Shepherd of the Valley Messages

Opener 1. Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you, only to have someone point it out? What happened? 2. When do you feel most aware, attentive, or present in your everyday life? What helps you slow down enough to notice what is going on around you? Discussion 1. Read 1 Kings 19:11-12. Elijah expected to encounter God in dramatic displays of power, but God came in a gentle whisper. Why do you think we are often drawn to the spectacular while God frequently works through the subtle? 2. One of the themes from this week’s message was that hearing God is often less about learning a special skill and more about growing in awareness of a relationship that already exists. 3. Read John 17:3 and John 14:26. How does it change your understanding of “hearing God” when you think of it primarily as growing in relationship rather than receiving special messages? 4. Jane shared that Jesus restored more than forgiveness; He restored our ability to live in ongoing communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Looking at the “Journey of Restoration” diagram, which part of the journey stands out to you most right now: Creation, The Fall, The Cross, The Holy Spirit Given, or The Invitation? Why? 5. The sermon also explored how our minds, emotions, bodies, and life experiences affect our ability to recognize God’s presence. Looking at the “Nervous State” diagram, what stood out to you? Have you ever noticed that stress, fear, exhaustion, or anxiety affected your ability to experience peace, pray, or discern God’s leading? 6. Discernment thrives in safety. The goal is not achieving certainty but growing in trust, awareness, and connection with God. Jane talked about practices such as reflection, imagination, journaling, movement, and slowing down. Which of these feels most natural to you? Which one stretches you outside your comfort zone? Application This week, set aside 5-10 minutes each day to slow down and become aware of God’s presence. What specific practice will you try (silence, Scripture reflection, journaling, imaginative prayer, gratitude, walking, or another practice), and when will you do it? Close in Prayer Spend time thanking God that through Jesus He has already come near and given us His Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help each person become more aware of His presence, recognize His gentle guidance, and grow in confidence that they are never walking alone.

Opener 1. Have you ever received directions from someone and then realized later you misunderstood what they meant? What happened? 2. Think of a time when you had an important decision to make. What were some of the things you considered before moving forward? Discussion 1. Read Acts 15:1-29, paying particular attention to verse 28. What stands out to you about the way the early church made decisions? What did they seem to rely on as they discerned God’s direction together? 2. The sermon introduced five “beacons” the Holy Spirit often uses to guide us: Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, and wisdom/circumstances. Which of these five beacons do you tend to trust most naturally? Which one do you tend to overlook or neglect? 3. Rather than relying on a single feeling, dream, or coincidence, the early church looked for multiple indicators pointing in the same direction. Why do you think God often guides us through a process of discernment rather than simply giving us immediate certainty? What does that require from us? 4. One of the sermon’s key ideas was that hearing God is not just about receiving guidance but becoming the kind of person who listens. Read Colossians 3:15-17. How do gratitude, surrender, and obedience affect our ability to recognize and respond to God’s leading? 5. Looking back on your life, can you think of a time when several of the “beacons” aligned and helped bring clarity to a situation? What did you learn from that experience? Application 1. Which of the five beacons—Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, or wisdom/circumstances—would you like to pay closer attention to this week? What is one practical step you can take? Close in Prayer Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to make you more attentive to His voice. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a surrendered heart that is willing to follow wherever Jesus leads. Ask God to use His Word, prayer, community, and everyday circumstances to help each person grow in recognizing His guidance.

Opener 1. When you wanted to do something as a kid, did you have a specific parent you went to first to ask for permission? What made you choose one over the other? 2. What are the different names, titles, or nicknames people call you depending on the setting (e.g., at work, at home, by old childhood friends)? What does the various names say about your relationship or role in that environment? Discussion 1. Read Matthew 3:13-17. If you were standing on the banks of the Jordan River witnessing this moment firsthand, what would your impression be? What does this scene show us about the distinct presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working all at once? Look at the roles highlighted in the sermon: God the Father: Creator, Protector, Provider. God the Son: Redeemer, closer than a brother, shows us the Father’s heart. God the Holy Spirit: Comforter, Guide, the one who empowers us to follow Jesus. 2. Which person of the Trinity do you naturally find it easiest to relate to right now? Which role do you feel you need to experience more deeply this week? The Trinity is three distinct persons but ONE God. When we ask the practical question, “Who do I pray to? Father? Son? Holy Spirit?”, the sermon’s ultimate answer is a resounding “YES!” because prayer is fundamentally about relationship. 3. How does shifting your focus from a theological puzzle to an invitation into a relationship change the way you talk to God this week? How has this week’s sermon about the Trinity and the Holy Spirit grown you? What questions does it raise? Application 1. What does it look like for you to invite the Holy Spirit to be your Guide and Helper, and the one who empowers you to walk with Jesus this week? Close in Prayer Spend time in prayer freeing ourselves from the anxiety of “getting prayer right”. Thank God for drawing us into relationship with Him , and ask the Holy Spirit to comfortably guide, help, and empower everyone to walk closely with Jesus this week.  

