Here are a list of the scriptures that Ben covered on the 19th Feb - you may wish to read through them and meditate on them, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate them for you:

• Genesis 3:4-5 (MSG)

• Ecclesiastes 11:1‭-‬10

• Proverbs 16:3

• Ecclesiastes 11:5

• Ecclesiastes 11:9

• Ecclesiastes 11:10

• Psalms 32:8‭-‬10

• Philippians 4:6‭-‬7

• 2 Corinthians 9:6‭-‬7

• Luke 22:42

• Romans 12:6‭-‬8

Activity 1 - Reflection: What’s controlling me?

Prayerfully consider who or what is currently controlling your life. Ben made the following suggestions but you may have others:

• Work,

• Parent

• Spouse or partner,

• Emotions,

• Temper or anger,

• Addictions,

• Grudges,

• Loss,

• Bitterness,

• Depression.

Prayerfully turn these situations over to God - inviting Him into these situations, willingly giving Him control of these situations. Along with the sense of control, try to sense giving the burden that comes with them to God.

Some situations may need additional assistance and professional help - if you feel you need this please speak with one of the leaders.

Activity 2 - Asking God for direction with your plans each day

Every morning, pause and ask God for direction with your plans for the day, and commit them to Him, listening to His response. You may find the considering the following topics helpful:

• Honouring Him with your efforts

• Valuing the people you interact with

• Living graciously and generously

• Thoughtfully utilising your time    

• Promoting truth and love

• Utilising your God-given creativity to glorify Him

Activity 3 - A prayer

Lord, thank You for being there for me and having plans for my life. As I try to escape the anxiety of my life caused by allowing myself to be controlled by the world, I cheerfully give control to you.

Lord, I pray that you open my eyes to see what currently controls me. Is it work, a parent, a spouse or partner, emotions, maybe my temper or anger, addictions, a grudge, loss, bitterness or depression? Whatever it is Lord I pray for freedom and instead commit my plans to you on a daily basis.

Lord, I pray that you open my ears so that I hear what you are telling me to do and that I be full of faith and brave enough to do as you ask.

Lord, I pray that you open my heart as I commit my plans to you so that I can honour you with my efforts, value the people I interact with, live graciously and generously, thoughtfully utilise my time promoting truth and love and use my God-given talents to glorify you.

Lord, I pray for a life centred around you and free from anxiety.

I thank you Lord and praise you.

Amen.Photo credit Pavel Danilyuk