Life Group Resources: Lent - Shoes
Life Group Discussion Guide
Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer asking God to guide your discussion and help the group apply the lessons from the sermon to their lives.
Key Takeaways:
God often calls us to unexpected tasks and opportunities.
Our shoes represent our readiness to serve God and share the gospel.
Holy ground can be found in everyday encounters and acts of service.
God equips those He calls, even when we feel inadequate.
We are called to be prepared and intentional in our walk with Christ.
Discussion Questions:
In the sermon, the pastor mentions Moses' encounter with the burning bush. Have you ever experienced a "burning bush" moment in your life? How did you respond?
The sermon emphasizes that "God does not call the equipped, but God equips the called." Can you share a time when you felt God calling you to do something you didn't feel prepared for? How did God equip you?
The pastor talks about shoes representing our readiness to serve. In what ways are you currently "fitted with readiness" to share the gospel and serve others?
Reflect on the story of Ms. Williams and her grandchildren. How does this story illustrate the concept of finding "holy ground" in unexpected places?
The sermon mentions putting on the "full armor of God" from Ephesians 6. How can we practically apply this concept in our daily lives?
In what areas of your life do you need to "get your shoes on and get stepping" for God?
Practical Applications:
This week, be intentional about looking for opportunities to serve others unexpectedly. Share your experiences with the group next time you meet.
Reflect on your current "spiritual shoes." Are they ready for action? Identify one area where you can improve your readiness to serve and share the gospel.
Practice recognizing "holy ground" in your everyday encounters. Keep a journal of moments where you sensed God's presence in unexpected places or interactions.
Choose one person in your life who might be struggling, like Ms. Williams in the sermon. Brainstorm ways you can support them, and take action this week.
Memorize Ephesians 6:15: "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Reflect on this verse throughout the week.
Closing Prayer: Close the session by praying for each group member to have the courage and readiness to step out in faith, following God's call in their lives.
Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer asking God to guide your discussion and help the group apply the lessons from the sermon to their lives.
Key Takeaways:
God often calls us to unexpected tasks and opportunities.
Our shoes represent our readiness to serve God and share the gospel.
Holy ground can be found in everyday encounters and acts of service.
God equips those He calls, even when we feel inadequate.
We are called to be prepared and intentional in our walk with Christ.
Discussion Questions:
In the sermon, the pastor mentions Moses' encounter with the burning bush. Have you ever experienced a "burning bush" moment in your life? How did you respond?
The sermon emphasizes that "God does not call the equipped, but God equips the called." Can you share a time when you felt God calling you to do something you didn't feel prepared for? How did God equip you?
The pastor talks about shoes representing our readiness to serve. In what ways are you currently "fitted with readiness" to share the gospel and serve others?
Reflect on the story of Ms. Williams and her grandchildren. How does this story illustrate the concept of finding "holy ground" in unexpected places?
The sermon mentions putting on the "full armor of God" from Ephesians 6. How can we practically apply this concept in our daily lives?
In what areas of your life do you need to "get your shoes on and get stepping" for God?
Practical Applications:
This week, be intentional about looking for opportunities to serve others unexpectedly. Share your experiences with the group next time you meet.
Reflect on your current "spiritual shoes." Are they ready for action? Identify one area where you can improve your readiness to serve and share the gospel.
Practice recognizing "holy ground" in your everyday encounters. Keep a journal of moments where you sensed God's presence in unexpected places or interactions.
Choose one person in your life who might be struggling, like Ms. Williams in the sermon. Brainstorm ways you can support them, and take action this week.
Memorize Ephesians 6:15: "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Reflect on this verse throughout the week.
Closing Prayer: Close the session by praying for each group member to have the courage and readiness to step out in faith, following God's call in their lives.
5 Day Bible Reading Guide
Day 1: Encountering the Holy Reading: Exodus 3:1-15
Devotional: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush reminds us that we can experience God's presence in unexpected places and moments. Just as Moses was asked to remove his sandals on holy ground, we too are called to approach God with reverence and openness. Today, be attentive to the "burning bushes" in your life - those moments where God may be trying to get your attention. How might God be calling you to a deeper relationship or a new purpose? Reflect on times you've felt God's presence unexpectedly and consider how you can cultivate a greater awareness of the holy in your everyday life.
