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6/29 Reflect

6/29/2023

*6/25/2023-7/1/2023* Bible Reflection guide

Pause & Reflect

What has God been teaching you through last week’s message – “Fear Not, for I Am with You” – from ISAIAH 41:1-16? Read the texts once more and discern what the holy Spirit is desiring to say through it.

1 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands;
    let the peoples renew their strength;
let them approach, then let them speak;
    let us together draw near for judgment.
2 Who stirred up one from the east
    whom victory meets at every step?
He gives up nations before him,
    so that he tramples kings underfoot;
he makes them like dust with his sword,
    like driven stubble with his bow.
3 He pursues them and passes on safely,
    by paths his feet have not trod.
4 Who has performed and done this,
    calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
    and with the last; I am he.

[v.1-4] The “coastlands” are those people & nations not only in distant lands, but also distant hearts – whose hearts are far from God. Yet, the Lord still offers a way for them to renew their strength and approach Him. How ought they first approach God’s presence?
*The biblical principle – Listen in silence, for God’s presence is speaking. How is God speaking to you in the silence? Have you listened in silence before His presence? How can growing your listening time be more fruitful to your speaking time (with God and others)?

5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid;
    the ends of the earth tremble;
    they have drawn near and come.
6 Everyone helps his neighbor
    and says to his brother, “Be strong!”
7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith,
    and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil,
saying of the soldering, “It is good”;
    and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

[v.5-7] When the people of the “coastlands” – whose hearts are far from God – find themselves before the presence of God, they are afraid. Yet instead of fearing God and turning away from their idolatry, what do they do?
*The biblical principle – The presence of God will make us all afraid – that will either strengthen our idolatry or our repentance. How has fear of God actually turned you to run away from Him instead of run towards Him? Who encourages you with, “Be strong!... It is good” when you are walking in a way that is not good, in contrary to the holy Spirit’s conviction? How can fearing God strengthen us to repentance instead of resistance?

8 But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 Behold, all who are incensed against you
    shall be put to shame and confounded;
those who strive against you
    shall be as nothing and shall perish.
12 You shall seek those who contend with you,
    but you shall not find them;
those who war against you
    shall be as nothing at all.
13 For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.”

[v.8-13] Although God’s presence in the “coastlands” will repel people away, His presence with His chosen people will draw them near. How are God’s people different than the people of the “coastlands” – what has He done and promises to do for them?
*The biblical principle – Unlike the world, God chose His people as His servants and friends to be their Helper with His abiding presence. Did you choose God, or did God choose you? If it is God who first chose you, how is this defining your identity and calling as His servant? How does this assure you to no fear anything at all, but know the Lord your God is with you, upholding you, and helping you? How does the enemy come to steal and destroy these things?

14 Fear not, you worm Jacob,
    you men of Israel!
I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord;
    your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
15 Behold, I make of you a threshing sledge,
    new, sharp, and having teeth;
you shall thresh the mountains and crush them,
    and you shall make the hills like chaff;
16 you shall winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away,
    and the tempest shall scatter them.
And you shall rejoice in the Lord;
    in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

[v.14-16] No one can stay untransformed in the presence of the Lord. God’s people were once as weak as a “worm” – yet what would they be transformed to become and do?
*The biblical principle – Knowing we are His chosen and redeemed people, God’s presence transforms us to rejoice in Him always. Are you transformed by the fact that God has chosen you and redeemed you? Does it leave you to rejoice in Him? How are we still stuck in the worm-like weak life, when God has chosen and redeemed us to live the new created life in His increasing joy?

The central truth of this word was – Sinful fear is caused by absent faith. We are afraid because we do not trust God is near nor God is Immanuel (with us). In these times, we need to learn to listen in silence, for often our talk obscures God’s presence. His presence should make us all afraid initially – either strengthening our idolatry or stirring-up our repentance. Unlike the world, we are chosen by God as His honored servants and friends, so be gripped today by Your great Helper, His abiding presence. He is transforming you to rejoice, for it is His presence within you, through Christ, by the Spirit, empowering you with joy to do so! So rejoice, again we say, rejoice in Him! – *How has the LORD spoken to you today through this?

