Sunday, March 10, 2024
Where do you like to go to experience refreshment and renewal?.
As we step into the second week of places, we are exploring places in the Bible in order to get to know God better. Mountains, rivers, gardens and trees are all the settings for significant events and also represent aspects of our journey.
Mark 1:9-11
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
This week consider how rivers represent the refreshment that only Jesus can fully offer.
Invite God to open your eyes to what he wants to teach you this week through the mountainous locations found in Scripture. Set aside any distractions. Close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you identify what is healthy and unhealthy in terms of your technology use.
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of your son who offers us true refreshment and renewal when we put our faith in him. No matter how hard we try we are not able to do this on our own. Yet, through trusting him we can experience of life of peace, and for this we praise you. Amen.
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Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: Where is your favorite place to go for renewal?
Why are we often more inclined to do something complicated or difficult for renewal, rather than something that seems "too easy" (2 Kings 5:13)?
Read John 4:13-14 and John 7:37-38. What do you learn about Jesus from these passages as it relates to refreshment and renewal?
What have you turned to for refreshment or renewal? Did it last? Share your experience.
Where is God inviting you to experience forgiveness and renewal today?
Series Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.