Day 1 - Sunday, September 28

Read: Ruth 4

Reflect: Where have you seen redemption take place in your life or in your world?

Pray: Give God praise for the salvation and life transformation that you’ve seen in your life and in the world around you. Thank Him for not leaving things as they were but for bringing about a beautiful redemption as He made a better way.

Day 2 - Monday, September 29

Read: Leviticus 25:8-28

Reflect: What are you holding on to that you need to give over to God? What in you is in need of redemption today?

Pray: Whatever that is that you’re holding on to, surrender to God in prayer. Ask Him to work His redemption in you.

Day 3 - Tuesday, September 30

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Reflect: What does it mean to you that you have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus? How does this impact the way you live your life?

Pray: Thank Jesus for His sacrifice for you and ask that His Spirit would motivate you to be a living sacrifice as a response of worship to Him.

Day 4 - Wednesday, October 1

Read: Psalm 103

Reflect: What does a response of worship look like for you as a way of thanking God for redeeming you?

Pray: Take some time to adore God and tell Him how awesome He is. Spend time in worship.

Day 5 - Thursday, October 2

Read: Isaiah 43:1-7

Reflect: How does it encourage you to know that you are not alone as you face trials? How does being His influence your view of yourself?

Pray: Thank God for being with you no matter what you face. Pray over that trial that you’re currently facing, that He would deliver you through that. Ask Him to help you view yourself the way that He sees you.

Day 6 - Friday, October 3

Read: Romans 3:21-26

Reflect: What has God saved you from? What has God saved and redeemed you for?

Pray: Ask the Spirit to sanctify you to make you more like Jesus. Thank Him for saving you and ask for wisdom and direction in how to use the gifts He has given you to make Him known.

Day 7 - Saturday, October 4

Read: Mark 10:42-45

Reflect: Where do you need to serve and lay yourself down this week?

Pray: Ask God for the humility to serve and the open eyes to see opportunities to lay yourself down for the sake of others.

Day 1

Read: Colossians 3:1-14

Reflect: List the things in today’s passage that Paul specifically prayed for the believers at Colossae (Hint: verses 9-12). Who is someone in your life whose ministry you can partake in by praying for their relationship with Christ and for their ministry to thrive?

Pray: Ask God to show you who He would like you to pray for consistently, not only those requests they’ve shared, but for their relationships with God and others. Now pray for them consistently!

Day 2

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

Reflect: What are some ways you have grown in your faith lately? What do you feel God might be inviting you to in this season of your life? Have you thought about joining a small group or finding a ministry that aligns with your gifts?

Pray: Lord, I want to grow in my faith. Show me, Father, the steps to this. Help me to take steps today to grow closer to You. Lead me to the group or ministry You have in mind for me. Give me boldness to find the place You want me to serve and grow. Thank You! Amen.

Day 3

Read: Romans 12:1-2

Reflect: How can you be a living sacrifice? What are ways you may be conforming to the world?

Pray: Lord, renew my mind. Show me how to live my life as a sacrifice to You, and to not conform to the patterns of this world. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Hebrews 10:23-25

Reflect: What are some of your God stories? How can you share those stories this week?

Pray: God, help me to hold unswervingly to the hope I have in You and Your faithfulness. Help me to encourage others to know You more as I share about Your faithfulness in my life. Amen.

Day 5

Read: John 15:1-8

Reflect: How are you developing a growing, fruit-bearing relationship with Christ?

Pray: Father, thank You for loving me and allowing me to abide in Christ, the true vine. I want to bear fruit to glorify Your name. Amen.

Day 1

Read: Acts 16:22-34

Reflect: Thinking of your ONE, what testimony are you sharing through your life and conversation? Do they see and hear you respond to hardship with worship and praise, or doubt and fear? How about your co-workers and family? We hold the same powerful testimony that Paul and Silas had in prison in our lives today.

