JANUARY 8
WHERE DOES GOD HAVE YOU?
No matter how bleak the situation is around you or within you. Our hope is not anchored in what we see but in a God who is sovereign.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are you hoping for or looking forward to in the new year?
2. We have started a new series based on the story of Daniel. Watch the Bible Project video for the historical context: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/daniel/
3. Read Daniel 1:1-2.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
4. For the Israelites, who were captured and taken away from their home, it had to feel like God had left them, but how do we see that God is still in the driver’s seat in these first two verses in Daniel?
5. In what ways do you feel like you are living in Babylon? How is it difficult to be faithful to follow Jesus in your circumstances?
6. Read Jeremiah 29:7. This week is Pray First, where we will focus greater attention on seeking God together in prayer. In what ways can you be praying for the welfare of wherever God has placed you? In what ways can you be praying for your own heart in this command?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Daniel 1:1-2 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god.
Jeremiah 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
TAKE A NEXT STEP
- Participate in Pray First with the church, which includes daily prayer gatherings (or zoom calls), a daily devotional, and an all-campus worship night. https://www.gatewaychurch.com/prayer/
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids hear about Jesus and his family’s escape to Egypt when they were in danger.
- THE BIG IDEA: God guides us to safety.
- THE BIBlE: Matthew 2:13-23
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- Can you think of a time when you felt safe?
- When might be a time that you would need to remember that God is with you?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
Matthew 6:33 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: “But seek first his kingdom…” Matthew 6:33a
Elem: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteouness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will hear about Jesus at the temple as a boy and what others learned from him.