Next Steps--Lesson 2--Memorials & Moving Forward

Discussion Questions:

1.     How have you seen God’s desire to be actively involved in your life?  What kinds of things has He done to let you know He is with You and wanting to share life with you? 

2.     How has God provided the same type of things He gave to the Israelites as they walked through the wilderness?  What struggles do you have with not noticing or forgetting what God has done for you?

3.     Are there any markers or memorials you have established so your children can ask what they mean and give you the opportunity to tell how God has actively led you or rescued you?  Are there any you should establish so they will not be forgotten?

4.     What role has covenant played in your walk with God?  What kinds of things help you to reaffirm your covenant vows to God and grow in your bond of intimacy with Him?

5.     Are there times you have experienced Ichabod (no glory) due to trying to handle things by your own wisdom and strength?  How have you seen God change times of Ichabod (no glory) into times of Ebenezer (stone of help) in your own life? 

6.     How fitting for this fallen world is it that the Philistines would attack during a time of worship and devotion to God?  How have you seen this take place in your lifetime?  Why did they experience victory in this instance versus when they tried to take the ark of God into battle a few chapters earlier?

7.     Why is it important to build memorials?  Why is it important to recognize that we must continue to move forward from the situation that caused us to build a memorial? 

8.     What struggles have you seen with living in the past instead of moving forward?  How does one have a healthy balance of remembering the past, but not getting stuck in it?