Pray: Pray for a heart of gratitude and worship. Pray that your response to difficulties is to trust in the Lord. Pray for opportunities to give praise to God during conversation with your ONE and others.

Day 2

Read: Ephesians 6:18-20

Reflect: Do you have an ongoing prayer conversation with God or do you talk to Him just when you need something? Do you pray for others in the body of Christ as you do for yourself and your family?

Pray: Lord, open my eyes and my heart to pray for the needs around me. Strengthen my prayer life, Father, so my habit becomes talking to You first in everything all the time. Amen.

Day 3

Read: Romans 10:9-15

Reflect: How are you living and confessing Christ to others? How can you do that today?

Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for the one who shared with me about Your saving grace. Help me to do the same and confess with my mouth what I believe in my heart. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Luke 9:23-26

Reflect: Are you picking up your cross daily? In what ways can you strive to be more intentional in your walk with Jesus?

Pray: Lord, I choose You over the world. I thank You for taking up Your cross and giving me the choice to do the same. Amen.

Day 5

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3

Reflect: What are you running towards in life? What holds your focus? Does the way you live your life point others towards Christ?

Pray: As I fix my eyes fully on You, God, may I persevere and run towards You in every area of my life. Give me strength, God, to devote myself fully to Your will and obey Your guidance in my life. Amen.

Day 1

Read: Isaiah 58:6-11

Reflect: How can you live out God’s compassion for others this week? What can you do to have a kingdom impact right where we are?

Pray: God, help me to see people the way You see them, to have the boldness to seize opportunities this week to show compassion to those around me. Amen.

Day 2

Read: Isaiah 60:1-3

Reflect: What are ways that you can reflect the light of Jesus?

Pray: Lord, in all this darkness, help me to reflect Your light. Let me arise and shine for Your light has come. Amen.

Day 3

Read: Hebrews 13:15-16

Reflect: For what in your daily life can you offer a sacrifice of praise? Do you actively look for God’s blessings each day?

Pray: Father, cause me to develop the habit of recognizing Your blessings each day. May I be generous with my praises and thanks to You. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Mark 12:41-44

Reflect: How has God provided for you in the past when you couldn’t imagine how you’d get through? Where in your life are you questioning His faithful goodness? Trust Him today!

Pray: Father, thank You for Your daily provision for my needs. You’ve proved Your faithfulness over and over in my life. Remind me anew how You’ve helped me in the past as I seek to trust You with my future. Amen.

Day 5

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Reflect: If an outsider considered your life, what would they say about your generosity? Where could you improve your generosity? (Financial, time, words, etc.)

Pray: Father, thank You for Your generous grace-filled salvation. Help me to be a person who gracefully shares what I have been blessed with. Amen.

Day 1

Read: John 17:20-23

Reflect: Is there a particular person or relationship in which you need healing and restoration? What step will you take towards this person today to pursue unity together?

Pray: Pray that God would give you the courage to take that step of faith as you pursue a unified relationship with that person. Thank Him for the gift of His Son and the unity that only He can bring.

Day 2

Read: Romans 12:3-13

Reflect: Do you know what gift you have been given to build up your Christian community? Are you using it?

Pray: Lord, I want to be a useful part of the body of Christ. Lead me to know and use my gift to honor You and help strengthen my church community. Amen.

Day 3

Read: Acts 4:31-35

Reflect: How can you live boldly for Christ this week? In what ways is God asking you to live more sacrificially and give your financial control back to Him?

Pray: God, help me to live boldly for You and to give control of my finances back into Your trustworthy hands. Give me ears to hear how You are asking me to live more sacrificially this week. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Colossians 3:12-17

Reflect: How are you living and displaying the virtues mentioned in this passage? Is there someone you need to forgive or an act of kindness you can show someone in the body of Christ?

Pray: Father, thank You for demonstrating Your love through Your Son, Jesus. He demonstrated each of these virtues in love many times. Help me to be more like Him this day and everyday. Help me to live for You in word and deed. Amen.

