Next Steps--Lesson 14--Live Long & Prosper--Numbers 6

Discussion Questions:

1.     What response do you have to the quote, “I cried when I was born and every day shows why”?  How does living in a world of brokenness, pain and loss help you to see and draw nearer to God?

2.     How does hearing the priestly blessing at the end of service affect you in your walk with the LORD?  What specific promises in the blessing, or which of the three double blessings speak to you most often? (Bless you & keep you; Make face shine upon you & gracious; Lift up His countenance and give you peace)

3.     How does the immediate context of a test for an unfaithful wife and the Nazarite vow help you to better understand how the blessing works in our life?  Why is our response such an important part of receiving the blessing?  How does this tie into the importance of taking the next step with God?

4.     How have you seen God’s blessings be like the atoms in a drop of water?  Tell of a time God overwhelmed you with a blessing that you never saw coming.

5.     How does the imagery of God being a Good Shepherd help you understand His desire to “keep you”?

6.     How is God turning His face towards you Good News?  How difficult do you find it to reciprocate and turn your face towards Him instead of hiding from Him?

7.     Have there been times when you have acted like Jacob and made deals or manipulated receiving a blessing from God?  Why is this not necessary?  How have you experienced God down on your level?

8.     How did hearing Kalap’s, Wayne’s, Jadyn’s experience on trek affect you?  How has your life been like a difficult trek up to a summit?  How would the words of blessing and the promises they hold help you to endure?  How would it help you to rejoice in the struggles?

9.     Is there anything in your life that keeps you from enjoying God’s surprise party and blessings every day?  How can your family, connect group, friends help you with seeing and enjoying more?

Next Steps--Lesson 13--Make It a Double--Isaiah 61 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.     What kinds of things help you remember the way God has acted in your life to bless you?  What kinds of things would your own Dayenu prayer include?

2.     The breakdown of the Passover Dayenu prayer is first remembering being set free from slavery, and then remembering God’s provision in the desert, and then what God provides to draw us nearer to Him.  How have you seen God do the same kinds of things in your own life?

3.     What does it mean to receive a double portion?  What responsibilities come with being first-born and receiving the double portion?  How does this apply to us today?

4.     Why are the Israelites referred to as “prisoners of hope” in Zechariah 9:11-12?  How is seeing God’s response to the rebellion of the Israelites a source of hope to you?  Is there a rebellion in which we have no hope?

5.     Why would Elisha need a double portion of Elijah’s spirit?  How is God providing it another message of the desire God has to restore us to Him?

6.     How does a double rainbow provide a good image of the double blessings God wants to pour into our lives?  What type of blessings would you say are more visible, and which are not as clear?

7.     How has the empty tomb changed your perspective when things seemed to be crashing around you?  Who or what assists you in remembering the empty tomb when you feel overwhelmed?

8.     How does the double blessing or double portion of God’s provision help you take steps of healing?

Next Steps--Lesson 12--How Could You Do This to Me?--Acts 27-28

Discussion Questions:

1.     Tell of a time you felt shipwrecked and snakebit in the same day?  How did you see God use those situations for good?

2.     How have you seen the Holy Spirit act like the wind and blow where it wishes?  In what ways have you fought against the wind and tired yourself out?

3.     God blocked Paul’s way and blew him to a destination he didn’t expect.  How has He done the same thing to you?  How was this act favorable for Paul and for those he encountered in Malta?  How might the same thing be happening when you are blown off course from your plans?

4.     How have you seen God be more concerned with what you are becoming than where you are?  What role does character play in being fit for God’s Kingdom?  Why is this an important thing to remember in your spiritual development?  How did the Israelites struggle with this in the wilderness?

5.     How did the two thieves on the crosses next to Jesus display the importance of looking at our worst day circumstances with eyes of hope and faith in the LORD?  How does this example help you in your own difficult situations?

6.     What kind of story do you believe the Author is writing for you?  How do you know what He is writing?  How does your faith help/hinder you from waiting for Him to reveal the next step?

7.     Why did Paul tell the sailors they had to cut away the lifeboat and let it fall?  What message should we take from what is happening in this shipwreck?  How does hearing other people’s experiences help you to develop a level of trust that enables you to cut away the lifeboat and trust in the LORD?