Pacific Church

Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV 

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV 

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 

1) Gifts of the Spirit 

Ephesians 4:7-8;11-13 NIV 

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people. 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 12:1; 4-7; 11 NIV 

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 

1 Corinthians 14:1a NIV

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit... 

1 Timothy 4:14a &15 ESV 

14 Do not neglect the gift you have, ... 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 

1) Gifts of the Spirit 

2) Growth in the Spirit 

Ephesians 4:14-16 NIV 

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 

1) Gifts of the Spirit 

2) Growth in the Spirit 

3) Grieving the Spirit 

Ephesians 4:17-21 NIV 

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV 

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV 

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Questions: 

1) Without taking a “gifts quiz”, are there any spiritual gifts that you’ve seen bits of in your life? What are they? If you asked your closest friends, what gifts do they see operating in your life? What gifts are you asking God for? 

2) What does it look like to grow in the Spirit? What does it look like to practice spiritual gifts? 

3) Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit nudging you about something He is grieved over? What did that feel like? How did you handle it? How should repentance play into our daily walk with the Lord?

1) Gathering in Groups (Small and Large)

Acts 2:42-47 

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Colossians 3:15-16 NIV 

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

1 Corinthians 14: 26 NIV 

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 

2)Going and Growing (Ourselves and Others) 

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

3) Giving Generously (To What the Lord Cares About) 

1 John 3:17-18 NIV 

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 

James 1:26-27 NIV 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

Matthew 25:34-40 NIV 

Locally: 

Olive Crest (2%) - Olive Crest is a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family … One Life at a Time. This is an amazing Christ-centered foster care and adoption agency that works directly with the state to accomplish these incredible goals. 

Care Net (2%) - Is a Pregnancy and Family Support Center here in the Pacific NW. CareNet provides compassionate practical care, accurate information, Biblical Truth, and life-affirming resources for pregnancy, sexual health & integrity, and abortion recovery. 

Nationally: 

World Relief Seattle (2%) World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world's greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence and oppression, as well as refugees, immigrants and displaced people groups. 

Brave Global (2%) - Organization out of Los Angeles that works with foster care systems and the department of justice to reach at-risk girls to provide education and support to prevent exploitation and combat the horrific realities of human trafficking. 

Internationally: 

Mission of Hope Haiti (2%) - Mission of Hope is a beautiful ministry that works in Haiti and the Dominican Republic focusing on nutrition, Christ-centered education, medical care, and church advancement. 

World Vision (2%) - One of the largest global Christian humanitarian organizations in the world. World Vision partners with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-13 NIV 

Questions: 

What are the benefits of gathering together as the church in large groups? 

What are the benefits of gathering in small groups? Why should we do both? 

What does Biblical Discipleship look like? 

What is one thing you can do this week to begin (or continue) to walk that out? 

Why do you think the God of the entire Universe would choose to change the world in and through humans? 

How does giving generously help display that principle

1. The Body 

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

Romans 12:4-5 NIV 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

2. The Building 

Ephesians 2:18-22 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 

1 Peter 2:1-5 NIV Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 4:25; 29-32 NIV 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

3. The Bride 

Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 

James 1:19-20;22;26 NIV 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 

Questions: 

1) What have your experiences of unity within the church been? What does being the “Body of Christ” mean to you? 

2) God has called us to be built together. Do you find it easy to work together with people, or is it a challenge for you? Why do you think that is the case? 

3) Jesus calls the Church His Bride. How does that description affect how you think about your life and your choices?

1. Am I focused on the REWARD... Or the RELATIONSHIP? 

Matthew 6:5 NIV 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:6 NIV 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

2. Am I focused on the LIST... Or the LISTENING? 

Matthew 6:7-8 NIV 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

Biblical Examples of Logos: 

In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word [logos] was with God, and the Word [logos] was God” (John 1:1 NIV). Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word [logos] of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 NIV). 

Biblical Examples of Rhema: 

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word [rhema] about Christ. (Romans 10:17 NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word [rhema]..(Ephesians 5:25-26 NIV) If you remain in me and my words [rhema] remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7 NIV) 

Matthew 6:9-15 NIV 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

3. Am I focused on WHAT THEY DID or WHAT HE HAS DONE?

Mark 11:24-26 NASB 24 Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. 25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” 

Questions: 

1) Have you ever felt disconnected or unfocused when you pray? What are the steps you take to resolve that? 

2) Do you tend to approach God in prayer out of a genuine heart for relationship, or does it seem more often out of religious obligation? Describe your experiences. 

3) Describe your experiences or your thoughts on forgiveness as it pertains to your life. Have you grown in this area or is it something that you find yourself struggling with even now?

1) The Power of Knowing God’s Word by Heart 

Jeremiah 17:13a NIV Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord. 

John 8:9a NIV 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first... 