Day 5

Read: Matthew 20:25-28

Reflect: How can you serve others around you?

Pray: Lord, help me to be more like You and to serve others around me. Reveal to me the ways I may be selfishly serving myself so that I may begin to correct them. Thank You, Lord, for Your sacrifice and Your servitude. Amen.

Day 1

Read: Luke 18:18-30

Reflect: Are you willing to make the sacrifices that God is asking of you?

Pray: God, I know that You are good and I know that Your ways are better than mine. Help me to listen to Your voice and obey You above all else. Amen.

Day 2

Read: Matthew 6:19-24

Reflect: When was the last time you “stored up treasures in heaven” by investing in others’ needs? What will you do this week as a sacrifice for God’s kingdom?

Pray: Father, help me, out of a heart of gratitude for what You have so generously done for me, to give of myself and my means to others. Use my time, talent, and treasure to bring others into Your kingdom. Amen.

Day 3

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Reflect: How are you sowing into the kingdom work of God? Are you doing it cheerfully?

Pray: Father, thank You for the generous gift of grace You have given me through the sacrificial gift of Jesus. Help me to be a sacrificial giver who shares in the eternal work set before our church. Help me understand how to be a faithful manager of all that You have blessed me with. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Genesis 22:1-14

Reflect: Are you ready for whatever God may ask you to do? What are you willing to sacrifice?

Pray: Lord, help me to be more like Abraham in this story. Help me to be ready for anything You may ask of me, and to be ready to sacrifice what is needed. Amen.

Day 5

Read: Acts 2:42-47

Reflect: What does the world see through your interactions with other believers?

Pray: Pray for a love for the believers in your life. Ask God to show you opportunities to share your life with them outside church on Sundays. Offer praise for His body at work in the world today.

Day 1

Read: Colossians 3:1-4

Reflect: Have you set your heart and mind on things above? How would that alter your outlook, attitude, and service to God?

Pray: Lord, help me to prioritize You as I live through the distractions of life. This world is so noisy and filled with things to pull me away from centering on You. Help me to love You and others well. Amen.

Day 2

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Reflect: Are you solid in your faith and trust in the Lord? Are you spending time getting to know your Rock? Would others around you see a firm foundation or a wavering faith in you? What do you need to change in order to resist the world’s false teachings?

Pray: Lord, You are the Truth this world is seeking. Thank You for giving me Your Word to learn and live by. Help me to know You more deeply so that I can discern Truth from the lies Satan uses to distract us from You. Amen.

Day 3

Read: Daniel 1:1-21

Reflect: Have you established in your heart to stand firm as a citizen of heaven? In what ways are you strengthening your commitment to stand firm?

Pray: Father, I want to be like Daniel and not compromise my faith in any situation. Help me to be strong as a citizen of heaven and glorify Your name in every situation I face. Amen.

Day 4

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Reflect: In everything you’re doing, is it all for the glory of God, or are you doing things for your glory?

Pray: Lord, help me to follow the example of Christ and to glorify You in all that I do. I lay myself aside and seek after You in everything. Amen.

Day 5

Read: Psalm 73:23-28

Reflect: Is there a story you can share with your ONE this week that tells of God’s leading in your life or how God has been your refuge? When you are struggling, do you trust God to be your strength and refuge, or do you turn to others or rely on your own strength to white-knuckle it through life?

Pray: Thank God for how He has been there for you throughout your life. Tell Him about any current hardships or struggles you are walking through. Let God be your comfort and refuge.

Day 1

Read: Psalm 19

Reflect: How important is it to you to follow the laws and ways of our Lord and Savior? When do they cause you to worship or to engage with others to worship and bring Him glory?

Pray: Father, You have created all things with such wonderful beauty and order. Forgive me when I disrupt that order with my disobedience. I want to be someone who glorifies You by obediently following Your Son and His ways. To You be all glory, honor, and praise! Amen.