Day 2: Equipped for Service Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: Paul's imagery of the armor of God, particularly the "shoes fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace," echoes the sermon's emphasis on being prepared to serve. God doesn't always call the equipped, but He equips the called. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate for the tasks God gives us, but He promises to be with us and provide what we need. Today, consider what "shoes" God is calling you to put on. Are you ready to step out in faith to share God's love and peace with others? Pray for the courage to say "yes" to God's call, trusting that He will equip you for whatever lies ahead.
Day 3: Compassion in Action Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Devotional: The story of the church helping Ms. Williams and her grandchildren illustrates how we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. When we serve others, especially those in need, we often find ourselves on holy ground. Jesus teaches that when we care for "the least of these," we are serving Him. Today, be alert to opportunities to show compassion. It might be through a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness. How can you use your "shoes" - your resources, time, or talents - to make a difference in someone's life? Remember, every act of love, no matter how small, can be a powerful witness to God's presence in the world.
Day 4: Walking in Faith Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6
Devotional: Faith often requires us to step out into the unknown, just as Moses did when he answered God's call. Hebrews 11 reminds us of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have walked by faith before us. Their stories encourage us to trust God even when the path ahead is unclear. Today, reflect on your own journey of faith. What steps is God asking you to take that require trust? It might be forgiving someone, starting a new ministry, or simply being more open about your faith with others. Ask God for the courage to walk forward in faith, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.
Day 5: Proclaiming Good News Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Devotional: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." This passage celebrates those who proclaim God's message of peace and salvation. As followers of Christ, we are all called to be bearers of this good news. Our "shoes" are meant to carry us to places where hope is needed. Today, consider how you can be a messenger of God's love and hope. It might be through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or simply by living in a way that reflects God's character. Pray for opportunities to share the good news, and for the wisdom to know how to do so in ways that are genuine and respectful.
Day 1: Encountering the Holy Reading: Exodus 3:1-15
Devotional: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush reminds us that we can experience God's presence in unexpected places and moments. Just as Moses was asked to remove his sandals on holy ground, we too are called to approach God with reverence and openness. Today, be attentive to the "burning bushes" in your life - those moments where God may be trying to get your attention. How might God be calling you to a deeper relationship or a new purpose? Reflect on times you've felt God's presence unexpectedly and consider how you can cultivate a greater awareness of the holy in your everyday life.
Day 2: Equipped for Service Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: Paul's imagery of the armor of God, particularly the "shoes fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace," echoes the sermon's emphasis on being prepared to serve. God doesn't always call the equipped, but He equips the called. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate for the tasks God gives us, but He promises to be with us and provide what we need. Today, consider what "shoes" God is calling you to put on. Are you ready to step out in faith to share God's love and peace with others? Pray for the courage to say "yes" to God's call, trusting that He will equip you for whatever lies ahead.
Day 3: Compassion in Action Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Devotional: The story of the church helping Ms. Williams and her grandchildren illustrates how we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. When we serve others, especially those in need, we often find ourselves on holy ground. Jesus teaches that when we care for "the least of these," we are serving Him. Today, be alert to opportunities to show compassion. It might be through a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness. How can you use your "shoes" - your resources, time, or talents - to make a difference in someone's life? Remember, every act of love, no matter how small, can be a powerful witness to God's presence in the world.
Day 4: Walking in Faith Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6
Devotional: Faith often requires us to step out into the unknown, just as Moses did when he answered God's call. Hebrews 11 reminds us of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have walked by faith before us. Their stories encourage us to trust God even when the path ahead is unclear. Today, reflect on your own journey of faith. What steps is God asking you to take that require trust? It might be forgiving someone, starting a new ministry, or simply being more open about your faith with others. Ask God for the courage to walk forward in faith, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.
Day 5: Proclaiming Good News Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Devotional: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." This passage celebrates those who proclaim God's message of peace and salvation. As followers of Christ, we are all called to be bearers of this good news. Our "shoes" are meant to carry us to places where hope is needed. Today, consider how you can be a messenger of God's love and hope. It might be through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or simply by living in a way that reflects God's character. Pray for opportunities to share the good news, and for the wisdom to know how to do so in ways that are genuine and respectful.
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