January 5, 2025 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Matthew 2:1–12
Read Matthew 2: 1-12.
1. What do you think of when you hear the word epiphany? How is the
term “Epiphany” used differently in the church compared to its usage
outside the church?
2. How is the Magi story an illustration of God’s grace, specifically from
the Wesleyan understanding of grace (prevenient, justifying,
sanctifying)?
3. In what ways did the Magi have “aha” moments in this story? When
have you had similar “aha” moments along your faith journey?
4. What drew the Magi to Jesus? What draws you to Jesus?
5. How did the Magi respond when they found Jesus? What is your
response to Jesus?
6. What is the significance of the Magi not being of Jewish descent?
What does that mean for the world even today?
7. Scripture tells us that the Magi “returned to their country by another
route.” In what ways has Jesus changed the direction of your life?
8. Why do you think the Magi presented Jesus with such valuable gifts?
How was this part of their worship? What does this teach us about
giving generously?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, our light and our salvation, be present with us
and shine upon us. Teach us to walk as children of the light, to give our
praise and prayers. Just as the magi worshiped the Christ Child and
presented him with their finest gifts, may we give ourselves to you in
joyous celebration, knowing that all we are and all we have belongs to
you. And Lord, we pray for those who, even today, are still living in the
darkness of this world rather than living in the light of your love, mercy
and grace. We pray that your goodness and mercy will shine in even the
darkest corners of all our lives, drawing us closer to you, through Jesus
Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
"Perfect Peace in Imperfect Times" - Combined Worship
December 29, 2024 • Pastor Matt Overman • Philippians 4:4–9
1. What are the daily habits or patterns in your life that help you
rejoice in the Lord, even during challenging times? How might
you cultivate more opportunities to experience joy in God's
presence?
2. When you face anxiety or worry, do you naturally turn to prayer
and thanksgiving? How can you make these responses more
central in your spiritual practice?
3. What occupies your thoughts most often? Reflect on Philippians
4: 8 - how can you align your thinking with what is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy?
4. Who in your life serves as a faithful example of practicing peace?
What qualities or actions of theirs can you emulate to become a
greater instrument of peace in your community?
5. What specific steps can you take this week to live out the
promise of Philippians 4: 9 - "put it into practice" - so that the
peace of God becomes more tangible in your relationships and
daily walk?
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, as we step into this new year, we give thanks for
Your unfailing presence in our lives. Help us to rejoice always, pray
continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. May Your peace,
which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus. Teach us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure,
lovely, and admirable, so that we may reflect Your light to the world.
Empower us to practice what we have learned from Your Word and
to live as instruments of Your peace. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
"Joy Bringer" - Traditional Worship
December 22, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Luke 1:39–45
Read Luke 1: 39-45.
1. What does the word “theotokos” mean? Why is Mary called
“theotokos”?
2. What did Mary and Elizabeth have in common? What
differences were there between them?
3. Why do you think Mary “got ready and hurried” to visit
Elizabeth?
4. What are all the ways Elizabeth talks about “blessing” in this
passage? How do you think Elizabeth’s words made Mary feel?
5. What happened when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting? Why is
this significant?
6. What does it mean to choose joy? Why is important to
remember to choose joy?
7. What does it mean to be a joy-bringer? How is this related to
being a Christian?
8. How can you be a joy-bringer to people in your life?
9. How can you be a “theotokos” in your own unique way?
Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, just as Elizabeth’s son leaped for joy in your presence,
we also find our joy in you. Remind us daily to choose joy regardless
of our circumstances. Help us to not only choose joy, but also be
joy-bringers to the world around us. Inspire and empower us to be
“theotokos” in our own unique ways, bearing witness to your love,
mercy and grace in this hurting and broken world. May all that we
say and do bring you honor and glory. We pray all of this in your
precious, holy and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
"Let it Be" - Traditional Worship
December 15, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Luke 1:26–38
Read Luke 1: 26-38.
1. Where and to whom did God send the angel Gabriel to announce the
coming Christ child? What is significant about the person and place
God chose?