Day 2

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

Reflect: Do you worry because you don’t have the latest _____ that someone else has? Do you thank God daily for all He’s given you?

Pray: Father, thank You for providing for me and mine. You have blessed me abundantly. Help me to remember to count my blessings, name them one by one and be thankful for what You have done!

Day 3

Read: 1 Peter 5:6-7

Reflect: Are you casting all your anxieties on God, or are you covering them up in some way?

Pray: Lord, humble me. Give me peace of mind to know that I can cast all my anxieties on You. Lord, let me remember that You care for me, and that it’s what You want me to do. Amen.

Day 4

Read: Romans 12:14-21

Reflect: Where is there conflict in your life today? Who do you need to go to in order to seek peace?

Pray: Pray that God would give you the boldness to speak honestly and the humility to forgive/be forgiven.

Day 5

Read: Proverbs 4:20-27

Reflect: What are you “fixing your eyes on” throughout the day? Are you feeding your soul with junk that takes your focus away from God or are you feeding it healthy food that draws your heart to Him? An extra challenge for you today: Listen to the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Let thoughts of Him flood your heart this day.

Pray: You are worthy of my praise, Lord. You and only You. I want to look upon Your face each day, each moment as I live in this physical body so I may live a life worthy of Your calling. Amen.

Day 1

Read: Deuteronomy 8:1-18

Reflect: As you look back over the last couple months, what is something God has shown you or taught you that you want to really hold onto in the weeks ahead? What is an intentional way that you can continue to take note of God’s faithfulness in your life?

Pray: Thank God for the ways He has already been faithful in your life and thank Him expectantly for His future faithfulness in your life.

Day 2

Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

Reflect: Is your heart clinging to the comforts that money brings? Have you experienced the joy that generosity brings? If not, reflect on why that may be and how you could put your hope in Christ, the Giver of all things. Look for an opportunity to give to someone in need.

Pray: Lord, thank You for providing for all my needs in life. You are my Creator and You care for me. Help me to put my hope in You and the promise that You will provide. Help me to be generous with what You’ve given me so that I may experience true life here on earth. Amen.

Day 3

Read: Psalm 23

Reflect: Do you know the voice of the Shepherd? Are you trusting Him with every area of your life?

Pray: Thank You, Lord, for leading me, caring for me and carrying me through my days. You supply everything I need even when I don’t realize it. Thank You for being so loving and kind. In Your name, Amen.

Day 4

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

Reflect: What are you thanking God for today? How can you use what He has given you for His glory and as a blessing for others?

Pray: God, thank You that You are my everything, that all I am is a gift from You. Please help my every thought, my every word, my every action to bring You glory as I steward this life You’ve given me and seek to make You known. Amen.

Day 5

Read: Psalm 103

Reflect: Reread this Psalm and verbally express from your heart “Barak” to the Lord after each statement made in verses 3-19. Then you will truly be blessing the Lord with heartfelt Hallelujahs flowing from your soul!

Pray: Father, with all of my heart I give You praise with thanksgiving for calling me into Your family and kingdom. Thank You for the salvation made available through Jesus and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for loving me and the many provisions You have blessed me with. You truly are a compassionate and gracious Lord. Amen.

Opening Icebreaker:

Share a “redemption story”, whether something you’ve experienced in your own life or something you’ve seen/heard in the world around you.

Prayer:

Invite a volunteer to open the group in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your conversation and help you see God’s faithful redemption in your life.

Read Scripture:

Read Ruth 4 aloud together. (Optional: have several people read portions.)

Discussion Questions:

1. Entering the Story

• What stood out to you most as we read Ruth 4 together?
• Who do you most resonate with in this story? Why?
• If you were the guardian-redeemer and Ruth came to you as she did to Boaz, how would you have responded?

