#mystruggle
#mystruggle: Belonging
November 20, 2022 • Sylvia Thomson
Have you ever felt like everyone else has it all together and you’re the only one that’s struggling? The reality is, we all struggle from time to time — it’s part of the human experience. But we don’t have to struggle alone. Chances are, if you’re struggling or have struggled with a particular issue, someone else has too. In this series called “#mystruggle,” some of the TMP staff will share some of the things they have struggled with and how they’ve worked or are working through them.
#mystruggle: Letting Go
November 13, 2022 • Peter Bird
Have you ever felt like everyone else has it all together and you’re the only one that’s struggling? The reality is, we all struggle from time to time — it’s part of the human experience. But we don’t have to struggle alone. Chances are, if you’re struggling or have struggled with a particular issue, someone else has too. In this series called “#mystruggle,” some of the TMP staff will share some of the things they have struggled with and how they’ve worked or are working through them. Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1) What were some interesting hobbies you saw start over Covid? Did you have any? 2) What’s your favourite thing that you own, and what would it take to give it up? 3) Read Mark 10:17-27 (Take 60 seconds to reflect on what stood out to you.) 4) Why do you think the rich man’s money and stuff were holding him back from following Jesus? 5) What is something in your life that might be holding you back from following Jesus, and what would it look like to let it go? (Take 60 seconds to reflect before answering.)
#mystruggle: Prayer
November 6, 2022 • Russ Smith
Have you ever felt like everyone else has it all together and you’re the only one that’s struggling? The reality is, we all struggle from time to time — it’s part of the human experience. But we don’t have to struggle alone. Chances are, if you’re struggling or have struggled with a particular issue, someone else has too. In this series called “#mystruggle,” some of the TMP staff will share some of the things they have struggled with and how they’ve worked or are working through them. Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. How about sharing a time when you felt like God answered your prayer? 2. Would you be willing to share about a time when you feel like God didn’t answer your prayer? 3. Russ’ first struggle with praying is that he’s lazy and doesn’t always do it. How do you relate to that? 4. Russ’ second struggle with praying is that he sometimes wonders if God is evening listening (and why would God need to hear from him). What do you think about that? 5. Russ’ third struggle with praying is that sometimes it feels like praying doesn’t make a difference. Have you ever felt like that? What happened to make you feel that way? 6. As an encouraging reminder, feel free to read Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 7. Despite our laziness or doubts and questions, maybe we just need to show up and pray (pants or no pants 😜). How could you be intentional about showing up this week to pray?
#mystruggle: Performance Based Acceptance
October 30, 2022 • Garry Firth
Have you ever felt like everyone else has it all together and you’re the only one that’s struggling? The reality is, we all struggle from time to time — it’s part of the human experience. But we don’t have to struggle alone. Chances are, if you’re struggling or have struggled with a particular issue, someone else has too. In this series called “#mystruggle,” some of the TMP staff will share some of the things they have struggled with and how they’ve worked or are working through them. Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. What was your favourite year in school and why? Who was your favourite teacher? 2. What thoughts, images or words come to mind when you hear the word ‘religion’? 3. Read Luke 10:25-28. Is it possible to love God with every part of your being? Is that even possible? If not, is that sinning? 4. Read Luke 10:30-37. What stands out to you in this story? What character(s) do you identify with most and why? 5. Read Philippians 3:4-9. If you struggle with performance based acceptance, do these words bring you any comfort or encouragement? Why or why not? 6. Turn this promise from Jesus into a prayer and commit to praying it everyday this week. Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11: 28-30 (MSG)