Sunday, March 17, 2024
Do you like to garden? With warmer temperatures, spring feels like it is just around the corner. Flowers are beginning to bloom, and trees are beginning to bud. If you enjoy gardening, you are probably getting excited.
This week we are continuing to explore places in the Bible in order to get to know God better. Mountains, rivers, gardens and trees are all the settings for significant events and also represent aspects of our spiritual journey. This week we looked at three different gardens mentioned in Scripture. We find one of the best known ones in the first book of the Bible and see that God himself is a gardener.
Genesis 2:8-9
8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. 9 The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
This week consider how gardens represent the meaningful work that God created us to do. Then, take some time to explore what purpose he has for you.
Invite God to open your eyes to what he wants to teach you this week through the gardens found in Scripture. Set aside any distractions. Close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you identify what is healthy and unhealthy in terms of your technology use.
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
Prayer:
God thank you for the beautiful and useful plants you’ve given us and the meaningful work they represent. Lord help me fully grasp my purpose and step into meaningful work that brings glory to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
***************************
Discussion Questions:
Ice breaker: What activity do you find pointless?
Where are some different places people can find purpose?
Compare and contrast the gardens we learned about (Genesis 2:8-15; Mark 14:32-36; Revelation 22:1-5). What do you learn about God? What do you learn about our relationship with work?
What is your garden? Where is God inviting you into meaningful work?
What is one step you can take toward what you were made to do?
Series Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.