2. Redemption Through Ruth

• What is redemption (in a biblical context)?
• What was the role of a guardian-redeemer in Israelite culture, and why was it so important?
• How do we see redemption play out in the greater narrative of Scripture, not just in the story of Ruth, but through the story of Ruth?
• In what ways does the story of Ruth point us to Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer?

3. Your Redemption

• When you hear the phrase “redeemed by the blood of the Lamb”, what does that mean to you? How have you seen this redemption to be true in your own life?
• How does knowing that Jesus redeemed you impact your daily life? What sort of response does that elicit in you?
• What is a relationship or a situation in your life in need of redemption? What step will you take this week towards that end?

Prayer Time:

• Pray for each other’s situations shared earlier, asking God for strength and courage to take those steps of faith towards seeing and sharing redemption.

Connect

1. Have you ever had a relationship with someone in the faith that helped you grow spiritually? What made it impactful?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 1:1-11 together. What stood out to you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. In verses 3-5, Paul expresses deep gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel. What do you think “partnership in the Gospel” looked like for them? What might it look like in our context today?

3. Paul says in verse 6 that he is confident God will complete the good work He began in them. How does that encourage or challenge you in your own faith journey?

4. In verses 9-11, Paul prays for their love to grow in knowledge and depth of insight. Why do you think love needs wisdom to be effective? What does “abounding love” look like when it’s guided by spiritual insight?

Live It Out

1. Paul’s relationship with the Philippians was marked by affection, prayer, and partnership. How can we cultivate deeper, more Gospel-centered relationships in our Community (small group) or church?

2. Where do you see opportunities in your life right now to partner with others for the sake of the Gospel?

3. Think about someone in your life you’re “in Gospel partnership” with (i.e. mentoring, ministry, mutual encouragement). How could you express gratitude or invest more intentionally in that relationship this week?

Encourage & Pray

1. Paul prays with confidence that God is at work. Where do you need to be reminded today that God is still working, whether in you, in someone else, or in a difficult situation?

2. How can our group pray for one another’s growth in love, wisdom, and fruitful living that brings glory to God (vs 11)? Take some time to pray this over each other.

Connect

1. Can you think of a time when a difficult situation led to unexpected spiritual growth or Gospel opportunities?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 1:12-30 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. In verses 12-14, Paul says his imprisonment actually helped to advance the Gospel. How does that shift your perspective on personal struggles or setbacks? How might God use your current situation to influence others for Christ?

3. Paul talks about others preaching Christ from both good and bad motives (vs 15-18). What can we learn from Paul’s response to this? Why does he still rejoice?

4. Paul expresses a deep tension between wanting to depart and be with Christ and remaining for the sake of others (vs 21-26). What does “to live is Christ and to die is gain” mean in your own words? How can we live with that same perspective today?

Live It Out

1. Paul’s chains didn’t stop the Gospel, they actually advanced it. What obstacles (personal or as a church) can sometimes hold us back from sharing Jesus? How might God want to use those very things to move His mission forward?

2. How do practical matters (like finances, time, fear, etc.) either empower or limit our participation in Gospel work? What could it look like to remove these “obstacles” or view them differently in order to strengthen our mission?

3. In verses 27-28, Paul urges the Philippians to “stand firm in the one spirit” and to “strive together.” What does gospel unity look like in a church or Community (small group)? How can we strive together for the faith in our current context?

4. Who is your ONE, the person God is putting on your heart to pursue with the Gospel? What is one step you will take this week to intentionally reach out to them?

Encourage & Pray

1. Paul faced suffering with boldness and purpose (vs 29-30). How can we support each other in boldness, especially when it’s hard or costly to follow Christ? Where do you specifically need boldness in your life today? Pray for one another, that the Spirit would give you this boldness.

Connect

1. When you think of Jesus, what are some words you would use to describe Him? If someone were to ask you what makes Him so special, what would you say?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 2:1-18 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. In verses 1-2, Paul calls the Philippians to be like-minded and united in love and purpose. Why is unity so essential to the church’s mission? What are common threats to unity in today’s church?

