Advertise on podcast: Shepherd of the Valley Messages

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  What is something you’re looking forward to in the next month? As we approach the end of the Here I Am series, what are your reflections or learnings? Discussion Questions  What stuck out to you about the message? Read Matthew 13:44–46. What does this passage tell us about the Kingdom of Heaven and how we should invest in it? (For a short explanation of the Kingdom look at this video: bibleproject.com/videos/gospel–kingdom) Read Luke 12:31–21. What is going through the mind of the rich man? Do you think his actions are reasonable? Do you see parallels to our behaviors today? Why does Jesus warn about greed in this passage? Where do we see greed today? How do we know if we’re greedy or not? Read Luke 12:21 What does it mean to be rich toward God? Can we have a lot stored up for ourselves and still be rich toward God? What sorts of things do we see people “store up?” What are good and bad things to store up? Compare the two parables together. What invitation might God be inviting you to when considering these passages? Prayer Practice Practice popcorn prayer. As a group, join hands to pray. Each person is invited to pray, whether a single word or a few sentences. Once you are done or if you wish to pass, simply squeeze the hand of the person next to you to pass the prayer.

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  Share a high and a low from your week. Share about a time you were the recipient of someone else’s generosity. Discussion Questions What stuck out to you about the message? Read 2 Kings 4:1–7. Put yourself in the widow’s position. What would you have been thinking or feeling in her position before and after Elisha’s words? What does the widow know about God? How does God provide for the widow in the story? How might this give us insight into the ways in which God wants to provide for us? Read 2 Corinthians 4:7–12. What is the writer, Paul, expressing in this passage? How does this shape our expectation of what our lives will be like as Christians? How do we see the provision of God in this passage? How is it similar or different to the widow’s story? Is it easy or challenging for you to view God as a provider? Why or why not, and does that change depending on specific areas of your life? How would our generosity change if we saw God as providing everything we need? Prayer Practice Have each person write down something they need God to provide (and share if comfortable). Say a prayer thanking God for giving us everything we need.

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  What is something memorable you saved up to purchase? Did you get an allowance as a kid? Discussion Questions What stuck out to you about the message? Read Exodus 35:4–5. Why do you think God asked the whole community to be a part of building the Tabernacle? Read Exodus 35:20–22. What role does willingness and being “moved in your heart” have to do with generosity? Why does God care about the manner in which we give? Read Exodus 36:6–7. What is unique about this instance? Why do you think stories like this feel so rare today? What does this story show us about God’s heart for generosity? What makes you resistant or open to being generous? What is the line between invitation and manipulation? Does it matter what your attitude is when you give (if you’re joyful, hesitant, begrudging). Why or why not? Prayer Practice Read Psalm 65 aloud, using it as a prayer of thanksgiving.

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  What is a high and a low of your week? What are your thoughts or feelings on the Here I Am initiative so far? Discussion Questions What stuck out to you about the message? Read Exodus 2:1–17. What are some complicating factors when it comes to Moses’ past. What might we say would disqualify Moses from being called to lead the Israelites? Read Exodus 3:11–12. What is Moses’ initial response to being called by God? What is God’s response to Moses? Do you believe God’s same words are true for you today? Read Exodus 4:10–17. Why do you think God is upset at Moses for his questions? What does this show both about God’s character and about how he provides? In what ways is Moses’ story relatable to you? If you’re comfortable sharing, are there parts of your past or insecurities that hold you back from being used by God? Why do those things still have power over us when we know God is all–powerful? How might God want to use our past experiences? Over these three weeks, have you felt more equipped or available to be used by God? Are there any ways you’ve responded to God in that area? Prayer Practice Write down an insecurity or limitation that holds you back. Put it in a bowl and have everyone from the group randomly select one. Take a minute to anonymously pray about each one.

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  What is a rhythm you are hoping to get into or reengage this fall? Is there a word or phrase that you or someone in your family misheard or mispronounced? Discussion Questions What stuck out to you about the message? Read 1 Samuel 3:1–10. Why might Samuel have had a hard time understanding God was calling him? Does hearing God’s voice today feel similar or different from this scene? Eli helps Samuel discern God’s voice. What is discernment, and how can we use it to hear God’s voice today? What does it mean to be “called” or have “a calling?” Is that something everyone receives or is it only for specific people? Read 1 Samuel 3:10–14, after this call, Samuel will become a great prophet and leader, but he will not always be popular with the people. Do you think Samuel would have agreed to God’s plan if he knew all that it entailed? Why do you think God doesn’t always give us the full picture? (watch this short video if you’d like more context on the book of Samuel: bibleproject.com/videos/1–samuel) What is Eli’s role in this story? How can you invite others to guide you in your faith story? Who might be an “Eli” in your life who can help you hear the voice of God? Prayer Practice Practice Lectio Divina, a process of reading Scripture three times and listening to what God might be saying through it. Have three different people read. Read Proverbs 16:1–9. First, listen for a word or phrase that sticks out to you. Second, what feeling or emotion comes to mind? Third, what might God be inviting you to?