2. Why was Mary “greatly troubled”?
3. What does it mean to “find favor with God”?
4. Has God ever called you to something that left you “greatly troubled”?
If so, what was it?
5. Mary’s reactions range from fear to confusion to acceptance (see
v. 29, 34 & 38). Can you relate to her reactions? Why/why not?
6. Read verse 37. What does this mean to you? How might this be a
source of hope in uncertain times?
7. Read verse 38. Can you relate to Mary’s response? Why/why not?
8. How might our lives look different if we simply “let it be” as Mary
does? What does it mean to “Let it be to me according to your
word.”?
9. What are some promises in the Bible that you need to remind yourself
of and embrace more often?
10. How can you share the Good News of God’s promises with others and
help them to trust in these promises?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, we confess that we are often troubled and
confused, much like Mary was at first. Please help us to also be like Mary
in moving quickly to acceptance, trusting in your promises and the power
of your Word. Remind us daily of your incredible love, mercy and grace.
Help us to embrace all the plans you have for us and empower us to help
others do the same. Remind us that everybody needs a little Jesus, and as
His followers, we are the messengers you have chosen to bring Good
News to the world. Let it be to us according to your word. We pray all of
this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
"The Little Leader of God's Big Plan" - Traditional Worship
December 8, 2024 • Pastor Matt Overman • Isaiah 11:1–9
What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life?
Read Isaiah 11: 1-9.
What stands out to you in this passage?
How does the image of the shoot from Jesse’s stump inspire hope?
What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today’s world?
Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6.
How does this reinforce Isaiah’s vision of a righteous leader?
What kind of hope does this bring during Advent?
Read Micah 5: 2-5a.
What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus’ birth?
How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage?
Read Psalm 72: 1-7.
How do justice and peace go hand in hand?
What are ways we can reflect the values of God’s kingdom?
Read Luke 4: 16-21.
How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy in His ministry?
How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed?
Read Ephesians 2: 13-18.
How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace?
What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them?
Read Revelation 21: 1-5.
How does Isaiah’s vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation?
What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ’s return?
How does Isaiah’s vision challenge us to live differently during Advent?
What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ’s peace and justice?
Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in your
relationships, community, or personal life.
Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child who
leads us.
Prayer for the Week:
Loving God,
You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank You
for the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion.
We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and a
little child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the world
feels broken and divided.
Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act with
His heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring.
May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Make
us bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithful
enough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do.
Fill us with the hope of Isaiah’s vision, the joy of the angels’ song, and the peace of
Christ’s eternal reign.
In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray.
Amen.
"Everybody Needs a Little Jesus" - Traditional Worship
December 1, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 9:6–7
Read Isaiah 9: 1-7.
1. What does the word “Advent” mean? Why do we celebrate it every year in
the church?
2. Advent is often referred as the season of the “already” and the “not yet.”
What does that mean?
3. In what ways does this passage from Isaiah also represent the “already” and
the “not yet”?
4. Read Isaiah 9: 2 and John 1: 5 & 9. How do these passages relate to one
another?
5. Why is the “Light” so important? Why do you think some people resist the
Light?
6. Read Isaiah 9: 6, Luke 2: 10-12 and Luke 1: 32-33. How do these passages
relate to one another?
7. How do these passages from both the Old and New Testaments reinforce the
idea of “already” and “not yet” for the Advent season?
8. Why do we need “a little Jesus” (baby, child) rather than a big, strong,
ruthless warrior king?
9. Are you willing to give “a little Jesus” to those who are struggling in life or
simply having a bad day? Why/why not?
10. Do you believe a little Jesus can change someone’s day, or even their whole
life? Why/why not? (Hint: think about mustard seed of faith)
Reflection:
Lord Jesus, you are the Light shining in the darkness of this fallen, broken and
sinful world. We desperately need your Light and your Love to drive out the
darkness of hate all around us. We know that your love-light can sometimes be
overwhelming to people at first. Remind us to shine your Light gently enough for
people to first receive it, then brightly enough for them to walk in it. Help us to
all walk in your love-light together. And remind us, no matter where we are on
our faith journeys, that “Everybody Needs a Little Jesus.” We pray all of this in
your holy, precious and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
"He Gets Us" - Traditional Worship
November 24, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Hebrews 4:14–16
Read Hebrews 4: 14-16.
