The Vineyard- November 24, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 18:9-14

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Talking about ourselves

o   When you give thanks, do you sometimes bring the conversation back to yourself like the Pharisee did?

-          Talking about others

o   Are you ever tempted to compare yourself to others spiritually?  Do you compare yourself to those who appear “less righteous”, in an effort to feel better about yourself?

o   When you compare yourself to others materially, do you compare yourself to those who have more, and feel envious, or do you compare yourself to those who have less, and feel blessed?

-          Talking to (and about) God

o   Do you approach God more like the Pharisee, or the tax-collector?

o   Is your thanksgiving more for things you have done, or God has done?

o   Do you ever thank God, simply for being God?

Pray that our faith and thanksgiving will be less self-centered. 

Pray that we will learn to compare ourselves to Christ, and always strive to be more like Him. 

Pray that we will become better at talking to God, and praising God for His divine attributes.