👋 Welcome
Thank everyone for coming and making this group a priority in their lives.
💛 Vision
Take 10 seconds to remind people why you are gathering.
We exist to form Acts 2 Community where we are committed to:
We exist to form Acts 2 Community where we are committed to:
- Make Disciples: We gather as disciples to learn the ways of Jesus and put them into practice while helping others do the same. Life on Life.
- Build Spiritual Family: We create relational environments for meaningful connection with Jesus and each other, and opportunities for transformation through biblical practices. Life in Community.
- Live on Mission: We intentionally pray for and make an effort to impact our friends and neighbors with the Gospel through word and deed and invite them into Christian community. Life on Mission.
📬 Announcements
🔥 Warm-Up
- Share a time when you were really thirsty or hungry. How did you feel, and what was it like to finally satisfy that need?
🎬 Sermon Recap
The sermon, led by Jake and Noelle, focused on Psalm 63 and explored the theme of desiring God, especially in times when He may seem absent. They introduced the ancient practice of Lectio Divina to engage deeply with the scripture, emphasizing experiencing and meditating on God's word. The discussion also highlighted David's confidence in praising God amidst his trials, contrasting it with our tendency toward sin and distraction. The sermon urged believers to develop a disciplined relationship with God, preparing one's heart and soul to cling to Him in times of need.
💬 Suggested Discussion Guide
Please choose ahead of time which of the following questions you want to use for your c-group.
Key Scriptures
- Psalm 63: A Psalm of David, expressing yearning for God in the desert and acknowledging His power and glory.
Key Takeaways
- The Psalms are a prayerful dialogue between humans and God, full of raw emotion.
- Biblical discipline creates a foundation for spiritual endurance in challenging times.
- David's confidence in God is rooted in his deep, practiced relationship with Him.
- Our instinct is toward sin; intentional practice and discipline are needed to align with God.
- The Holy Spirit acts as a present guide and strengthener for believers today.
Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you relate to the imagery of being in a "dry and parched land" as seen in Psalm 63?
- How comfortable are you with engaging scripture through meditation and reflection, as opposed to analysis?
- Why do you think David could remain confident in God's love amidst his dire circumstances?
- How have you seen the practice of spiritual disciplines impact your relationship with God?
- What are some practical ways you can incorporate God into your daily life to strengthen your relationship with Him?
Practical Applications
- Incorporate Lectio Divina into your personal Bible study to deepen your scripture engagement.
- Identify a specific spiritual discipline you want to focus on this week, such as prayer, fasting, or worship.
- Set aside time each day to intentionally seek God, much like David did, even when circumstances are less than ideal.
- Reflect on a past experience where you saw God's power and glory and let it bolster your current faith.
🙏 Prayer
Spend time in prayer, individually and as a group, thanking God for His presence in both the seen and unseen moments of life. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in cultivating a heart and mind that earnestly seek Him, even when the world feels like a wilderness. Pray for a faith that finds satisfaction in God’s love, recognizing it as better than life itself.