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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:

Set a Time and Place: Consistency helps build habits, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
Start with Gratitude: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given.
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.
Practice Listening: Spend a few minutes in silence. Ask God to speak, and then wait.
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:

How would you describe your current prayer life? What’s one thing you’d like to grow in?
Have you ever tried contemplative prayer or listening to God? What was that experience like?
What would it look like for you to make prayer a daily habit this year? What would be some of the positive benefits?
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?

The Quiet Gift: Finding Peace in the Christmas Season

Two weeks before Christmas, it feels like the whole world is on fast-forward. Schedules overflow with events, and the pressure to create a “perfect holiday” builds. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but in the midst of the noise and busyness, there’s an invitation waiting for us—a quiet gift of peace, wrapped in the humble story of Jesus’ birth.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds that night in Bethlehem, their message was clear:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

According to this verse, Christmas is about glorifying God and about finding peace. But peace can feel elusive when deadlines, family dynamics, and holiday pressures creep in from everywhere. So how do we open this gift of peace in a season that often feels anything but peaceful?

1. Remember the Source of Peace

Peace doesn’t come from ticking every box on a holiday to-do list. It comes from knowing the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. When we focus on His love, His grace, and the hope He brings, the chaos around us doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

What if we started each day with a simple prayer:
“Lord, help me to see You today. Let Your peace fill my heart so I can share it with others.”

2. Embrace Simple Moments

The shepherds in the Christmas story weren’t VIPs. They were ordinary people going about their ordinary work when they encountered the extraordinary. The same is true for us. God often meets us in the simple moments—quiet morning coffee, a kind word from a friend, a song that stirs our soul.

3. Be a Peacemaker

Jesus didn’t just come to bring peace to us; He calls us to share that peace with others. During this season, we have so many opportunities to extend grace—to forgive, to show kindness, and to bring calm into tense situations.

As Christmas draws near, we have a chance to pause and unwrap the quiet gift of peace. In a world that often feels noisy and overwhelming, the Prince of Peace stands ready to calm our hearts and remind us of the true meaning of the season. Let’s step into that calm together and carry it with us, one simple moment at a time.

Merry (almost) Christmas, brothers. May your hearts be filled with peace.

Questions

Is the 2024 Christmas season more hectic or less hectic (more peaceful) for you than normal?
What part of the Christmas season tends to steal your peace, and how can you invite Jesus into that space?
What small moments could you savor this week? For example, watching the lights on your tree flicker while you sit in silence?
Is there someone in your life who needs peace this Christmas? Maybe it’s a strained relationship that could use a kind gesture or a word of encouragement.

Thankful for Even the Valleys?

Life is full of peaks and valleys. The high points are easy to celebrate—those moments of joy, success, or peace. But what about the low points during those seasons when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or broken? It’s often in these moments that our true character is revealed, and more importantly, our relationship with God is tested and refined.

It might seem counterintuitive, but have you ever considered being thankful for your low points? It’s not an easy mindset to embrace, but scripture encourages us to do just that. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our low points are not the end of the story. They are the beginning of growth. When we hit bottom, we’re faced with a choice: where do we turn? Do we reach for distractions to numb the pain—substances, entertainment, or busyness, for example. Or do we turn to God, allowing Him to use these moments to shape us into the men He’s calling us to be?

It’s okay to feel weak or broken during hardship. God isn’t put off by our emotions; He invites us to bring them to Him. Psalm 34:18 reminds us,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to challenge ourselves to find gratitude not only for the blessings in plain sight but also for the hidden blessings in our struggles. Those low moments are often where we learn the most about ourselves and about God’s faithfulness. They teach us perseverance, humility, and dependence on Him.

This Thanksgiving, take some time to reflect on how God has been with us in the valleys, shaping us for His purpose. The next time life takes a downward turn, instead of asking, “Why me?”, consider asking “What is God teaching me?

Questions:

Do you agree that it’s just as important to be thankful for our valleys as we are for our peaks? Why or why not?
In the lowest points in life, it is very normal to focus on the pain and difficulties instead of how God may be helping us grow but why is that true?
Have you ever experienced growth or clarity during a difficult time? Please share your experience if you are comfortable.
What steps can you take to turn to God more consistently during tough times?

