“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” Matthew 13:44

You say, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Isaiah 22:13

Get off the Ride of

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5

• Am I an active part of a Connection Group?

Release the Grip of

“Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 (TLB)

• Am I unleashing generosity by giving and living generously?

Loose the Lure of

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16

Receive the Gift of

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” John 14:6

Have I opened the free gift of God by trusting completely in Jesus as the Lord and Savior of my life?

TALK IT OUT DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Who taught you a lot about having the right attitude and character? (a coach, a parent, a teacher, a pastor, etc.)
2. which of the kids from Willy Wonka do you most identify with? Veruca Salt, Mike Teevee,Augustis Gloop, Violet Beaurogard, or Charlie Bucket
3. Read the Beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5:1-12. Why do you think Pastor Cole called these attitudes the “Be Happy Attitudes”?
4. How would you rate yourself on each of the attitudes found in the Beatitudes.
5. POOR IN SPIRIT: I recognize my spiritual bankruptcy and my need for God.
6. MOURN: I feel the pain that sin, including my own, causes.
7. MEEK: I don’t have to be the strong one who is always in control. I’ve given control of my life over to God.
8. SPIRITUAL HUNGER: I want to know God and His will for my life more than anything else.
9. MERCIFUL: I can share the feelings of those who are hurting, or lonely, and walk with them in their pain.
10. PURE IN HEART: I am completely honest with others and with God. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not.
11. PEACEMAKER: I work to keep channels of communication open. I help those around me work out their differences without hurting each other.
12. PERSECUTION: I know who I am living for and why. Therefore, I can take criticism without becoming defensive.
13. WHich of these qualities do you need most in your life right now?
14. Have you been feeling more stressed or more blessed lately? What steps will you take to be more focused on God’s blessings in your life?
15. How can your group pray for you?