Sunday, October 8, 2023

Today, I encourage you to pause and consider how God is inviting you to live out the weekend message in the coming days.

To begin, take a few moments to sit quietly before God. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. With each exhalation, give him your worries and concerns and let his peace wash over you.

Next, take some time to read the verses below and explore the questions that follow. You can do this on your own or with others.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
⁴ “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. ⁶ And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷ Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. ⁸ Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. ⁹ Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

What do you think God may be trying to teach you about the importance of keeping Scripture close through these verses?

Do you have a regular plan for reading scripture? Check out the “Featured” section of the app this week to learn a few ways to study Scripture.

Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hardcopy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us your word that reminds us of your love. Open our hearts to what you have to say to us this week, so that we may know you better. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

John 14:26
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

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Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: What is one of the best gifts you've ever received?

What do you think holds people back from reading Scripture regularly?

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 8:2-14. What do you learn about the importance of reading Scripture and obeying God's commands?

Are you most likely to let the habit of reading Scripture slip during times of poverty or plenty? Why do you think that is?

What is one thing you can do this week to engage with God's Word? How will you write it down, keep it close, and pass it on?

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, director of the LivingItOut.