Welcome to our summer series when our devotionals will be based on different texts of scripture that I’ve recently found inspirational. Today, we reflect on 1 Samuel 3:1.
To watch this devotional follow the link below:
‘The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.’ (1 Samuel 3:1)
I wonder how we would define a healthy church or if one is a healthy Christian? I wonder what you look for when you look to join a church community? Surely, hearing God’s voice is central to healthy Christianity. In describing God’s people’s fallen state, we read that, 'The word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.’ Out of all the things that mark success or failure, God shows us that hearing His voice is a vital mark of spiritual health.
Is the word of the Lord rare in our lives? This is more than asking, are we reading the Bible and is it being taught in our churches? although this is very important! Rather, and deeper, the question is, are we hearing God? Are our devotions a time of actually listening to God in His Word? Are the messages that are taught in our churches not just an accurate explanation of the text; but, are we hearing messages that emphasise what God wants to speak to the church about at this time?
May each of us be able to say, this is what God is speaking to me about personally. May we be able to say, this is what God is speaking to our church about in this season.
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Our message on Sunday was entitled, Don’t Settle for Second Best; the theme, from Exodus, was on how we are to prize the presence of God and not settle for second best in our lives.
Please read Exodus 33:1-3, 15-16; 34:19 and discuss:
What would you say is the main message and application of these readings?
Did God speak to you about anything specifically from Sunday’s message?
Why was Moses so keen that God’s presence rather than an ‘angel’ (messenger of God) go with them?
In what ways can we ‘practice the presence of God’ in our lives?
Take a moment to watch the devotional on this message together by following the link below:
SIV - They needed God’s presence; why will the theme of today’s devotional ensure that we also are effective in God’s mission?
SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?
SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus.
Let’s pray together that, this week, we will have opportunities to SIV; and pray for anything else that's come out of our time in God’s Word.
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