We invite you to ponder the week’s Bible passage and listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon), then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What comes to mind when you think of something that's either very dependable or surprisingly undependable (e.g. a particular brand, vehicle, tool, electronic device, appliance, etc.)? Why do you think of it that way?

A way to pray: Pray for one another to grow continually in being quick to turn to the Lord in good times and bad.

• Treasuring God: How or when has God shown His dependability in my own life and/or in the life of someone I know?

• Being Transformed: When do I tend to rely on myself rather than crying out to the Lord for help? What would it look like for me to depend on Him even as I act?

• Loving Others: When I recognize my own failure to rely on God, how does that help me obey Jesus’ command to love and pray for my enemies? (Matthew 5:43-48)

• Pursuing Unity: How is God prompting me to help see someone through a difficulty they're facing? How could others help me in times of trouble?