He has risen

[Verse 3]
Heaven's gates are wide
In His love abide
Death could not contain
Jesus breaks the chain

[Bridge]
Do not be afraid
Our Savior’s path He laid
Life forevermore
Open Heaven’s door

[Chorus]
He has risen
Hallelujah sing His praise
He has risen
Let our hands in worship raise
He has risen
From the night to endless days
He has risen
He has risen

REASONS FOR FAILURE

HOW TO SUCCEED

In this video, Pastor Scott Thom discusses four key barriers that can prevent individuals from experiencing success in their lives, especially from a biblical perspective. These obstacles include indecision, complaining about shortages, shunning responsibility, and abusing freedoms. Through biblical examples and practical insights, Pastor Thom encourages viewers to take responsibility for their actions, use resources wisely, avoid blaming others, and trust in God's provision, even during challenging times. He emphasizes that true success comes from aligning our attitudes, actions, and decisions with God's will.

Discussion Questions:
1. How can indecision impact your ability to progress in life or business?
2. Have you ever complained about a shortage (resources, support, etc.) instead of making the most of what you have? How can you change this mindset?
3. Why is taking responsibility for your actions necessary for personal and spiritual growth?
4. In what areas of your life might you abuse freedoms or neglect good stewardship?
5. How can you encourage others to follow your example of faithfulness and hard work?

Prayer Points:
1. For Clarity in Decision-Making:
Pray for God’s wisdom to make decisions that align with His will and for the courage to act when faced with tough choices.
2. Against Complaints and Discontentment:
Ask God to help you use every resource He has given you to the fullest and to be content even when there are shortages or limitations.
3. For Accountability and Responsibility:
Pray for the strength to take responsibility for your actions, to admit mistakes, and to grow through challenges.
4. For Stewardship of Resources:
Ask God to give you the wisdom to manage your time, money, and resources effectively and be faithful in small and large tasks.
5. For Personal Growth and Success:
Pray for spiritual and personal growth, that your success would reflect God’s glory and align with His plan for your life.

Action Steps:
1. Evaluate Areas of Indecision:
Reflect on key decisions you're currently facing. Pray for God’s guidance and take action, trusting He will direct your steps.
2. Shift from Complaining to Gratitude:
Identify one area in your life where you’ve focused on what’s lacking. Instead, immediately use what you have, no matter how limited it seems.
3. Take Responsibility Today:
If there’s an area in your life where you’ve been avoiding responsibility, take the first step today to address it. Own up to mistakes, apologize if necessary, and make a plan to improve.
4. Practice Good Stewardship:
Look at your resources (time, money, relationships, etc.) and consciously decide to use them more wisely. Invest in something small that will yield growth in the future.
5. Lead by Example:
Set an example for others in your family, workplace, or community by modeling the attitudes of responsibility, gratitude, and good stewardship you’re cultivating.

Keywords for you
• Biblical success principles
• Overcoming challenges in life
• Christian success strategies
• How to overcome indecision
• Stop complaining, start acting
• Biblical attitude for success
• Responsibility in life and work
• Stewardship in Christianity
• Developing godly character
• Pastor Scott Thom success tips
• Building a godly work ethic
• Faithfulness in small things
• How to achieve success in God’s way
• Christian personal development

Heaven's Anthem

Worship Song

You Cannot Listen Just Once - Worship Song

CrossFellowship.org

Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 (NKJV)

[Verse]
Eyes lifted to the sky, praying
Searchin' for light in the dark
Heavenly home where we're staying
In the Savior’s kingdom, embark

[Verse 2]
Eager hearts breathin' the promise
Waitin' for His grace to descend
Lord Jesus, our anchor in chaos
All our sins He’ll rescind

[Chorus]
Oh citizenship in heaven
Where our souls will find peace
Eagerly we wait oh listen
For His love to release

[Verse 3]
Crossroads of pain and redemption
He’s the light in this long, twisted road
Our spirits lifted no deception
Burdens lightened from the heavy load

[Verse 4]
Hands reaching through the veil aching
For the embrace of the Lord
Praises rising, never faking
Faith in Him, our accord

[Chorus]
Oh, citizenship in heaven
Where our souls will find peace
Eagerly we wait, Oh listen
For His love to release

The Evidence for God: A Journey Through Science and Faith

Pastor Scott Thom discusses the relationship between science and faith, exploring how scientific discoveries can affirm belief in God. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the natural world and spiritual truths, arguing that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. The talk includes examples from various scientific fields that support the existence of a Creator, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the evidence surrounding them.

CrossFellowship.org

Discovering God: Unseen Evidence

Discussion Questions

1. How do you see the relationship between science and faith in your own life?
2. What scientific evidence or arguments resonate with you in support of belief in God?
3. Have you ever encountered challenges in reconciling your faith with scientific findings? How did you address them?
4. In what ways can we engage others in conversations about faith and science?

Prayer Points

• Pray for clarity in understanding the relationship between science and faith.
• Ask for guidance in discussions about belief, particularly with those who may have doubts.
• Pray for opportunities to share your faith and the evidence supporting it.
• Seek wisdom for navigating conflicts between personal beliefs and scientific theories.

Action Steps

• Read a book or watch a documentary on the intersection of science and faith.
• Engage in discussions with friends or family about their views on science and religion.
• Attend a local discussion group or seminar on faith and science.
• Write down personal reflections on how scientific discoveries have impacted your faith journey.

Keywords for You

• Evidence for God
• Science and faith
• Christian apologetics
• Pastor Scott Thom
• Faith vs. science
• Creation and evolution
• Spiritual truths
• Science in Christianity
• Belief and reason
• Exploring faith

Man of Sorrows

Jesus' Promise of Comfort-Worship Song with Lyrics

Find Peace in the Man of Sorrows

CrossFellowship.org

[Verse]
Man of sorrows in the night
Despised and scorned by men
Acquainted with our grief and pain
Carried our sins again

[Verse 2]
Torn and beaten left alone
Our faces turned away
He bore the weight of every sin
In silence He would stay

[Chorus]
We cry out We cry out
To the Man of sorrows now
He heals us He saves us
With His love we are found

[Verse 3]
Rejected by the world below
Unworthy hearts so blind
He laid His life to pay our debt
Compassion so divine

[Chorus]
We cry out we cry out
To the Man of sorrows now
He heals us He saves us
With His love we are found

[Bridge]
He walked the road to Calvary
Lifted high on that tree
Victory through suffering
He sets the captives free