Matthew 21:15 NIV 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 

1) The Power of Knowing God’s Word by Heart 

2) The Power of Knowing God’s Word vs. God’s Heart 

Matthew 21:16 NIV 16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” 

Psalm 8:2 NIV 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

1) The Power of Knowing God’s Word by Heart 

2) The Power of Knowing God’s Word vs. God’s Heart 

3) The Power of Knowing that You are God’s Heart 

Matthew 27:46 NIV 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 

Psalm 22:1a NIV My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 

Psalm 22:1,3a,4-5 NIV 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?…3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 

Psalm 22:6-10 NIV 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 

John 19:26-27a 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” 

Psalm 22:14-15a NIV 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; 

John 19:28b NIV Jesus said “I am thirsty…” 

Psalm 22:16-18 NIV 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 

Psalm 22:22-24 NIV 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 

Psalm 22:25 NIV 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 

Luke 23:46a NIV 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” 

Psalm 22:26-28;30-31 NIV 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 

Psalm 22:30-31 NIV 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it! John 19:30b NIV Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 

1) The Power of Knowing God’s Word by Heart 

2) The Power of Knowing God’s Word vs. God’s Heart 

3) The Power of Knowing that You are God’s Heart 

QUESTIONS: 

1) Does reading and knowing scripture interest you? Why or why not? What might make it more interesting for you? 

2) What does it mean to align your heart with God’s? What does that look like on a daily basis? 

3) Why does it matter that Jesus might have quoted Psalm 22 on the cross? How does that change the way you see those moments?

1)The Selah that Silences 

Psalm 3:1-2 NASB 1 O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. 2 Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. 

1)A Selah that Silences 

2)A Selah that Sees 

Psalm 3:3-4 NASB 3 But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. 

1)A Selah that Silences

2)A Selah that Sees 

3)A Selah that Sustains 

Psalm 3:5-8 NASB 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah. 

QUESTIONS: 

1) Have you ever found yourself in a situation that seemed so overwhelming that you were unable to make any sense of it whatsoever? Almost a moment where you were left speechless? If so, describe your experiences. How were you able to navigate what was being spoken over you? 

2) King David had fresh perspective of his current trials based on what God had delivered him from in previous seasons. What tools do you use to regain lost perspective in your life? We all take many blessings for granted from time to time. As an exercise, list ten blessings from God in your life and give Him thanks for them. 

3) Have you ever had a time in your life where you believed God thought poorly of you? Why did you believe that? How did you arrive at that conclusion? Describe different ways you’re able to overcome these false notions about God in times of trouble and or weakness.

Table of Psalm 23 

Psalms 23:1-6 NASB 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. 

The Terrain 

Psalms 23:3b NASB 3b… He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 

John 10:27 NASB 27 My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭18:31b-34‬ ‭NASB‬‬ 1995 31b… And who is a rock, except our God, 32 The God who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless? 33 He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me upon my high places. 34 He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

Psalms 23:3b NASB 3b… He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 

Psalms 23:3b-4a NASB 3b… He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 4a Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; ‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭81:16b‬ ‭NASB‬‬ 16b …with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” 

The Tools 

Psalms 23:3b-4 NASB 3b… He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalm 23:4b NASB 4b…Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalm 23:5b NASB 5b…You have anointed my head with oil; 

Psalm 23:5 NASB 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 

The Table 

Psalm 23:4b-5a NASB 4b...Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5a You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

Psalm 23:5a NIV 5a You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

The Terrain

The Tools 

The Table 

Questions: 

1. How might understanding the purpose of difficult times change the way you approach them? 

2. What are some of the purposes of a Shepherds rod and staff? How does this apply to our spiritual lives? 

3. If the table that the Shepherd prepares symbolizes a next season, why is it important to know that the Lord does this preparation with our enemies present?

Psalm 73:26 NIV 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

1) The Ruin 

Psalm 73:26a NIV 26a My flesh and my heart may fail… 

Psalm 73:21-22 NIV 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Psalm 73:26 NIV 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

2) The Rock 

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

Psalm 23:2b-3a NIV 2b he leads me beside quiet waters, 3a he refreshes my soul. 

3) The Reward 

Psalm 73:26 NIV 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Proverbs 11:25b NIV 25b whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 

Proverbs 11:25 NIV 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 

Questions 1) Have you ever battled feelings of failure in your life? Describe a time or even a season in your life where you felt weak. How did you process that experience? 

2) When you read in Psalms that God is our Rock, our Strength, our Foundation, what thoughts come to mind? Have you experienced this attribute of God in your life? If so, describe it. 

3) Psalm 73 describes God being our “portion” forever. How does this statement resonate with you? Have you found that when you “refresh” others you also experience that same refreshing in your own life? How does this play out in your personal spiritual journey with Jesus?

Psalm 42:1 NIV 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

We need to be desperate for God. 

Psalm 42:1 NIV 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 

Luke 15:13-16 NIV 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 

We need to be desperate for His presence. 

Psalm 84:1-3 NIV 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 

We need to be desperate for His Spirit. 

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 

QUESTIONS: 

1. How desperate for God are you? What will you do to increase your hunger for God?

2. Spending time in the presence of the Lord can change your life. What can you do to increase your time in His presence? 

3. Is the mark of Christ visible in your life? What changes do you need to make to let the Holy Spirit be seen in you?