Opener: When you think of famous movie endings, what do you think of? What made that ending so impactful. Discussion: 1. Read John 14:25-30. If you were in the room when Jesus was saying these words what would your impression be? What would be your understanding of the Holy Spirit? 2. Read Acts 1:8. What is your understanding of the type of power we receive from the Holy Spirit? Is there a gap between your belief and your experience? 3. Do you have a tendency to rely on other parts of your faith (worship, Scripture, community) over the Holy Spirit? How can you increase your dependence on the Spirit? 4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit speak through Scripture? Discuss the partnership between people and the Spirit. 5. We can use Scripture to understand God’s character, hear His voice, love others, and test our experience. What might each of these things look like practically in our lives? Close in prayer asking for power from the Holy Spirit.

Opener 1. Choose one word that describes: Your week. Your relationship with God. 2. What is a word or phrase that you used to – or still do – mispronounce? Discussion Questions 1. Read Proverbs 12:18. The sermon described words as being like “swords” that can deeply wound others. Why do you think words can impact us so powerfully? Have you experienced words that hurt—or healed—you for a long time afterward? 2. Read Luke 6:43-45 Jesus says, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” What do you think Jesus means by that? What is the difference between behavior modification and transformation when it comes to our words? 3. What unhealthy heart issues tend to show up through people’s words (anger, insecurity, pride, fear, bitterness, etc.)? Which do you most commonly notice in yourself? 4. The sermon also described words as “seeds.” Think about a person whose words helped shape your life in a positive way. What did they say that made such an impact? 5. Jesus consistently noticed and spoke to people one at a time. Who in your life right now may need intentional encouragement, affirmation, or life-giving words from you? What will you do about it? Going Deeper 1. What keeps you from speaking more encouraging words to others? Does the perspective of words as seeds change your motivation? 2. What is the difference between flattering words and truly life-giving words rooted in love and truth? 3. In what kinds of environments do words most easily become “swords” for you (home, parenting, marriage, church, online interactions, work, stress, exhaustion, etc.)? What would it look like to invite Jesus into that space? Live It Out 1. Spiritual Practice: Before conversations, pray: “God, guide my words and help me listen.” 2. Practicing Presence Tip: Listen more than you speak—aim for 70% listening, 30% talking. 3. Holy Inconvenience: Think of someone who drains you a bit… and invite them to coffee or a conversation. Prayer Prompt Have each person share one relationship or conversation where they need wisdom and grace with their words. Pray that God would transform our hearts so that our words become seeds of life, hope, and significance for others.

Opener: What’s one gathering or celebration from your life that you still remember fondly? What made it meaningful? Who is someone that naturally brings joy, warmth, or encouragement into a room? What makes their presence impactful? Discussion Questions: 1. In Luke 5:27–32, what stands out to you about Levi’s response to following Jesus? Why do you think his first instinct was to throw a party and invite his friends? 2. What was your initial response the first time you started following Jesus? Was it similar or different from Levi’s? 3. Read Luke 7:34-50. What does the title “a friend of sinners” reveal about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus’ actions offended the religious leaders? What kind of parallels can you see in our world today? 4. In the sermon, we talked about how Jesus genuinely enjoyed being around people. Would you say that’s true about you? What is the difference between tolerating and enjoying someone? 5. In what ways as a church community (both when we gather and individually) are we good at celebrating others and in what ways might we need to grow? Go Deeper 1. Jesus consistently moved toward people others avoided. Who are the kinds of people our culture tends to overlook, avoid, dismiss, or keep at a distance today? What makes moving toward them difficult? 2. The sermon mentioned the loneliness and isolation many people experience today. How have you seen loneliness affect people in your life, workplace, neighborhood, or family? How do you think your presence might make a difference? Live It Out Take time to discuss with your group how you will live it out this week, using the following elements: 1. Spiritual Practice: Write down 3–5 people you’re grateful for and thank God for them by name each day this week. Consider sending a text or mailing a card to each one throughout the week. 2. Practicing Presence Tip: Look for moments to enjoy people—not just help, fix, or serve them. 3. Holy Inconvenience: Bring a little joy into an ordinary space this week—a break room, neighborhood gathering, workplace, classroom, or hangout spot. Bring a treat, linger longer than normal, start a conversation, or create a small moment of celebration. Prayer Prompt Invite each person to quietly think of one person they want to move toward relationally this week, and how they could do that. Pray together: “Jesus, thank You for moving toward us with grace, joy, and love. Help us become people whose presence reflects Your kindness and welcome. Give us eyes to see those around us, courage to make space for others, and hearts that genuinely delight in people the way You do. Amen.”

