Nov. 18 - "Kickball" (segment 006)

Discussion guide questions:

• We always want something, don't we? What is it for you?
• If you got everything you asked for in life, do you think you'd be happy?

Instead of buying the dangerously-cheap-strap-to-your-wrist-ball at the mall Kiosk, Rob takes his son, under great protest, to the sporting goods store across the street instead.

• Have you ever been mad at God for not giving what you'd asked for?
• Is it okay to question God?

Once at the sporting goods store, Rob lets his son pick out a bigger, better ball - a kickball.

• Have you ever felt like God did come through for you? If so, how?
• Have you ever felt unsure about an important decision in your life and trusted God to lead you in the right direction? How did that turn out?

Rob closes by saying, "So when you find yourself at the kiosk, asking, 'Why can't I have what I want?' may you believe that God is good, and that right across the street he has something better."

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a scorpion instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

Class discussion: Being patient (or impatient) with God's timing and plans for us, ideas for giving gifts other than the material kind, ideas for stopping the "but I didn't get..."s, changing our perspective from that of scarcity to one of abundance, trusting that God has a plan, being grateful for our assets instead of looking around for what we think we're missing.

Action items for the week:

1. When you start dwelling on things you want to have, do or be that you think would make your life better, think of 3 things that you already have, did or are for which you're grateful.
2. Remember a time when God come through for you with something better than what you could have planned.
3. Practice being a gracious giver and a grateful recipient.
4. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Video note: the entire wall of kickballs in the video was donated to inner city elementary schools.