What does this donkey have to do with failure?
More than you might guess!

This week I'll begin a series requested by YOU: Learning from Failure, and the donkey is key. Extra points if you remember a Bible story that involved donkeys and failure!

You'll find the study guide below. One day even has a link to a cool video you can use in prayer. The study guide will help you begin thinking about failure as preparation for our time on Sunday.

Prison visit opportunity

A few weeks ago, as we talked about Finding God at the Hoity Toit, I mentioned God's call to visit unlikely (and uncomfortable) places to be with the people there, people who God loves. This is a chance to put that call into action. Jim Bob Mote is serving on a Kairos Team with the Briscoe prison in Dilley, Texas. On Nov 15, he's invited anyone interested to come with him to the closing ceremony with the inmates at the prison. Nothing is required of those who come, they are simply there to listen and be present. We'll leave after church, eat lunch together, and go to the prison.

I will be joining him and would love to have a whole group from our church. If you'd like to come, let me know this Sunday. You'll need to fill out an application by Nov.1.

Study Guide
Read 1 Cor 1:25-31. How does Paul view weakness? Who were the early Christians in terms of status, standing, or even character before faith in Christ? Why might God choose those that others would overlook to accomplish his purposes? What do weak people have to offer God that the strong do not?

Watch this video, which contains the story behind the hymn, It is Well With My Soul. What sorrows have shaken your life? What sorrows has God seen you through? Pray your own version of this hymn, telling God why it is well with your soul.

Ezekiel 15-16 reads "I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak..." God is passionate about the lost and broken. Pray specifically for the lost and broken souls you know, that they might be found and made whole.

The beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-10) include at least five types of people we might describe as failures. The poor in spirit (failed to be happy), those who mourn (facing the ultimate failure- death), the meek (isn’t it better to be strong and confident?), those who are hungry (for something they don’t have), and the persecuted. How would society write this list differently than Jesus? Find yourself on this list and remember the blessing Jesus promises.