One at a Time In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us guidance on how to treat people who mistreat us. In short, his teaching is to go the extra mile and meet people with radical generosity. Today, we can love one at a time by going above and beyond for the person in front of us. For The One Vision: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we walk with each one in our communities so that together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be. Opener: 1. What was the game your family played the most growing up? 2. In what ways are you most tempted to “keep score” in your relationships? Discussion Questions: 1. According to Tim Mackie, in Matthew 5 Jesus is “exposing injustice through shocking generosity.” What is your reaction to how Jesus advises his listeners (read Matthew 5:38-43 if you need a refresher)? What might going the extra mile look like in today’s context, or specifically in your life? 2. In Matthew 5:43-48, what is Jesus teaching about how we are to treat one another? How does this passage encourage or challenge you? 3. Read Luke 10:25-37. Where do you see overlap between this teaching and Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5? What is Jesus’ posture around the Law from these two passages? 4. Discuss the ways in which Jesus goes the extra mile. How does he embody what it means to love others beyond what they deserve? What has he done for you? 5. Is feeling love a necessary part of acting out of love? Go Deeper: 1. Is there a difference between those who were considered enemies in Jesus’ day and who we consider to be our enemies today? What makes someone “an enemy”? 2. Are there challenges to going the extra mile today that are different from in Jesus’ time? What obstacles get in the way of going the extra mile? Explain. Live it Out Section: Take some time in group to discuss how you will live it out this week Spiritual Practice: Pray each day for someone you find difficult to love. Practicing Presence Tip: When someone frustrates you, choose curiosity instead of reaction. Ask: What might be going on in their world? Holy Inconvenience: Do something this week that isn’t your responsibility—at work, at home, or for a neighbor. Prayer Prompt: Have each member share a name (if possible) and specifically pray for someone they feel called to love this week. Pray that God will help each of us go the extra mile.

Jesus regularly changed lives, not in crowds but in proximity—one person at a time. In this first week of our One at a Time series, we explore how following Jesus means noticing who is already right in front of us. For the One vision: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will walk with each one in our communities so that together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be. If we want to live out this vision it has to start small. It starts near. It starts now. It starts with one person. Opener: 1. If you could instantly master one “people skill” (remembering names, listening well, small talk, etc.), what would it be and why? 2. Think of a time you were around someone—maybe a coworker, neighbor, or even someone in your family—and later realized you barely connected with them. What are your feelings around that experience?    Discussion Questions: 1. Read Luke 8:40–42, 49–56. What stands out to you about Jesus being interrupted on the way to Jairus’ house? What might your reactions be in this situation? 2. Read Mark 5:25–34. Why does Jesus allow himself to be interrupted by the bleeding woman when He is already on an urgent mission? How might God be working in what feels like interruptions in your life right now? 3. In the sermon, we talked about the great power of availability. Do you agree with this notion? How could this challenge the way our culture defines importance or significance? 4. Share about a time when someone made themselves available to you in a meaningful way. What lessons can you take from that experience? 5. The sermon emphasized “proximity” as a key part of following Jesus. Who are 1–2 people that God has already placed in your “proximity” this season? Go Deeper: 1. If “loving your neighbor” is less about finding the right person and more about responding to your current proximity, how does that change how you view your everyday schedule? 2. What might be keeping you from fully engaging with the people God has already placed near you (distraction, busyness, discomfort, assumptions, etc.)? When do you find it hardest to engage with people in your daily life?    Live It Out: 1.Spiritual Practice: Set a daily silent alarm. When it goes off, pause and pray for whoever is closest to you at that moment. 2. Practicing Presence Tip: When you feel rushed or distracted, slow down and notice who’s in front of you. 3. Holy Inconvenience: Skip the drive-thru or self-checkout once this week. Take time to go inside and have a real interaction with someone. Reflection:  Take this short survey to help you reflect on your relationship with the Holy Spirit and help us better support and equip you. Thank you! Note: This may look familiar from last fall. If so, take this survey again to reflect on your growth and understanding of the Holy Spirit as we progress through our For the One vision. Your email will only be used to send you a copy of your response. Prayer Prompt: Invite each person in the group to quietly identify one person by first name. Pray this prayer together: Lord, open my eyes to see (this person) the way You see them. Give me awareness of their needs, courage to move toward them, and love that reflects Jesus in my proximity. Amen. 

Opening: Share a story about the coolest place you’ve ever been. Share about a time someone has helped you when you’ve been in need. What was that experience like? Scripture: Read Matthew 13:31-45. What attributes are these parables trying to communicate about the Kingdom of God? When we say the Kingdom of God/heaven what do we mean? Where have you seen the Kingdom? Read Ephesians 1:15-23. What is Paul saying about Jesus in this passage? How does he connect it to the church (us)? What are the implications of the church being Christ’s body through which he speaks and acts (Ephesians 1:23, MSG version)? Does that change how you view “being the church at all?” Live it Out: Is there a way in which God is calling you to move from surviving to thriving? If you are Christ’s body, what is a way that Christ is calling you to represent him in the world this week? How can you bring a seed of the Kingdom? Close in prayer

Icebreaker 1. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done physically? 2. What stuck out to you from the Chosen service this week? Scripture: 1. Read Matthew 25:34-40. What role do these words play in your faith? 2. What does verse 40 mean by the “least of these?” 3. Read James 2:14-26 Why do you think James wrote these words to his original audience? What has changed for us today? 4. How do we balance these words of doing good works and being saved by grace? Live it Out: 1. What does it mean to be grace forward? 2. In what ways has God reminded you that you’re not alone? 3. Identify and share one way you can love like Jesus loves and serve like Jesus serves this week. Close in prayer

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