Beyond Sunday
Like the Israelites in the desert heading toward the Promised Land, we are a faith community heading into a promised future. In this series, Together: Remembering - Experiences that Inform Our Future we will learn from the Israelites’ story, found in the Book of Deuteronomy, about what they were called to remember in order to follow God well. This week, we focus on remembering that God has made a covenant with us, which provides a place in this world and in His heart.
1. Have you spent any time remembering significant scenes in your life where God taught you something that continues to inform your future? If so, share one and if not, how could remembering benefit you or another?
2. Have you ever wondered why God has placed you to live and be in the current location you are in? What thoughts does it bring to mind? (amazement, frustration, longing, gratitude, etc.?)
3. Review Deuteronomy 1:8. In this passage, Moses reminds the Israelites that they have been given a land from the Lord. Reflect on these other passages Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis. 12:1-3, Acts 17:26, James 4:13-16.
What are you noticing about how God has a place in this world for each of us? How does that make you feel?
4. From the covenant with Abraham to the promise to us, God places us in certain locations to be His reflection and to bless others? How do you feel about that responsibility? What makes you forget that? Who is God calling you to BLESS (Begin with prayer, Listen to, Eat with, Serve, Share your faith story)? Who are the 3 people you are praying for, the 2 people you are in process with, the 1 person blessing you to help you grow?
5. Besides a place in the world, God’s covenant promise to us includes that we as His people have an endless place in His heart. Reflect on Moses’ words to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:31, 35-37. What is he trying to convey to them. See Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. What are these passages wanting us to remember? And where else in the Bible is this promise conveyed? (One hint Psalm 136, but where else?)
6. Write a prayer of acknowledging His covenant promise that God has a place in this world and in His heart for you.
NEXT STEPS (see links below)
--Recite Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (The Shema) day and night and replace Israel with your name/ family’s name.
--Follow the Weekly Listening/Reading Plan for Deuteronomy (Chapter 5-8 by 9/26)
--Identify 3-5 past life scenes where God has provided key learnings that inform your future.
--Join a Deuteronomy Group
--Engage in Wed. PCC Noon Time Prayer for 30 min.