3. Paul urges believers to act with humility, considering others more important than themselves (vs 3-4). What is one area of your life where humility doesn’t come easily? How can we practice this kind of mindset within our Community (small group) or church?

4. Verses 5-11 describe Jesus’ ultimate act of humble sacrifice. What does it mean to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”? How might that mindset change the way we view sacrifice?

Live It Out

1. How would you define sacrificial giving in your own life, not just with money, but with time, comfort, and service?

2. In what ways do you think God is calling our church to go beyond “the bare minimum” in generosity and mission?

3. Paul talks about “shining like stars” in a dark world (vs 15). How does living a life of sacrificial love help us stand out for Christ?

Encourage & Pray

1. What is one practical way you will take a step toward greater humility, unity, or generosity this week, for the sake of your ONE, your Community, or the church?

2. Be reminded that God has given you what you need to bring Him glory and make Him known. Pray a prayer of encouragement for one another, that the Holy Spirit will empower you to take bold steps toward reaching ONE person.

Connect

1. When have you experienced a community (church, team, or group) that was deeply united and others-focused? What made it stand out?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 2:1-4, 19-30 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. Paul lists encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, and compassion in verse 1. Why do you think these are the foundations for unity in the church?

3. In verses 3-4, Paul calls believers to reject selfish ambition and look to the interests of others. What does that look like practically in your day-to-day life? Where is that most challenging for you right now?

4. How does Paul describe Timothy’s character and actions in verses 20-22? What makes Timothy a compelling example of Christlike humility?

5. Epaphroditus was described as a brother, co-worker, soldier, and messenger (vs 25). What do these roles tell us about his character and priorities? Who in your life models this kind of servant-heartedness?

Live It Out

1. How do you think humility helps build unity in a church community? What happens when pride goes unchecked?

2. How can we become people who are genuinely concerned for the well-being of others, like Timothy and Epaphroditus?

3. In what ways is God inviting you to become more others-focused in your relationships, whether at home, in church, or in your community?

Encourage & Pray

1. What would it look like for our church or small group to be marked by this kind of unity and Christlike humility? What might need to change in how we serve, communicate, or relate to one another? Invite group members to name one person they want to serve more intentionally this week. Pray for the Spirit to cultivate humility, selflessness, and genuine love in your group and church family.

Connect

1. If you had to write an “elevator pitch” describing who you are or listing some of your accomplishments, what would you say?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 3:1-14 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. Paul gives us his “spiritual resumé” (vs 4-6). How have you found yourself tempted to rely on your personal/spiritual resumé in your faith journey rather than on Jesus?

3. In verses 7-8, Paul talks about counting everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. What might that kind of sacrifice look like in your life today?

4. What does Paul mean by “pressing on toward the goal” (vs 14)? How do you interpret this in the context of your own spiritual journey? What is the goal that you find yourself pressing on towards? What does it mean to “press on” in your faith when you're feeling discouraged or stuck?

Live it Out

1. What are some “earthly gains” (vs 7) that can be hard to let go of when following Jesus?

2. Paul talks about “forgetting what is behind” (vs 13). How is this a necessary part of “straining toward what is ahead”? What past things are you holding onto that you need to forget or let go of?

3. Who is someone in your life that helps you press on toward Christ? How do they do that?

Encourage & Pray

1. What is one practical step you can take this week to “press on towards the goal” that God has placed before you? Take some time to encourage one another in this venture.

2. Pray that God would fill you with wisdom, strength, and endurance as you strive towards Jesus and towards those He has placed in your life to love.

Connect

1. Share about a role model you’ve had at some point in your life. What made your relationship with this person, and what you learned from them, so impactful?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 3:15-4:1 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. In vs 17, Paul urges believers to follow his example. What does it look like today to follow the example of a mature believer? Who has modeled spiritual maturity in your life?

