Shepherd of the Valley Messages Shepherd of the Valley

-What aspects of last week’s teaching are most challenging for you? Gratitude, lament or asking?



-What stories do you have of answered prayer? Or unanswered prayer?



Read John 10:2-5



-In this passage Jesus has just healed the eyes of a blind man and uncovered the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders. He says that she sheep know their shepherd’s voice. How have you dicerned God’s voice from other voices in your life?



-In what ways have you tried to listen for his voice?



-Of the ways listed in the sermon, how do you primarily hear from God?



 

Share a gift you asked for growing up. Did you receive it or not? How did it feel when you did or didn’t receive it?



Read Luke 11:5-9. Talk through this parable of Jesus. 



Make observations about the characters and details of the story.

What is the main point of the parable? 



Read Luke 11:9-13.



What are we invited to do in this passage? 

What does it look like to put this into practice in our lives?



The Phrase “How much more” is key to understanding this passage. 



What do you think the parable by Jesus is meant to communicate about the character and nature of God? 

Do you think our beliefs about God shape our prayers to God? If so, how? If not, why? How might these passages inform our view of God? 

How do we understand this passage in light of things we ask for from God, but don’t receive? 



This week, the invitation is to bring your whole selves to God. In addition to incorporating the Lord’s Prayer into your day, take a few minutes to bring God all your concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams to Him

-What emotion does the word “prayer” stir in your heart? What challenges do you face in prayer?



Read Matthew 6:5-13  and Luke 11:1-11



-What do you notice about Jesus’ internal picture of God’s Character? 



-What are some of the key elements of how to pray according to these passages?



-What invitation do you sense from God to go deeper in prayer?

Which of these groups of infamous friends has the strongest friendship? Why?



Batman and Robin? (DC Comics)

Buzz Light Year and Woody? (Toy Story)

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy? 



Share about a time that someone was particularly encouraging to you. How did it impact you? 



Read Acts 9:26-27. What role did Barnabas play when Saul (turned Paul) tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem? Why do you think Barnabas decided to support Saul despite the fears of the other disciples? 



How might we fight our tendency to want to support and agree with our friends in moments that they may need us to share a harder truth for their benefit? 



What is the line between “just saying it like it is” and speaking truth in love? 



How might benefit from an encouraging word or time with you in the near future? Reach out and make it happen!

-Describe a time in your life when you really needed a friend.



-Read Proverbs 17:17, 27:6, 27:9-10 - Who in your life has been this kind of friend to you and how?



-Talk about a time you have been able to be a good friend to someone in a challenging season.



-Read John 15:9-17 - What aspects of Jesus command to love are most challenging to incorporate into our friendships?



 

-Think about one of your close friends. How did you meet and become friends? What leads you to consider them a close friend now? 



-Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4. What do you know about the Jonathan and David friendship? What do you think is the significance of their commitment to one another? How does it affect their friendship? 



-How do you respond to the C.S. Lewis quote: “To be loved is to be vulnerable.” Do you agree with this comment? How has vulnerability played a role in your relationships? 



-Read John 15:14-16. What does it mean to have friendship with God? How can friendship with God have an influence on our other relationships?



-Do you have friends that spur you on in faith? Can you share about a time when a friend did that for you? If you don’t, what might keep you from a relationship like that?