THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Why do we memorize God’s word? Jesus memorized scripture and He also invites us to this practice for the purpose of renewing our minds and transforming our lives. Memorizing scripture helps us know who God is and His will for us, see the world through His eyes, fight temptation, live in obedience, share the Gospel message and enjoy a hidden life with Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

“Make sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

Choose to spend a few minutes each day reciting the verse above, allowing its truth to shape your thoughts and heart. Write it out. Put it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge or car dashboard.

personal reflection & small group materials

Anchor Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

This verse instructs us through the story of Abraham as God intends to bless him in order that he might bless others.

Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages towards the Negeb.

Small Group Intro Week 4

Reflection and Small Group Questions

Use the lectio divina practice to reflect upon the anchor scripture. What words or ideas stood out to you? Why?

What does it mean to be blessed or be a blessing?

Go back a chapter to Genesis 11: 1-9 and read the story of the Tower of Babel. Compare that to this passage. What words or ideas show up in comparing both passages? In what ways does God want us to become more like him?

For you personally, what attitude, idea, or practice can you apply from this passage to help you to “become like Jesus” in your own life?

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

This week, consider adopting the practice of intentional and practical kindness toward those you encounter in the spheres of your everyday.

• Give extra time and space to listen and be present with others.

• Give the gift of your time to others.

• Speak or write an intentional word of encouragement to someone who is on your mind.

• Offer a simple service to someone.

• Give a small token or gift of affection.