The Light

1. Read John 14:16. How does this verse speak to eternal security?
2. Read John 14:17. What's the difference between "with" and "in" here? Why does this matter so much?
3. Read John 14:19. What does it mean to "see" Jesus here? How does this verse also speak to eternal security and assurance of salvation?
4. Read John 15:2. Why does "lift up" seem to make more sense here?
5. Read John 15:4. What does "abide" mean here? How is this passage evangelistic in nature? How has it often been misinterpreted?
6. Read John 15:5. React to this statement: Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing.

How can you use your God-given talents?

Letting God rake away what is covering your heart means inviting Him to reveal unhealthy attitudes, heal old wounds, and clear away anything keeping you from growing closer to Him. Through prayer, Scripture, repentance, and honest reflection, we can begin releasing the burdens we were never meant to carry alone. Although this process may feel uncomfortable, God’s loving correction brings freedom and creates room for spiritual renewal. As you surrender your heart to Him, you can experience His grace more deeply and make space for the peace, joy, and growth He desires for your life.

Highlights

• How emotional wounds, bitterness, fear, and distractions can keep us from drawing closer to God

• Why examining your heart is an important part of spiritual growth and renewal

• How God can reveal hidden attitudes and burdens that need healing

• Why surrendering painful experiences to God can open the door to greater peace and freedom

• How prayer, Scripture, and repentance help us clear away spiritual obstacles

• Why allowing God to change your heart requires honesty, humility, and trust

• Encouragement to let God remove what is holding you back and make room for deeper faith and lasting spiritual growth

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

Letting God Rake Away What Is Covering Your Heart

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:

I could ask the darkness to hide me

and the light around me to become night—

but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.

Darkness and light are the same to you.

– Psalm 139:11-12, NLT

I love the way fallen leaves in autumn cover landscapes across many parts of the world. It feels like a song of sweet surrender, as vivid colors float everywhere, then fade into nutrients for the soil. Carpets of fall foliage on lawns, parks, or fields always look so purposeful and romantic to me.

But when we live in modern, manicured places, we often rake these leaves into piles, either composting them for reuse or disposing of them.

How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God’s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God’s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads.

Following Christ doesn’t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don’t have to figure out every step on our own.

Highlights

• Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God’s guidance

• What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction

• How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment

• Why God’s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit

• How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges

• What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism

• Encouragement to trust Christ’s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own

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Full Transcript Below:

Faithfully Led by Christ
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” - Judges 1:1.

Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I’m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That’s not to say I never prayed for God’s guidance, or that I didn’t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict. 

Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God’s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me.

That’s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God’s grace despite humanity’s persistent rebellion. 

The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israel

Uncover how to develop a stronger faith and a purer heart by strengthening your faith in God.

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Should we petition God in the courts of heaven? I've heard that, but I don't know what it means! We visited a church, and the pastor said we can be 98% sure of our salvation! What is Molinism? Is it somewhere between Calvinism and Arminianism? What are your thoughts on it?