Month: January 2025

Who Is In Your Disciple ‘Tree’?

Peyton and I spoke after church on Sunday and he thought this would be a good topic. It’s based on the sermon Sunday and is consistent with our ongoing efforts to be intentional about our faith.

As Bill Burch mentioned in his sermon Sunday, Bill Belichick, one of the most successful NFL coaches, has a coaching “tree” full of leaders who’ve gone on to make their mark in football. This tree is comprised of many assistant coaches who’ve gone on to be head coaches in other programs.

Whether they’ve succeeded or stumbled, they carry his influence—his way of thinking, his strategies, his values. It’s a reminder that none of us live in isolation. We’re all influenced by someone, and in turn, we influence others.

The same is true in our walk of faith. As disciples of Jesus, we’re part of His “tree.” His teachings, His love, and His example shape who we are. And as we grow, God calls us to do the same for others—to teach, encourage, and influence people in our lives.

So, whose tree are you a part of? Who has poured into your life and helped you grow in faith? Maybe it’s a parent who prayed for you every day, a friend who encouraged you when life felt heavy, or a pastor whose words have stuck with you. And here’s the flip side: who is part of your tree? Who are you pouring into? Who are you encouraging, mentoring, and pointing toward Jesus?

We often think of discipleship as something formal—Bible studies or teaching sessions—but discipleship often happens in the small moments of life. It happens when you take the time to pray for someone, listen without judgment, or simply live in a way that reflects Christ.

Paul captures this so well in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Discipleship isn’t about perfection; it’s about pointing others to Jesus as you walk with Him yourself. It’s saying, “I’m following Him, and I want you to come along.”

This week, take some time to reflect on your tree—both the branches that shaped you and the branches you’re growing. As we do so, we can all work toward being part of a discipleship legacy that points to Jesus and helps others walk in His love.

Questions:

1.      Who first introduced you to faith or helped you understand what it means to follow Jesus? How has their influence shaped your journey?

2.      What qualities or actions stand out to you in someone who has discipled you? How can you reflect those qualities to others?

3.      Who are you currently pouring into or walking alongside in faith? How can you intentionally invest in that person’s growth?

4.      What barriers (time, fear, self-doubt) might be keeping you from discipling someone else? How can you trust God to overcome them?

Gratitude in the Snow

The past few days of bitter cold, icy roads, and restricted movement have been a stark reminder of how quickly life’s conveniences can slip away. Simple things—like safe travel, meeting with friends, or running errands—suddenly feel out of reach. But these moments of disruption can also serve as gentle nudges, inviting us to turn our hearts and minds toward God.

That brings us to today’s verses:

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When our normal routines are interrupted, we’re given a chance to pause and reflect on the many blessings we often take for granted. The warmth of a safe home, the comfort of loved ones, and even the stillness of a day slowed down by the weather—each is a gift from God, a reminder of His provision and faithfulness.

These quiet, unexpected moments can draw us closer to Him. When life feels uncertain or inconvenient, we’re reminded that our true security and hope don’t rest in the things of this world but in God’s unchanging goodness. The icy roads may keep us from moving, but they can also give us space to stop, pray, and refocus on the One who provides for us in all seasons.

So, as we experience occasional inconveniences, consider taking time to lift your heart in gratitude for God’s blessings—both big and small. Think about ways to lean into His presence, trusting that even in life’s disruptions He is working for our good and drawing us nearer to Him.

Questions:

  1. When we get ice and snow, why is it difficult to focus on gratitude and blessings instead of thoughts of fear and inconvenience?
  2. What blessings in your life have you taken for granted recently?
  3. How can you use moments of inconvenience or stillness to grow closer to God?
  4. In what ways have you experienced God’s provision during difficult times?
  5. What steps can you take today to express gratitude for both the small and big blessings in your life?

2025: A Year of Prayer

As we step into 2025, many of us are looking for ways to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. We touched on this in last week’s group where someone mentioned the idea of needing some pointers on how to pray more effectively. So today, we’re going to discuss contemplative prayer.

It would be great if we resolved, as a group, to make 2025 a year of prayer. Think about the positive benefits of committing to growing in our understanding of what prayer is, practicing it regularly, and experiencing the peace, guidance, and closeness with God that comes from it.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given. Yet, for many (most?) of us, prayer can feel intimidating. What should we say? How should we start? What if we don’t hear anything back? If that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone.

Contemplative Prayer: The Power of Listening

When we think of prayer, it’s easy to picture folding our hands, bowing our heads, and listing off our needs. While there’s absolutely a place for bringing our requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7), prayer is also about listening. This is where contemplative prayer comes in.

Contemplative prayer isn’t about saying the “right” words. In fact, it’s not about words at all. It’s about sitting quietly in God’s presence, inviting Him to speak to our hearts, and resting in His love. It’s a reminder that prayer isn’t a one-way street—it’s a conversation. Sometimes we need to pause and let God get a word in.

Simple Ways to Get Started

If prayer feels unfamiliar or overwhelming, start small. Here are some practical steps to help you make 2025 your year of prayer:

  1. Set a Time and Place: Consistency helps build habits, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Start with Gratitude: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given.
  3. Use Scripture: If you’re not sure what to pray, let the Bible guide you. For example, read Psalm 23 and pray through the verses, asking God to shepherd you this year.
  4. Practice Listening: Spend a few minutes in silence. Ask God to speak, and then wait.
  5. Write it down: Keep a notebook nearby to document words and ideas God puts on your heart during this time. Over time, go back and review your notes to see if you can recognize any patterns or themes that emerge.

As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Let’s hold onto that promise as we grow together in prayer this year.

Here are some questions to consider as we step into this year of prayer:

  1. How would you describe your current prayer life? What’s one thing you’d like to grow in?
  2. Have you ever tried contemplative prayer or listening to God? What was that experience like?
  3. What would it look like for you to make prayer a daily habit this year? What would be some of the positive benefits?
  4. What do you think of the idea of making 2025 a year of prayer for our group? What are some things we could do to make that a reality?

New Year, New Mercies: Finding Hope in 2025

As we step into the new year, the promise of a fresh start often fills our hearts with hope. There’s something about flipping the calendar to January that makes us feel like anything is possible—like the mistakes, challenges, and burdens of the past year can be left behind. But while the new year can feel like a clean slate, we often find ourselves carrying some of the same struggles into January.

This is where God’s mercies shine. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every day—not just January 1st—is a chance to experience the renewal God offers. His mercies are new every morning, meaning we don’t have to wait for a new year to start fresh. The beauty of God’s grace is that it’s available to us all the time, no matter where we are in life or what we’ve been through.

As we dive into 2025, maybe you’ve set some goals or resolutions, which is great. But if you haven’t already done so, set an intention on what matters most: growing in our relationship with Christ. Instead of chasing perfection, focus on progress. Instead of striving for control, trust in God’s plans.

Encouragement for the Journey

2025 will bring its share of joys and challenges, but we don’t have to face any of it alone. God walks with us every step of the way. Let’s commit to encouraging one another, lifting each other up, and pointing each other to Christ as we navigate this new year together.

Remember, it’s not about having a “perfect” year; it’s about leaning into God’s perfect love and faithfulness. Let’s step into 2025 with courage and hope, knowing that His mercies are always new—and always enough.

Happy New Year!

Here are some questions to reflect on as you step into the new year.

  • What’s one thing you’re grateful for as you look back on 2024?
  • What’s an area of your life where you feel God inviting you to grow this year?
  • What’s one way you can remind yourself of God’s new mercies each day?
  • How can you prioritize building deeper relationships with others in your faith community in 2025?