Navigating Life From The Cross

Discovering Keys to Overcome Challenges in Your Success Journey

REASONS FOR FAILURE HOW TO SUCCEED

In this video, Pastor Scott Thom discusses four key barriers that can prevent individuals from experiencing success in their lives, especially from a biblical perspective. These obstacles include indecision, complaining about shortages, shunning responsibility, and abusing freedoms. Through biblical examples and practical insights, Pastor Thom encourages viewers to take responsibility for their actions, use resources wisely, avoid blaming others, and trust in God's provision, even during challenging times. He emphasizes that true success comes from aligning our attitudes, actions, and decisions with God's will.

Discussion Questions:
1. How can indecision impact your ability to progress in life or business?
2. Have you ever complained about a shortage (resources, support, etc.) instead of making the most of what you have? How can you change this mindset?
3. Why is taking responsibility for your actions necessary for personal and spiritual growth?
4. In what areas of your life might you abuse freedoms or neglect good stewardship?
5. How can you encourage others to follow your example of faithfulness and hard work?

Prayer Points:
1. For Clarity in Decision-Making:
Pray for God’s wisdom to make decisions that align with His will and for the courage to act when faced with tough choices.
2. Against Complaints and Discontentment:
Ask God to help you use every resource He has given you to the fullest and to be content even when there are shortages or limitations.
3. For Accountability and Responsibility:
Pray for the strength to take responsibility for your actions, to admit mistakes, and to grow through challenges.
4. For Stewardship of Resources:
Ask God to give you the wisdom to manage your time, money, and resources effectively and be faithful in small and large tasks.
5. For Personal Growth and Success:
Pray for spiritual and personal growth, that your success would reflect God’s glory and align with His plan for your life.

Action Steps:
1. Evaluate Areas of Indecision:
Reflect on key decisions you're currently facing. Pray for God’s guidance and take action, trusting He will direct your steps.
2. Shift from Complaining to Gratitude:
Identify one area in your life where you’ve focused on what’s lacking. Instead, immediately use what you have, no matter how limited it seems.
3. Take Responsibility Today:
If there’s an area in your life where you’ve been avoiding responsibility, take the first step today to address it. Own up to mistakes, apologize if necessary, and make a plan to improve.
4. Practice Good Stewardship:
Look at your resources (time, money, relationships, etc.) and consciously decide to use them more wisely. Invest in something small that will yield growth in the future.
5. Lead by Example:
Set an example for others in your family, workplace, or community by modeling the attitudes of responsibility, gratitude, and good stewardship you’re cultivating.

Keywords for you
• Biblical success principles
• Overcoming challenges in life
• Christian success strategies
• How to overcome indecision
• Stop complaining, start acting
• Biblical attitude for success
• Responsibility in life and work
• Stewardship in Christianity
• Developing godly character
• Pastor Scott Thom success tips
• Building a godly work ethic
• Faithfulness in small things
• How to achieve success in God’s way
• Christian personal development

6 Tips for Handling Tough Conversations

In this video, Pastor Scott Thom shares six practical tips for handling challenging conversations constructively and gracefully. Drawing from Biblical wisdom, he emphasizes the importance of prayer, dignity, and wisdom when navigating difficult discussions. He advises listeners to be impartial, seek external confirmation, and choose the right setting to address the issue. The video also encourages focusing on the core issue and working toward restoration while preparing to take decisive action if necessary. By following these steps, individuals can handle tough conversations more successfully and preserve healthy relationships.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the most challenging aspect of having tough conversations for you?
2. How can you ensure you listen and not just react during a difficult conversation?
3. What does the Bible teach us about seeking wisdom before addressing conflicts, and how can we apply it?
4. How do you determine the best time and place for a sensitive conversation?
5. When facing a repeat offender or unresolved issue, what action steps might you need to take for the sake of the community?

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for Wisdom: Ask God for guidance and the ability to approach difficult conversations gracefully and understanding.
2. Pray for Dignity and Respect: Pray that you would honor others during conflict by listening well and treating them with respect.
3. Pray for Restoration: Ask God for relationship healing and the strength to forgive and restore unity.
4. Pray for Boldness: Pray for the courage to take necessary action when a situation calls for discipline or change.
5. Pray for Others: Lift people involved in tough conversations around you so that they may also seek peace and wisdom in their interactions.

Action Steps:

1. Prepare for a Difficult Conversation: Choose one upcoming tough conversation and apply these six tips to navigate it with wisdom and grace.
2. Seek Wise Counsel: Consult a trusted mentor or friend for advice and prayer before addressing a tough issue.
3. Set the Right Environment: Identify an appropriate time and place for a private, calm conversation with someone you need to talk to.
4. Focus on Resolution: During your following difficult conversation, focus solely on resolving the core issue rather than allowing the discussion to become a heated argument or a distraction.
5. Take Action if Needed: If you’ve addressed an issue repeatedly without resolution, consider the next steps needed to protect the health of the relationship or community.

Keywords

Handling tough conversations

Conflict resolution

Biblical advice for tough talks

How to handle difficult people

Christian counseling tips

Prayer for wisdom

Restoring relationships

Communication in Ministry

Proverbs wisdom

Dealing with conflict gracefully