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be fully human and fully divine? Why is this
important?
2. There’s an ancient expression that says, “He was as we are, and therefore He
will help; He was not as we are, and therefore He can.” What does this mean
to you?
3. What is the word “therefore” there for in today’s passage?
4. Read Hebrews 4: 13. What does this tell us about our need for Jesus?
5. How does the word “therefore” connect our human need with divine mercy
and grace?
6. Does verse 14 speak primarily about the humanity or divinity of Jesus? What
about verse 15?
7. In what ways do Jesus’ humanity and divinity help us? Why do we need Him
to have both of these natures?
8. Pastor Mick mentioned the “He Gets Us” ad campaign that has been popular
lately. What does it mean when we say “He Gets Us”? How does He “get”
us? How do we “get” Him?
9. How might today’s passage be a good lead-in to the Advent and Christmas
seasons? In what ways do we see the humanity and divinity of Jesus during
Advent and Christmas?
10. Next week we begin our Advent series entitled “Everybody Needs a Little
Jesus.” How does little Jesus (baby Jesus in the manger) reveal the humanity
and divinity of Jesus and our need for him to have both of these natures?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God,
Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus the Christ, the Son of man and the Son
of God. Thank you for loving us so much that you would send him from the light
of heaven to the darkness of this world to put on flesh and dwell among us.
Thank you for entering your own creation in such a way that you not only relate
to us, but save us from ourselves. How comforting it is to know that you get us.
Even more comforting is the knowledge that Jesus gave his life to pay the price
for our sins; a price we could never pay on our own. Forgive us for the times
when we might take this for granted. Help us to live lives of gratitude so that we
might give you honor and glory as we invite others to know you as we do. We
pray all of this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, our King of kings,
Lord of lords, and Great High Priest. Amen.
"Open the Floodgates" - Traditional Worship
November 17, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Malachi 3:6–10
Read Malachi 3: 6-10.
1. Today’s passage begins with God describing the Israelites as “descendants of
Jacob.” What is significant about this reference to Jacob? (Hint: remember
last week’s message and Genesis 28: 22)
2. Pastor Mick said the Israelites seemed to have some form of spiritual
amnesia. What did he mean by that? How do we sometimes struggle with
this same malady today?
3. Pastor Mick shared a Tony Campolo story regarding “lowering the blinds.”
Why were the blinds lowered? How does this relate to the Israelites not
tithing? How do we sometimes “lower the blinds” in our world, too?
4. God said the Israelites were robbing Him? In what way were they “robbing
God”? Is the modern church still guilty of this? How do we know?
5. God knows that tithing can be a hard concept to embrace. What does He say
to do in such cases? (Hint: this is the only time we’re allowed to do this)
6. Are you willing to “test God in this”? Why/why not?
7. What do you think would happen if everyone “tested God in this”? What
does God say will happen?
8. In verse 10 God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there
may be food in my house.” What does “food in my house” look like in
modern times?
9. Allow yourself to dream a bit. What would you like to see us do at Grand
Lake UMC if God opened the floodgates of blessing? How can we make that
happen?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging all the blessings You
have so generously poured into our lives. Forgive us for the times we have failed
to respond with an attitude of gratitude. Grant us wisdom to discern Your call on
our lives to be generous and give us courage to faithfully live it out. In the midst
of our fears and doubts, inspire and empower us to “test you” in this, knowing
that if we do, you will bless us beyond measure. Help us, in turn, to use these
blessings to bless others. May we never draw the blinds on those in need, but
instead see them clearly and do all in our power to help them. Remind us that all
we need to do is be faithful to you, and you will be more than faithful to us. For
this we give you thanks and praise. We pray all of this in the precious, holy and
strong name of Jesus. Amen.
"Attitude of Gratitude" - Traditional Worship
November 10, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Genesis 28:10–12, Genesis 28:16–22
Read Genesis 28: 10-22.
