Psalm 135:1-21

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• To better understand and read the Psalms, watch this video.

• For additional perspective on being transformed, read this article.

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• Today’s verses urge us to “Praise the Lord.” How can praising Him help you share God with others this week?

• Make a list of things you’re grateful to God for. Intentionally share your gratitude with anyone God has put on your list.

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• If we become like what we behold, in what ways does treasuring anything above God actually hinder our transformation?

• Try using the suggested approach pursue transformation: 1.Name your idols (confession)

  2.Neuter your idols (identify how weak/destructive they are). 3.Replace your idols by praising Jesus, thanking Him for prevailing!

• Explore Mark 12:28-34 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Luke 6:43-49

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• Dive deeper into the treasure we find in God through this article.

• Copy James 1:22 on a card. Read it every morning when you wake and every evening before bed, until you know it by heart.

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• What do your words reveal about what is in your heart (Luke 6:45)? What good treasure can you speak into another person’s life this week?

• Who needs to hear about how Jesus treasured you? How can telling others about Jesus help you treasure God more?

Connect

• How does trauma reveal whether we have built our lives on the words of God or on the shifting sand of culture? Share examples of both in your own life. How are they different?

• Words are cheap when you’re not doing what you say. What words and actions do you need to commit to saying and doing in this new year?

Genesis 22:13-14, Joshua 4:21-24

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• Set aside time this week to reflect on the “God stories” in your life from this year. Write them down and journal how you have grown spiritually through these “God stories.”

• If you’re having trouble seeing God’s work in your life, listen to this song and delight in the Lord inviting you to come to Him: search “Come You Unfaithful” (Michael Boggs).

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• Who can you share one of your “God stories” with this week to encourage them, even if you don’t know them well or aren’t sure what they believe spiritually.

Connect

• Who in your “community” can you invite over to your home or meet up with for coffee to reflect on “God stories” with? Then prayerfully consider together how you desire for God to move in your lives in 2025!

Luke 2:1-21; 1:26-38; and Matthew 1:18-2:13

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• Read more about “What Child is This?” in this article.

• Why was the baby’s birth proclaimed to shepherds?  Here are 5 reasons to consider.

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• Who do YOU say the Child is? How can you share the wonder that He is our Savior and King in words or actions this week?

• Jesus, in humility, came as a baby to bring us salvation. How can you humbly put others before yourself this week?

Connect

• Listen to this hymn several times. Journal or discuss how this song helps you revere Christ even more.

• Read Psalm 130:4. Discuss what this stanza means to you personally: “Good Christian, fear: for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading.”