Holy Spirit Moment
Take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, and pray.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)

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6/23 Life Group

6/23/2023

Your Will Be Done
CityAlight

Your will be done, my God and Father
As in Heaven, so on Earth
My heart is drawn to self-exalting
Help me seek Your kingdom first

As Jesus walked, so I shall walk
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray
"Father, not my will but Yours be done"

How in that Garden He persisted
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience
It was held by Him alone

What wondrous faith to bear that cross
To bear my sin, what wondrous love
My hope was sure, when there my Saviour prayed
"Father, not my will but Yours be done"

When I am lost, when I am broken
In the night of fear and doubt
Still, I will trust in my good Father
Yes, to one great King I bow

As Jesus rose, so I shall rise
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored
With all Your saints, I sing
"Father, not my will but Yours be done"

As we go forth, our God and Father
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high

And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home
Now as Your church, we lift our voice and pray
"Father, not my will but Yours be done"

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
CityAlight

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

Life-Sharing

What has God been teaching you through last week’s message – “He Gives Power to the Faint” – from ISAIAH 40:12-31? Read the texts once more and discern what the holy Spirit is desiring to say through it.

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12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? 14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?
15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

[v.12-17] God not only desires to – but also carries the ability to – comfort His afflicted people (v.1-11). What abilities does the Lord declare about Himself?
*The biblical principle – Comfort comes from the Creator – not from creation. What abilities & qualifications does God have to bring you comfort? How far can a word/gesture/action from someone be of comfort? Is God able to give far above that?

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18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? 19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. 20 He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. 21 Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; 23 who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.

[v.18-26] God’s people at the time had doubts about His comfort, so they began comparing and seeking counterfeit comforts on the earth. Yet, how foolish is it to compare something or someone with God?

*The biblical principle – Comfort from God is incomparable to the comfort in creation. When have you experienced your heart starting to compare – with others and other things against God? How is God’s comfort incomparable to creation?

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27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

[v.27-31] Although His people doubted and wearied in their doubt against Him, what does God promise them if they wait in hope upon Him?
*The biblical principle – God’s comfort is the power to wait for Him and run with Him without growing weary. How does God’s comfort come in a time of waiting? When has waiting and hoping upon the Lord resulted in renewed strength to rise up with wings like eagles? Where is God comforting you to spread out your wings to soar with Him courageously over fall weary?

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The central truth of this word was – You have access to incredible power because of your God of all power. Look up! Wait for Him, be comforted by Him, run with Him. Look in! Be convicted. Look around! Creation is calling forth the comfort from its Creator. Comfort comes from the Creator – look up to Him before towards another. Comfort from God is incomparable – nothing is worthy enough to be compared in creation, because it is the power from Him to wait for Him and run with Him in this life without growing weary. For the power of Christ Jesus that is at work within us, be comforted and live to bring His comfort to each other! – *How has the LORD spoken to you today through this?
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Life-Praying
Spend a moment with the holy Spirit. Pray for one another.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)

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6/16 Life Group

6/16/2023

Through It All
Hillsong Worship

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

What Love, My God
CityAlight

What love, my God, would bring You down to earth
What king would take a low and lonely birth
Yet to this dark and broken place You came
To sleep beneath the stars that You had made

What love my God, would send the way of life
To walk the road, rejected and despised
That You might know the weakness I possess
And be my rock of strength and righteousness

O Your love, my God like a flood
As heaven opened up pouring out on us
O praise the King who came to the world
In His love like a mighty flood

What love, my God, could hold You to the tree
To bear that overwhelming debt for me
The Son of heaven leaves the Father's side
The Healer bleeds, the life was made to die

What love my God, so gracious and extreme
Was strong enough to come and fight for me
To go through hell and down into the grave
And raise me up to see You face to face
You raise me up to see You face to face

Life-Sharing

What has God been teaching you through last week’s message – “Comfort, Comfort My People” – from ISAIAH 40:1-11? Read the texts once more and discern what the holy Spirit is desiring to say through it.

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1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
    double for all her sins.

[v.1-2] For the last 39 chapters, God’s message through Isaiah had been largely one of judgment and discipline. But this isn’t the end of His words. What message does the LORD tenderly say, and why ought they embrace it?
*The biblical principle – Comfort is not in becoming comfortable, but in being forgiven. Where is your comfort today? How does forgiveness from God through Jesus Christ leave you in comfort?

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3 A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
    and all flesh shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry!”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
    and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades
    when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
    surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.

[v.3-8] What does the “voice” cry out and say?
*The biblical principle – To receive comfort, the way of the LORD must be prepared and the word of God must be heard. How are you preparing to receive comfort? How are you preparing to hear the word of comfort?

9 Go on up to a high mountain,
    O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
    lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
    “Behold your God!”
10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.