1. What does the word stewardship mean? How does it apply to our
faith lives?
2. What does the word tithe mean? Why does God command us to
tithe?
3. Why does Jacob vow to give God a tenth at the end of today’s
passage? What can we learn from Jacob in this regard?
4. In what ways is tithing more of a spiritual decision than a financial
decision?
5. What did Jacob realize when he awoke from his dream?
6. How is God present with us today?
7. How might the “step up to tithing” chart be another form of stairway
that connects heaven to earth?
8. Read Numbers 18: 21-24. What was God doing in this passage? How
does this relate to the way the church is resourced today?
9. What do you think about the statement, “God’s plan for tithing is not
just about fulfilling a legal obligation, but about recognizing God’s
provision and expressing faithfulness, gratitude and generosity.”?
10. Do you have an overall positive or negative feeling toward tithing?
Why do you think you feel the way you do about it?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging all the blessings
You have so generously poured into our lives. You are the source of every
good and perfect gift, and we thank You for Your endless provision, love,
and grace. Help us to always give with joyful hearts, not out of obligation,
but out of an abundance of love and gratitude. Teach us to live lives of
generosity, that we may reflect Your character in all we do, and bring glory
to Your name. We trust in Your promises and give thanks for the ways
You will continue to bless and guide us. May we always walk in Your
provision, knowing that You are our ultimate source of every need.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
"Fundamentals of Faith" - Traditional Worship
November 3, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Hebrews 12:1–3
Read Hebrews 12: 1-3.
1. In verse 1, what is the word “therefore,” there for?
2. Why is Hebrews chapter 11 sometimes referred to as the Roll Call of
Faith? Look through that chapter and see how many names you can
find.
3. What is meant by the “great cloud of witnesses”? Who is in your
“cloud” that helps cheer you on in your faith?
4. What kinds of things can hinder your faith? How can you prevent
them from hindering you?
5. What kinds of sin can easily entangle you? What can you do to
prevent getting all tangled up?
6. What does it mean to fix your eyes on Jesus? How can you best do
that? What happens when you don’t?
7. What does this passage teach us about the source, and power, of joy
in our lives?
8. What did Jesus pray from the cross? What can we learn from this
prayer?
9. What does the Table (Communion) mean to you? Who is invited to
this Table? Who is present?
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who came
before us and help us in our faith. Grant us wisdom to avoid all the things
that weigh us down and distract us from Jesus. Fill us with joy, regardless
of circumstances, so that we can endure and persevere in our faith.
Inspire and empower us so that we do not grow weary, but always keep
the main thing the main thing. The main thing, of course, is Jesus. We
pray all of this in his precious, holy and strong name. Amen.
"God's Heart is Faithful" - Traditional Worship
October 27, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler
1. What does the word “faithful” mean to you? What does it mean for
God to be faithful?
2. What does it mean for God to be faithful in his promises? Can you
think of examples in the Bible of God being faithful to his promises?
How about in your own life?
3. What does it mean for God to be faithful in provision? Read
Matthew 6: 25-34. What does this tell us about God’s provisions for
life?
4. God is faithful in presence. How was God present in the lives of those
in the Bible? How is God present in your life and the world today?
5. Read 1 John 1: 9. What does this tell us about God being faithful in
forgiveness? What is required of us? How does the thief on the cross
validate this truth? (see Luke 23: 32-43)
6. What does it mean for God to be faithful in discipline? Why is God’s
discipline good? (hint: read Hebrews 12: 5-6)
7. Read Romans 8: 28. What does this tell us about God being faithful
to his purpose? What does this mean for us in everyday life? How
does this give us hope?
8. Read Philippians 1: 6. What does this tell us about God’s work of
transforming us into what we are created and called to be?
9. Does recognizing God’s faithfulness in all of these areas help you trust
God more? If so, what impact might that have on your life?
Reflection:
Almighty God, what can we say, except great is your faithfulness. Even
when we are not faithful to you, you remain faithful to us. You keep the
promises you make to us. You provide for us. You are present with us.