Keys to a Meaningful Small Group

In any group, especially one built on faith and fellowship, certain qualities set the foundation for meaningful connection and growth. These principles help us build a group where everyone feels supported while keeping Christ at the center.

Below are my personal top-six qualities of an excellent group. Except for #1, which in my opinion is a must-have, these are not necessarily in order of importance. But just like debates around the CFP playoff rankings, I’m anticipating diverse opinions (which is great).

Before we get into those key elements, our scripture for today is from Hebrews 10:24–25:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of coming together in community, encouraging growth in love and good works, and remaining consistent in meeting and supporting one another.

Here’s my personal list:

1. Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based

At the core of everything we do is Jesus, and our conversations and actions should always point back to Him. Grounding our discussions in Scripture keeps us rooted in truth and aligned with God’s will.

2. A Safe Place to Be Real

Life is full of challenges, and a group should be a place where people feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens the door to genuine connection.

3. Encouraging Growth, Not Perfection

No one has it all together, and that’s okay. A great group focuses on helping each other grow closer to God, not achieving some unrealistic ideal. Growth is about taking small, meaningful steps forward in faith.

4. A Balance of Listening and Sharing

Healthy groups create room for every voice to be heard. Some members may need to open up more, while others may need to step back and listen. A balance ensures everyone feels included and valued.

5. Relatable

Faith isn’t meant to stay in a Sunday morning ‘box’—it’s for our everyday lives. A good group keeps things practical and accessible, connecting faith to real-world challenges and experiences.

6. Welcoming and Inclusive

Whether someone is new to faith or a long-time believer, they should feel like they belong. A welcoming group goes beyond polite hellos to truly embraces each member’s unique story and journey.

Honorable Mentions:

Consistent and Dependable
Prayerful
Accountable
Service-Oriented
Joyful and Fun
Relationship-Focused

Questions

Which one or more items above resonate most with you as critically important and non-negotiable?
Do the items above match your personal list? If not, what adjustments would you suggest?
What do you like most about the group, and why do you keep coming back?
Do you agree that being ‘Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based’ is a non-negotiable? Or could we get the same value out of having a non-Christian ‘support group’?
To me, being ‘relatable’ is like adding a secret ingredient that makes a recipe stand out above others. Most Christian groups understand the basic ‘ingredients,’ but emphasizing relatability takes the quality of the group to the next level. Agree or disagree?

Freedom from Competition

A few weeks ago, we talked about the topic of envy. And today’s topic of competition is in many ways a continuation of that theme. In our daily lives, it can be tempting to fall into the cycle of competition, comparing our progress, achievements, or blessings to those of others.

This tendency to measure ourselves against others isn’t new, and it’s something the Bible addresses head-on.

Galatians 5:26 warns, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” It’s a straightforward reminder that we are not called to outdo one another in a race for status or recognition, but instead to walk together in love and humility.

Proverbs 3:3-4 gives us another powerful insight, saying, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

These verses call us to seek character over comparison, focusing on qualities like love and faithfulness rather than striving to outshine others. God values our character far more than our achievements, and He is pleased when we build others up rather than tear them down.

In a world that so often encourages competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of “more,” we can feel pressured to keep up. Social media, work environments, and even our own minds may push us toward constant comparison, measuring our worth by what others have or achieve. Yet, this isn’t the life we’re called to. Jesus invites us to a path of humility, kindness, and contentment, reminding us that we are valued by God exactly as we are.

How would our lives look if we focused less on outperforming others and more on walking faithfully in our own calling? When we let go of comparison, we open ourselves up to genuine relationships and personal growth. Instead of feeling envious of others’ achievements, we can celebrate them. Instead of seeking praise, we can find joy in quiet faithfulness. And instead of being weighed down by competition, we can experience the peace that comes from living in alignment with God’s values.