3. Paul contrasts those who live as “enemies of the cross” with those who live as “citizens of heaven” (vs 18-20). What are some characteristics of each way of life?

4. What does “our citizenship is in heaven” (vs 20) mean to you personally? How does this identity affect your values, priorities, or decisions? How might these characteristics of being citizens of heaven challenge our cultural ideas of success, comfort, or identity?

5. Paul reminds us that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious one (vs 21). How does this future hope encourage you in the present?

Live it Out

1. Spiritual maturity is a major theme in this passage (vs 15). How would you define spiritual maturity? What’s one area in which you sense God is calling you to grow?

2. Paul says to “stand firm in the Lord” (vs 4:1). What does that look like in everyday life? In what ways do earthly distractions pull your focus away from your heavenly calling? How can we guard against drifting toward earthly distractions and instead stay anchored in Christ in the middle of a busy or tempting world? What helps you stand firm when your faith is tested?

3. Why do you think Paul emphasizes both individual responsibility and following godly examples in community? How can we as a group help each other press on in spiritual maturity?

Encourage & Pray

1. What’s one practical step you will take this week to live more fully as a citizen of heaven? How can this group support you in that? Pray over one another, that God would give each of you the boldness and the perspective to pursue Jesus and make Him known through your actions and lifestyle this week.

Connect

1. Take some time to share about something that has been worrying you recently.

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 4:2-9 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (vs 2). Why is unity in the church so important to our witness and spiritual health? What helps believers work through disagreements in a Christlike way?

3. In verse 4, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” How would you define joy? What does it look like to live with joy even in difficult circumstances? What can steal your joy, and how do you get it back?

4. Paul promises that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds (vs 7). What does it mean that his peace “transcends all understanding”? How have you experienced God’s peace in a real way? What’s the difference between peace that comes from God and temporary relief from stress?

5. Verse 8 gives us a list of things to focus our thoughts on. Which of these is most challenging for you to dwell on consistently? How does what we think about shape our faith and actions?

Live it Out

1. Paul tells the Philippians to “put into practice” what they’ve learned (vs 9). What’s one truth or habit you’ve learned that you want to apply more consistently? Why do you think practicing our faith is just as important as knowing it?

2. What are the excellent, praiseworthy things you need to fix your mind on this week? What are some practical ways you can fight off distraction and focus on these things instead?

3. What role does community play in helping us stay focused on Christ and not be overwhelmed by worry or distraction?

Encourage & Pray

1. Verse 6 says not to be anxious but to pray about everything. What anxieties are you struggling with right now? Is there a situation or an area in your life where you need to experience more of God's peace? How can we pray for or encourage you in that? Pray a prayer of peace and encouragement over one another.

Connect

1. Share about something you are celebrating or thanking God for today. Where have you seen God at work lately, in your life, in the church, or in the world around you?

Explore the Passage

1. Read Philippians 4:10-23 together. What challenged or encouraged you most from the sermon or from reading this passage?

2. Paul expresses joy and gratitude for the Philippians’ renewed concern for him (vs 10). How does someone else’s care or generosity encourage your faith? Who has supported you in a meaningful way during a challenging time?

3. In verses 11-13, Paul talks about being content in every situation. What do you think true contentment looks like in today’s world? In what area of your life is God teaching you to be content?

4. “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (vs 13) is often quoted. Based on the context, what do you think Paul actually means here? How does this verse apply to your current season?

5. Paul says, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory” (vs 19). What needs do you feel you’re trusting God to meet right now? How has God provided for you in surprising or specific ways in the past?

Live it Out

1. How does generosity bless not just the receiver but also the giver? Is there a specific example that comes to mind of how you’ve been blessed to give in the past?

2. How does gratitude for what God has done shape how we move forward in faith?

3. Reflecting on your spiritual journey so far, what are you most grateful for? What are you trusting God for in the season ahead as you continue to follow Him and grow in your faith?