You discipline us, and forgive us, and transform us, all in accordance with
your ultimate purpose for us. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your faithful-
ness. Remind us that we can trust your goodness in all areas of our lives
because you are always faithful. Help us, in turn, to be more faithful to
you. Help us to live the way you created us to live, so that we might truly
change the world through your love and power. We pray all of this in the
strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever. Amen.
"Seek,Love,Walk" - Traditional Worship
October 20, 2024 • Micah 6:8
1. What does it mean to you that God is just? How does God’s justice shape your view
of His character?
2. How do we reconcile the idea of a loving God with the reality of His justice? In what
ways do God's love and justice work together rather than contradict each other?
3. God’s justice is perfect, unlike human justice. How does this challenge the way you
think about fairness and judgment in the world today?
4. How should knowing that God is just influence the way we respond to injustice in the
world? What practical steps can you take to promote justice in your community?
5. The Bible often speaks of God defending the oppressed and standing against evil.
How does this aspect of God's justice inspire or challenge you in your own life?
6. How can we trust in God’s justice when we see wickedness seemingly going
unpunished? What scriptures or truths help you maintain hope in God's ultimate
justice?
7. What role does repentance play in our understanding of God's justice? How does
recognizing our own need for forgiveness impact the way we view justice for others?
8. How can we as Christians live out God's justice in our daily lives? What attitudes or
actions might need to change in order to better reflect God's heart for justice?
9. In what ways do mercy and justice coexist in God’s nature? How does understanding
God's balance of mercy and justice affect how you relate to Him and to others?
Prayer for the Week:
Righteous and Holy God, We come before You this week, in awe of Your justice and
humbled by Your perfect ways. You are a God who loves deeply and yet judges rightly.
Help us to hold both Your love and justice in our hearts as we seek to know You more.
Thank You for being a just God who stands for truth, protects the oppressed, and
opposes evil. When we see injustice in the world, help us not to lose hope but to trust
that You will one day set all things right. Teach us to be agents of Your justice, working
to bring fairness, mercy, and compassion to those who suffer around us.
Lord, we confess that there are times when we have failed to live out Your justice in our
own lives. Forgive us when we have acted unjustly toward others or turned a blind eye
to those in need. Help us to repent and seek Your forgiveness, trusting that Your mercy
and justice meet at the cross.
As we go through this week, give us the courage to stand for what is right, even when
it’s difficult. May Your Spirit lead us to be people who reflect Your justice in our words,
our actions, and our relationships. Let our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, as we
seek to love and serve others in truth and grace.
When we feel discouraged by the brokenness of the world, remind us that Your justice
is perfect and will prevail. Help us to trust in Your timing and Your ways, knowing that
You see all and are working all things for good.
In Your perfect balance of justice and mercy, guide us, Lord, and make us instruments of
Your peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
"All You Need is Love" - Traditional Worship
October 13, 2024 • Pastor Matt Overman • Lamentations 3:21–26
1. What does it mean that God’s heart is loving? How has your understanding
of God's love grown or changed over time?
2. How do we reconcile God's love with the suffering we see in the world?
How can we trust in God’s love even in difficult circumstances?
3. We believe that God’s love is not earned but is a free gift (Romans 6: 23).
How does this concept challenge the way you think about your relationship
with God?
4. In what ways have you experienced God's love personally? Can you share a
moment when you felt God's love most clearly in your life?
5. The Bible says God is love (1 John 4: 8). How does knowing that God's very
nature is love impact the way you view God?
6. What practical steps can we take to love others the way God loves us?
How can we show unconditional love in our daily relationships?
7. How does God's loving heart motivate us to serve others? In what areas of
your life is God calling you to reflect His love more clearly?
8. What role does repentance and forgiveness play in understanding and
experiencing God's love?
9. How have you seen God’s love transform you or others through
forgiveness?
10. How can we grow in trusting God's love when we feel distant from God?
Prayer for the Week:
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the depth of Your love that knows no
bounds. Thank You for loving us, not because of anything we have done, but
because of who You are. Help us to truly grasp that Your love is unconditional,
freely given, and never earned. Let this truth take root deep in our hearts.