The next time you feel tempted to compete or compare, consider shifting your focus. Ask yourself, “Am I pursuing this out of love and faithfulness, or out of a desire to prove myself?” Our personal journey is unique, and in God’s eyes, scripture is clear that it’s our hearts—not our achievements—that matter most.

Questions:

Our world is described in today’s lesson as encouraging “competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of more.” Do you agree with that statement, and if so, do you think this issue is more common in affluent communities like Buckhead?
Have you personally experienced or observed the negative effects of excessive competition? If so, what were some of the harmful side effects?
What are some areas in your life where you feel the temptation to compete or compare yourself to others?
Have you experienced the peace of letting go of comparison? If so, what did that look like for you?
Do you believe we are unfairly characterizing competition in today’s lesson? Is it always a bad thing?

Election Overload Relief Plan

Election season can feel like a whirlwind. Every ad and headline shouts about stakes higher than ever, and it’s easy to feel like the future rests entirely on the outcome of this election. While staying informed matters, it’s also essential to ask: Where are we placing our trust?

For followers of Jesus, true peace doesn’t come from political outcomes but from the one who is our unshakable foundation.

Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Imagine if we let this truth guide us, turning our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Most of us know we can’t control election results, but we can decide what we allow into our hearts and minds.

In Philippians 4:8, Paul says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I’m just as susceptible as anyone to getting distracted, but more than ever I’m looking for ways to anchor my mind in what is eternally good. Rather than letting the world’s anxiety rule my thoughts, I can fill my heart with truth, and with gratitude for God’s presence, even in the craziest of times.

The relationships we invest in and the purpose that drives us are what define our lives, not one election or news cycle.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Instead of focusing on fear, we can focus on God’s promises.

And in Psalm 46:10, we’re invited, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Even when the world feels shaky, God holds all things together.

God calls us to live in the world, but not be overcome by it. So, this election season, look upward, encouraging those you love to focus on what lasts and on the One who holds it all.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you agree that election season is a particularly easy time to get distracted from what really matters? Why or why not?
What’s one habit you could adopt this week to limit distractions and invite peace?
Which Bible verse could you meditate on when you feel uncertain? (either those above or others that are important to you)
Why is it so critical that we turn to scripture when the craziness is at its worst?
How can you invest in relationships that build your faith this season?

When Enough is Enough: Overcoming Envy with Gratitude

Have you ever watched a group of toddlers playing with toys? Often, one of them will be perfectly happy until they see another child playing with a different toy, and suddenly they want that one too. It’s a simple example of something we all struggle with at times: envy. We might have something good in our lives, but when we look at what someone else has, it’s tempting to feel like what we have isn’t enough.

This longing for what others have—whether it’s material things, relationships, or success—can lead us down a dangerous path. Instead of focusing on the blessings God has already provided, we fix our attention on what we lack. Our thoughts become filled with comparison, dissatisfaction, and envy. Much like the child who wants both toys, we often don’t realize that in grasping for more, we can lose sight of the joy of what we already have.

In Exodus 20:17, we are told: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” This commandment reminds us that the habit of always wanting more can pull us away from the contentment that God desires for us.

God has even wired this into our brains through something psychologists call the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which helps filter what we notice in the world around us. If we’re constantly focused on what we don’t have, our RAS will keep showing us those gaps, making us feel like we’re always missing out.

But when we choose to focus on gratitude and the blessings God has given us, our RAS shifts to help us see more of the good in our lives. We start to notice God’s provision, and our hearts move toward peace and contentment.

I have seen it in my own life and believe with my full heart that when we show gratitude for what we do have (vs. envying others’ things), that’s when God feels like He can trust us with more blessings – not necessarily material things but whatever it is that He knows we need most.

When we stop fixating on what others have in their possession and instead focus on God’s goodness, we make room for growth. Our journey moves in the right direction—toward what God has planned for us.

Do you agree that comparing ourselves to others often leads to dissatisfaction?
If you are comfortable sharing, in what ways do you find yourself comparing your life to others, and how does that impact your relationship with God?
What are some blessings in your life that you might be overlooking because you’re focused on what you don’t have?
What is one step can you take this week to realign your focus toward God and away from envy?