[v.9-11] God’s people are called to go to a high mountain, lift up their voice, and behold who?
*The biblical principle – Behold your Comforter – the LORD God your Shepherd-King. Who are you going to? Who are your eyes lifted up to see as your Comforter? Are you letting the Comforter carry you in His arms and gently lead you today?

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The central truth of this word was – There is a voice in the wilderness of life crying out to offer you comfort. Will you listen and receive it? The comfort that God’s people needed was not relief from ancient warfare, but spiritual warfare from their sins. Comfort is not in becoming comfortable, but in being forgiven. This prepares the way of the LORD for the word of God to be heard and truly comfort our hearts. Our Comforter is none other than our Shepherd-King, who carries us and gently leads us through all our afflictions in His arms. Behold, Your Comforter!
– *How has the LORD spoken to you today through this?
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Life-Praying
Spend a moment with the holy Spirit. Pray for one another.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)

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6/9 Life Group

6/9/2023

My Worth is Not in What I Own
Fernando Ortega, Keith and Kristyn Getty

My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross

My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross

I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest treasure
Wellspring of my soul
And I will trust in Him, no other
My soul is satisfied in Him alone

As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross

I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom's fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross

Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed, my ransom paid
At the cross

I will Trust My Saviour Jesus
CityAlight

I will trust my saviour Jesus
When my darkest doubts befall
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all

I will trust my saviour Jesus
Trust Him when my strength is small
For I know the shield of Jesus
Is the safest place of all

Jesus, only Jesus
Help me trust You more and more
Jesus, only Jesus
May my heart be ever Yours

I will trust my saviour Jesus
He has said His way is best
And I know the path He's chosen
Leads to everlasting rest

Oh on that cross, how it was seen
I can go now ever trusting
in the One who died for me
What could I bring,
for Your gift is complete
So I trust You, simply trust You,
Lord with every part of me

Life-Sharing

What has God been teaching you through last week’s message – “Show Your Treasure” – from ISAIAH 39:1-8? Read the texts once more and discern what the holy Spirit is desiring to say through it.

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1 At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. 2 And Hezekiah welcomed them gladly…

[v.1-2a] Although God had graciously healed and extended Hezekiah’s life by 15 years, what did Hezekiah do when the wicked Babylonian messengers sent him letters and a present?
*The biblical principle – It is possible to receive the grace of God in a time of need, yet turn around to welcome the pleasures of man in a time of plenty. What are you welcoming gladly that is not from the Lord?

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…And he showed them his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his whole armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.

[v.2b] Hezekiah not only welcomed these wicked Babylonian envoys, he also did what?
*The biblical principle – What we show to others is often the unseen treasure within ourselves. What are you showing from the pride within? What is your unseen treasure?

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3 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” Hezekiah said, “They have come to me from a far country, from Babylon.” 4 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”

[v.3-4] The prophet Isaiah now confronts Hezekiah for what he has done. What kind of questions does Isaiah ask in order to bring conviction to Hezekiah?
*The biblical principle – Knowing who your treasure is shown to is a way the holy Spirit brings conviction. Who is your treasure being shown to, where you are willing to not withhold anything from? How does the holy Spirit bring conviction to your heart?

5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 7 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

[v.5-7] What was the Lord’s word and judgment to Hezekiah for his actions?
*The biblical principle – God removes all to become all for us – our highest and only lasting treasure. What is the Lord removing? How is this making Him your all?

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8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

[v.8] A terrible word of judgment from God was announced, yet why was Hezekiah not too concerned with it?
*The biblical principle – What’s far more important than prospering in your days is when you will stand before God on His day. Are you ready for His day? Do you desire for Jesus to come now or stay away a little longer? How can we long for the day of the Lord?

The central truth of this word was – Like Hezekiah, we too have been gifted by God with remaining undeserved years to life. How will we live out this grace? Will we welcome the praises of man or live for the pleasures in Christ? Will we show to others our true unseen treasure, knowing who our treasure is by the holy Spirit’s constant conviction, or hold on to the seen treasures of life? May the LORD remove all to become all – our highest and only lasting treasure. May His day over our days be the living and growing hope, so that we might walk humbly with Him. Until that day, show your treasure! – *How has the LORD spoken to you today through this?
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Life-Praying
Pray for one another.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)

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6/2 Life Group

6/1/2023

In the Valley (Bless the Lord)
CityAlight

When the path that I feared
Is the way He has set
And I long to give in and retreat
Still to Jesus I hold
As I face every step
For the Lord He will give me His peace