When life is hard and suffering surrounds us, remind us that Your love remains
constant. Teach us to lean into Your love, knowing that You are with us in
every moment of joy and every valley of pain.
Lord, as we experience Your love, help us to reflect it to others. Open our eyes
to those around us who are in need of love, and show us practical ways to
serve them with a heart like Yours—one that is patient, kind, and sacrificial.
May we be people who love without conditions, just as You love us.
This week, draw us closer to You, especially when we feel distant. Remind us of
Your loving presence and help us to trust in it more deeply. May our lives be a
witness to the world of Your great love, so that others may come to know You
through the way we love and serve them. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"God's Heart is Gracious" - Traditional Worship
October 6, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Hebrews 4:14–16
Read Hebrews 4: 14-16.
1. What does the word “grace” mean to you?
2. How is grace different than “mercy” that we discussed last week?
How are they similar?
3. Pastor Mick said one of his seminary leaders used to say, “The
answer is always grace.” What do you think of that sentiment? Do
you agree? Why/why not?
4. What do you think about the Wesleyan understanding of grace as
Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, and Sanctifying Grace? What do
each of these forms of grace represent? How have you experienced
each form of grace in your own life?
5. What does it mean to “approach the throne of grace with
confidence”? Are you able to do that? Why/why not?
6. Read Ephesians 2: 8-9. What does this passage mean to you?
7. Read 2 Corinthians 12: 9. Have you ever felt like God has said the
same thing to you that God said to Paul? How does that make you
feel?
8. Read 2 Corinthians 5: 17. How is God’s grace “sufficient” to make
you a new creation? What does life as a “new creation” look like?
9. How might the Communion Table represent God’s Throne of Grace?
How should we come to this Table?
10. Who is invited to the Table? Who made up the guest list?
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we thank you for your grace. We thank you for the gifts
of forgiveness and salvation that we could never earn, but freely receive
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We were once dead in
our sins, but you have made us alive in Christ. Indeed, we are new
creations in Christ because of your grace. Remind us that you invite us
to approach your throne of grace with confidence. You are the solution
to that God-shaped hole in our hearts. Give us ears to hear your still
small voice calling us to you. Give us wisdom and courage to respond to
you by surrendering our lives to you. And when we are afraid to really
do this in earnest, remind us that your grace is sufficient and we need
not be afraid. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your amazing grace. We
pray all of this in the name of the One who makes it possible, Jesus the
Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now
and forever. Amen.
"God's Heart is Merciful" - Traditional Worship
September 29, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Exodus 34:5–9
Read Exodus 34: 5-9.
1. What does the word “mercy” mean to you?
2. Can you think of some ways others have shown mercy to you in the
past? How have you shown mercy to others? How has God shown
mercy to you?
3. Read John 8: 1-11 about the woman caught in adultery. How is this
an example of mercy?
4. Pastor Mick talked about how we often want mercy for ourselves,
but justice for others. What did he mean by that? Have you ever
felt that way?
5. Read Micah 6: 8. What does the Lord require? What does it look
like to live this way? Is it easy to “seek justice” and “love mercy” at
the same time? Why/why not?
6. If we are made in God’s image, why is it so hard to live in accordance
with Micah 6: 8?
7. Read Ephesians 2: 1-10. What do the first three verses tell us
about ourselves? What does the rest of the passage tell us about
God’s mercy?
8. What does it mean to be “God’s handiwork” in Ephesians 2: 10?
How does this verse relate to Philippian 1: 6 and 2 Corinthians 5: 17?
9. Read Matthew 5: 7 and James 2: 13. What do these verses teach
us about the importance of mercy?
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we are so thankful for your mercy. We confess that too
often we follow the ways of the world rather than your ways, by nature
deserving of wrath and being dead in our sin. But through your rich
mercy, you have made us alive in Christ. Indeed, we are new creations
in Christ, your handiwork which you are bringing to completion in each
and every one of us through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit.
Help us to be all that you created us to be. Inspire and empower us to
truly seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, O God. We
pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