The Greatest Commands: Love God, Love People

At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is a simple but powerful truth: love is the most important thing. We hit this topic every 2-3 year to keep it fresh and remind us of THE primary calling of Christians.

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

That’s it….no parable or hidden message…just love God and love people. And I could make an argument that, in this context, the next verse (40) is the most important verse in the Bible – Jesus followed the statement above by saying “All the law and prophets hang on these two commands.”

That basically means that every single other lesson or idea is secondary in importance to these two rules. Another way to look at it is that everything we are fundamentally called to do as Christians in some way or another must be directly tied to loving God and people.

Loving God First

Loving God means putting Him at the center of our lives. It’s more than just going to church or saying prayers—it’s about making God our top priority. This love is shown in how we trust Him, how we spend time with Him, and how we let His Word shape our choices.

Loving Others as Ourselves

Right after calling us to love God, Jesus tells us to love others. But this love isn’t just about being polite or helpful. It’s about loving people the way we should love ourselves—with grace, understanding, and empathy. Whether it’s our family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, Jesus calls us to see people through His eyes.

This type of love is in the small acts of kindness, listening when someone needs to talk, and showing patience even when it’s difficult. It’s about being intentional in how we treat those around us.

Putting Love Into Action

Jesus didn’t just talk about love—He lived it. From healing the sick to laying down His life, His love was active. And He calls us to do the same. Whether it’s serving someone in need or offering a kind word, love is shown in what we do, not just in what we say.

At the end of the day, love is the foundation of everything we do as followers of Christ. It’s what sets us apart and what brings us closer to God and each other.

Questions:

God doesn’t “need” our love, so why do you think Jesus said this is the most important thing?
It is stated above that Matthew 22:40 is arguably the most important verse in the Bible. Agree or disagree, and why?
How well do you love yourself and do you believe that truly loving yourself is foundational to loving others?
Why does it seem so easy to fall into negativity and conflict, yet so challenging to build a cycle of love, support, and encouragement with certain people?
1 Corinthians 13:4 starts with “Love is patient…”. Do you believe patience was listed first because it is the most important element of loving others?

Patience Isn’t Prime: When God Doesn’t Deliver Next-Day

My wife has a beautiful way of encouraging me each morning with a text containing Scripture and a message. Yesterday, she shared one about patience, comparing it to a farmer waiting for the rain to help grow his crops. The farmer can’t rush the rain, just like we can’t rush God’s plans for us. Instead, we’re called to wait with anticipation and trust, without worrying, complaining, or demanding that God works according to our schedule.

I jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly?) responded back to her, asking what I would do with all that extra time if I didn’t use it for worrying, complaining, and demanding.

For me, it’s not so much about the worrying or complaining, but I’m weak when it comes to the demanding part. I really like trying to expedite God’s plan and frequently try to sneak my way into the captain’s chair and steer the ship (which fails 100% of the time).

It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t happen when or how we want them to. We live in a world that values speed and efficiency, where waiting feels like wasted time. I’ve heard this referred to as the “Amazon effect”—if you want something, it just shows up the next day.

But God’s timing is different from ours. He sees the bigger picture, and sometimes, He asks us to wait because He’s preparing us for what’s ahead or working things out in ways we can’t yet see.

The Bible gives us many examples of people who had to wait for God’s promises. In each of these cases, the waiting was not in vain; it was part of God’s perfect plan for their growth and His glory.

True patience means trusting in God’s love even when we don’t see the full picture. It means letting go of our desire to control the outcome and believing that He is working all things together for our good, in His perfect time (Romans 8:28).

Questions:

How do you personally struggle with waiting on God’s timing? Is it more about worrying, about complaining, or about demanding? Or all three?

Do you also sometimes try to take the Captain’s chair? What does that look like for you and how does it work out?

Patience is such a simple concept ‘on paper’, so why is it so difficult to practice more consistently?

When we worry, complain, and demand different timing, how does that impact God’s perfect plan for our lives?

How would you explain today’s lesson if you had to summarize it in a couple of sentences?