Bless the Lord! He will give me His peace
Bless the Lord! He will give me His peace
And if I should remain in the valley today
Bless the Lord, He will give mе His peace

When thе road that I tread
Fills my heart with despair
And it seems that my grief has no end
Still to Jesus I hold
Who will walk with me there
And the Lord He will give me His strength

Bless the Lord! He will give me his strength
Bless the Lord! He will give me his strength
And if I should remain in the valley today
Bless the Lord, He will give me His strength

On the road that You walked
With the weight of the cross
All my pain and my sorrow You held
So to you I shall hold
You redeem every loss
For my Lord, You have given Yourself

Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself
Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself
And if I should remain in the valley today
Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself

Grace
CityAlight

Your grace that leads this sinner home
From death to life forever
And sings the song of righteousness
By blood and not by merit

Your grace that reaches far and wide
To every tribe and nation
Has called my heart to enter in
The joy of Your salvation

By grace, I am redeemed
By grace, I am restored
And now I freely walk
Into the arms of Christ my Lord

Your grace that I cannot explain
Not by my earthly wisdom
The prince of life, without a stain
Was traded for this sinner

Let praise rise up and overflow
My song resound forever
For grace will see me welcomed home
To walk beside my Saviour

*6/2/2023* Young Adult (COLLEGE-POSTGRAD) Life Group guide

EAT. SHARE. PRAY.

Life-Sharing

What has God been teaching you through last week’s message – “Fifteen More Years to Thank You” – from ISAIAH 38:1-22? Read the texts once more and discern what the holy Spirit is desiring to say through it.

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1 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city. 7 “This shall be the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that he has promised: 8 Behold, I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps.” So the sun turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had declined.

[v.1-8] What did King Hezekiah do after hearing from the Lord that he would not recover, but rather die, from his sickness? Because God remembered His promise to David (to give his offspring a house, kingdom, and throne established forever – 2 Samuel 7), how does God show His grace to King Hezekiah?
*The biblical principle – When we measure life in years left over years lived, we too will turn our face to the wall and pray to the LORD. How many years do you have left (according to Psalm 90:10)? How does this change the focus of life and focus of prayer?

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9 A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, after he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness: 10 I said, In the middle of my days I must depart; I am consigned to the gates of Sheol for the rest of my years. 11 I said, I shall not see the Lord, the Lord in the land of the living; I shall look on man no more among the inhabitants of the world. 12 My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd's tent; like a weaver I have rolled up my life; he cuts me off from the loom; from day to night you bring me to an end; 13 I calmed myself until morning; like a lion he breaks all my bones; from day to night you bring me to an end. 14 Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. 15 What shall I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.

[v.9-15] Initially, King Hezekiah thought it was unfair for God to end his life at a young age – “in the middle of his days.” Because he was so focused on extending his temporal life, what filled King Hezekiah’s soul against God?

*The biblical principle – When we are so focused on prolonging this temporal life, we will not see the LORD over death and life. In what ways is the focus of your life on the temporal matters? How do they cloud us from seeing the LORD who exists in eternity?

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16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh restore me to health and make me live! 17 Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back. 18 For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you; those who go down to the pit do not hope for your faithfulness. 19 The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness. 20 The Lord will save me, and we will play my music on stringed instruments all the days of our lives, at the house of the Lord. 21 Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.” 22 Hezekiah also had said, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the Lord?”

[v.16-22] King Hezekiah’s bitter prayer begins to change into thankful praise. What was more concerning to God than the health of his physical body was the sins of his bitter heart. What does King Hezekiah declare about his sins?
*The biblical principle – The problem with death is not in failing health but wretched sins, keeping us from being thankful in God who casts all our sins behind His back. What can you *not* be thankful to God for today? What keeps you from being thankful for it? How can giving thanks to the Lord be the power to heal and save you today?

The central truth of this word was – As given to King Hezekiah, we too have fifteen more years that we shouldn’t have had. Will you live like the owner or the borrower of this grace? When we measure life in how many years we have left over how many we have lived, we too will turn our face to the wall and pray to the LORD. Prolonging this temporal life will not be the focus of life. We will see the LORD over death and life. Failing health will not be the ultimate cause of death, but our wretched sins, keeping us from being thankful in God, who carries us through death into eternal life with Christ. While still on earth, give thanks and live, as we will eternally in heaven! – *How has the LORD spoken to you today through this?
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Life-Praying
Pray for one another.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18)
…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)

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Young Adult (College/Post-Graduate) Life Group, 6:30pm every Friday @ various locations

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