the Sacred echo / week 5

Watch session 5 video at RightNow Media

and answer the following questions for class.

>Write a definition for what you think it means to surrender to God: >Would you say surrendering to God comes easily to you? Why or why not?

The idea of needing to surrender may seem strange to consider in light of the fact that God has made and owns everything.

>Look up the following scriptures and identify which phrase goes with it. Exodus 19:5 Leviticus 25:23 Psalm 24:1 Haggai 2:8 Romans 14:8

A. The world and all it contains. B. Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. C. All the earth. D. The land. E. The silver and gold.

>How does knowing that God owns everything make it easier or harder for you to surrender? Read Matthew 8:21-22. The disciples’ request to Jesus is representative of procrastination.

>Which areas of your life are you most tempted to procrastinate in?

>Do you ever procrastinate spiritually? Read Matthew 8:18-20.

>What do you think Jesus meant when he answered the disciple who wanted to follow Him (verse 20)?

In the video, Margaret describes prayer as the “altar of surrender.”

>In what ways do you feel prayer invites you to surrender things to God?

In The Sacred Echo book, Margaret tells the story of sharing her faith with Bella. Bella told Margaret, “If I prayed with you right now, I would be doing it for you, not for me.”

>How would you have responded to Bella if you were in the same situation? >When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? >What was the response? >Is there anything that stops you from sharing your faith more often?

Margaret writes, “Surrender means willingly giving something over, while stripping is having something taken away. True surrender is not something that happens to you; it is something you willingly do.”

>Can you describe a time when you willingly surrendered something in your life?

Read Psalm 139. As you read, circle any phrases that make you want to trust God and surrender more fully to Him. >Why do you think it’s important to know the One you’re surrendering to? >Why do you think prayer is so crucial when it comes to truly surrendering to God?

>Do you think it’s possible to truly surrender to God apart from prayer?

In the video, Michelle and Fred share how their marriage was suffering. Michelle said, “I can’t fix this and just a strong sense of my own sin in my life, and just surrender to God.” As Michelle and Fred became more involved in growing their faith, Michelle was led to reach out to high school girls.

>What positive results have you seen in your own life when you chose to surrender?

In the video Margaret shares a story about serving the poor in New York City.

>How have you grown in your own faith journey by serving others in a practical way?

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Going Deeper: Select at least one activity below to complete during the next

week. —The Sabbath is a day of rest, but it’s also a day of trust as we trust that God will provide for us even when we take a full day off. Select a day this week to celebrate the Sabbath. As you approach the day, try not to be legalistic. If you determine not to use your cell phone on the Sabbath, and then you get a flat tire, of course you should call for help! A few days after your Sabbath observance, note how God provided for you as you trusted and surrendered to Him during that day.

—Write Mark 10:29-30 on an index card and memorize it. Each day this week, pray that God confirms the truth of those verses in your own life.

—In this lesson, Margaret tells the story of two friends. Mike started the Junky Car Club and Shane began community development work in Africa. To find ways that you can be involved in service around the world, visit www.rightnow.org.