Click here to view the guidebook Icebreaker  Introduce yourself to the group, and share about a highlight of the fall so far. What’s something you’ve done in your life that you felt unqualified for? Discussion Questions Share something that stuck out to you about the message. Read Isaiah 6:1–8. Put yourself in Isaiah’s shoes. What would you be thinking or feeling if you were him? What does Isaiah mean about unclean lips? In what ways are we prone to count ourselves out from being used by God? What changes Isaiah’s perspective to be able to say “here I am?” Do you think God wants to use us in a similar way? Why or why not? Do you have availability in your life to be used by God? Why or why not? What are some common reasons people feel they can’t or won’t be used by God? What is the balance between God’s role and our responsibility when it comes to being used by God? How might we know when God is calling us to something? Prayer Practice Set a timer for one to three minutes (whatever your group is comfortable with). Spend that time praying and telling God that you’re available to be used by Him. Share afterward what that experience was like.

Icebreaker  What is something you were really into as a kid? Observation: Read Judges 13:24–25. What does this passage tell us about Samson before he ever does anything significant? What had God already done or called him to? Read Judges 14:1–3. What do you notice about what Samson wants, what his parents want, and what God wants? Where is the tension? Read Judges 14:6, 19 and 15:14–15. What do these passages show us about Samson’s strength? How does he use the strength God has given him? Read Judges 15:6–7 and 16:28–30. What seems to motivate Samson throughout these chapters? How would you describe the difference between Samson’s earlier actions and his final prayer? Application Samson was set apart, but he became increasingly comfortable with things God had called him to confront. Where do you see that tension in his story? How does that show up in our lives? Which of these three movements do you find most challenging to recognize in yourself: Complacency over conviction, Using your strength for yourself rather than others, Living for your appetite. What is one area of life where you are tempted to say, “It’s probably fine,” even though you sense God asking you to make a different choice? Samson was a deeply flawed deliverer, yet God still used him to rescue his people. What does Samson’s story teach us about God’s willingness to love and rescue people who are far from perfect? In light of this story, how does the gospel of Jesus help form the way you think about yourself and those around you?

Icebreaker  What is one everyday thing you would hate to lose? Do you have a team or an event where you’d consider yourself a fair-weather fan? Observation: Read Daniel 6:1–10. What stands out to you about Daniel’s reputation and the way he responds when the king’s decree is announced? Daniel 6:10 says Daniel prayed “just as he had done before.” Why do you think those four words are significant? What do they tell us about Daniel’s response to the crisis? Read Daniel 1:8 and Daniel 6:10 together. What connection do you see between “Daniel resolved…” and “just as he had done before”? Application Daniel’s faithfulness in chapter 6 wasn’t created in the lions’ den—it had been formed over decades. How can we cultivate a faith that can stand over the long run? Why is it tempting for our faith to become “fair-weather faith”—strong when circumstances are favorable but shaken when things go badly? How do we avoid that? In what area of your life are you least likely to want to “pay the cost” to remain faithful to God – comfort, reputation, relationships, money, control, security, etc. What is one practice you could establish now that would help anchor your faith when the “weather” eventually changes? Close in Prayer Take a few moments of silence and ask: “God, where am I trying to control an outcome that I need to entrust to you?” Then pray together for the courage to be faithful regardless of the outcome.

Icebreaker  Are you more of a planner or a spontaneous person? What frustrates you about the other type? If you could know one thing about your future, what would it be? Observation: Read Judges 6:11-12, and put yourself in Gideon’s shoes. What is he feeling? How does this relate to or challenge your understanding of being led by God? Read Judges 6:36-40. Why do you think Gideon tests God? Read Deuteronomy 6:16. What does this reveal about Gideon and about God? Read Judges 7:1-3. Why does God want Gideon to reduce his army? Do you relate to that reasoning? How does God respond to Gideon’s uncertainty throughout the text? What does God do and what does God not do? Application The sermon suggested that when we ask God for guidance, what we really want is a guarantee. Can you think of a time this was true for you? How do you discern between waiting for guidance but not waiting for a guarantee? What does it look like to trust God without certainty? Do we ever have certainty when it comes to faith? While God doesn’t promise certainty, he does promise his presence. Why is this so valuable? How might that grow us towards Jesus more than a guarantee? Where in your life could God be asking you to take a faithful step without a guarantee? Close in Prayer Share one area of your life where you are desiring certainty. Pray for each of those things and ask God how you might hand over that desire to him. Consider one step you might take this week as a sign of trust in God.

Icebreaker  What’s the one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever shared with someone? When was the last time you made a conscious change in your life? Observation: If you need a refresher watch this one minute video: https://bibleproject.com/videos/character-insight-john-baptizer/ Read Matthew 3:1-3. If you were hearing John’s words, what would your response or assumption be to John’s message? Read Matthew 3:7-10. Why do you think John has such a strong reaction to the Pharisees and Sadducees? How is he communicating a message of God’s judgement here? Read Matthew 3:11-12. In what ways is John suggesting that Jesus is greater than John? What is the difference between baptism with water versus fire and the Holy Spirit? Application What surprised you the most about the John the Baptist story? How would you describe repentance? Did this message change your perspective on repentance? John called people to be baptised as preparation for the new thing God is doing. In your life, do you have a posture or expectation that God is going to do something new? How might this perspective change how you interact with your faith? How do we understand God’s message of judgement and mercy? Close in Prayer