- Bruce mentioned how sometimes a tough time can “knock the breath out of us,” or “leave us gasping for emotional oxygen.” Share about a time in your life when you felt much like that and why.
- Since we began the series on Tough Times has some new adversity or difficulty surfaced in your life? Elaborate.
- Bruce stated that when in the midst of Tough Times we need to preach to ourselves the truth of the gospel of God’s presence. Why is this so necessary?
- Bruce cited many passages during this message: Joshua 1:5, 9; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 139:7-10; Matthew 28:20b; Hebrews 13:5b-6a; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Isaiah 49:14-16a; Isaiah 46:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:23-25; 2 Timothy 2:1; Habakkuk 3:17-19. Pick two of them you can reflect on more, or, perhaps choose as theme verses for you over the next month.
- Bruce mentioned three expressions of His grace toward us. What were they (answer is at the bottom of the page). How can you better tap into those three expressions of His grace in your life?
- What might be the top principle you have learned from the Tough Times series?
- In Isaiah 49:16a (NIV) God says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” What was the background of engraving on palms in the culture of that day? What an amazing picture. Take a few moments to thank your Lord that He has engraved your name on the palms of His hand. “His loving face is always facing you!”
- Our series ended with the music video “Even If” by Mercy Me. Watch it again on YouTube (the official lyric video) and express your heart to your King.