Encourage & Pray

1. As you think about your ONE (someone you’re praying for or reaching out to), what excites or challenges you about taking that first step? How can this group support you in the process? Pray for one another, that God would give you the boldness to take intentional steps of faith towards ONE person, that they would know the love of God through you and desire to follow Him.

Fasting is fasting from food. The following are options of ways to fast from food.

Complete Fast

This fast involves consuming only liquids, typically water, with the option to include light juices.

Meal Removal Fast

This fast entails skipping one or two meals a day and refraining from snacking during the fasting period.

Partial Fast

Also referred to as the “Jewish Fast,” this practice involves abstaining from all food during the morning and afternoon. It can be observed during specific hours, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunrise to sunset.

Selective Fast

In this fast, specific foods are excluded from your diet. For example, the “Daniel Fast” involves eliminating meat, sweets, and bread, while consuming water, juice, fruits, and vegetables.

*In addition to fasting food or if you have a medical issue that prevents you from fasting, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television (or remove something else) for the duration of the fast and then if you choose to bring it back, do so carefully in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

Prayer is communicating with God. Listening and speaking.

Below are ideas of ways to pray. We encourage you not to over-complicate it. Be honest. Be real. Be you.

Adore God - Focus upon praise of God for who He is—His character, attributes, and majesty—without asking for anything. Sing a song and/or express love and reverence in personal words.

Confession - Acknowledge sin and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Thanksgiving - Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and faithfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or pray through a list of blessings.

Supplication (Petition) - Brings personal needs, desires, or concerns before God, seeking His guidance or intervention. Pray for healing, provision, or wisdom.

Intercession - Pray on behalf of others, ask God to work in the lives of others. Praying for family, friends, leaders, or global concerns.

Meditative Prayer - Focus on quiet reflection, a Scripture passage, listen to God and deepen understanding of who God is. Try Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and meditating on a Bible passage.

Corporate Prayer - Pray with others in a group setting, such as church, small groups, or prayer meetings. Taking turns praying aloud.

Lament - Express grief, sorrow, or frustration to God while seeking His comfort and hope. Read and pray through the Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13.

Blessing or Benediction - Pray for God’s favor, guidance, or protection over oneself or others. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Spiritual Warfare Prayer - Pray against spiritual opposition, declaring God’s power and protection. Use the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Breath Prayer - A short, repeated prayer focused on a phrase or Scripture while aligning with breathing. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Sundays

Before Services (sanctuary) The sanctuary is set aside for prayer 8:15-8:25 am and 10:10-10:20 am. Pray individually or with another in this quiet space.

After Services (front sides of altar) There are prayer ministers available and ready to pray with and for you.

Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm, Room 101) - This weekly prayer group of men and women meet to read the Word and pray together for each other, the church, the community, and the world.

Thursdays (3rd Thursdays, 9:30-11am, Shirley Works Home) - This ladies prayer group meets to encourage and pray together.

Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel

Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman

A Meal with Jesus – Tim Chester

The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World – Rosaria Butterfield

The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life – Dustin Willis

The Meaning of Marriage – Timothy & Kathy Keller

Love & Respect – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

You and Me Forever – Francis & Lisa Chan

The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman

Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

The Love Dare – Alex & Stephen Kendrick

Intended for Pleasure – Ed Wheat

Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel

Sheet Music – Kevin Lehman

Care & Counseling

Stephen Ministries at Family Bible Church

DesertStreams

Christian Counseling Center of Battle Creek

Response Care Center (Gracespring Church)

DivorceCare

Articles

7 Steps to Prayer and Fasting by Bill Bright

Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer by Bill Bright

Fasting

Fasting – Scot McKnight

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough – Elmer L Towns

God’s Chosen Fast – Arthur Wallis

Prayer

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home – Richard Foster

How to Pray – Pete Grieg

How to Pray A Guide for Young Explorers – Pete Grieg & Gemma Hunt

A Praying Life – Paul A Miller

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton